Selected Radiophonic Works

In 1958 an extraordinary musical laboratory was opened by the BBC. The Radiophonic Workshop provided music and sound for a wealth of BBC TV and radio programmes - from The Goon Show to Doctor Who.

Richard Coles explores the achievements of the unit and presents a carefully chosen selection of programmes showcasing the department's work:

* THE ELECTRIC TUNESMITHS

What have Doctor Who, New Worlds and Major Bloodnok's stomach in common? A Radiophonics Workshop signature tune.
George Luce finds out how sounds and tunes are conjured out of springs, shampoo bottles and electronic synthesisers. From BBC Radio 4, 1971.

* THE DREAMS

One of Delia Derbyshire's ‘Inventions for Radio’ produced in collaboration with the poet and dramatist Barry Bermange for the BBC Third Programme in 1964.

* THE GOON SHOW Series 9 (14/17) The Scarlet Capsule

Professor Ned Quatermass unravels a mystery around some enigmatic blue serge suits.
Stars Spike Milligan. From the BBC Home Service, 1959.

* INFERNO REVISITED

Peter Howell’s musical play by Peter Howell inspired by Dante's Inferno, with Alec McCowen as the Guide.
The music was realised at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. From BBC Radio 3, 1983

Plus clips of Bath Time (1976), Relativity (1974) and the legendary sound effect of Doctor Who’s TARDIS.

With contributions from Coldcut, Dick Mills and Mark Ayres.

Producer: Elizabeth Jaynes

Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in December 2008.

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