A glorious eccentric of the truly British variety, Dame Barbara Cartland (1901-2000) remains the world’s most famous romantic novelist. Her tales of square-jawed heroes and melting, virginal heroines sell in their millions world-wide. This film was made with her when she was in her late nineties, still writing an average of twenty-three novels a year and actively involved with her favourite good causes. Seen at her stately home in Hertfordshire, and on a trip to New York, Dame Barbara is indomitable.
Choirs and Places Where They Sing
This programme explores the British Choral tradition – the choirs, the composers and the reasons why the British love to sing together. With the help of many choirs and choral societies – from Westminster Abbey to Watford football ground – the programme traces one thousand years of British Choral music. The guide is Simon Preston, organist and master of the choristers at Westminster Abbey.
Electronic Music
In the twentieth century, music entered the age of electronics and the microchip. This programme examines the history of this new music, from Stockhausen to Varèse, from pop singles and signature tunes to serious contemporary composition.