Ronald Blythe
Sue Lawley's castaway is writer Ronald Blythe.
Admired as a keen observer and chronicler of rural life, Ronald Bythe is perhaps best known for his 'oral histories' - Akenfield: Portrait of an English Village, which won the Heinemann Award in 1969, and The View in Winter: Reflections on Old Age. In conversation with Sue Lawley, he talks about his life and work and chooses eight records to take to the mythical island.
[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]
Favourite track: Die Wetterfahne by Franz Schubert
Book: Life of Johnson by James Boswell
Luxury: Lots of paper with pens
Last on
Music Played
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Stephen Varcoe
Loveliest of Trees
- Three Song Cycles from A Shropshire Lad.
- Hyperion.
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In the Still of the Night
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Hector Berlioz
Shepherds' Farewell (from The Childhood of Christ)
Orchestra: Academy and Chorus of St Martin in the Fields
- Christmas with the Academy.
- Philips.
Castaway's Favourite
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Franz Schubert
Die Wetterfahne (from Winterreise)
Soloist: Peter Pears
- Winterreise.
- Decca.
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Samuel Crossman
My Song is Love Unknown
Choir: Choir of Wells Cathedral Conductor: Malcolm Archer
- English Hymn - Christ Triumphant.
- Hyperion.
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Aaron Copland
Variations on a Shaker Melody
Artist: William Chapman Nyaho & Susanna Garcia
- Works for Two Pianos.
- Centaur.
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John Clare
The Nightingale's Nest
Artist: Ted Hughes
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Maurice Ravel
Pavane pour une infante défunte
Orchestra: Boston Symphony Orchestra
- Nocturnes: Daphnis & Choe Suite.
- Deutsche Grammophon.
Book Choice
Life of Johnson - James Boswell
Luxury Choice
Lots of paper with pens
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Sue Lawley |
| Interviewed Guest | Ronald Blythe |
Broadcasts
- Sun 15 Apr 200111:15BBC Radio 4
- Fri 20 Apr 200109:00BBC Radio 4
Featured in...
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Archive 2000-2005—Desert Island Discs
Guests are invited to choose the eight records they would take to a desert island.
Podcast
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Desert Island Discs
Castaway guests share the soundtrack of their lives.






