BBC Four · Ended

Our Classical Century

Music · 2018

Last aired: S1 E4, 1980s-Present · 2019-06-13

Our Classical Century brings together the greatest moments in classical music in the UK over the last 100 years, in a four-part series that celebrates moments of extraordinary musical ambition and excellence, deep emotion and of great pleasure, and the artists who have brought audiences this music. Over the course of the series viewers will see and hear how, over the past one hundred years, classical music has given dazzling virtuosity and innovation, and how music provided a unifying soundtrack to the times when national identity and destiny was at stake. The series explores how classical music collided with popular culture, influencing and being influenced by rock music and providing epic film soundtracks. The programme also looks at how classical music is adored by millions, and provides the musical accompaniment to both the most important days as well as the everyday - from weddings to funerals and much more in between.

Cast

Joan Bakewell Presenter

Alexandra Burke Presenter

John Simpson Presenter

Lenny Henry Presenter

Suzy Klein Presenter

Season 1

E1 1918-1936 2018-11-15 · 60 min This first programme captures the profound influence of the First World War on classical music in the UK, both in terms of how it affected a generation of musicians and composers and how the music they created came to be a crucial part of the nation's sense of identity.

E2 1936-1953 2019-02-07 · 60 min Suzy Klein and John Simpson explore the power of classical music between the coronations of George VI and Elizabeth II to console, unite and inspire us in war and peace.

E3 1953-1971 2019-04-07 · 60 min Suzy Klein and Joan Bakewell explore classical music between 1953 and 1971, including the first broadcast of the Last Night Of The Proms and Britten's controversial War Requiem.

E4 1980s-Present 2019-06-13 · 60 min Suzy Klein and Alexandra Burke explore the world of classical music from the 1980s until the present day when the walls between classical and popular culture began to come down. Classical music and opera were the soundtrack of great national moments of joy and sadness, of entertainment and mourning, and also became accessible to millions through the advent of new technologies. Featuring performances by Nigel Kennedy and Steven Isserlis, and contributions from Sir Simon Rattle, Vanessa-Mae and Torvill and Dean.

TV listings and show data from TVmaze.