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: How to listen to... Arvo Pärt

How to listen to... Arvo Pärt

BBC Radio 3 - The Listening Service, How to listen to... Arvo Pärt

Tom explores Arvo Pärt's music - what makes it so unique and why is it so popular?

Tom Service lifts the lid on the music of Arvo Pärt - what makes it so unique and why is it so popular? With violinist Viktoria Mullova and theologian Dr Peter Bouteneff.

Tom Service lifts the lid on the music of the most popular living composer - Arvo Pärt. Nominated for 11 Grammy awards and revered by Björk, P.J Harvey, and Radiohead, as well as classical musicians around the world, his seemingly simple and spiritual music is loved by millions. Born in Estonia in 1935 he did military service in the Soviet Army, worked as a radio producer, and wrote music for films, documentaries and animations,  before creating his unique style of composition ‘tintinnabulation’.

But what exactly is tintinnabulation? What do you get when you cross mathematics with love? And how can strict rules and discipline ultimately mean freedom?

Our witnesses are violinist Viktoria Mullova who has recorded many of Pärt’s seminal works, and theologian Dr Peter Bouteneff who has researched his music’s connections with his Orthodox faith.

Producer: Ruth Thomson

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.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Listening Service

How to listen to... Arvo Pärt

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 3

About BBC Radio 3