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Eric Idle, comedian and writer

Michael Berkeley's guest is the comedy performer, writer and Monty Python star Eric Idle.

Eric Idle has been making audiences around the world laugh for nearly 60 years. As a member of the legendary Monty Python group, he helped redefine British television comedy – followed by three highly successful original Python films.

Eric also wrote numerous songs for the Pythons, including Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, which has become highly popular at British funerals.

He also created and co-wrote the hit stage musical Spamalot, which brought the anarchic Monty Python spirit to Broadway, the West End and beyond.

His most recent book is called Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme. It’s a memoir focusing on his house in southern France - originally a crumbling stone ruin, now a lifelong retreat and source of inspiration.

His musical passions include works by Elgar, Haydn and Dvorak.

Presenter Michael Berkeley
Producer Clare Walker

29 days left to listen

1 hour, 26 minutes

Last on

Today 12:00
BBC Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Frédéric Chopin

    Nocturne in B flat minor Op.9 no.1

    Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy.
    • Chopin: The Piano Works.
    • Decca.
    • 1.

  • Arthur Sullivan

    The Pirates of Penzance (Overture)

    Orchestra: Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Conductor: Neville Marriner.
    • Sullivan: Overtures.
    • Decca.
    • 6.

  • Jacques Offenbach

    Can-can (Orpheus in the Underworld)

    Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic. Conductor: Semyon Bychkov.
    • Summer Night Concert 2016.
    • Sony.
    • 11.

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Cello Suite no.1 in G major BWV.1007 (Prelude)

    Performer: Yo‐Yo Ma.
    • DECCA.

  • Erik Satie

    Gymnopedie no.1

    Performer: Philippe Entremont.
    • Entremont Plays Satie.
    • Sony Classical.
    • 3.

  • Joseph Haydn

    Cello Concerto No 1 in C major (3rd mvt)

    Performer: Alisa Weilerstein. Ensemble: TrondheimSolistene.
    • Transfigured Night.
    • Pentatone.
    • 6.

  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

    Horn Concerto no.1 in D K.412 (1st mvt)

    Performer: Barry Tuckwell. Orchestra: Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Conductor: Neville Marriner.
    • Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1 - 4.
    • Warner Classics.
    • 1.

  • George Frideric Handel

    Comfort ye (Messiah)

    Singer: Michael Spyres. Ensemble: The English Concert. Conductor: John Nelson.
    • Handel: Messiah, HWV 56.
    • Warner Classics.
    • 2.

  • Antonín Dvořák

    Song to the Moon (Rusalka)

    Performer: Joshua Bell. Orchestra: Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Conductor: Michael Stern.
    • Voice of the Violin.
    • Sony Classical.

  • Richard Strauss

    Spring (4 Last Songs)

    Singer: Felicity Lott. Orchestra: Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Conductor: Neeme Järvi.
    • Strauss: Four Last Songs.
    • Chandos.
    • 103.

Broadcast

  • Today 12:00
    BBC Radio 3

Podcast

  • Private Passions

    Guests from all walks of life discuss their musical passions.