Episode 1

Presented by John Shea.

A series of performances of music inspired by dance features Gershwin's riotous depiction of An American in Paris and ballroom dances by Beethoven. Plus a concert given by the BBC Symphony Orchestra in Besancon as part of the 2009 International Competition for Young Conductors.

Debussy: Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune
BBC Philharmonic
Harry Christophers (conductor)

Gershwin: An American in Paris
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Juan Jose Mena (conductor)

2.30pm
Beethoven: 12 Contredances, WoO 14
Weir: Heroic Strokes of the Bow
Beethoven: Musik zu einem Ritterballett, WoO 1
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Martyn Brabbins (conductor)

3.30pm
Elgar: Overture: In the South (Alassio)
Brahms: Variations on a theme of Haydn
Beethoven: Symphony No 6 (Pastoral)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Jiri Belohlavek (conductor).