Today a rare interview with Dame Janet Baker, the English mezzo-soprano who was one of the most sought after and beloved voices of music in the twentieth century. Does Joachim Kohler's new biography of Richard Wagner succeed in painting a rounded portrait of the composer as both historical phenomenon and complex personality? And, with a season of horror films in full swing at the National Film Theatre, a look at the way music has expressed fear in the movies.
Presenter Tom Service.
In this Programme
Music and Fear
In the Room 101 of horror films, what would be your worst nightmare and what music would accompany it? Without their soundtracks, many horror films would be hilarious rather than horrifying. Film composer Simon Boswell, writer David Huckvale and film producer Lizzie Francke tell us how it's done.
A History of the Horror Film runs at the National Film Theatre until 30 December. http://www.bfi.org.uk/horror/
Dame Janet Baker
![Dame Janet Baker]()
Tom is joined by Mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker for a rare interview. She reflects on her career, its highs and lows, and describes how her relationship with music has changed since her retirement from the operatic stage in 1982. Dame Janet reveals the complex emotions of an all encompassing passion and the impact it has had on her life. A moving insight into the life of a great artist.
Wagner - Last of the Titans
Joachim Köhler's new Wagner biography investigates the complex psychology of a great composer. Instead of the velvet-clad meister of the theatre, Köhler gives us the man who was known to wear womens underwear, had lurid nightmares and, who was addicted to erotic infatuation. Philosopher and Wagner expert AC Grayling talks with Tom about the book and asks how Köhler tells the crucial story of Wagner's childhood.
Wagner: Last of the Titans by Joachim Köhler is published by Yale University press priced at £29.95 pp688
La Scala
Next week Italy's leading opera house La Scala reopens its doors to the public following a major refurbishment. Tom talks with David Willey, the BBC's Italy correspondent, about the new season which starts with a little-known opera by Antonio Salieri. We also hear from Riccardo Muti, La Scala's musical director on his feelings about the illustrious history and reopening of the house.
For more information on La Scala visit http://www.teatroallascala.org
