Main content

Beethoven's Fifth Symphony

Episode 2 of 5

It is so much more than just 'da da da dum'. Exploring the impact of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. With Dana Cameron. From 2013.

More than just 'da da da dum': Beethoven's 5th Symphony is this week's Soul Music.

It accompanied Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on the regular Bombay to Basra route he sailed during his early days in the Merchant Navy.

Archaeologist and crime novelist, Dana Cameron, spent many a long day in a dark, lonely basement analysing artefacts from a merchant's house in Salem, Massachusetts. A CD player was often her only companion and Beethoven's 5th buoyed her through these arduous days working towards her PhD

And for conductor, Christopher Gayford, it was the piece which provided a breakthrough in his musical life. Recalling the time he spent rehearsing it with the Sheffield Youth Orchestra - for a tour in East Germany - he describes the build up to one of the most memorable performances of his career.

Producer: Karen Gregor

First broadcast on 大象传媒 Radio 4 in February 2013.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 15 Sep 2021 00:30

Credit

Role Contributor
Composer Ludwig van Beethoven

Broadcasts

  • Tue 12 Feb 2013 11:30
  • Mon 18 Feb 2013 13:15
  • Fri 7 Apr 2017 18:30
  • Sat 8 Apr 2017 00:30
  • Tue 14 Sep 2021 18:30
  • Wed 15 Sep 2021 00:30

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Watch the animation - Professor Mary King describes how the song became a symbol of hope.

Podcast