Commissioned by the BBC Third Programme in 1961 as a radio play, Beckett's Words and Music has a fascinating history. The play itself was ground breaking for its casting of 'Music' as a central character, rather than merely serving to highlight mood or act as 'background', through the personification of 'Words' and 'Music' as the two rival servants of old Croak. Asked to comment on the theme of love, and at least to 'be friends', 'Words' attempts to sing his lines, following suggestions of musical phrases from 'Music' (the musicians). The play is performed in darkness, with the only visible light being the musician's music stands, leaving the action to the audience's imagination.T2005720444Company Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. Conductor Susanna Malkki. Music Morton Feldman. Music Gerald Barry. | |
| 7 May 02 | Union Chapel, Inner London :: V253 listing details L1415489269 |
| 5 May 02 | Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester :: V489 listing details L1294205231 |
| 3 May 02 | CBSO Centre, Birmingham :: V1707525073 listing details L1334871897 |
