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Attenborough at 100

A specially curated sequence of some of Sir David Attenborough's favourite music tracks, celebrating his 100th birthday today.

A specially curated sequence of some of Sir David Attenborough's favourite music tracks, as part of the BBC's celebration of Attenborough's 100th birthday today. The sequence includes tracks that Attenborough loved and took with him to listen to on his many trips across the world making nature series, including the poignant trio from Mozart's Cosi fan tutte, the aria from Bach's Goldberg Variations, and a traditional Paraguyan song played on the harp, the Bell Bird. Also in the mix, a couple of short introductions from Attenborough himself, and some atmospheric soundtrack music from his nature programmes.

Produced by Dominic Wells.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3'.

11 days left to listen

30 minutes

Last on

Fri 8 May 202619:00
BBC Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Domenico Scarlatti

    Sonata in A Minor, Kk. 61

    Performer: Claire Huangci.
    • BERLIN CLASSICS.

  • George Fenton

    Planet Earth: The Journey of the Sun

    Orchestra: BBC Concert Orchestra. Conductor: George Fenton.
    • Planet Earth.
    • Silva Screen Records Ltd.
    • 2.

  • Trad.

    Pajaro Campana (The Bell Bird)

    Performer: Francisco Yglesia.
    • MUSIC FOR PLEASURE.

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Goldberg Variations BWV.988 (Aria)

    Performer: Murray Perahia.
    • Sony.

  • Thomas Tomkins

    When David heard that Absalom was slain

    Choir: Tallis Scholars. Director: Peter Phillips.
    • Thomas Tomkins: The Great Service: The Tallis Scholars.
    • Gimell.
    • 5.

  • George Fenton

    Planet Earth: The Redwoods

    Orchestra: BBC Concert Orchestra. Conductor: George Fenton.
    • Planet Earth.
    • Silva Screen Records Ltd.
    • 11.

  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

    Soave sia il vento (Così fan tutte)

    Singer: Miah Persson. Singer: Christine Rice. Singer: Bryn Terfel. Orchestra: Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Conductor: Charles Mackerras.
    • Mozart: Tutto Mozart!: Bryn Terfel/Sir Charles Mackerras.
    • Deutsche Grammophon.
    • 3.

  • Duke Ellington

    Malletoba Spank

    Composer: Billy Strayhorn. Ensemble: Duke Ellington and His Orchestra.
    • Jazz Party.
    • CBS.
    • 1.

Broadcast

  • Fri 8 May 202619:00
    BBC Radio 3

Featured in...

  • Attenborough at 100

    Celebrating the life & work of Britain's amazing naturalist and broadcaster at 100.

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