Richard Branson on Tubular Bells, Alison Balsom, Cannes
Arts news and reviews with John Wilson, including Richard Branson on Tubular Bells 40 years on, Alison Balsom's Cultural Exchange choice, and new from the Cannes Film Festival.
With John Wilson
Mike Oldfield's album Tubular Bells was released 40 years ago this month - the first disc on Richard Branson's Virgin Records label. Since then, the album has sold millions of copies, featured in the London 2012 opening ceremony, and is now being performed by a duo in the show Tubular Bells For Two on a UK tour. Richard Branson reflects on the genesis of the album, his relationship with Mike Oldfield, and the concert that cost him a car.
This year's Cannes Film Festival opened on Wednesday: critic Jason Solomons reports on the hits and misses so far.
Trumpeter Alison Balsom reveals her choice for Cultural Exchange: a recording of Bach's St Matthew Passion. She first heard it in her 20s, and feels the work sums up every possible human emotion. The music doesn't feature any trumpets - but she says adding one would spoil its perfection.
The film Fast And Furious 6 has just been released - the fifth sequel to 2001's original, The Fast And The Furious. Film critic Adam Smith considers the art of naming sequels.
Producer Rebecca Nicholson.
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Alison Balsom's Cultural Exchange
The trumpeter chooses Bach's St Matthew Passion (BWV 244)
Chapters
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Richard Branson
Richard Branson reflects on the 40th anniversary of the release of Tubular Bells
Duration: 11:11
Cannes Film Festival
Film critic Jason Solomons reports from the Cannes Film Festival
Duration: 04:01
Cultural Exchange: Alison Balsom
Trumpeter Alison Balsom chooses Bach's St Matthew Passion as her Cultural Exchange
Duration: 07:49
Sequels
Film critic Adam Smith considers the art of naming sequels
Duration: 05:51
Alison Balsom's Cultural Exchange: St. Matthew Passion
Johann Sebastian BachConductor: Philippe Herreweghe
Label: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
Credits
Role Contributor Presenter John Wilson Interviewed Guest Richard Branson Interviewed Guest Alison Balsom Producer Rebecca Nicholson Editor John Goudie Broadcast
- Fri 17 May 2013 19:15Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
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