Palestrina and the Popes

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Synopsis

Four-part documentary series in which actor and former chorister Simon Russell Beale explores the flowering of Western sacred music. He uncovers the links between the papal intrigues of Renaissance Rome and the music of the enigmatic Palestrina, whose work is considered by many to be unsurpassed in its spiritual perfection. The art and architecture of the Italian High Renaissance is accompanied by a performance from the award-winning choir The Sixteen, conducted by founder Harry Christophers.

Credits

Presenter

Simon Beale

Broadcasts

1. Fri 28 Mar 2008
   20:00
   BBC Four
2. Sat 29 Mar 2008
   01:15
   BBC Four
3. Sun 30 Mar 2008
   20:00
   BBC Four
4. Mon 31 Mar 2008
   03:15
   BBC Four
5. Tue 23 Dec 2008
   19:00
   BBC Four