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Alison Weir

Michael Berkeley's guest is the best-selling writer of historical fiction, Alison Weir.

The best-selling writer Alison Weir knows precisely what sparked her interest in history: at the age of 14 she read what she calls a ‘really trashy novel’ about Katherine of Aragon – and a lifelong passion began.

Since then she has written 38 books, selling more than three million copies around the world. Her non-fiction titles include biographies of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Isabella of France, Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth of York. She has also written many historical novels – including a book about each of Henry VIII’s six wives.

In her most recent novel, The Cardinal, she focuses on the rise and fall of Thomas Wolsey, who enjoyed a prominent and powerful role in the court of Henry VIII.

Alison's music choices include Bach, Beethoven, Ravel and Purcell.

22 days left to listen

1 hour, 26 minutes

Last on

Last Sunday12:00
BBC Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Tielman Susato

    Dances from the Danserye: XII. La Bataille

    Ensemble: Early Music Consort of London. Conductor: David Munrow.
    • Various: Danseryes (Renaissance).
    • Warner Classics.
    • 113.

  • Eric Coates

    The Dam Busters March

    Music Arranger: W.J. Duthoit. Ensemble: Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. Conductor: Elgar Howarth.
    • Brass Band Spectacular (Classic FM: The Full Works).
    • Decca (UMO) (Classics).
    • 19.

  • George Frideric Handel

    For unto us a child is born (Messiah)

    Choir: Huddersfield Choral Society. Orchestra: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Malcolm Sargent.
    • Handel: Messiah Highlights.
    • Warner Classics.
    • 5.

  • Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

    Romeo and Juliet, Fantasy Overture

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: André Previn.
    • Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture, Romeo and Juliet & Marche slave.
    • Warner Classics.
    • 3.

  • Murray Gold

    Song of Freedom (Doctor Who)

    Conductor: Ben Foster. Orchestra: BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
    • Doctor Who - Series 4 (Original Television Soundtrack).
    • Silva Screen Records Ltd.
    • 26.

  • Charles Gounod

    Messe solennelle de Sainte Cécile (Sanctus)

    Singer: Heinz Hoppe. Orchestra: Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire. Choir: Rene Duclos Chorus. Conductor: Jean-Claude Hartemann.
    • Gounod: Messe solennelle, Petite Symphonie.
    • Warner Classics.
    • 5.

  • Maurice Ravel

    Bolero

    Performer: André Rieu. Orchestra: Johann Strauss Orchestra.
    • Andre Rieu: Greatest Hits.
    • Denon.
    • 4.

  • Henry Purcell

    Abdelazer (Rondeau)

    Orchestra: English Baroque Soloists. Conductor: Sir John Eliot Gardiner.
    • John Eliot Gardiner - The Blossoming Conductor.
    • Warner Classics.
    • 1.

  • Jean Sibelius

    Finlandia

    Orchestra: Hallé. Conductor: John Barbirolli.
    • Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies, tone poems.
    • Warner Classics.
    • 1.

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Ehre sei dir (Christmas Oratorio)

    Choir: Bavarian Radio Symphony Choir. Orchestra: Academy for Ancient Music Berlin. Conductor: Peter Dijkstra.
    • Bach: Soli Deo Gloria, Johannes-Passion, Matthau-Passion, Messen H-Moll, Weihnac.
    • BR-Klassik.
    • 8.

Broadcast

  • Last Sunday12:00
    BBC Radio 3

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