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Mark Tully discusses acts of commemoration with campaigner and Ravensbruck survivor Selma Van de Perre and introduces music and readings inspired by the wars of the last 100 years.

On Remembrance Day, Mark Tully asks why we feel acts of commemoration are important and discusses their purpose with the campaigner and survivor of Ravensbruck Concentration Camp, Selma Van de Perre.

He also introduces readings and music written in commemoration of some of the major conflicts and acts of violence of the last 100 years - from accounts of the very first Armistice Day to commemorations of the Afghan conflict. There is music too, ranging from Shostakovich to Suzanne Vega.

The readers are Jane Whittenshaw, David Westhead and Francis Cadder.

Produced by Frank Stirling
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4

28 minutes

Last on

Sun 14 Nov 202123:30
BBC Radio 4

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Embracing The Classical

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Music Played

  • George Lloyd

    In Memoriam

    Performer: Black Dyke Band.
    • George Lloyd: English Heritage and Other Music for Brass.
    • Albany Music Distribution.

  • John Foulds

    Op. 60: Part II: XIX. Benedictio

    Performer: BBC Symphony Orchestra. Performer: Leon Botstein (Conductor).
    • A World Requiem.
    • Chandos.

  • Dmitry Shostakovich

    Babi Yar

    Performer: Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Performer: Bernard Haitink (Conductor).
    • Symphony No. 13 in B flat minor (Op. 113, subtitled Babi Yar).
    • Decca.

  • Suzanne Vega

    It Hit Home

    • Vigil.
    • Conscious Records.

  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    Dona Nobis Pacem - Reconcilliation

    Performer: Edith Weins. Performer: Brian Rayner Cook. Performer: The London Philharmonic. Performer: London Philharmonic Choir. Performer: Bryden Thomson (Conductor).
    • Dona Nobis Pacem & Five Mystical Songs.
    • Chandos.

Readings

Title: The Missing Of The Somme
Author: Geoff Dyer
Published by Canon Gate

Title: Soldering On
Author: David Constantine
Published by Bloodaxe Books ‘Collected Poems: By David Constantine’

Title: Remembering Sacrifices Of The Past – And Present
Author: Editorial
Published in The Daily Telegraph on 12.07.14

Title: The World’s Peace
Author: George Appleton
Published in ‘Beyond The Blue Mountains’ by MedioMedia

Broadcasts

  • Sun 9 Nov 201406:05
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 9 Nov 201423:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 14 Nov 202106:05
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 14 Nov 202123:30
    BBC Radio 4