Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Berners the Versatile Poet

Donald Macleod explores Berners's literary endeavours and introduces music from the wartime years, including a ballet based on the legend of Cupid and Psyche and his film music.

Lord Berners wasn't just a skilful composer; he also had great success as both painter and writer. He produced two short stories, two volumes of memoirs, a play and seven novels in which Berners himself and many of his friends are portrayed, not always in the most flattering light.
Donald Macleod explores Berners' literary endeavours and introduces music from the war-time years, including a ballet based on the legend of Cupid and Psyche and his first venture into film music.

1 hour

Last on

Thu 4 Dec 2014 18:30

Music Played

  • Lord Berners

    Cupid and Psyche - suite from the ballet, ed. Gavin Bryars

    Orchestra: Danish National Chamber Orchestra. Conductor: David Lloyd-Jones.
    • MARCO POLO : 8.223780-.
    • MARCO POLO.
    • 12.
  • Lord Berners

    Red roses and red noses for voice and piano

    Singer: Felicity Lott. Performer: Peter Lawson.
    • ALBANY TROY : TROY-290.
    • ALBANY TROY.
    • 26.
  • Lord Berners

    Halfway House suite from film

    Orchestra: ´óÏó´«Ã½ Concert Orchestra. Conductor: Rumon Gamba.
    • Berners (orch. Lane): Polka from "Champagne Charlie".
    • CHANDOS.
    • 19.
  • Lord Berners

    3 Songs [1920] - Lullaby (Golden slumber kisses your eyes)

    Singer: Felicity Lott. Performer: Peter Lawson.
    • ALBANY TROY : TROY-290.
    • ALBANY TROY.
    • 13.
  • Lord Berners

    3 Songs [1920] - The Green-eyed monster

    Singer: Felicity Lott. Performer: Peter Lawson.
    • ALBANY TROY : TROY-290.
    • ALBANY TROY.
    • 13.

Broadcasts

  • Thu 18 Sep 2008 12:00
  • Thu 18 Sep 2008 22:00
  • Thu 4 Dec 2014 12:00
  • Thu 4 Dec 2014 18:30

Vaughan Williams Today

Vaughan Williams Today

Programmes, concerts and features celebrating Vaughan Williams's 150th anniversary.

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.