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The 1950s: Ealing Comedy, Arnold and Winds of Change

Donald Macleod explores the film legacy of Malcolm Arnold and celebrates the unique musical legacy of Ealing Studios, with works by Frankel, Cary and Schurmann.

Donald Macleod and film music expert David Huckvale introduce music by one of British film's most versatile and industrious composers, as we hear excerpts from Malcolm Arnold's famous score to David Lean's "Bridge On The River Kwai" and "Hobson's Choice".

The pair also explore the musical legacy of one of British film's most famous producers - Ealing Studios - and the huge array of composers they commissioned, from elder statesmen like Vaughan Williams, Frankel and Ireland, to budding young voices like Gerrard Schurmann. We end with the winds of change, as popular music begins to challenge the classical status quo - with John Dankworth's sultry jazz score to "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning".

1 hour

Music Played

  • Malcolm Arnold

    Hobson's Choice arr. for piano Trio

    Ensemble: St Clair Trio. Music Arranger: Leslie Hagan.
    • Koch 372662.
    • 1.
  • Malcolm Arnold

    The Bridge on the River Kwai (extract)

    Orchestra: Studio Orchestra.
    • Columbia CK66131.
    • 1.
  • Arthur Benjamin

    Suite - Conquest of Everest

    Orchestra: ´óÏó´«Ã½ National Orchestra of Wales. Conductor: Rumon Gamba. Music Arranger: M Caratelli. Music Arranger: G Schurmann.
    • Chandos CHAN10713.
    • 1.
  • Tristram Cary

    The Ladykillers (extract)

    Orchestra: Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Conductor: Kenneth Alwyn.
    • Silva Screen FILMCD177.
    • 16.
  • John Dankworth

    Let's Slip Away (Saturday Night and Sunday Morning)

    Singer: Cleo Laine.
    • UMC 5137621.
    • 1.
  • Benjamin Frankel

    The Man in the White Suit (extract)

    Orchestra: Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Conductor: Kenneth Alwyn.
    • Silva Screen FILMCD177.
    • 1.
  • John Ireland

    The Stampede for Water (The Overlanders)

    Orchestra: Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Composer: Kenneth Alwyn.
    • Silva Screen FILMCD177.
    • 18.
  • Gerard Schurmann

    The Man in the Sky Overture

    • Silva Screen FILMCD177.
    • 11.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 25 Sep 2013 12:00
  • Wed 25 Sep 2013 18:30

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