Counterpoint

Three special guests are facing Paul's questions:

* Journalist and BBC Proms presenter Suzy Klein.

* World-renowned cellist Julian Lloyd Webber

* Lyricist Sir Tim Rice

Music played live by the BBC Philharmonic orchestra, under conductor Clark Rundell.

Producers: Paul Bajoria and Angela Sherwin

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.

Quizzing Suzy Klein, Julian Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice - plus the BBC Philharmonic.

The quiz covers the usual broad mixture of musical styles - but all the extracts and musical clues in this special edition will be played live in the studio by the BBC Philharmonic, taking a breather from their current Mahler season of concerts.

Answering Paul's questions, and identifying the extracts, are three musical celebrities - soprano and radio presenter Catherine Bott; conductor and comedian Rainer Hersch; and musician, writer and comedian Kit Hesketh Harvey.

The BBC Philharmonic will be providing plenty of surprising arrangements of familiar melodies, from Tchaikovsky to Take That. You can hear which of the celebrity panellists proves to have the broadest musical knowledge in this unique collaboration recorded with an enthusiastic audience at BBC Manchester.

Paul Gambaccini chairs a celebrity edition of the 4's long-running music quiz.

Edward Seckerson is in the chair for the eighth heat of the quiz on music of all kinds.

Edward Seckerson is in the chair for the last heat of the quiz on music of all kinds.

Edward Seckerson chairs the last semi-final of the quiz on music of all kinds.

The second heat of the 2008 series comes from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, with contestants from Scotland and the north of England.

This week's competitors are Diane Hallagan from Leeds, Peter Marks from Dumfriesshire, and James Merryweather from Kyle of Lochalsh.

Paul Gambaccini asks music questions of Diane Hallagan, Peter Marks and James Merryweather

Three contestants battle it out - Graham Bandy from Woking, Chris Cook from Haslemere and Brian Thorne from Blandford.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the third heat of the music quiz from the BBC Radio Theatre.

Three contestants battle it out - John Abramson of London, Brian Davies of Middlesex and Simon Hall of Gloucestershire.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

The general knowledge music quiz with Paul Gambaccini.

From the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, the three contestants battling it out are Greg Lord from Sutton Coldfield, Anthony Payne from St Bees, and Martyn Smith from Aberdare.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

Paul Gambaccini puts musical questions to Martyn Smith, Greg Lord and Anthony Payne.

From the BBC Radio Theatre in London, the three contestants battling it out are Howard Curtis from London, Jeffrey Darlington from Orpington, Kent, and Martin Leadbetter from Little Wymondley, Hertfordshire.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

Paul Gambaccini quizzes Howard Curtis, Jeffrey Darlington and Martin Leadbetter.

Three contestants battle it out – Tom King from Wickford in Essex, Tim Vick from Woodbridge in Suffolk, and Geoff Wickham from Bishopston in Bristol.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

Three contestants battle it out - Tom King from Wickford in Essex, Tim Vick from Woodbridge in Suffolk, and Geoff Wickham from Bishopston in Bristol.

Three contestants battle it out – John Durbin from Cardiff, John Tattersall from Todmorden in West Yorkshire, and Peter Godfrey from Halifax.

Fro the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

Paul Gambaccini's music quiz.

Three contestants battle it out - John Durbin from Cardiff, John Tattersall from Todmorden in West Yorkshire, and Peter Godfrey from Halifax.

Three contestants battle it out: Stephen Banks from Bristol, Michael Barrell from Eastbourne, and William Cole from Winchester.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

Three contestants battle it out: Stephen Banks from Bristol, Brian Davies of Middlesex and Diane Hallagan from Leeds.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

Paul Gambaccini host the music quiz semi-finals.

The pace hots up as the series enters its semi-final stage, with three of this year's heats winners going into battle for a place in the Final in a few weeks' time. The questions cover every aspect of music - from the classical repertoire to world music, show tunes, film scores, jazz, rock and pop.

Three contestants battle it out: Chris Cook from Haslemere in Surrey, Howard Curtis from London and John Tattersall from Todmorden.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the music quiz semi-finals.

The pace hots up as the series enters its semi-final stage, with three of this year's heats winners going into battle for a place in the Final in a few weeks' time. The questions cover every aspect of music - from the classical repertoire to world music, show tunes, film scores, jazz, rock and pop.

Three contestants battle it out: Adrian Salter of London, Martyn Smith of Aberdair and Geoff Wickham of Bristol.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the music quiz semi-finals.

Three contestants have fought through heats and semi-finals to reach this thrilling stage of the series. Paul's questions cover the whole gamut of musical knowledge - covering the classics, world music, show tunes, film scores, jazz, rock and pop.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the final of the music quiz.

Brenda Mortimer from Camberley

David Roy from Bushey

Paul Tobin from Taunton

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.

The general knowledge music quiz with Paul Gambaccini.

David Dean from London

Gillian Hensley-Gray from Croydon

Peter Whitehead from Bromley, Kent

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.

Ian Bayley from Headington, Oxford

David Saxon from Northwood, Middlesex

Gary Williams from Weston-super-Mare

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.

Alan Douglas from Worcestershire

Brian Haines from London

David Saxon from Northwood in Middlesex.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.

The first semi final of the wide-ranging music quiz, with Paul Gambaccini.

Paul Grayson from Ripon

Peter Whitehead from Bromley

Tim Wise from Wallington in Surrey

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.

The second semi final of the wide-ranging music quiz, with Paul Gambaccini.

Andrew Feltham from Kent

Richard Grothusen from Blackpool, Lancashire

David Roy from Hertfordshire

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.

The third semi final of the wide-ranging music quiz, with Paul Gambaccini.

Alan Douglas from Worcestershire

David Roy from Hertfordshire

Peter Whitehead from Kent

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the 2009 Final of the eclectic music quiz.

David Walker from London

Paul Webster from Tyne & Wear

Judy Woolfe from Kent

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.

The general knowledge music quiz with Paul Gambaccini

James Ryder Bowman

David Coxall

Neil McNair

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the second heat of the general knowledge music quiz.

The three contestants from Scotland and the North of England are:

Douglas Macleod

Alastair Gillies

Alan Shutt

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2010.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the general knowledge music quiz, this week from Manchester.

The three contestants from East Anglia and the Home Counties are:

David Allison

Philip Constantine

Andrew Langley

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2010.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the general knowledge music quiz, this week from London.

The three contestants from Teesside, London and Torquay are:

David Harman

Dan O'Hara

Valerian Ryland

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2010.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the general knowledge music quiz, this week from Manchester.

The three contestants from Glasgow, Cheadle and Blackpool are:

Wilson Bain

Mick Frankel

Christopher Rodwell

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2010.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the general knowledge music quiz.

The three contestants from London, Gosport and Brighton are:

Raymond Allen

Simon Heilbron

Edward McDermott

Producer Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2010.

The music quiz, with Paul Gambaccini in the Radio Theatre in London. From 2010.

Three amateur music enthusiasts face Paul's questions on a wide variety of musical topics, from the baroque to rock.

The three contestants are from London, Worthing and Hale:

Sue Barnard

E Goh

Martin Hoskins

Producer Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2010.

The general knowledge music quiz, with Paul Gambaccini.

Musical extracts encompass classical composers old and modern, jazz, rock and pop, and musical theatre.

The three contestants are from Scotland and the North of England:

George Kerr

Thomas Leeming

Mike Unsworth

Only one can win the last remaining place in the semi-finals.

Producer Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2010.

The wide-ranging music quiz from Manchester with Paul Gambaccini.

Paul has plenty of musical clues and anecdotes, and, as always, the competitors will have to choose from an eclectic selection of 'special subjects' on which to answer individual questions.

Producer Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2010.

The general knowledge music quiz, chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

With questions on all aspects of music and a wide selection of musical extracts to suit all tastes.

From the BBC Radio Theatre in London.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on Radio 4 in June 2010.

The general knowledge music quiz, chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

The three competitors have won both heats and semi-finals as they battle to be named the 24th annual Counterpoint champion.

As always, questions come from every period and genre of music, from the classics to the musical stage, folk, jazz and the pop charts.

Producer Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2010.

The 2010 Final of the general knowledge music quiz with Paul Gambaccini.

Anthony Dean from Nottingham

Fiona Leiper from Inverness

Christopher Moore-Bridger from Oswestry

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the 25th series of the general knowledge music quiz. From 2011.

Timothy Alcock from Royston, Hertfordshire

Andrew Killeen from Birmingham

Lachlan Munro from Edgware, North London

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the 25th series of the general knowledge music quiz. From 2011.

Edward Halsted from Finchley, London

Ian Fennell from Worcestershire

Alison Rawlinson from Godalming, Surrey

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.

Myles Crampton from Cumbria

Alan Shipman from Leeds

Paul McKenna from Sutton Coldfield

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz in Manchester.

Mark Grant from Kent

Stephen Pollard from London

Stephen Ratcliffe West Sussex

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz in London.

Derek Hall from Nottinghamshire

Paul Stevens from Bristol

Mike Whyman from Surrey

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz from London.

Lawrence Cody from Stockport

Gordon Fyffe from Crewe

Keith Greenwood from Leeds

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011.

Find out as Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz.

The eighth trio of 27 competitors are in London as the 25th anniversary series continues.

Richard Foster from Crowborough in East Sussex

Charles Kinsey from Bristol

Steve Roberts from Hatfield in Hertfordshire

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz.

John Ambler from Norbury, London

Peter Kinnison from Blackheath, London

Susan Wedlake from Sevenoaks, Kent

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011.

Gordon Fyffe from Crewe

Derek Hall from Nottinghamshire

Edward Halstead from Finchley

From the BBC Radio Theatre in London.

The quiz tests the competitors' knowledge of the core classics, as well as film and stage music, jazz, rock and pop. There are plenty of musical surprises, and forgotten or rarely-heard extracts, alongside long-established favourites.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2011.

Richard Foster from Crowborough

Andrew Killeen from Birmingham

Paul McKenna Sutton Coldfield

From the BBC Radio Theatre in London.

The quiz tests the competitors' knowledge of the core classics, as well as film and stage music, jazz, rock and pop. There are plenty of musical surprises, and forgotten or rarely-heard extracts, alongside long-established favourite

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2011.

Anthony Dean from Nottingham

Stephen Pollard from Finchley

Susan Wedlake from Sevenoaks

From the BBC Radio Theatre in London.

The quiz tests the competitors' knowledge of the core classics, as well as film and stage music, jazz, rock and pop. There are plenty of musical surprises, and forgotten or rarely-heard extracts, alongside long-established favourites

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2011.

The winners of the three semi-finals gather in the BBC Radio Theatre in London for the tense climax of the series.

One of them takes away a handsome silver trophy and joins the roll of honour as 25th Counterpoint champion.

The winner has knowledge of the widest possible range of music, from the classical repertoire to light music, show tunes, film themes, jazz, rock and pop.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2011.

Paul Gambaccini tests three contestants battling to be crowned musical mastermind of 2011.

Jill Goodwin from Swindon in Wiltshire

Tony Lazarus from Finchley in London

Andy Pilborough-Skinner from Dunstable in Bedfordshire

Producer Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2012.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the 26th series of the general knowledge music quiz. From 2012.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music quiz, with contestants from London, Wiltshire and Bedfordshire. From 2012.

James Leggott from Gateshead

Clive Summers from Bow in London

Charlie Wakely from Hitchin in Hertfordshire

Producer Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2012.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music quiz, with contestants from Gateshead, London and Hertfordshire. From 2012.

Margaret Clewett from Birmingham

Trevor Davys from Nottingham

Donald Stokes from Berwickshire

Producer Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2012.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music quiz, with contestants from Birmingham, Nottingham and Berwickshire. From 2012.

Damien Dill from Surrey

David Callendar from The Isle of Wight

David Sherman from Essex

Producer Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2012.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music quiz, with contestants from Surrey, Essex and the Isle of Wight. From 2012.

Trevor Collins from London

Brian Jones from Vancouver, living in London

Ray Thomas from Reading

Producer Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2012.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music quiz, with contestants from London and Reading. From May 2012.

Matthew Bailey from Cardiff

Darren Dutton from Worksop

Murray Spiers from Edinburgh

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2012.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music quiz, with contestants from Cardiff, Worksop and Edinburgh. From May 2012.

(6/13)

Would you be able to name the two earlier composers whose names provided the title of an 1898 opera by Rimsky Korsakov?

And which colourful character did the singer and bandleader Cab Calloway describe as 'a red hot hoochie-coocher'?

These are among the musical teasers Paul Gambaccini will be putting to the contestants in this week's heat of Counterpoint. They'll have to prove the breadth of their knowledge across a range of musical styles if they're to stand a chance of winning through to the semi-finals of this year's competition.

There'll be plenty of musical extracts to identify, both familiar and surprising - and as always, the contestants will have to answer specialist questions on a musical topic for which they're completely unprepared.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the sixth heat of the general knowledge music quiz.

Dan Adler from Farnham, Surrey

Roger Blackburn from Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Rosemary Harbridge from Dorking in Surrey

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2012.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music quiz, with contestants from Surrey and Kent. From June 2012.

(7/13)

Could you remember which contemporary composer wrote the anthem 'This Is The Day' for the marriage service of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge last year?

The seventh heat in the current series of the wide-ranging music quiz features competitors from Surrey and Kent answering Paul Gambaccini's questions, not just on classical music but on jazz, film music, musical theatre and sixty years of pop and rock.

There are plenty of musical extracts for them to identify, both familiar and surprising. They will also have to be prepared to answer a set of specialist questions on a musical topic that's been sprung on them by surprise.

The winner will take another of the remaining places in the series semi-finals, which begin next month.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Contestants from Surrey and Kent answer questions on music of every genre.

Nigel Phillips from Horsham, West Sussex

Michael Pitwood from Walthamstow, London

Martin Walker from West London

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2012.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music quiz, with contestants from London and West Sussex. From 2012.

Can you name two different Top Ten hits by Elton John whose titles consist of just a boy's name?

Paul Gambaccini can - and he'll be hoping the competitors in the eighth heat of the general knowledge music quiz can too. This week they hail from West Sussex and London, and a place in the series semi-finals is up for grabs.

As always, they'll be faced with a choice of musical subjects of which they've had no warning and for which they're totally unprepared - on one of which they'll have to answer a set of specialist questions. The questions range, as always, from classical music to film themes, jazz, show tunes, and sixty years of pop and rock.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Competitors from West Sussex and London vie for a place in the semi-finals.

Roger Mason from Littlebury, Lancashire

Neil Robinson from Stafford

Lee Thomas from Worcester

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2012.

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini featuring contestants from Lancashire, Stafford and Worcester. From 2012.

(9/13)

Which opera features the aria known in English as the 'Jewel song'? And which American poet and singer published a prize-winning memoir entitled 'Just Kids'?

Paul Gambaccini is in the chair for the last of the heats in the current series of the wide-ranging music quiz. Contestants from Lancashire, Staffordshire and County Down compete at Media City in Salford, for the one remaining place in the 2012 semi-finals.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Contestants compete for the one remaining place in the 2012 semi-finals.

Trevor Collins from North London

James Leggott from Gateshead

Michael Pitwood from Walthamstow, London

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2012.

Semi-final of the wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini featuring contestants from London and Gateshead. From 2012.

(10/13)

Which great composer's only oratorio was called 'Christ on the Mountain of Olives'?

And what was particularly strange about the B-side of the 1960s novelty hit 'They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-ha!'?

Paul Gambaccini puts these and many other questions about music in all its variety, to the first batch of semi-finalists for 2012. The pace really hots up in the competition, as those who've already won their heats go all-out for a coveted place in the Final. Today's winner clears another hurdle on the way to possibly becoming the 26th Counterpoint champion.

As always, the questions cover the classics, show tunes, jazz, film music, rock and pop.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the first semi-final of the general knowledge music quiz.

Roger Blackburn from Tunbridge Wells

Trevor Davys from Nottingham

David Sherman from Chelmsford

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2012.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the second semi-final of the general knowledge music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the music quiz semi-final with contestants from Tunbridge Wells, Nottingham and Chelmsford. From 2012.

(11/13)

Can you remember at whose court Rigoletto is a jester, in the Verdi opera? Or which American trade journal published the first ever music chart based on record sales?

Paul Gambaccini has the answers in this week's edition of Counterpoint, the general knowledge music quiz - which has reached the second semi-final of the current series. This week's competitors, who've all won their respective heats, are from Chelmsford, Tunbridge Wells and Nottingham. One of them will take another of the places in the Final, and compete for the title of 26th Counterpoint champion.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Darren Dutton from Worksop

Jill Goodwin from Swindon

Neil Robinson from Stafford

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2012.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the latest semi-final of the general knowledge music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the music quiz semi-final with contestants from Worksop, Swindon and Stafford. From 2012.

(12/13)

Which classic British film of 1945 was made into an opera in 2009, with music by Andre Previn? And which was the first Beatles album to feature nothing but Beatles compositions?

If you can answer these questions you might be able to give the contestants in Counterpoint a run for their money. Paul Gambaccini is in the chair for the third and last of this series' semi-finals - with the one remaining place in the 2012 Final at stake. The competitors are from Worksop, Stafford and Swindon.

As ever, they'll need to display musical knowledge across a wide spectrum, from the classics to jazz, show tunes, film music, and six decades of rock and pop.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Recorded at the Radio Theatre in London, taking part are:

Jill Goodwin from Swindon

Michael Pitwood from London

David Sherman from Chelmsford

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2012.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the 2012 Final of the general knowledge music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the final of the music quiz with contestants from Chelmsford, Swindon and London. From 2012.

(13/13)

The 2012 series of the music quiz reaches the Final, with Paul Gambaccini asking questions on all varieties of music. The three contestants have come through every stage of the competition so far with flying colours: but the range of their musical knowledge will be rigorously tested in this Final stage.

As usual the questions encompass the classics, film music, show tunes, jazz, and six decades of rock and pop. The Finalists, who come from Swindon, London and Chelmsford, will each be hoping they'll be the one to lift the 26th Counterpoint champion's trophy.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Which rock group's songs have inspired a recent work by the great American modernist composer Steve Reich? And in which music-related field is the work of Herman Leonard, Francis Wolff and Chuck Stewart particularly notable?

Paul Gambaccini welcomes the first trio of contestants in the 2013 series of the general knowledge music quiz. Over the next three months, music lovers will play in a knockout competition to find the brightest musical brain in Britain, who will be crowned the 27th annual Counterpoint champion. Questions cover the classical repertoire along with jazz, show tunes, film music, and sixty years of the pop charts.

In Heat 1 the contestants come from London and Essex. They'll have to display their knowledge of music in all its variety, including tackling questions on a completely unforeseen specialist subject. There are plenty of musical extracts of all kinds to identify, both familiar and surprising.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the first in a new series of the general knowledge music quiz.

Do you know at which cathedral the England cricket captain Alastair Cook was once a chorister? Or which eccentric musician fronted The Magic Band? The answers to these and many other musical questions are revealed in this week's edition of Counterpoint, chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

The contestants in the second heat hail from London and Bristol, and they'll be hoping their general musical knowledge will be wide enough to carry them through to a semi-final place.

They'll also have to face individual questions on a special musical topic which will be sprung on them completely out of the blue, with no chance to prepare. And there'll be plenty of musical extracts to identify, both familiar and surprising.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the wide-ranging music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini is in the chair for the third heat in the 2013 series of the general knowledge music quiz, from MediaCity in Salford.

The three competitors answering questions on all styles and aspects of music come from Dumfries, West Yorkshire and Cardiff. As well as demonstrating a broad general knowledge of music they'll also have to 'specialise' in a topic they've had no preparation for - chosen from a list Paul will give them half way through the show.

There are plenty of surprises and musical extracts to identify, familiar and not so familiar. The winner will go through to the semi-final stage of the 2013 competition in July.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the third heat of the general knowledge music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini welcomes four more musically-minded contestants to the wide-ranging quiz on all aspects and genres of music.

In heat four of the 2013 competition, the contestants are from London, Bury St Edmunds and Berkhamstead. They'll have to demonstrate a wide knowledge of music in all its variety, as well as specialising in a musical topic of which they've had no prior warning. Will they prefer questions on Verdi, or on Paul Weller?

The winner will take a place in the semi-finals in July.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

The latest heat of the wide-ranging music quiz comes from the Radio Theatre in London, with Paul Gambaccini asking the questions.

The contestants will have to display their knowledge of music in all its variety, from Puccini and Wagner to Elvis Costello and the music of the Bond films. There are plenty of musical extracts to identify, both familiar and surprising. The winner will take a place in the Counterpoint 2013 semi-finals later in the summer.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Do you know which hit comedy film of the 1980s featured the theme tune 'Axel F'? And in Berlioz's opera based on Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, which two characters are named in the title?

Paul Gambaccini is in the chair for the latest heat of the music quiz Counterpoint, this week coming from Media City in Salford and featuring competitors from Glasgow, Chester and Malvern in Worcestershire.

One of them will win a place in the semi-finals later in the summer, and may be in with a real chance of becoming the 27th Counterpoint champion.

There's music to suit all tastes, and plenty of surprising facts and anecdotes.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini is in the chair for the seventh heat in the 2013 series of Counterpoint, this week coming from the BBC's studios at Maida Vale.

The questions and musical extracts cover territory as diverse as Wagner, Lionel Bart, Handel and Culture Club. As ever, the contestant who can demonstrate the widest range of musical knowledge stands to win a place in the semi-finals, which begin in a few weeks' time.

This week's competitors are from London, Woodstock in Oxfordshire and Romsey in Hampshire. A full list of the music played will be posted on the Counterpoint website after the broadcast.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Do you know which novelty dance became popular after Charles Lindberg's crossing of the Atlantic in 1927? Or which singer made the most successful recording of the soul standard 'The Shoop Shoop Song'?

If so, you may be able to match the contestants in today's quiz. Paul Gambaccini asks these and many other questions in the wide-ranging music quiz, this week featuring contestants from Brighton, Bristol and Cheltenham. The one who can demonstrate the broadest general musical knowledge will win through to the 2013 semi-finals, which start in a fortnight's time.

There are extracts to suit all tastes, and plenty of musical trivia and anecdotes.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini welcomes three more music enthusiasts to the last of the heats in the current Counterpoint series. Taking part, at the BBC Philharmonic's studio at MediaCity in Salford, are contestants from Liverpool, Newcastle and Wombourne in Staffordshire.

Which other female recording artist apart from Adele has won six Grammy awards in a single ceremony? And which controversial classical pianist was the subject of a TV drama featuring Victoria Wood, shown last year?

These and many other questions will be testing the mettle of today's contestants - and they'll also have to pick a specialist musical topic to answer individual questions on, with no advance warning of what the choice of topics will be.

As always, Paul will be providing musical extracts and anecdotes to entertain whatever your taste.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Which British political scandal is the subject of a musical Andrew Lloyd Webber is currently writing? Which jazz pianist, who worked closely with Louis Armstrong, was known by the nickname 'Fatha'?

The 2013 Counterpoint tournament reaches the semi-final stage, with three contestants who've proved the breadth of their musical knowledge in the heats returning to compete for a place in the Final.

Paul Gambaccini is in the chair and will be testing the competitors on all aspects of music - whether it be the classics, jazz, musical theatre or the pop charts, there's something to suit every taste in today's programme.

The contestants are from Hove, Bristol and Newcastle.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the first semi-final of the wide-ranging music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the second semi-final of the wide-ranging music quiz, with three more competitors who've come through the heats stage and now stand a chance of gaining a place in the Final at the end of July.

This week's semi-finalists are from London, Glasgow and Cardiff, and they'll face questions on the widest possible range of musical styles and performers. From operas based on Classical mythology, to the movie themes of Bernard Herrmann - and plenty of points in between.

There are musical extracts to identify, some familiar, some surprising - and no shortage of anecdotes, as Paul Gambaccini welcomes a lively audience to the BBC Radio Theatre in London.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the second semi-final of the general knowledge music quiz.

At stake is a real chance to lift the silver trophy as the 27th Counterpoint champion. This week's semi-finalists are from Cheltenham, Bury St Edmunds and Debden in Essex.

To make it through to the Final they'll have to draw on the widest possible musical knowledge, from Wagner and Beethoven to Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen. As always there are plenty of musical extracts to identify, both familiar and surprising.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the last semi-final of the general knowledge music quiz.

The competitors who have won through the heats and semi-finals of the 2013 Counterpoint series during the past three months finally have their sights on the 27th Counterpoint title, and the handsome silver trophy that goes with it.

Their final hurdle is the grand Final at London's Radio Theatre, with Paul Gambaccini quizzing them on every aspect of music, from Cole Porter to Coldplay, from Rossini to the Rolling Stones.

The three Finalists are from Glasgow, Bristol and Essex: and the breadth of their knowledge through the series so far points to a tight and thrilling contest.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the 2013 final of the general knowledge music quiz.

The wide-ranging music quiz is back, with Russell Davies, one of Britain's most knowledgeable music broadcasters, taking the questionmaster's chair for the 2014 series. Another 27 music lovers from around the UK embark on the annual knockout competition to be named Radio 4's musical mastermind.

They'll have to answer questions on the broadest possible range of music, from the core classical repertoire through to stage musicals, jazz, film music, classic and current rock and pop. There'll be the usual generous helping of musical extracts, both familiar and surprising, for them to identify. They'll also have to choose a musical subject on which to answer specialist questions, from a diverse list of choices of which they've had no warning whatsoever.

The first set of competitors this week come from London, Guildford and Edinburgh.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Russell Davies hosts the wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz returns.

As well as answering general questions on music, they'll also have to pick from a list of specialist musical topics on which to answer their own individual questions, with no prior knowledge of the choices.

There's something to suit every taste and plenty of musical extracts, both familiar and surprising, to identify.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Russell Davies chairs the wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz.

The competitors joining Russell Davies for the latest heat of the wide-ranging music quiz this week come from London, Kent and Oxfordshire. As always, the quiz tests their knowledge of music in all its variety, from the classics to film music, jazz, stage musicals, rock and pop. The winner goes through to the semi-finals later in the autumn.

There are plenty of musical extracts of all kinds to identify, and the dreaded specialist round where the contestants have to pick one of five musical topics on which to answer individual questions, with no prior warning whatsoever.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Russell Davies chairs the wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz.

Russell Davies is in the questionmaster's chair for the fourth heat in the current series of the wide-ranging music quiz. Three contestants answer questions on every genre of music, from every era of the classical repertoire through to jazz and show tunes, film music, rock and pop.

This week's contest comes from Salford and the competitors are from Sunderland, Chester and the Wirral.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Russell Davies chairs the wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz.

The fifth heat of the 2014 series sees competitors from Leeds, Leek in Staffordshire and Ulverston in Cumbria facing Russell Davies' wide-ranging music questions. The programme comes from Media City in Salford.

Orchestral music, chamber music, opera, church music, jazz, folk, stage and film musicals, classic rock and sixty years of pop hits are all fair game - with the contestants having no idea where the next question will take them. There are plenty of musical extracts to suit every taste, with full details of the music played available on the programmes' webpages.

The winner will go through to the series semi-finals later in the year.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Russell Davies chairs the wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz.

Russell Davies chairs the sixth heat in the 2014 season of the most wide-ranging music quiz anywhere on radio, this week from the BBC's Maida Vale studios in London. Competitors from Twickenham, the Vale of Glamorgan and Brighton answer questions on everything from orchestral music and opera to film and stage musicals, folk and jazz, classic rock and sixty years of the pop charts.

As always, as well as demonstrating their musical general knowledge, they'll be asked to pick a specialist musical topic, from a list of which they've had no prior warning and no chance to prepare.

The winner will take another of the places in the series semi-finals towards the end of the year.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

The sixth heat of the general knowledge music quiz, with Russell Davies.

The seventh heat in the 2014 series is chaired by Russell Davies, with three contestants from the North of England facing questions on music of all varieties. This week's contenders come from Alfreton, Preston and Wigan.

As always, they'll have to demonstrate the breadth of their musical knowledge, and choose a musical special subject on which to answer individual questions - from a list of which they've had no prior warning. There are plenty of musical extracts and clues to identify, including both familiar pieces and new surprises.

The winner will take another of the places in the series semi-finals in a few weeks' time.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Russell Davies chairs the wide-ranging music quiz.

Russell Davies is in the chair for the penultimate heat in the 2014 series of the wide-ranging music quiz. The competitors face questions on everything from early music and the classical era to 20th century musicals, jazz, film and TV themes, rock and pop. As always they'll be given a choice of topics on which to demonstrate their specialist knowledge - the catch being that they have no prior warning of the topics on the list.

This week's hopeful contenders are from Greater Manchester and Lancashire, and the programme comes from the University of Salford.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Russell Davies with another heat of the general knowledge music quiz.

Russell Davies is joined by competitors from Wiltshire, Surrey and the West Midlands in the ninth heat of the general knowledge music quiz.

Up for grabs is the single remaining place in this year's semi-finals, which begin next week. To be in with a chance of winning it, our trio will have to demonstrate the widest possible knowledge of music of all eras, from the core classical repertoire through to rock and pop of the past 50 years.

They will also have to answer questions on a specialist musical subject - the catch being that they must choose their topic on the spot from a list of which they've had no prior warning, and no chance to prepare.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Russell Davies welcomes the last three competitors bidding for the 2014 Counterpoint title

Paul Gambaccini is back in the questionmaster's chair as the 2014 season of the annual music quiz reaches the semi-final stage. Three heats winners from earlier in the series return to compete for a coveted place in the Counterpoint Final.

The competition may get stiffer but the rules don't change: and each of the semi-finalists will have to choose a special musical topic on which to answer individual questions, with no prior warning of what the subjects are going to be.

This week's contestants are from the London area and from Derbyshire.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the first semi-final of the general knowledge music quiz.

Who wrote the original James Bond theme as first heard in the film Dr No? And which Renaissance artist wrote poems which have been set to music by both Benjamin Britten and Shostakovich?

Paul Gambaccini asks the questions in the second semi-final of the general knowledge music quiz, with another place in the 28th Counterpoint Final up for grabs.

This week's semi-finalists, from the Vale of Glamorgan, Wiltshire and Cheshire, have all won their heats with impressive scores, and the competition is sure to be tough. As always, they will each have to choose a special musical topic on which to answer individual questions, with no prior warning of the categories offered.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs another semi-final of the wide-ranging music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini asks the questions in the eclectic music quiz. The one remaining place in the grand Final will be decided between semi-finalists from Staffordshire, London and West Yorkshire. All three scored impressive victories in the series heats, and the competition will be intense.

As well as answering general knowledge music questions, the competitors have to choose a special musical subject on which to answer their own questions - the choice of topics, as always, coming as a complete surprise.

The winner returns in the 28th annual Counterpoint Final next week.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the last of the 2014 semi-finals of the wide-ranging music quiz.

Many of us are familiar with the song 'Istanbul, not Constantinople' - but who recorded the original version? And which European city (definitely not Istanbul) is the home of the Gulbenkian orchestra?

The 2014 season of the wide-ranging music quiz comes to its climax, with Paul Gambaccini hosting the Final from BBC Maida Vale.

The three Finalists are from Derbyshire, London and Cheshire. Only one of them can take the 2014 Counterpoint champion's trophy, but with formidable performances in their respective heats and semi-finals it would be a bold prediction as to which of the three will triumph.

As well as answering general knowledge questions on music, the Finalists will also have to choose a special musical subject on which to answer individual questions, with no prior hint of what the available topics are going to be.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the 2014 final of the general knowledge music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini returns with the first heat in the 2015 series of the wide-ranging music quiz. Amateur music lovers from around the UK tackle Paul's questions on all aspects and genres of music, from the classical repertoire to jazz, show tunes, film music, rock and pop. In a knockout competition the eventual winner will become the 29th BBC Counterpoint champion, at the grand Final in August.

In this first heat the competitors come from Dorset, Norfolk and Surrey. As well as proving the breadth of their general musical knowledge they'll have to select a special topic from a list of which they've had no prior warning, on which to answer individual questions.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the 29th season of the general knowledge music quiz.

Which Italian musical term translates as 'an amusement'? And of which folk group was Adge Cutler the leader until his death in 1974?

The competition continues for the 29th annual Counterpoint champion, with would-be musical masterminds from Surrey, Kent and Berkshire taking part this week at the Radio Theatre in London.

Paul Gambaccini asks the questions, and as usual they cover the widest possible range of music - from the classical repertoire to jazz, stage and film musicals, TV themes, classic rock and sixty years of the pop charts. The contestants have to prove the breadth of their musical knowledge as well as specialising in a chosen topic from Paul's list, of which they've had no prior warning.

Today's winner goes through to the semi-final stage later in the summer.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini is in the chair for the second heat of the eclectic music quiz.

Which record label took its name from the red light district of New Orleans? And Pierre Monteux was the conductor at which notorious orchestral premiere of 1913?

Another trio of music lovers face Paul Gambaccini's questions in the third heat of the eclectic music quiz. This week the programme comes from Media City in Salford and the contestants all hail from the north of England.

As always, they'll also have to pick a special musical category on which to answer a round of individual questions - with no warning of what the topics are.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Competitors from London and West Sussex join Paul Gambaccini for heat four of the 2015 tournament. Among the musical topics Paul will be quizzing them on are Wagner, the witches in the musical Wicked, and what caused Mrs Mary Whitehouse to have a spat with 'Top of the Pops' in 1972.

The contenders will also have to choose a special musical subject on which to answer a set of individual questions, with no warning of what the topics are going to be. At stake is a place in the 2015 semi-finals.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

What was the name of Louis Armstrong's pianist wife who encouraged him to start his own band in the 1920s? And which musical instrument takes its name from the Greek for 'having a pleasant sound'?

These and many other questions face the competitors in today's fifth heat of Counterpoint, with Paul Gambaccini. The questions and extracts cover every era of the classical repertoire as well as film music, stage musicals, jazz, rock and pop. To win a place in the semi-finals the contestants will have to demonstrate the breadth of their knowledge of music in general, as well as tackling specialist questions on a surprise musical topic.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs heat five in the 2015 series of the wide-ranging music quiz.

The latest heat of the eclectic music quiz comes from Salford, with Paul Gambaccini welcoming competitors from Leicestershire, Cheshire and West Yorkshire.

They'll have to demonstrate the breadth of their musical knowledge, with questions and extracts ranging from Brahms to Tippett, 60s and 70s pop and the music of war films.

As usual, Paul will also be springing a choice of musical special topics on the contestants, from which they have to pick one on which to answer their own individual questions.

The winner takes another of the places in the semi-finals next month.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the sixth heat of the general knowledge music quiz.

Music lovers from London and Surrey compete in the seventh heat of the 2015 series. Paul Gambaccini's questions range across all genres of music, from the classics to film and TV music, jazz, Broadway, rock and pop.

The winner goes through to the semi-finals in August and takes a crucial step nearer the 29th annual Counterpoint champion's crown.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Everything from cats in classical music to the hits of Queen is on offer to the competitors in the ultimate quiz for music lovers, which reaches its eighth heat of the 2015 series.

Paul Gambaccini puts questions on every imaginable musical style and era to this week's trio of contestants. At stake is another of the places in this year's semi-finals.

As always, as well as answering general knowledge music questions, they'll have to pick a musical topic in which to specialise, with no prior warning of the choices and no chance whatsoever to prepare.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music quiz.

Competitors from the North of England join Paul Gambaccini for the ninth and last heat in the 2015 tournament of the wide-ranging music quiz.

In which 20th century choral work would you hear the 'Song of the Wood-Dove'? And which jazz violinist claimed to have been born on board a ship carrying his Italian emigrant parents to the United States?

Today's trio of competitors will have to answer questions such as these in their attempt to win a semi-final place. They'll also have to choose a musical topic in which to specialise, from a list of five of which they've had no prior warning. Every musical genre and era is fair game, all the way from medieval music to opera, jazz, film and TV music and contemporary rock and pop.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Competitors from the north of England join Paul Gambaccini for the ninth and last heat.

Paul Gambaccini is at the BBC's historic Maida Vale studios to welcome back the first three of this season's heats winners, ready to face the challenge of the UK's widest-ranging musical quiz.

This week the semi-finalists hail from London and Leicestershire. They've already proved the breadth of their musical knowledge by coming unscathed through the heats. Now a place in the 2015 Final awaits today's winner.

As usual, they'll have to answer questions and identify musical extracts ranging across all styles and eras - from Verdi and Brahms to Prince - and beat their opponents to the buzzer if they're going to gain the vital edge in what promises to be a close contest.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the first semi-final of the eclectic music quiz.

Three more music lovers who have won their heats earlier in the series join Paul Gambaccini for the second semi-final, from London's historic Maida Vale studios.

Paul's questions range across every style of music, from Bruckner to the Beatles, Billie Holiday and Mel Brooks. With the competition tougher than ever at the semi-final stage, the breadth of the competitors' knowledge is really put to the test. As well as answering general knowledge questions on music they'll also have to 'specialise' in a category chosen from a list of which they've had no warning whatsoever.

The winner takes another of the places in the 2015 Final. Might this year's champion be among today's contenders?

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the second semi-final of the eclectic music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini welcomes the last three of 2015's semi-finalists to the Radio Theatre, for the contest that will decide who takes the sole remaining place in the Final.

The questions range across the usual wide spectrum of musical topics and performers - taking in Rodgers & Hart, Rossini, Wagner and John Lennon among many others. The competitors will have to pick an unseen special subject on which to answer individual questions, without having had any chance to prepare. As often, with the standard at the semi-final stage especially high, it could all be decided in the breathless pace of the closing quick-fire round.

The winner returns next week to face the final hurdle in the race for the 29th annual Counterpoint champion's title.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the last semi-final of the eclectic music quiz.

The three competitors who've beaten off all competition in this year's tournament of the music quiz now face the final hurdle - with one of them destined to be named the 2015 Counterpoint champion.

What do the English call the musical note known in French as a 'noire'? What was Elvis Presley's middle name? Which Scottish composer founded the Ayrshire music festival known as the Cumnock Tryst?

The calibre of contestants in a Counterpoint Final is so high it's hard to stump them - but the competition will be fierce and every point counts. As usual, they'll all have to pick a musical topic for the specialist round, and in the Final the categories can be especially unpredictable.

The winner will take home the coveted Counterpoint trophy, and theirs will become the 29th name on the roll of honour since Counterpoint began in 1986.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the 2015 final of the wide-ranging music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini returns with the 30th anniversary series of the perennial music quiz, with questions ranging across every musical genre.

Whether your interest is in the Baroque, opera, choral music, the romantic symphony, the golden age of Hollywood, traditional and modern jazz, film music and TV themes or the rock and pop greats of the past fifty years, there's always something in Counterpoint to suit your taste. In this series 27 competitors from around the UK will be showing off the breadth of their musical knowledge, as well as hoping for some specialist questions that suit their expertise. After the knockout rounds, three of them will end up in the Final, which will come from the 2016 BBC Proms to mark the programme's 30th birthday.

This year's first heat comes from the BBC's Maida Vale studios and features music lovers from Essex, Kent and Lancashire.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini returns with the 30th series of the general knowledge music quiz.

The questions and extracts range from Russian opera to 1960s TV themes and big band jazz - and that's just in the first round. As always, the competitors also have to select a special musical topic for their own individual round, from a list of five which they've been given no previous sight of, and no chance to prepare.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the wide ranging quiz of musical knowledge.

Competitors from Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and West Yorkshire join Paul Gambaccini for the latest heat of the wide-ranging music quiz. From Beethoven and Korngold to Elton John and Led Zeppelin, the questions and extracts test their knowledge of music in all its variety and provide something for all tastes.

Today's contest comes from the headquarters of the BBC Philharmonic in Salford, and the winner will automatically take a place in the semi-finals with a real chance of competing in the 30th Counterpoint Final at the Proms in September.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the quiz about music of all kinds.

In the fourth heat of the 2016 series Paul Gambaccini welcomes competitors from Hampshire and London to face questions on every genre of music, with plenty of surprises and intriguing musical extracts. The programme comes from the BBC's historic Maida Vale studios.

Which American group wrote and originally performed the song which gave Lulu her first (and still best-known) hit? With which orchestra was Eugene Ormandy associated for more than forty years? Which composer is the subject of Julian Barnes's recent novel The Noise of Time?

In addition to general musical questions such as these, the competitors have to choose a special musical topic on which to answer their own individual questions, with no prior warning of the categories and no chance to prepare.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the quiz about music of all kinds.

What was the name of the record label set up by Prince in 1985? Which British composer created the Poldark TV theme music? One of the earliest successes of the late Sir Peter Maxwell Davies was a musical portrayal of which British King?

Paul Gambaccini welcomes another three amateur music lovers to the fifth heat of the 2016 Counterpoint contest, at London's Maida Vale studios. He'll be testing the breadth of their musical knowledge across the usual wide range of styles and eras. They'll also have to choose a topic on which to answer individual specialist questions, with no prior warning of the subject categories. At stake is a place in the semi-finals and a chance to go forward to the 30th anniversary Final at the BBC Proms.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the wide-ranging music quiz.

Competitors from Worcestershire, Merseyside and North Wales join Paul Gambaccini for another tough contest of musical knowledge. Extracts from Mahler, Verdi and David Bowie are just some of the clips on which they'll be asked questions this week. As always, they'll have to choose a musical topic on which to answer individual specialist questions, without any forewarning of the subject categories. The winner will take another of the places in the semi-finals later this summer.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the challenging music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini is joined by amateur music lovers from London and the New Forest for the seventh heat in the 30th anniversary series of Counterpoint. Their knowledge of a wide variety music will be put to the test, as always. They'll also have to be lucky in the crucial individual round, where the topics on which they have to answer specialist questions come as a complete surprise.

The winner will go through to the semi-finals, and will compete for a place in the 2016 Final which comes from the BBC Proms in September.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the challenging music quiz.

Which vocal ensemble was founded by the English bass singer Matthew Best when he was just sixteen? And which performers have sung the opening line in the four different versions of the Band Aid song 'Do They Know It's Christmas'? These are just two of the diverse questions Paul Gambaccini puts to the competitors in the eighth heat of 'Counterpoint'.

As always, the three contenders will have to choose a special musical topic on which they'll get their own individual questions - but with no warning of the categories, they'll be thrown in at the deep end.

The winner goes through to the semi-finals and stands a chance of competing in the 30th anniversary Counterpoint Final at the BBC Proms.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

The wide ranging music quiz, chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

To succeed, the competitors will have to remember two composers who've made operas of the story of Turandot, and recognise musical extracts by Rodgers & Hammerstein and Iggy Pop among others. That's even before they face their own set of individual questions on a musical topic of which they've had no prior warning.

At stake is a semi-final place and a chance to go forward to the 2016 Final in September.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini welcomes the first three semi-finalists of the 2016 series to the Radio Theatre in London. The pace really hots up now, as the competitors are all heat winners and will all be keen to secure a place in the series Final in September.

The range of their musical knowledge will be put to the test as Paul asks them to identify (among other things) a Beethoven symphony, a piece of English brass band music and a recent Mark Ronson remix - along with an unexpected version of 'Stand By Me'.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the first semi-final of the general knowledge music quiz.

The second semi-final of Counterpoint 2016 features another three competitors who've won through from the heats stage. Paul Gambaccini asks the questions, requiring a knowledge ranging from symphonic poems to no.1 pop albums of 2016. As always, the competitors also have to pick a special topic on which to answer an individual round of questions, with no prior warning of the categories. The winner will return in two weeks' time in the grand Final at the BBC Proms.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the challenging quiz about music of all kinds.

Elgar, Monteverdi, the Eagles and the music of 1970s science fiction shows are among the topics the competitors are required to know something about in the last of this year's semi-finals.

Paul Gambaccini asks the questions, in the contest which will decide which of the 2016 heat winners will take the one remaining place in the grand Final next week. Every point counts - and, as always, part of the challenge will be to select a musical 'specialist subject' from a list of five, of which the competitors have had no prior warning.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the last of the 2016 semi-finals in the music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the grand Final of the 2016 Counterpoint tournament. The three competitors who've won both heats and semi-finals now face the final hurdle, with the winner becoming the 30th BBC Counterpoint champion. Little did the programme's originators suspect in 1986 that the quiz would still be in full swing on Radio 4 thirty years on.

The programme was recorded as a fringe event at the 2016 BBC Proms, and a lively Proms audience is on hand to enjoy the tension and to encourage this year's Finalists.

As always, the Counterpoint champion will have to display a range of knowledge that puts most of us to shame, from the core classical repertoire to film scores, world music, jazz, show tunes and the best of rock and pop music over the past fifty years.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the 2016 final of the wide-ranging music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini welcomes the first of the competitors in the 2017 season of Radio 4's music quiz, who this week come from London, Exeter and Sunderland. Whether it's Beethoven or Bowie, Kiri te Kanawa or Kraftwerk, there's always something to suit every taste and no shortage of intriguing musical extracts. The contestants are tested on their range of musical general knowledge, as well as being asked to choose a musical subject on which to answer individual specialist questions, from a list of which they've had no advance warning. Today's winner will go forward to the semi-finals in September.

Paul Gambaccini welcomes the first of the competitors in the 2017 season.

Who played the drums on the Marvelettes' recording of Please Mr Postman? And on which occasion would you routinely hear the prelude to Marc Antoine Charpentier's 17th century Te Deum?

The competitors in today's heat of the wide-ranging music quiz will be expected to know the answers to these and many other questions, as Paul Gambaccini welcomes them to the Radio Theatre in London. They'll also have to use their judgement in choosing a set of specialist questions, from a list of categories of which they've had no warning.

Today's winner will go through to the semi-finals in September.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Today's contest comes from Salford, with competitors from Liverpool and Hull convening to answer Paul Gambaccini's questions on all aspects of music. From opera to folk, from musical comedy to rap, everything is fair game. As always, the players will be asked to answer specialist questions on a subject of which they've had no prior warning - with a list of just five to choose from.

The winner will take another of the places in the 2017 semi-finals later in the summer.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Which film composer's music accompanies Matthew Bourne's new touring production of the ballet The Red Shoes? And in which famously cryptic song lyric of the 1960s do old men play Chinese chequers by the trees?

The competitors in today's contest have no idea what questions await them, but they can be sure they will cover the widest possible range of music. They will also face the notorious specialist round, in which they have to pick from a list of five topics on which to answer individual questions - with no prior notice of what the topics are going to be.

Today's winner goes through to the semi-finals in September.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music quiz.

Join Paul Gambaccini for another contest between music enthusiasts from around the UK, bidding for a place in the semi-finals of radio's most prestigious musical quiz. This week's competitors are from the London area and the South coast of England, and Paul's questions test their knowledge of the classics, jazz, stage musicals and more than sixty years of rock and pop music. The musical extracts include familiar favourites alongside plenty of music you've yet to discover.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

There must be something musical in the water in West Yorkshire, because that's where all three of today's Counterpoint competitors hail from. Paul Gambaccini is in Salford for the latest contest, putting them through their paces on every aspect of music from Wagner and Verdi to Bruce Springsteen and Bowie.

As always, they'll be tested on the range of their general musical knowledge, as well as having to select an unseen musical special subject on which to answer their own individual questions - with no prior warning of the categories.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Could you distinguish Grieg's piano concerto from Tchaikovsky's? And do you know your Coldplay from your Elbow? The contestants in today's Counterpoint heat will be very much hoping they can avoid such confusions, as they face Paul Gambaccini's questions on every aspect and era of music.

As well as proving the breadth of their general musical knowledge, they'll be asked to pick a topic on which to answer specialist questions, from a list of categories for which they've had no chance to prepare.

The winner will take another of the places in the series semi-finals coming up in September.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the wide-ranging music quiz.

Can you name the spectacular new concert hall in Hamburg, and the British tenor who performed at its inaugural concert? If not, what about the only musician ever to be co-credited on a hit record by the Beatles?

Paul Gambaccini will be trying these out on the Counterpoint competitors in today's heat, along with many other questions drawn from every musical genre. There'll be no shortage of musical extracts, some of which will jog your memory, and others you'll be hearing for the first time. The competitors will also each have to specialise in a musical topic which they've had no chance to prepare.

The winner will take another of the places in the semi-finals which begin soon.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

The last three of this year's Counterpoint hopefuls join Paul Gambaccini for the always-eclectic music quiz. There's just one place left in the 2017 semi-finals. As always, the questions cover all the bases - from Baroque music to early New Orleans jazz, TV and film themes, 20th century classical and pop music from the 50s to the present day.

The competitors will also be faced with a choice of specialist musical topics on which to answer their own individual questions, with no chance to prepare.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini asks the questions in the first of this year's semi-finals. Competitors who won their respective heats now play off for a place in the 2017 Final. To get there they'll have to show a strong command of a range of musical topics, from Beatles cover versions to British baritones - and as always there are plenty of musical extracts to identify, both familiar and surprising.

Today's semi-finalists are from Oxfordshire, Kent and Merseyside.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the first semi-final of the wide-ranging music quiz.

Which jazz drummer was a child prodigy in the 1920s, reputedly earning more than any child performer apart from the film actor Jackie Coogan? And in which film did Marni Nixon, whose singing voice had doubled for many a famous film star down the years, finally first appear on screen?

Paul Gambaccini has the answers to these and many other questions in the second semi-final of Counterpoint - but will the competitors know? Another of the places in the 2017 Final awaits the winner of today's contest. To get that far, as always, they'll have to put in a creditable performance on a musical 'specialist subject' which they've had no chance to prepare.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Benjamin Britten's 'War Requiem' was commissioned for the opening of the rebuilt Coventry Cathedral in the 1960s - but do you know which composer's choral work 'The Beatitudes' was also first unveiled on that occasion? And if that's not the kind of 60s music you're steeped in, try this: which California band had Grace Slick as its singer?

There's just one place left in the 2017 Final of Counterpoint. The three heat winners who return to face Paul Gambaccini's questions today will have to prove that their knowledge is wide-ranging enough to get them over the final hurdle in the race for the trophy. And they'll have to identify music from much longer ago than the 1960s, and from much more recently too, if they're to stand a chance.

As always, there'll be plenty of musical treats, some of which will be familiar, and others that might whet your appetite for something new.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs radio's most eclectic music quiz.

The most varied music quiz of them all reaches its climax for 2017, with the three competitors who have come through heats and semi-finals now facing the final challenge. Paul Gambaccini asks the questions that will determine who takes the 31st BBC Counterpoint title.

Would you know the name of the quirky Scottish folk group who performed at Woodstock, but were omitted from the film of the festival? Which British singer-songwriter who died earlier this year was once in a short-lived super-group called Oasis? And who is credited with inventing the name of Tchaikovsky's sixth symphony, the 'Pathetique'?

The answers to these and many other questions lie within today's grand Final - and there are plenty of musical extracts to jog your memory and perhaps lead you down new musical avenues.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

The 2017 final of the wide-ranging music quiz, with Paul Gambaccini.

The last of the 2018 heats comes from MediaCity in Salford. Paul Gambaccini welcomes three music lovers from the north of England competing for the one remaining place in the semi-finals this year.

As always, they have no idea what musical styles or eras they'll be asked about, with music today including Strauss and Satie alongside John Williams and Donna Summer. They will also have to specialise in a musical topic Paul will offer them at the half way point, without any warning of the categories available to choose from.

Today's competitors are:

Richard Grothusen, a retired hairdresser from Blackpool

Alan Harrison, a retired metallurgist from Sheffield

Mike Meakin, an operating department practitioner from Harrogate.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini asks the questions in the wide-ranging music quiz.

The first of this season's semi-finalists line up to compete for a place in the 2018 Counterpoint Final. Paul Gambaccini puts them through their paces on everything from French choral music and 19th century opera to boy bands and classic TV drama themes.

Taking part today are:

Liz Ashling, a nurse and midwife from Amersham in Buckinghamshire

David Greenwood, a project manager from Haslemere in Surrey

Jack Spearing, a student from North Hertfordshire.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini chairs the wide-ranging music quiz.

Could you name the Samuel Barber opera that won a Pulitzer Prize and was revived at Glyndebourne this year? Or the group in which jazz legends Courtney Pine and Cleveland Watkiss started their careers? Paul Gambaccini has these and plenty of other questions from the musical world, for the three semi-finalists lining up today at the Radio Theatre in London.

They are:

Trevor Collins, a former costume designer from North London

Michael Rixon, a technology entrepreneur from Hampton Wick in London

David Sherman, a hospital catering administrator from Chelmsford.

A place in the 2018 Counterpoint Final awaits the winner.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging nationwide music quiz, with Paul Gambaccini.

The last of this year's semi-finalists line up to compete for the sole remaining place in the 32nd Counterpoint Final. This week's contest comes from Salford and the competitors will be answering questions on musical clips ranging from Purcell and Rimsky-Korsakov through to Lerner & Loewe and David Byrne.

As always, they'll have the chance to choose a musical topic in which to specialise as part of the contest - but with no prior warning of the topics on offer, and no chance to prepare, it can often be a risky choice.

The semi-finalists today are:

Bill Cawley, a supermarket checkout operator from Leek in Staffordshire

Charles Dusting, a retired accountant from Worcester

Alan Harrison, a retired metallurgist from Sheffield.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini chairs the wide-ranging music quiz.

After a three-month knockout tournament, the trio of successful competitors gathers for the 2018 Counterpoint Final, recorded at the BBC Proms. Paul Gambaccini asks the questions in the contest that decides who will lift the trophy as the 32nd BBC Counterpoint champion.

The standard is high, and the competitors will be asked to show in-depth knowledge (or make intelligent guesses!) on a range of musical genres from chamber music and ballet to show tunes, jazz and classic soul. The engraved Counterpoint silver salver trophy awaits the winner.

The Finalists are:

Bill Cawley, a supermarket worker from Staffordshire

David Sherman, a hospital administrator from Essex

Jack Spearing, a student from north Hertfordshire.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini hosts the 2018 final of the wide-ranging music quiz.

The quest for the 32nd BBC Counterpoint champion gets under way, as Paul Gambaccini welcomes the first three competitors of the 2018 season. One of them will win a place in the semi-finals and stands a chance of going all the way to the title. To do so they'll have to prove the breadth of their musical knowledge and field Paul's questions on everything from opera to R&B.

The quiz includes the fiendish special subject round, where the competitors choose a musical topic on which to answer questions without having had any chance to prepare.

Taking part in the first contest of the series are:

Trevor Collins, a retired textile designer from London

Michael Dale, an events organiser and festival director living in Glasgow

Emma Raczkowski, a marketing manager from London.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini returns with the wide-ranging music quiz.

The competitors in this second heat of the 2018 season will need to show a good grasp of music ranging from Brahms to New Order, to tackle Paul Gambaccini's questions in the famously unforgiving music quiz. As well as general knowledge questions on music, they'll be offered a choice of topics on which to answer individual questions, of which they've had no prior warning and no chance to bone up. There are copious clips and musical illustrations, both familiar and surprising.

The quiz comes from the BBC's historic studios at Maida Vale, and the line up today is:

Liz Ashling, a registered nurse and midwife from Amersham in Buckinghamshire

Steve Brown, a software developer from Llanddeusant in Carmarthenshire

Brian Thorne, a plasterer from Shillingstone in Dorset.

The winner will take his or her place in the semi-finals in the autumn.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the wide-ranging music quiz.

Who wrote the classic tune Lullaby of Birdland? Which composer wrote the score for the recent film McQueen, about the life of the fashion designer Alexander McQueen? And how many of Shakin' Stevens' British number ones could you name?

Paul Gambaccini is in Salford for the third heat of the 2018 tournament. The whole of the classical repertoire, film music, jazz,, musical theatre and 60 years of the pop charts are all represented in the questions facing today's competitors. As always, they'll face general knowledge questions on all aspects of music, before getting a chance to answer specialist questions of their own choice.

Taking part today are:

Julie Cowburn, an administrator from Hyde in Cheshire

Charles Dusting, a retired accountant from Worcester

Rachael Neiman, a record label owner from Manchester.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini asks the questions in the wide-ranging music quiz.

Russian ballet, classic Motown, contemporary opera and the music of this summer's Royal Wedding all crop up among the questions facing today's competitors. Paul Gambaccini is at the Radio Theatre to put them through their paces and determine who takes another of the 2018 semi-final places. As always, it will be the contestant whose knowledge best covers the wide range of musical genres in the toughest music quiz of them all.

Taking part today are:

Nicholas Brann, a finance director from London

Jeremy Pearce, a solicitor and business consultant, also from London

David Sherman, a hospital catering administrator from Chelmsford.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

The wide-ranging music quiz, chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

What was the most notable musical achievement of Lys Assia, who died in 2018? If you can answer this you'd get off to a flying start in this heat of Radio 4's music quiz - but would you be as confident with questions about Tchaikovsky ballets, Mendelssohn oratorios or classic 1970s jazz-funk albums? All of these topics crop up in the opening round - after which today's competitors get the chance to pick a special musical subject on which they think they'll be able to score plenty of points. Paul Gambaccini provides musical extracts both familiar and surprising - and even improvises his own musical clues from time to time. A semi-final place awaits today's winner.

Taking part are:

Roderick Cromar, a chartered accountant from Inverurie

Ed Newsome, who works in arts marketing in Cardiff

Jack Spearing, a student from North Hertfordshire.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the wide-ranging music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini is in Salford for the latest heat of the wide-ranging music quiz. The competitors have no idea whether they'll be asked about opera, Broadway musicals, 1980s pop hits, minimalism, classic soul or nostalgic TV themes. Whatever their individual strengths, they have a love of music in common - and the winner will be the one who can demonstrate the widest knowledge across the board, and make the cleverest choice of special musical topic in the individual round.

Taking part today are:

Sue Bates, a former schoolteacher from Loughborough

Bill Cawley, a supermarket checkout operator from Leek in Staffordshire

Roger Mason, a nurse from Littleborough in Lancashire.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

The quiz about music of all kinds, with Paul Gambaccini.

Three more music lovers join Paul Gambaccini for the toughest music quiz of them all, this week from the BBC's Maida Vale studios. As always the competitors face questions on every aspect and genre of music, from ballet and opera to Bond themes and Broadway melodies. They'll also be asked to choose a category on which to answer specialist questions, with no prior warning of the topics on offer.

Taking part are:

Mark Adnitt, a retired civil servant from Taunton

David Greenwood, a project manager from Haslemere in Surrey

Richard Messingham, a Head of Communications from Leystonstone

The winner will take another of the places in the 2018 semi-finals.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The quiz about music of all kinds, chaired by Paul Gambaccini

The long-established music quiz comes from the BBC's Maida Vale studios this week, with the contestants facing Paul Gambaccini's questions on everything from Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky to Michael Jackson and prog-rock. A semi-final place awaits the winner, and a chance to compete in the Final at the BBC Proms for the 32nd Counterpoint title.

Taking part are:

Ralph Barnes, a civil servant from Cheltenham

Gordon Ridout, an actor from London

Michael Rixon, a technology consultant from Hampton Wick in London.

Producer: Paul Bajoria.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the wide-ranging music quiz.

The 33rd season of Radio 4's eclectic music quiz gets under way with three competitors hoping their musical knowledge could take them all the way to the Counterpoint title in the autumn. Paul Gambaccini's questions range from favourite symphonies to Hollywood musicals, and from classic pop and soul to opera and cantatas. As always the competitors will be asked to pick a musical topic on which to answer their own individual questions, with no prior warning of the subjects and no chance to prepare.

Taking part today are:

Alex Denman, a copywriter from Bristol

Neil Morgan, an airline pilot from Hampshire

Rufus Stilgoe, a writer from South London

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Which title provided hits for both Bruno Mars and Billy Joel even though the songs were different? Which book by F Scott Fitzgerald has recently been on stage in the UK as a ballet version? And who was the first musician ever to be honoured with their own entire set of commemorative Royal Mail stamps?

You can find the answers to these and many other musical questions with Paul Gambaccini in this week's Counterpoint contest. Three amateur music lovers join Paul to compete for a place in the series semi-finals later in the year - and possibly for a chance to lift the 33rd annual Counterpoint trophy. As always, they'll have to prove the breadth of their musical knowledge and answer individual questions on a special topic of which they've had no prior warning.

Taking part today are:

Dan O'Malley, an IT project manager living in Dublin

Lucy Reynolds, a doctor and fitness instructor from London

Harry Shaw, a student from Cheltenham

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Three amateur music lovers join Paul Gambaccini to compete for a place in the semi-finals.

Cinema, concert stage and even video game soundtracks provide the extracts in today's edition of the most eclectic music quiz of them all. Paul Gambaccini is at London's Radio Theatre with a batch of questions designed to test even those with the very broadest range of musical knowledge.

Joining Paul today are:

Brian Eastty, an actor and teacher from Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex

Jill Goodwin, a retired insurance claims officer from Chiseldon in Wiltshire

Daniel Lay, a student from Kidlington in Oxfordshire.

A place in the semi-finals awaits the winner.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini

Where could you hear Sibelius, Ariana Grande and Cole Porter within the space of a few minutes without changing channels? Where else but Counterpoint - as Paul Gambaccini tests the range of musical knowledge of another eager trio of competitors.

Taking part today are Philip Bray, a writer and designer from Hastings; Jessica Brown, a student from Exeter; and Alan Franklin, a retired librarian from London. As always they'll be asked individual questions on a musical topic that's only revealed half way through the programme, and which they've had no chance to bone up on. But there are plenty of musical treats along the way, some familiar and some new.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz, with Paul Gambaccini

Paul Gambaccini welcomes three amateur music lovers to MediaCityUK in Salford, where their knowledge will be put to the test in the latest heat of the eclectic quiz. Verdi operas, the Halle Orchestra and a big band arrangement of a song by Genesis are just some of the topics that crop up this week. The winner today will win through to the semi-finals later in the series and stand a real chance of lifting the trophy as the 33rd BBC Counterpoint champion.

Taking part today are

Mike Harrington, a retired chemistry teacher from Rochdale

Elainne Lawrie, a solicitor from Chester

Greg Spiller, a retired software engineer from Heaton Mersey in Stockport.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

Who wrote the libretto for Mozart's The Magic Flute? And who wrote the lyrics for Fats Waller's songs Ain't Misbehavin' and Honeysuckle Rose?

If our competitors today know the answers to these questions they'll be off to a good start in the latest contest to find the musical mastermind of 2019. Today's sixth heat comes from the Radio Theatre in central London, and a place in the semi-finals awaits the winner. Paul Gambaccini asks the questions, and they include specialist questions on a musical topic which the contenders will have to choose on the spot, with no prior warning and no chance to bone up.

Taking part today are

Paul Holmes, a design consultancy director from Exeter

Roseanne Jardine, a teacher from Lyme Regis in Dorset

Stephen Smith, a clinical psychologist from Eastleigh in Hampshire.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

From Lizst and Schumann to Blur and Blondie, the questions in today's edition of Counterpoint range across all musical styles and eras, with Paul Gambaccini asking the questions as always. Today's heat from Salford features competitors from Scotland and the North of England, all hoping to win a place in the series semi-finals next month. Taking part are:

Mike Clark, a voluntary worker from Montrose

Andrew Fisher, a software analyst from Sheffield

Nick Reed, a local government clerk from Masham in North Yorkshire

Producer: Paul Bajoria

In the 1960s, which film musical did the BBC include in its planned TV schedule for screening in the weeks after a nuclear attack? In Sting's song An Englishman In New York, who is the Englishman referred to? And what's the name of the British magazine published since 1981, devoted entirely to heavy metal music?

Paul Gambaccini has these and many other diverse questions lined up for today's Counterpoint contestants. A place in the 2019 semi-finals awaits the winner. As always, as part of the quiz, they will each have to choose a special subject on which to answer a set of individual questions, with no prior warning of the categories on offer.

Taking part today are:

Tim Footman, a writer and editor from Croydon

Nick Hutchings, a computer programmer from Redhill in Surrey

Mark Sautter, an accountant from West London.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz, chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

Three more music lovers join Paul Gambaccini in Salford for the last of the 2019 heats in the music quiz tournament. Today's winner will take the sole remaining place in the semi-finals, and stand a chance of making it all the way to the 33rd Counterpoint champion's title. To get there, they'll have to answer Paul's questions on everything from Schubert to New Order, and from Mary Poppins to Kraftwerk. They'll also each be asked to choose a special musical topic on which to answer a set of individual questions, without any prior warning of the categories available.

Today's competitors are:

Steve Davismoon, a university department head from Manchester

George Spann, a health and social care regulator from Solihull

Brian Thompson, a retired schoolteacher from Liverpool.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging quiz about music of all kinds, with Paul Gambaccini

The Counterpoint Semi-Finals for 2019 are under way, with the nine heat winners across this series returning to compete for places in the Final. Can you remember the name of the colourful starring soprano at the Last Night of the Proms this year? Or who won the 2019 Mercury Music Prize? If our competitors can't, the Final may be slipping from their grasp.

Back to compete today are:

Nick Reed, a local government clerk from Masham in North Yorkshire

Stephen Smith, a psychologist from Eastleigh in Hampshire

Greg Spiller, a retired software engineer from Stockport.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging quiz about music of all kinds, with Paul Gambaccini.

Another trio of heat winners joins Paul Gambaccini to decide which of them will go forward to the 2019 Final. Which musical ensemble was founded by William Christie in 1979? And which contemporary composer has released a sequence of seven classical recordings this year inspired by a walking tour in the Alps? The competition is fierce at this stage and the semi-finalists will need to trawl their knowledge of every genre of music in order to stay afloat.

Taking part today are:

Mark Sautter, an accountant from West London

Harry Shaw, a student from Cheltenham

Brian Thompson, a retired schoolteacher from Liverpool.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging quiz about music of all kinds, with Paul Gambaccini.

The last of this year's heat winners join Paul Gambaccini for the contest to decide who takes the third of the places in the 2019 Final. Questions await them on all aspects of musical knowledge, from 18th century oratorio to 1980s dance music. And which performer has achieved the bestselling British album of the 21st century so far?

Appearing in today's semi-final are

Alexandra Denman, a copywriter from Bristol

Brian Eastty, an actor and teacher from Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex

Alan Franklin, a retired librarian from Fulham in London.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging quiz about music of all kinds, with Paul Gambaccini.

The cream of this year's competitors face Paul Gambaccini's questions in the contest to decide the 2019 Counterpoint champion. They'll be tested on their knowledge of music of all varieties, with 80s pop, Broadway musicals, Hollywood film scores and 19th century opera all in the mix. The winner will take home the trophy and become the 33rd person to be named Counterpoint champion since the quiz began in the 1980s.

The Finalists are

Alan Franklin, a retired librarian from Fulham in London

Nick Reed, a local council clerk from Masham in North Yorkshire

Brian Thompson, a retired schoolteacher from Liverpool.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini hosts the general knowledge music quiz.

Taking part in the opening show of the season are:

John Abramson, a solicitor from Woodford Green in Essex

Julie Tate, a retired teacher from Peterborough

Martin Warlow, a retired civil servant from Milford Haven in South Wales

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

Three more amateur music lovers join Paul Gambaccini for radio's most eclectic music quiz. The questions range across every musical genre, from the classical repertoire to show tunes, jazz, film music, indie rock and chart music of the past 60 years.

The competitors also have to choose a special topic on which to answer individual questions, with no advance warning of the categories on offer and no chance to prepare.

Taking part today are:

David Hale, an audio technician from South London

Dr Victoria Kingham, a landlady from Hackney

Jamie Sellers, a copywriter from St Leonards on Sea

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz, with Paul Gambaccini.

Taking part today are

Annie Hodkinson, a retired recruitment officer from Kingswinford in the West Midlands

Barbara Kay, a maths tutor from Wallasey

Karen Rasmussen, a disability mentor from York

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

From the Woodstock Festival to the Salzburg Festival, from indie rock to great Baroque Mass settings - the questions test the competitors' knowledge in all areas. Sometimes they surprise themselves with things they didn't realise they knew - at other times they're frustrated at answers which are just out of reach. There's a rich spread of musical extracts to illustrate the questions, and something to suit every taste. The winner today will take another of the places in the semi-finals in the new year.

Today's competitors are

Peter Almond, a solicitor from Bristol

David Love, a semi-retired financial planner from Wombourne in Staffordshire

Alan Stromberg, a housemaster from North Norfolk.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The quiz about music of all kinds, with Paul Gambaccini

There are musical extracts by Strauss, Ravel, Prince and Heaven 17 in store for the contestants in the fifth heat of the series, recorded without an audience. There's no 'buzzer round' this year because of the need to accommodate contestants taking part on broadband links - but the competition promises to be as keen as ever. Today's contestants are

Bryan McAlley, a former prison governor who now runs a repair cafe in East Sussex

Charles Redfearn, a semi-retired civil servant from North London,, and

Anju Sharda, a civil servant from Hertfordshire.

The winner will go through to the semi-finals.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Another trio of music lovers joins Paul Gambaccini for the contest of musical knowledge.

Joining Paul Gambaccini for the wide-ranging music quiz are competitors from around the UK, hoping their knowledge across all genres of music will carry them through to the series semi-finals coming up next month. The musical extracts that await them include Mozart, Marvin Gaye, Elvis Presley and Wagner. And will anyone choose the specialist round on 80s Power Ballads?

The competitors today are

Eugene Gallagher, an IT analyst from Cheshire

Helen Shrimpton, a pensions administrator from the Wirral

Donna Whitehouse, an account business manager from Gloucestershire.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Another trio of music lovers joins Paul Gambaccini for the contest of musical knowledge.

Paul Gambaccini's questions in this heat of the musical quiz range from Bernstein to Saturday Night Fever and from Andre Previn to Roxy Music. Recorded under lockdown conditions with all contestants joining in from home, the show nevertheless takes them well beyond their comfort zones.

Playing this week are

Helen Barker, a social worker from Manchester

Ian Clark, a retired music librarian from Leytonstone in East London

Nicki Cockburn, a mature student from Llandudno

The winner will take another of the places in the semi-finals which begin later this month.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Another trio of music lovers joins Paul Gambaccini for the contest of musical knowledge.

Today's Counterpoint contest once again features competitors taking part on remote links from their own homes during the Covid lockdown. The rivalry is no less keen than if they were together on stage, with all three hoping their musical knowledge will win them a place in the semi-finals. Dolly Parton, John Coltrane, Stephen Sondheim, Pavarotti and Michael Jackson all feature in the questions - and will anyone pick the specialist round on James Bond themes?

Today's contenders are

James Dingle, an editor from Cambridge

Patricia Hester, a nurse from Reading

Steve Lodge, a care support worker from Bridgwater in Somerset.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Another trio of music lovers joins Paul Gambaccini for the contest of musical knowledge.

The one remaining place in the Counterpoint semi-finals for 2021 will be filled by the winner of today's contest, recorded under Covid lockdown conditions with Paul Gambaccini and the competitors taking part from home.

The range of music covered is as wide as ever, with questions in the opening round on Puccini, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Iron Maiden and The Weeknd. The competitors will also have to choose a special topic on which to answer a round of individual questions - with no prior warning of what the categories are.

Taking part today are

Vanessa McNaughton, a direct marketer from South London

Tom Mead, a civil servant from Stocksbridge in South Yorkshire

Tim Wise, a retired salesman from Wallington in Surrey.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Another trio of music lovers joins Paul Gambaccini for the contest of musical knowledge.

This year's Counterpoint tournament reaches the semi-final stage, with Paul Gambaccini welcoming back three of the heat winners from earlier in the series, all competing via remote link in a time of Covid lockdown.

The pace hots up and the competitors can expect the questions to be tougher, as the race is on in earnest for places in the 2021 Final. As always, they'll be tested on their knowledge of a wide variety of music, with plenty of musical extracts both rare and familiar.

Today's returning semi-finalists are

Eugene Gallagher, a computer analyst from Cheshire

Anne Hodkinson, a retired recruitment officer from Dudley

Martin Warlow, a retired civil servant from Milford Haven.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Another trio of music lovers joins Paul Gambaccini for the contest of musical knowledge.

Paul Gambaccini welcomes another three of this season's heat winners to compete for a place in the Final of the musical general knowledge tournament. All of the competitors, and Paul himself, are joining in from home in a contest recorded under Covid lockdown conditions.

The questions range across pop music of the 80s, Mozart operas, theme music from classic 70s crime movies and the musical accompaniment to Stephen Fry's Greek myths. As always, the semi-finalists will have to pick a theme on which to answer a set of individual questions, with no prior warning of the categories they're given to choose from.

Today's returning semi-finalists are

Peter Almond, a semi-retired solicitor from Bristol

David Hale, an audio technician from South London

Anju Sharda, a civil servant from Hertfordshire.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Another trio of music lovers joins Paul Gambaccini for the contest of musical knowledge.

Another trio of heat winners from earlier in the series joins Paul Gambaccini for the contest to decide the one remaining place in the 2021 Counterpoint Final. As always, there are questions covering the whole musical spectrum. How will the contestants fare when asked to identify a Tchaikovsky overture, a theme from a great European film, and a brass arrangement of an 80s rock classic?

They also each have to tackle their own individual round of questions on a special musical topic or theme of which they've had no prior warning.

Hoping to win their way through to the Final are:

Nicki Cockburn, a student from North Wales

Steven Lodge, a care support worker from Somerset

Tim Wise, a retired salesman from Surrey.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Another trio of music lovers joins Paul Gambaccini for the contest of musical knowledge.

The three competitors whose musical knowledge has carried them successfully through heats and semi-finals in this year's tournament now go head to head, in the contest for the 2021 Counterpoint title. They are all taking part from home under Covid lockdown restrictions.

Paul Gambaccini's questions range across the usual wide variety of musical genres. Classic rock, 90s R&B and 19th century opera feature in just the first few questions, and there's a 1970s soul hit in an unusual arrangement. The competitors will also have to pick a special topic on which to answer their own individual questions, for which they've had no chance to prepare.

Hoping to take home the Counterpoint trophy are

Steven Lodge, a care support worker from Somerset

Anju Sharda, a civil servant from Hertfordshire

Martin Warlow, a former civil servant from Pembrokeshire.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Another trio of music lovers joins Paul Gambaccini for the Final of the music quiz.

The general knowledge music quiz returns for a new season, with Paul Gambaccini in the question-master's chair. To launch the series, the questions facing the three competitors in today's heat have a wintry flavour. From the Gershwins to Kate Bush and from Christmas number ones to 21st century ballet music, there's something to suit every taste.

Taking part in the opening programme of the series are

Julian Ashton from Abingdon in Oxfordshire

Leigh Haggar from Fleet in Hampshire

Isabelle Heward from Goxhill in North Lincolnshire.

The winner will take the first of the semi-final places and another step towards possibly being named the 35th BBC Counterpoint champion.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz with Paul Gambaccini

Paul Gambaccini hosts the second heat of the general knowledge music quiz, with questions and extracts covering a range of music from Handel and Prokofiev to Paul Weller and the Pet Shop Boys. The competitors today will have to prove the breadth of their musical knowledge if they are to win through to the semi-finals and stand a chance of bidding for the Counterpoint champion's title in the spring.

Taking part today are

Andy Cormican from Sheffield

Jo Lawrence from Beckley in East Sussex

Richard Page from Eltham in south-east London.

The contest was recorded in London in front of a socially-distanced audience.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz with Paul Gambaccini

Paul Gambaccini puts another trio of music lovers through their paces in the eclectic music quiz. In today's programme Vaughan Williams, Dvorak, Duran Duran and Carole King all feature: can the competitors identify the extracts and win a place in the semi-finals? As always, as well as quickfire questions on all genres, the contenders will have to choose from a list of topics on which to answer individual questions - of which they've had no prior warning and no chance to prepare.

Taking part today are

John Durbin from Wiltshire

Frankie Fanko from Market Harborough in Leicestershire

Liz Walliker from Ely.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini

With tastes covering every aspect of music, the competitors facing Paul Gambaccini's questions in today's heat will be hoping the breadth of their knowledge can carry them through to the semi-finals. They'll need to know about Bach and Richard Strauss as well as Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin and Bacharach & David. There are plenty of musical extracts to identify and snippets of music trivia along the way.

Today Paul welcomes

Philip Beard from Twickenham

Lawrence Long from West Sussex

Rachel Thomas from Hertfordshire

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide ranging music quiz hosted by Paul Gambaccini

The contenders answering Paul Gambaccini's challenging music questions this week all come from London and the south-east. As always, they'll need to demonstrate the range of their musical knowledge, and identify extracts from many eras and styles, to be in with a chance of competing in the semi-finals in a few weeks' time. Stephen Sondheim and the music of classic Westerns may be up their street, but how will they fare with Dua Lipa, Sinatra, or classic album covers?

Because of precautions against the spread of the omicron variant of Covid-19, the programme was recorded remotely with the contestants competing from home.

Taking part are

Emily Channon from London

Lillian Crawford from Kent

Damian Evans from London

Assistant Producer Stephen Garner

Producer Paul Bajoria

The general knowledge music quiz hosted by Paul Gambaccini

The three music lovers facing Paul Gambaccini's questions will, as always, have to demonstrate the breadth of their musical knowledge if they're to stand a chance of winning a place in the semi-finals this year - and perhaps go on to take the 35th annual Counterpoint champion's title in the spring. Questions today come thick and fast on everything from Elgar to U2, and all musical points in between.

The competitors also have to choose a category on which to answer their own set of questions for which they've had no warning and no time to prepare. Will they choose to answer on Quincy Jones, classical brass, or perhaps take a chance on Abba?

Appearing this week are

Tim Davies from North Lincolnshire

Liz Langley from High Wycombe

Rebecca Pasha from North Buckinghamshire

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The quiz about every aspect of music, with Paul Gambaccini.

Another trio of music lovers compete for a place in the semi-finals next month, each hoping the breadth of their musical knowledge will give them the edge. Will they be able to tell their Prokofiev from their Shostakovich? How well do they know their Rolling Stones and Deep Purple collections? Will they be tempted by specialist rounds on music associated with sci-fi, politics or football?

Paul Gambaccini asks the questions, in a contest recorded at the BBC's Salford studios with just a small socially-distanced audience of invited guests, to ensure Covid safety.

Appearing today are

Richard Ashworth from Cheltenham

Sue Bates from Leicestershire

Neil Wright from the Wirral.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini

Three competitors join Paul Gambaccini at MediaCityUK in Salford for another bout of the eclectic music quiz. They may be able to identify music by Bizet and Finzi but how good is their knowledge of the members, and songs, of the Monkees? To be in with chance of a place in the semi-finals they'll need to prove the breath of their musical expertise across more than one genre.

As always, the competitors will have to answer individual questions on an unseen musical theme or category, of which they've had no prior warning.

Competing today are:

Alex Nolan from Ynys Mon

Ian Sutherland from Coventry

Sarah Trevarthan from Manchester.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

The wide ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

Taking part are:

Darren Dutton from Worksop

Mohan Mudigonda from Wolverhampton

Joanna Munro from Liverpool.

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide ranging music quiz

The music quiz tournament reaches the semi-final stage, with three of the competitors who won their heats vying for a place in the 2022 Final. As the competition goes up a notch, the players may find the questions getting tougher and they'll certainly find it harder to be first on the buzzer. As always they'll be asked to choose a special theme or musical topic on which to answer questions of their own, with no prior warning of the categories on offer.

Taking part today are

Andy Cormican from Sheffield

Damian Evans from West London

Frankie Fanko from Leicestershire

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

All three competitors in the second semi-final of this year's Counterpoint tournament are women, and all three are heat winners from the earlier stages of the competition. Paul Gambaccini puts them through their paces again, and the standard is sure to be high as they have their sights set on a place in the 2022 Final.

As always, all genres of music are fair game for questions. How are they on the films of Doris Day or the arias of Handel, and if they get those will they also recognise a hit by Olivia Rodrigo or the lyrics to a song by Madonna?

Taking part today are

Isabelle Heward from North Lincolnshire

Rebecca Pasha from North Buckinghamshire

Rachel Thomas from Hertfordshire.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

In the last of the semi-finals for 2022, the three competitors who won the North of England heats earlier in the series return to contest the one remaining Final place. From Stevie Wonder and Billy Joel to Elgar and Bizet, they'll have to demonstrate the breadth of their knowledge of music in all its variety, as the pace intensifies at this stage in the tournament.

As always, in addition to musical general knowledge they each have to choose a set of individual questions on a topic or theme of which they've had no prior warning.

Today's semi-finalists are:

Joanna Munro from Liverpool

Sarah Trevarthan from Manchester

Neil Wright from the Wirral.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini

The three competitors who've won their way through the heats and semi-finals of the 2022 tournament line up to face Paul Gambaccini's questions for the last time this year, in a bid to become the 35th BBC Counterpoint champion.

Dvorak and Liszt line up alongside Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark and the Beatles, in the unpredictable array of questions facing the Finalists this year. Breadth of knowledge of musical eras and genres counts for a lot, but speed on the buzzer can also be crucial when the stakes are so high. All of our Finalists have proved they know their music, so who will triumph on the day? After a series when the overall standard has been so impressive, a close and hard-fought Final is guaranteed.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

A new season of the widest-ranging music quiz on radio gets under way, as Paul Gambaccini welcomes the first three of this year's 27 contenders hoping to prove they are the nation's musical mastermind.

Paul's questions cover every genre and will test the contenders' knowledge of the classical repertoire as well as jazz, musicals, classic rock and 70 years of the charts. In the special round they will each have to choose a musical category on which to answer their own questions, with no prior warning of the topics.

Taking part are:

Yvonne Blair from Glasgow

Antony Fish from Pontypool

Isabella Valentini from Brentwood in Essex.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz, chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

In the second heat of the 2023 season the competitors come from Kent, London and Devon. They'll face Paul Gambaccini's questions on every genre of music, from the classics to show tunes, jazz, world music and pop and rock of all eras. As well as testing their musical general knowledge, Paul will ask them each to pick a special subject on which to answer individual questions - with no advance warning of the categories they'll be choosing from.

Taking part in the programme are:

Claire Barrow from Honiton in Devon

Roger Easy from London

Paul Millgate from Petts Wood in Kent

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz, chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

Three more music lovers join Paul Gambaccini for another contest of musical knowledge, spanning music of all ages and genres. The competitors today will have to demonstrate their knowledge of everything from Schubert and Purcell to Prince and Massive Attack, with plenty of extracts to identify and some long-buried musical memories.

As well as being asked general knowledge music questions, the three competitors will each have to choose a special musical topic for their own individual round - with no warning of the subject choices and no chance to prepare.

Taking part are:

Shanine Salmon from Croydon

Ian Sanders from Gloucestershire

George Spann from Solihull.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz with Paul Gambaccini.

Three more contenders join Paul Gambaccini at London's Radio Theatre, for the quiz that tests knowledge of the full spectrum of musical styles and genres. How much will today's competitors know about Louis Armstrong and Rimsky-Korsakov, Fleetwood Mac and Bruckner? Part of their challenge will be to tackle questions on a specialist musical topic of which they've had no prior warning, and no chance to prepare.

There are buried musical treasures and plenty of extracts to identify whatever your musical tastes.

Appearing in the quiz today are

Josh Cleary from London

Naadim Shamji from Sunbury-on-Thames

Dave Workman from London.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

Paul Gambaccini welcomes three music lovers to Salford's MediaCityUK studios, to compete in another heat of the widest-ranging music quiz of them all. They'll have to prove their knowledge of everything from Bach to Bowie and from Handel to Harry Styles. This week's contenders all hail from the north of England, and as usual they'll be asked an individual set of questions on an unseen special topic for which they haven't prepared, as well as on general musical knowledge.

Competing today are

John Dyer from Huddersfield

Diane Hallagan from Leeds

Terry Norris from Liverpool.

The winner will take another of the places in the 2023 semi-finals, and a crucial further step towards the title of 36th BBC Counterpoint champion,

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

Three music lovers from northern England and the Midlands join Paul Gambaccini for the much-loved music quiz, from the BBC's Salford studios.

The quiz tests the range and variety of their musical knowledge, and there are extracts to identify from musical works of all genres. They may struggle if they don't know their Vivaldi from their Handel, their Benny Goodman from their Count Basie or their Suede from their Pulp. As usual they'll be asked to pick a special topic on which they'll face an individual set of questions - with no prior warning of the choices available, and no time to prepare.

Appearing today are:

Judith Bradley from Newton-le-Willows

Carolyn Evans from Bromsgrove

Sally Wilson from Sale.

The winner will be back for the semi-finals of this year's Counterpoint tournament, which begin in a few weeks' time.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz with Paul Gambaccini.

The latest heat of the wide-ranging music quiz comes from Salford, with Paul Gambaccini asking the questions. From Bizet and Elgar to Bowie and Oasis, the extracts and topics range across the musical spectrum. The competitors will also have to select a special topic on which to answer indiividual questions, with no prior warning of the subjects on offer.

Appearing today are:

Rob Caley from Wallasey on the Wirral

Julie Cowburn from Hyde in Greater Manchester

Charles Dusting from Worcester.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz with Paul Gambaccini.

Paul Gambaccini welcomes three music lovers to the quiz that covers music of all eras and genres. There are extracts from Nina Simone, John Legend, Laurie Anderson, Placido Domingo and Billy Joel, and questions on everything from Renaissance choral works to contemporary movie themes. The three contenders will also have to opt for special musical topics on which to answer their own individual rounds, with no prior warning of the categories on offer.

Taking part are:

Kathryn Johnson, from Middlesex

Mark Jones, from York

Harry Shaw, from Cheltenham.

The winner will take another of the places in the semi-finals, which begin in a couple of weeks' time.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The contest of musical knowledge chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

There's only one place left in the semi-finals of this year's series and it will go to the winner of today's contest, which comes from the Radio Theatre in London. There are questions and musical extracts covering the widest possible range of music, from Puccini and Haydn to Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross. The competitors will also have to choose a topic on which to answer a round of individual questions, without having any warning of the topics on offer.

Appearing in the final heat are:

Jo East from Orpington in Kent

Anne Durkin from Elland in West Yorkshire

Gary Nichol from Edinburgh.

Paul Gambaccini brings his impeccable expertise to the questionmaster's chair.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini

Paul Gambaccini welcomes back three of this season's heat winners for the first of the 2023 semi-finals.

With a place in the Final at stake, the competition hots up, and the competitors will need to be on their mettle, fielding Paul's questions on everything from Verdi and Leonard Bernstein to will.i.am and Taylor Swift. They'll also have to pick a special musical topic on which to answer individual questions, with no prior warning of the subjects on offer today.

Appearing in the semi-final are:

Claire Barrow from Honiton in Devon,

Anthony Fish from Pontypool,

Dave Workman from London,

The winner will return for the 2023 Final in a few weeks' time.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini

The second batch of heat winners from the 2023 series line up at London's Radio Theatre for a semi-final contest, which will determine which of them goes through to the 36th Counterpoint Final.

Which cellist played at the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? Which new opera was premiered in 2022 based on a book by Virginia Woolf? Which Prince songs have been no.1 hits for other artists? The competitors will need to muster their knowledge of music across many different genres - and there are plenty of musical extracts to identify along the way.

Today's contest is between:

Jo East from Orpington in Kent,

Kathryn Johnson from Northwood in Middlesex,

Shanine Salmon from Croydon.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz with Paul Gambaccini in the chair.

The third and last of the 2023 Counterpoint semi-finals comes from MediaCityUk in Salford and features the remaining three heat winners from this year's tournament. With a place in next week's Final at stake, the competition is bound to be tough. Paul Gambaccini's questions range across all genres and eras of music, from the Pet Shop Boys to the operas of Philip Glass, from Wagner and Tchaikovsky to Motown and Philadelphia soul.

Appearing today are:

Charles Dusting from Worcester,

Diane Hallagan from Leeds,

Sally Wilson from Sale in Greater Manchester.

As well as general musical knowledge they'll also each be tested on a special musical topic they'll have to pick from a list, with no warning of the categories on offer today.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini asks the questions in the wide-ranging music quiz

The 2023 season of the ultimate music quiz reaches its climax, as Paul Gambaccini welcomes back the three most formidable music brains of the year. The winner will take home the silver Counterpoint trophy and be named the 36th BBC Counterpoint champion. They've already proved they know their music, so the competition promises to be tight, and every dropped point could be crucial.

Questions on Pink Floyd, Chopin, Bernstein and Beyonce are just appetite whetters... the contenders will also have to pick a special musical topic in which to answer more in-depth questions, with no advance warning of the categories on offer. As always there are plenty of musical extracts to identify, representing all musical genres and eras.

The Finalists are:

Anthony Fish from Pontypool

Kathryn Johnson from Northwood in Middlesex

Sally Wilson from Sale in Greater Manchester

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini asks the questions in the grand final of the wide-ranging music quiz

The new season of the general knowledge music quiz kicks off at the Radio Theatre in London with Paul Gambaccini in the chair. Competitors from around the UK face questions on all varieties of music, with extracts to identify and special topics to test their knowledge in depth.

Appearing in the first heat are:

Ralph Barnes from Cheltenham

Katherine Madge from Stafford

Anju Sharda from Hertfordshire

The winner will go forward to the semi-finals in the new year.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini is in the chair as the ultimate music quiz returns, with questions on music of all varieties and eras.

Paul Gambaccini welcomes another three music-lovers to the Radio Theatre in London, for the second heat in this year's quest for the nation's musical mastermind.

They'll face Paul's questions on all genres of music, from the classical repertoire to jazz, Broadway musicals, novelty songs, Christmas music and rock and pop of all eras. They'll also each have to pick a special category on which to answer a set of questions, with no prior warning of the choices on offer.

Appearing today are:

Paddy Baker from Brighton

Nathan Hamer from West Sussex

Liz Tray from North London.

The winner will go forward to the semi-finals in the new year.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini hosts the prestigious music quiz, with three music-lovers tackling questions on music of all varieties

Whether it's Duke Ellington playing Jingle Bells, or Boney M with Mary's Boy Child, the competitors in this week's edition of the quiz can count on there being a Christmas flavour to the clips and questions. Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music contest from London's Radio Theatre.

Taking part are:

Farrar Hornby from London

Vicky Johnson from Nottingham

Karen Rasmussen from London

They'll have to show the breadth of their knowledge of music, as well as choosing a special topic on which to answer their own individual questions in the second round, with no prior warning of what the categories are going to be. The questions cover all genres and eras, and the competitors can't always count on being in their comfort zone.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini is in the chair for a festive edition of the challenging music quiz with music-lovers from around the UK.

Paul Gambaccini puts another three amateur music-lovers through their paces in the eclectic music quiz. As well as testing their general musical knowledge, he'll be asking them to pick questions on an individual theme or musical topic, from a list they haven't seen before. They'll need speed on the trigger as well as a wide range of musical interests if they're to make it through to the semi-finals.

Today's competitors are:

Nicki Cockburn from Cardiff

Geraint Davies from Gwent

Emma Laslett from Milton Keynes.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Another three music lovers join Paul Gambaccini at the Radio Theatre in London for the latest of this year's heats in the wide-ranging music quiz. They'll have to prove the breadth of their music knowledge to stand a chance of winning a semi-final place. As part of the quiz they will each have to choose a completely unforeseen special topic on which to answer individual questions.

Taking part are

Graham Jones from Milton Keynes

Hannah Reilly from Renfrewshire

David Stainer from Hertford

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini welcomes three more amateur music lovers to the Radio Theatre in London for the latest contest of the ever-popular music quiz. Competitors from around the UK face Paul's questions on the widest possible range of musical styles and eras, from the classical repertoire to jazz, Broadway musicals, film and game themes, and seventy years of the pop charts.

Taking part are

Susan Booth from Kent

James Bingham from County Wicklow

Vanessa MacNaughton from London.

Today's winner will take another of the places in the semi-finals and will return in February.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini

Paul Gambaccini chairs the quiz on all aspects and genres of music, with competitors from around the UK

Three more music lovers join Paul Gambaccini at the BBC's Salford studios for another wide-ranging contest of musical knowledge. The winner will proceed to the semi-finals and take another step towards the title of 37th Counterpoint champion. To do so they'll not only have to prove the range of their musical knowledge, but will also have to select a special musical topic on which to answer individual questions, from a list of which they have been given no warning.

Taking part are

Stephen Draper from Liverpool

Jo McEvedy from Whitley Bay

Mike Meakin from Harrogate

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini chairs the wide-ranging music quiz, with competitors from around the UK answering questions on music of all kinds

Three more amateur music lovers will be trying to impress Paul Gambaccini with their knowledge of music in all its varieties, whether it's opera, choral music, show tunes, jazz, folk, rock and pop, or music from the world of film and gaming.

Today's competitors are

Stephen Hatcher from Ashbourne in Derbyshire

Annie Hodkinson from Kingswinford in the West Midlands

Leslie Hooper from Glasgow

To earn a place in the semi-finals they'll need to prove the breadth of their musical knowledge, as well as selecting a special musical topic on which they'll get a set of individual questions with no prior warning of the categories on offer.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini

Paul Gambaccini welcomes three more music lovers to the BBC's Salford studios for another contest of musical knowledge

Another three music enthusiasts from around the UK face Paul Gambaccini's questions in the latest contest from the BBC's studios in Salford. Whether it's chart music, classic rock, jazz, musical theatre, film and TV themes or the whole gamut of the classical repertoire, they'll have to prove the breadth of their knowledge if they're to win the last of the places up for grabs in the semi-finals.

Appearing today are

Andrew Fisher from Sheffield

Caroline McKay from Frodsham in Cheshire

Sarah Wade from Thornton-Cleveleys in Lancashire.

The contenders will also have to select a special musical category on which to answer their own individual questions, with no prior warning of the subject choices they'll be offered.

The semi-finals begin next week.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

Paul Gambaccini presents an eclectic choice of questions about music, to test three more amateur music lovers in the wide-ranging quiz.

~Counterpoint's 37th season reaches the semi-final stage, with three competitors who've won their respective heats playing off for a place in the 2024 Final. Paul Gambaccini puts the questions on all aspects and genres of music.

The semi-finalists will also have to choose a special subject on which to choose their own individual questions, from a list of which they've had no prior warning. Will they go for Mozart or Northern Soul? Could a round on folk music tempt them more than one on the Bee Gees?

The competitors are:

Paddy Baker from Brighton

James Bingham from County Wicklow

Graham Jones from Milton Keynes.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini welcomes three music-lovers to the Radio Theatre in London for a semi-final of the wide-ranging music quiz

The second semi-final in the 37th season of Counterpoint comes from the BBC's Salford studios, with another three heat winners from recent weeks playing off for a place in the Final.

Taking part today are

Steve Draper from Liverpool;

Annie Hodkinson from Kingswinford in the West Midlands;

Caroline Mckay from Frodsham in Cheshire.

As well as showing their musical general knowledge, they'll have to opt for a special musical topic on which to answer individual questions, with no warning of the categories they'll be offered. How will they fare on the music of the Carpenters? Might they prefer to answer on Puccini? And what if their favourite is taken by a rival before they get their chance?

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

Paul Gambaccini chairs the wide-ranging music quiz

Paul Gambaccini presents radio's widest-ranging music quiz.

Three more semi-finalists join Paul Gambaccini for the wide-ranging quiz on music of all kinds

Caroline Mackay from Frodsham in Cheshire.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the last of the 2024 semi-finals from London's Radio Theatre, as the remaining three heat winners from earlier in the series play off for a place in the Final.

They've already shown the breadth of their musical knowledge; but to make it to the Final they'll really have to be on their mettle. Whether it's Guns n' Roses, Grieg or the Greatest Showman, their expertise across the musical spectrum will be tested through general, specialist and quickfire rounds.

The semi-finalists are

Nicki Cockburn from Cardiff

Vicky Johnson from Nottingham

Anju Sharda from Hertfordshire.

The Final takes place next week.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

Paul Gambaccini presents radio's widest-ranging music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini is in the chair for the last of the 2024 semi-finals, in the wide-ranging contest of musical knowledge.

Paul Gambaccini welcomes the three competitors who've won through heats and semi-finals to make it to the final hurdle in this year's tournament. At the Radio Theatre in London, one of them will lift the trophy as Radio 4's musical mastermind of 2024.

Paul's questions cover the usual wide range, from Rachmaninov to the Kinks, Bernstein, the Wonka soundtrack and Mark Ronson. The Finalists will have to choose, as usual, from a list of special topics on which to answer their own individual questions, with no warning of what the categories are.

Contesting the title are:

James Bingham from County Wicklow

Annie Hodkinson from the West Midlands

Anju Sharda from Hertfordshire

The winner will become the 37th BBC Counterpoint champion.

Assistant Producer: Stephen Garner

Producer: Paul Bajoria

The wide-ranging music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini

Paul Gambaccini presents radio's widest-ranging music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the grand Final, to decide the champion in the 2024 contest of the nationwide music quiz.