Main content

John Harle

Sue Lawley's castaway is saxophonist John Harle.

Sue Lawley's castaway this week is the most-recorded saxophonist in the world. Inspired by Duke Ellington and encouraged by Jack Brymer, John Harle is equally at home playing jazz or classical music. He once marched with the Coldstream Guards, but left to test himself against other musicians at the Royal College of Music, gaining 100% in his final exam. As a composer he has collaborated with among others, Paul McCartney and Harrison Birtwistle, and his first opera is premiered this week.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Hunting Song by Pentangle
Book: The Aesthetics of Music by Roger Scruton
Luxury: Lute and strings

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Fri 29 May 1998 09:00
成人快手 Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

Sir David Willcocks

Next

Geoffrey Smith

See all episodes from Desert Island Discs

Music Played

  • Duke Ellington and His Orchestra

    Sucrier Velours

    • The Ellington Suites.
    • Pablo.

  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Pentangle

      Hunting Song

      • Basket of Light.
      • Line.

  • The Beatles

    You've Got To Hide Your Love Away

    • The Beatles 1962-1966.
    • Apple.

  • Richard Rodney Bennett

    Tuesday's Child

    Orchestra: London Jazz Ensemble

    • Jazz Calendar.
    • Philips.

  • Peter Maxwell Davies

    Sister Jeanne's Vision

    Artist: Aquarius Conductor: Nicholas Cleobury

    • The Devils.
    • Collins Classics.

  • Harrison Birtwistle

    Punch's Lullaby (from Punch and Judy)

    Soloist: Stephen Roberts Orchestra: The London Sinfonietta Conductor: David Atherton

    • Punch and Judy.
    • Etcetera.

  • Henry Hall

    Teddy Bears' Picnic

    • Hello Children Everywhere.
    • EMI.

  • Michael Nyman

    Miserere

    Soloist: Michael Nyman, Alexander Balanescu Choir: London Voices Conductor: Michael Nyman

    • The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover.
    • Venture.

  • Book Choice

    • The Aesthetics of Music - Roger Scruton

  • Luxury Choice

    • Lute and strings

Credits

Presenter Sue Lawley
Interviewed Guest John Harle

Broadcasts

  • Sun 24 May 1998 11:15
    成人快手 Radio 4
  • Fri 29 May 1998 09:00
    成人快手 Radio 4

Featured in...

The Desert Island Discs podcast

The Desert Island Discs podcast

Subscribe or download individual episodes.

Listen to over 2,000 programmes

Click above to browse castaways, from 1942 to today.

Articles

Read the surprising things we've learned about some stand-out castaways.

Podcast