Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact
Radio 4,·210 episodes
The story behind Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and the impact it has had on audiences.
23 Sep 2008,·30 mins
Thomas Tallis's work is one of the most spectacular pieces of choral music ever written.
29 Jan 2008,·30 mins
This programme was first broadcast in 2008. Soft Cell hitmaker Dave Ball has died aged 66.
22 Jan 2008,·30 mins
Sibelius's work was adopted as Finland's symbol of its fight for independence from Russia.
15 Jan 2008,·30 mins
Composer John Kander on the difficulties of writing the famous song, New York, New York.
08 Jan 2008,·30 mins
Widor's Toccata is a favourite for married couples to exit the church by in the UK.
21 Mar 2006,·30 mins
Tony Benn, Cleo Laine and Paul Robeson Jr reflect on the emotional power of Ol' Man River.
14 Mar 2006,·30 mins,·
An exploration of the hymn which stirs patriotism and controversy.
07 Mar 2006,·30 mins
An exploration of Claude Debussy's music for piano, inspired by a poem about moonlight.
28 Feb 2006,·30 mins
Robbie Robertson, Al Kooper and Greil Marcus reflect on Bob Dylan's iconic song.
27 Jul 2004,·30 mins
Terry Waite and Steve Hackett talk about the impact of Bach's music for two violins.
20 Jul 2004,·30 mins
Ben E King talks about writing the classic song, and others reflect on its lasting power.
13 Jul 2004,·30 mins
Noël Coward wrote 'Mad About the Boy' to celebrate the appeal of the silent movie star.
29 Jun 2004,·30 mins
Exploring what Leonard Bernstein's song from 'West Side Story' means to different people.
03 Dec 2002,·30 mins
Max Bruch's piece for cello is based on Jewish prayer sung at Yom Kippur.
26 Nov 2002,·30 mins
Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer's film theme for Breakfast at Tiffany's.
19 Nov 2002,·30 mins
Peggy Lee's daughter Nicki Foster talks about her mother's life and her hit record.
05 Nov 2002,·30 mins
John Newton's near-death experience at sea prompted his hymn 'Amazing Grace'.
18 Sep 2001,·30 mins
Reflections on the impact of The Wizard of Oz's 'Over the Rainbow'.
11 Sep 2001,·30 mins
Simon Halsey reflects on the impact of Handel's Zadok the Priest.
04 Sep 2001,·30 mins
Anna Blundy, Robert Offord and Colin Murray Parkes reflect on Cole Porter's song.
28 Aug 2001,·30 mins
Tasmin Little, Iona Brown and Allan Stephenson reflect on Vaughan Williams's work.
21 Aug 2001,·30 mins
Alyn Shipton and trombonist Paul Tanner reflect on the impact of the jitterbug super hit.
14 Aug 2001,·30 mins
Carl Davis and Gerry Marsden discuss Rodger & Hammerstein's solo number from 'Carousel'.
14 Jan 2001,·30 mins
Reflections on Gershwin's lullaby with Lesley Garret and Rodney Greenberg.
07 Jan 2001,·30 mins
John Suchet, Hans Rhieburg and Susan Greenfield on the impact of Beethoven's Ode to Joy.
31 Dec 2000,·30 mins
An exploration of one of the world's most popular Christmas carols.
24 Dec 2000,·30 mins
Despite their hit anthem of love and support, Simon and Garfunkel struck some wrong notes.
10 Dec 2000,·30 mins
The surprising worldwide significance of Lyte and Monk's composition.
03 Dec 2000,·30 mins
Julian Lloyd Webber, Michael Kennedy and Tim Dinsley reflect on the impact of Elgar.
26 Nov 2000,·30 mins
