logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2008
27m 48s

Spem in Alium

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

Thomas Tallis's work is one of the most elaborate and spectacular pieces of choral music ever written.

Scored for 40 voices, the piece is best sung and heard in the round in order to appreciate an extraordinary sonic experience.

Choral conductor Simon Halsey and Michael Morpurgo discuss the music's spine-tingling effect on both performers and listeners.

Featuring:

Graeme Fife John Davies Clive Stafford-Smith

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.

Producers: Rosie Boulton & Melvin Rickarby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.

Up next
Jan 2026
Make You Feel My Love
"When the rain is blowing in your face / And the whole world is on your case / I could offer you a warm embrace / To make you feel my love"Written by Bob Dylan for his Time Out of Mind album, 'Make You Feel My Love' went on to become a huge hit for Adele and has been covered by B ... Show More
27m 46s
Jan 2026
Cranes in the Sky by Solange
Marking 25 years of the award-winning series, Soul Music features songs from the last 25 years. “I tried to drink it away... I tried to run it away...” Solange’s hit song, written in 2008 and released eight years later, muses on themes of isolation, loneliness, and depression. Sh ... Show More
27m 28s
Jan 2026
Yellow by Coldplay
"Look at the stars, look how they shine for you..."True stories of what Yellow, one of Coldplay's most iconic songs, means to people 25 years on from its release.It's December 1999 and a relatively unknown band called Coldplay are midway through recording their debut studio album ... Show More
27m 41s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2020
Max Richter
The eclectic composer joins members of the ACME ensemble for some of his most affecting music, which moves the audience to tears.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NP ... Show More
May 2023
Stripping The Score
Have you ever wondered how a conductor deciphers the individual musical parts and melodies from a whole opera score? In this episode, Stephen and Joanna deconstruct Richard Strauss’ monumental opera, Salome - a score which contains the so-called “most sickening chord in all opera ... Show More
32m 3s
Jun 2024
Captive Soul 042
The bi-weekly radio show from KOROLOVA - Escape on a journey into the next dimension, with spellbinding sounds, euphoric chords, and blissful beats. Adriatique & Solique - Changing Colors feat. ALSO ASTIR [X Recordings]Korolova, Mark Tarmonea & AGAP - Whispers [Zamna Records]Son ... Show More
1 h
Nov 2023
Captive Soul 028
The bi-weekly radio show from KOROLOVA - Escape on a journey into the next dimension, with spellbinding sounds, euphoric chords, and blissful beats. TH;EN, Carlo Whale - Elation [New Tab]Alter - Out Of Control [Area Verde]MEDUZA - Phone feat. Sam Tompkins & Em Beihold (Trance Wax ... Show More
1 h
Feb 2023
120-Listener Compositions Pt.6
<p>It is time to add yet more listeners to our composing community! They work hard, that we may listen hard! So let us listen! This episode will feature the original music of: <br /> Visa Oscar, Alex Turnbull, Aubriel, Lemongrass, Neal Malley and Steve From an Undisclosed Subterr ... Show More
1h 35m
Jan 2024
Let's Get Stringy
In today's episode, Stephen and Joanna pour over some of the most passionate music ever performed and conceived - the violin concerto. They explore the mechanics of violin playing, discuss their favourite virtuoso fiddlers and also explore major works by Elgar, Brahms, Tchaikovsk ... Show More
32m 49s
Aug 2018
Erykah Badu
The singer's performance at the Tiny Desk was an almost spiritual experience, leaving many at the NPR Music offices in awe.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Priv ... Show More
15m 17s