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The Dark Tower

First transmitted in 1946, The Dark Tower is a parable play on the ancient theme of the Quest, suggested by Robert Browning's poem Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came.

First transmitted in 1946, The Dark Tower is a parable play on the ancient theme of the Quest, suggested by Robert Browning's poem Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came. It was written and produced by Louis MacNeice, with music specially composed by Benjamin Britten, and played by an ad hoc orchestra conducted by Walter Goehr.

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1 hour, 13 minutes

Last on

Thu 19 Dec 194622:15
Third Programme

BBC Four Modern Classical Music Collection

BBC Four Modern Classical Music Collection
This programme is part of a collection of programmes featuring trailblazing 20th Century classical music composers.

Go to the BBC Four Modern Classical Music Collection

About BBC Four Collection programmes

Programmes are selected, in part, for their historical context and reflect the broadcast standards and attitudes of their time, which may not accord to some current BBC editorial guidelines. We aim to select programmes which can be shown in their entirety but in some cases edits are required.

Credits

WriterLouis MacNeice
ProducerLouis MacNeice
ComposerBenjamin Britten
RolandCyril Cusack
The MotherOlga Lindo
The TutorMark Dignam
SylvieLucille Lisle
Sergeant TrumpeterHarry Hutchinson
GavinFrank Partington
Blind PeterIvor Barnard
The SoakRobert Farquharson
The StentorLaidman Browne
The StewardHoward Marion
Crawford NeaeraVera Maxime
The PriestAlexander Sarner

Broadcasts

  • Mon 21 Jan 194621:15
    BBC Radio 4 & Home Service
  • Fri 22 Mar 194621:30
    Home Service
  • Mon 4 Nov 194622:15
    Third Programme
  • Thu 19 Dec 194622:15
    Third Programme

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