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The Charge of the Light Brigade and Lament for the Death of a Bullfighter

Daljit Nagra presents: The Charge of the Light Brigade by Tennyson read by Alan Badel (1979) and Lament for the Death of a Bullfighter (1960).

As part of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Weekend - Daljit Nagra introduces the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ archive programme choice of listener, Maureen Quigley.

The Charge of the Light Brigade written by Alfred Lord Tennyson.

Originally broadcast to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Charge, also featuring readings from William Howard Russell's 'Times' report.

Presented by Christopher Ricks

Reader: Alan Badel.

Producer: Ian Cotterell.

First broadcast on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3 in October 1979.

Also featuring: Lament for the Death of a Bullfighter by Frederico Garcia Lorca.

Lorca wrote the poem in 1935: Mejias was an Andalusian bullfighter and an intimate friend of the poet; he had retired from the bull-ring a wealthy man, but later returned when he was past his prime. It is said he wanted to escape a slow death from illness or old age. He was killed in the bull-ring, and Lorca was very deeply affected by his death.

Translated from Spanish by AL Lloyd.

Set to music by Roberto Gerhard

Read by Stephen Murray.

Producer: DG Bridson

First broadcast on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Third Programme in May 1960.

**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk
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Available now

40 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Sun 6 Aug 2023 06:00
  • Sun 6 Aug 2023 11:00
  • Sun 6 Aug 2023 17:00
  • Mon 7 Aug 2023 00:00

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