Beyond Belief

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Religion & Ethics

Series exploring the place and nature of faith in today's world

BBC Radio 4 LW

Beyond Belief: Beethoven's Spirituality

Beethoven's Spirituality

BBC Radio 4 - Beyond Belief, Beethoven's Spirituality

Ernie Rea explores the place and nature of faith in today's world

Ernie Rea and guests explore the faith and spirituality of one of the world's greatest composers and how it influenced his life and music.

Born into a musical family in Bonn towards the end of the 18th century, Ludwig van Beethoven became one of the greatest composers who ever lived.  But whilst much is written about his life and music, little attention is paid to his faith and spirituality.  To mark the 250th anniversary of his birth, Ernie Rea explores Beethoven's interest in God, Eastern religions and how his spirituality influenced his music with the pianist Stephen Hough; Professor Barry Cooper, editor of the Beethoven Compendium and Professor of Music at the University of Manchester and Birgit Lodes, Professor of Historical Musicology at the University of Vienna.

Producer:  Amanda Hancox

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Beyond Belief

Beethoven's Spirituality

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4