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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

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Fri 20 Apr 2001 09:00

Music Played

  • Stephen Varcoe

    Loveliest of Trees

    • Three Song Cycles from A Shropshire Lad.
    • Hyperion.
  • In the Still of the Night

  • 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

    • Franz Schubert

      Die Wetterfahne (from Winterreise)

      Soloist: Peter Pears

      • Winterreise.
      • Decca.
  • Samuel Crossman

    My Song is Love Unknown

    Choir: Choir of Wells Cathedral Conductor: Malcolm Archer

    • English Hymn - Christ Triumphant.
    • Hyperion.
  • Aaron Copland

    Variations on a Shaker Melody

    Artist: William Chapman Nyaho & Susanna Garcia

    • Works for Two Pianos.
    • Centaur.
  • John Clare

    The Nightingale's Nest

    Artist: Ted Hughes

  • Maurice Ravel

    Pavane pour une infante d茅funte

    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 2001 11:15
  • Fri 20 Apr 2001 09:00

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