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Simon Russell Beale, presenter of Symphony
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Symphony on TV
Symphony is a four-part series which explores the most exalted and influential idea in Western Classical music and, for the first time, demonstrated the surprising way in which it has shaped us and our modern world. Presented by Simon Russell Beale, you can read more about the episodes on the BBC's Symphony pages.
Below, you can explore articles and videos about the symphony and notable figures in its history, and see how you can develop your interest in music with the Open University.
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What is a symphony, anyway?
Madera de músico / Jorge Franganillo / http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Robert Samuels wonders what it is that makes 200-year-old symphonies worth listening to today Read more : What is a symphony, anyway?
When was the heyday of the symphony?
Work found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Carl_Wenzel_Zajicek_025.jpg / CC BY-SA 3.0
Robert Samuels looks back to when symphonies were the way to get noticed in the world of music Read more : When was the heyday of the symphony?
Musical landscapes: the symphony after 1900
an unsung Symphony / Jithin Radhakrishnan / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Fiona Richards looks at the symphony around the world during the first half of the 20th Century Read more : Musical landscapes: the symphony after 1900
Yesterday’s genre, or the music of the future?
Work found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Philip_Glass_018.jpg / CC BY-SA 3.0
Ben Winters asks about the Symphony after the Second World War Read more : Yesterday’s genre, or the music of the future?
An introduction to music theory
Learning Space 
Used with permission
This unit provides an introduction to music theory pitched at a level equivalent to Grades 1-3 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of... Read more : An introduction to music theory
Take it further with The Open University
Study at the OU: Start listening to music
sea turtle under CC-BY-NC-ND licence
Ever heard a piece of music and wanted to know more? This 12-week online course explores form, instrumentation and context through a range of music Read more : Study at the OU: Start listening to music
Study at the OU: The arts past and present
By spo0nman via Flickr under Creative Commons license
A broad course that introduces the arts across a range of subject areas, including music, art, English, classics and history Read more : Study at the OU: The arts past and present
Study at the OU: Inside music
Oxford Comma / Ben Barnes / http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/
An introduction to the principles of music, from the fundamental elements like rhythm and melody through to writing your own song Read more : Study at the OU: Inside music
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FAO Simon Russell Beale - Symphony
Whilst I watched and enjoyed the programme on Thursday, one moment jarred particularly. Talking about Bizet, you said "He and Harriet's marriage broke down"! Would you say "He marriage broke down"? I don't think so - obviously it should be "His and Harriet's marriage ... ". I can't think how you could read that and not realise it's wrong!
Regards
Ed Addis
Re: FAO Simon Russell Beale - Symphony
Whilst I read and enjoyed your comment on Friday, one moment jarred particularly. Talking about 'His and Harriet's marriage', you said 'Bizet'! Would you say 'Hector Bizet?' I don't think so - obviously it should be 'Hector Berlioz... '. I can't think how you could read that and not realise it's wrong!
Regards
Isabelle