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Sir Fred Hoyle

Michael Parkinson's castaway is astronomer and mathematician Sir Fred Hoyle.

Sir Fred Hoyle has been described as "unquestionably one of the most gifted astronomers and mathematicians of our times", and "the maverick genius of British science". In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his upbringing in Yorkshire and talks about his career as a scientist and as a writer - he has produced some 15 novels, a pantomime and the libretto for an opera.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: String Quartet No 16 in F, Opus 135 by Ludwig van Beethoven
Book: Handbook of physics
Luxury: Portable telescope

Available now

40 minutes

Last on

Fri 17 Oct 1986 09:05
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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Music Played

  • Joseph Haydn

    O Tuneful Voice (Canzonetta)

    Soloist: Elly Ameling/Jorg Demus

  • Franz Schubert

    Der Hirt auf dem Felsen (The Shepherd on the Rock), D965

    Soloist: Ameling, Deplus, Gage

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    St Matthew Passion - Erbarme dich

    Soloist: Janet Baker Orchestra: Munich Bach Orchestra

  • Georges Bizet

    Près des remparts de Séville (Seguédile) (from Carmen)

    Soloist: Maria Callas Orchestra: Paris Opera Orchestra

  • Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

    Swan Lake - Russian Dance

    Soloist: Ida Haendel Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Andre Previn

  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

    Requiem in D minor

    Choir: Leipzig Radio Chorus

  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Ludwig van Beethoven

      String Quartet No. 16 in F major, Op. 135

      Orchestra: Italian Quartet

  • Jean Sibelius

    Symphony No. 1 in E minor

    Orchestra: Boston Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Colin Davis

  • Book Choice

    • Handbook of physics

  • Luxury Choice

    • Portable telescope

Credits

Presenter Michael Parkinson
Interviewed Guest Sir Fred Hoyle

Broadcasts

  • Sun 12 Oct 1986 12:15
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Fri 17 Oct 1986 09:05
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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