BBC Philharmonic’s Theme Success
Posted on January 31, 2010
Upshares, Downshares, the Radio 4 PM programme’s daily business and economics slot with Nils Blythe, has charted the economic crisis daily since November 2008.
Once the slot had been given the name it wasn’t long before the programme started playing the original theme from the Upstairs, Downstairs seventies drama … but then, unbidden, listeners began sending in their own renditions and interpretations of the tune.
Almost a hundred versions later, and the slot had developed into one of the stranger corners of the PM programme.
The BBC’s now gathered together all of the versions – from crumhorns to the carillon at York Minster, covering Bee Gees to Bach to Elvis, and featuring some very special versions recorded with the original composer Alexander Faris, playing on solo piano and conducting the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
Listeners are now apparently clamouring for a charity CD. The BBC says there are no plans asyet, but suggests people wishing to make a donation contribute to Children in Need.
Read more about Upshares Downshares and hear the various versions – click here
Donate to Children in Need – Click here