The Listening Service

Original version

BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

Podcasts

Music: Classical

An odyssey through the musical universe, presented by Tom Service

Rethink music with The Listening Service. Tom Service presents a journey of imagination and insight, exploring how music works

The Listening Service: The Nutcracker - Strange Enchantments

How do you describe a teaspoon in music?

The Nutcracker - Strange Enchantments

BBC Radio 3 - The Listening Service, The Nutcracker - Strange Enchantments

Think The Nutcracker is a super-saccharine classic for the feelgood season? Think again.

Think The Nutcracker is a super-saccharine classic for the feelgood season? Think again. But don't let its dark undertones spoil your enjoyment of a balletic masterpiece.

Think of The Nutcracker as a super-saccharine classic for the feel-good season? Think again. Is everything really all sweetness and light in the world of sugar-plum fairy? No! But don't let the tale's dark undertones spoil your enjoyment of the wonderful music. 

Tom Service tears the gaudy wrapping paper from Tchaikovsky's balletic masterpiece to remind us you don't always get what you want. Behind the tinsel and fluffy snowflakes lies a story imbued with darkness and death. But maybe that is the secret of its unfading allure and beauty. 

Tom is joined by Marina Frolova-Walker and Peggy Reynolds to crack the most popular nut in the repertoire.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

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The Listening Service

The Nutcracker - Strange Enchantments

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