Schubert’s B-Flat Piano Sonata D960

01/09/19 • 27 min

1 Listener

The B-Flat Piano Sonata D960, which Schubert completed two months before his death, in 1828, is a vast and complex work.

It’s the last of a triptych of piano sonatas that Schubert wrote, possibly in response to the death of his hero Beethoven the year before. Schubert had been a pallbearer at Beethoven’s funeral.

Pianists Imogen Cooper, Steven Osborne and James Lisney consider what it’s like to play this work.

And Andrea Avery and Pamela Rose describe ways in which this sonata has marked and shaped their lives.

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.

Producer: Rosie Boulton

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2019.

The B-Flat Piano Sonata D960, which Schubert completed two months before his death, in 1828, is a vast and complex work.

It’s the last of a triptych of piano sonatas that Schubert wrote, possibly in response to the death of his hero Beethoven the year before. Schubert had been a pallbearer at Beethoven’s funeral.

Pianists Imogen Cooper, Steven Osborne and James Lisney consider what it’s like to play this work.

And Andrea Avery and Pamela Rose describe ways in which this sonata has marked and shaped their lives.

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.

Producer: Rosie Boulton

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2019.

Previous Episode

Shine On You Crazy Diamond

Shine On You Crazy Diamond discussed by voices including David Gilmour of Pink Floyd.

Understood to have been written about Syd Barrett, their former band member, it’s both a tribute, and a call for him to ‘shine on’ despite suffering serious mental health issues.

David Gilmour of Pink Floyd recalls the legendary day that Syd Barrett unexpectedly appeared in the studio where they were recording Wish You Were Here, the album bookended by Shine On. Nobody recognised Syd at first; once handsome and slender, he'd gained weight and shaved his head and eyebrows.

Another contributor to the programme, Anna Gascoigne, talks about the pain of losing her son, Jay. He was a gentle boy, a talented musician, who eventually succumbed to the multiple mental health problems he had battled for years. Shine On You Crazy Diamond, for Anna, speaks directly to her of Jay; he loved Pink Floyd and Shine On was played at his memorial service. Anna, herself, was driven to the brink of suicide by her son’s death. It was the support of her family – including her brother, Paul Gascoigne - that helped her to carry on.

Ed Steelefox, a DJ based in Worcester, describes a New Year’s Eve house-party of a few years ago: as the guests gradually fell asleep he chose to slip out the door leaving a non-stop playlist of different, live, versions of Shine On You Crazy Diamond to penetrate their dreams.

And Professor Allan Moore, a regular Soul Music contributor, takes to the grand piano to play and talk about what it is in the track that is so directly reminiscent of Syd Barrett.

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.'

NB: Details of organisations offering information and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Or you can call for free, at any time to hear recorded information on 08000 566 065.

Producer: Karen Gregor

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.

Next Episode

Smile

Charlie Chaplin wrote the music for 'Smile' in 1935 for the film 'Modern Times', but the lyrics were only added nearly 30 years later.

Chris Philips tells the story of how his grandfather was inspired to write the words when he left his father at boarding school.

Gemma Lowery talks about how her son Bradley loved the song.

Writer Bryony Rheam describes why she associates the song with her grandmother.

Marine Lucas remembers flying to Michael Jackson's memorial on hearing the news of his death.

And author Bob Williams remembers when his father died, how his mother sat on the floor listening to the Nat King Cole version - crying when he came home from school.

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.

Producer: Sara Conkey

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2019.