BBC broadcaster John Simpson discusses the connections between classical music and some of the most notable events of the mid-20th century, from World War Two to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Yesterday
Renaissance Italy's firearm revolution
Long before the modern debates over gun control, Renaissance Italy was grappling with many of the same questions. As firearms became smaller and easier to conceal, guns spread rapidly through society: moving from battlefields to appearances at court, and the streets of the Italia ... Show More
40m 21s
Jul 28
How blood banks saved Britain in WW2
How did the sign of the Red Vampire help British surgeons during the Second World War? Roderick Bailey, author of 'The Life Savers', explains to David Musgrove how Britain led the way in blood banks during the war, and how such prowess saved lives, strengthened the war effort, an ... Show More
35m 24s
Jul 27
Pericles: life of the week
Ancient Athenian statesman Pericles was a remarkable figure, renowned for promoting democracy, championing the arts, and shaping the fate of the Athenian empire. Yet his legacy of military mistakes and eccentricity has landed him with a somewhat mixed reputation. Historian Paul C ... Show More
49m 57s
Oct 2024
Introducing: Warfronts by Simon Whistler
Warfronts takes a deep dive into the world’s most significant conflicts, past and present. Now available as a podcast, we explore modern wars, the politics behind them, and how they shape the world today. Whether it’s a forgotten battle or the ongoing struggles in global hotspots ... Show More
1m 47s
Jun 2023
Pop Stars of the Second World War
In this episode, James Holland talks to legendary music journalist, David Hepworth about the popular songs and singers of the wartime years, and particularly those recorded at the world’s most famous recording studio, Abbey Road. From Al Bowlly and Noel Coward, to Gracie Fields, ... Show More
48m 22s
Jan 2022
137. 1922: The Birth of the Modern World Part 2
In part 2 of this centennial episode, Tom and Dominic cover the triggering of the Irish Civil War, the birth of the BBC, and Howard Carter's 'Tutmania'.
Plus, have you ever wondered how many stars Dominic's 1995 Edinburgh Fringe performance of Becket REALLY received from The Sc ... Show More
1h 3m
Oct 2023
The Postwar Lives of WW2 Leaders, Both Axis and Allies
Check out this episode sample from James Early's "Key Battles of American History," In this episode, which wraps up a season devoted to World War 2 in the European Theatre, hosts James Early and Sean McIver follow a long-established Key Battles tradition by giving brief overviews ... Show More
20m 46s
Oct 2024
Introducing: Warfronts by Simon Whistler
Warfronts takes a deep dive into the world’s most significant conflicts, past and present. Now available as a podcast, we explore modern wars, the politics behind them, and how they shape the world today. Whether it’s a forgotten battle or the ongoing struggles in global hotspots ... Show More
1m 47s
