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Spem in Alium

Conductor Simon Halsey and writer Michael Morpurgo discuss the impact of Thomas Tallis's Elizabethan choral work. From 2008.

Thomas Tallis's work is one of the most elaborate and spectacular pieces of choral music ever written.

Scored for 40 voices, the piece is best sung and heard in the round in order to appreciate an extraordinary sonic experience.

Choral conductor Simon Halsey and Michael Morpurgo discuss the music's spine-tingling effect on both performers and listeners.

Featuring:

Graeme Fife
John Davies
Clive Stafford-Smith

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.

Producers: Rosie Boulton & Melvin Rickarby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 12 Jul 202500:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Credit

ComposerThomas Tallis

Broadcasts

  • Tue 29 Jan 200813:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sat 2 Feb 200815:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 8 Apr 201618:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 9 Apr 201600:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 24 Nov 202018:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 25 Nov 202000:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 11 Jul 202510:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 11 Jul 202516:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 12 Jul 202500:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Podcast

  • Soul Music

    Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact