Episodes
| Series | Episode | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 01 | 20110620 | In the run-up to Light Fantastic, Radio 3's celebration of light music, Donald Macleod explores the world of British light music with his special studio guest, the singer, conductor and broadcaster Brian Kay - much-loved presenter of programmes including Radio 2's Friday Night is Music Night and Radio 3's Brian Kay's Light Programme. This introductory programme attempts to answer the question 'What is light music?', and introduces some of the central composers, conductors and orchestras in the genre. Donald Macleod and Brian Kay intoduces the light music genre. |
| 2011 | 02 | 20110621 | Tuesday's programme explores the theme 'Music and movement', in a sequence of pieces reflecting light music's fascination with different modes of transport. Composers from Charles Williams to Richard Rodney Bennett have capitalized on the different rhythmic opportunities suggested by trains, planes, cars, horse rides - or even good old shanks's pony. There's also a discussion of the importance to light-music composers of 'library music'; much of the music familiar to us from signature tunes started life as publishers' commissions, with no specific end use in mind. Presented by Donald Macleod. Donald Macleod and Brian Kay explore the theme of Music and Movement in light music. |
| 2011 | 03 | 20110622 | Wednesday's programme presents a selection of light music gems suggested by the theme 'Going places', a whistlestop survey of the various ways that different composers have reacted to their surroundings in music - some as arrangers, many as writers of short fripperies and others who brought home from their travels a more substantial musical souvenir. Presented by Donald Macleod. Donald Macleod and Brian Kay present light music suggested by the theme Going Places. |
| 2011 | 04 | 20110623 | Thursday's programme presents a selection of novelties, evergreens and traditional music - all staples of the light composer's art. Novelties in particular have inspired the use of wonderfully colourful orchestration, no more so than in Robert Farnon's 'Jumping Bean'; as with much of this repertoire, if you don't know it by name, you'll almost certainly know the music when you hear it. Presented by Donald Macleod. Donald Macleod presents light music - novelties, evergreens and folk. |
| 2011 | 05 LAST | 20110624 | Donald Macleod discusses the continuing legacy of British light music. |