- For the first time ever, the individual orchestral lines of Beethoven’s best-known symphony – recorded especially by BBC Radio 3 and BBC National Orchestra of Wales – will be available for free download
- DJ High Contrast and turntablist Shiva Feshareki are among those remixing the first movement for broadcast across BBC Radio 1, Radio 3 and BBC Radio 6 Music
- The BBC is inviting audiences and first time producers to create their own mixes for potential Radio 3 broadcast
- Beethoven Remixed is part of a year-long pan-BBC season, Beethoven Unleased, marking the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth
For the first time ever, BBC Radio 3 and the BBC National Orchestra Of Wales have recorded the individual orchestral lines that make up the inspirational work for anyone to download and remix for free. Available on the Radio 3 website, those wishing to create their own mix at home now have the basic ingredients to make their own masterpieces and potentially have them broadcast on BBC Radio 3 programmes In Tunes and Late Junction
Launched today by composer and turntablist Shiva Feshareki on Radio 3’s In Tune, a Beethoven remix from superstar drum and bass producer and DJ High Contrast will be broadcast on Radio 1 next week, as well as further remixes to be broadcast across the BBC’s popular music radio stations throughout the week.
BBC Music is working closely with influential and acclaimed musicians across the spectrum of musical genres – from chart-topping club DJs to drum and bass producers, from experimental turntablists to indie bands – who will be delivering remixes for Radio 1, Radio 3 and 6 Music broadcast. Audiences, including emerging and first time producers, can watch helpful tutorials on the BBC Music YouTube Channel on how to remix the Fifth from UK hip hop producer Ocean and Welsh electronic producer Rachel K Collier, along with advice on how to use the audio in different software packages.
Alan Davey, Controller Radio 3 & Classical Music at the BBC, says: “This exciting initiative is all about giving everyone the opportunity to get involved in music production and create something entirely fresh using Beethoven’s timeless and well known fifth symphony. Our unique celebration of Beethoven is all about offering audiences an opportunity to explore the achievements of a musical giant and a new way of understanding why he matters. Whether you’re passionate about music and want to give producing a first time go or you’re a remix virtuoso, everyone is invited to give Beethoven’s definitive sound a new twist.”
Lorna Clarke, Controller of Pop Music at the BBC says: “Music’s appeal is universal whether it’s pop or classical, so this is a great opportunity for anyone interested in making their own music to get creative, explore the music Beethoven created and to take his composition in new directions.”
Hark! Do I hear the sound of barrel bottoms being scraped? If only LvB were still with us, he could reap rich royalties without having to hear a note of the inevitable range of efforts, poor deaf genius.
I didn’t think Beethoven year would feature prostitution of his art. Now I can’t criticize what I have not yet heard but I can’t see the prospect of anything of artistic value being offered.