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On the outside, looking out

Kate Molleson meets Gavin Bryars, the much-loved composer whose career defies categorisation. Today, they discusses his early and unorthodox steps into composing.

Kate Molleson meets Gavin Bryars, the celebrated and much-loved composer whose kaleidoscopic career defies categorisation. As an inveterate collaborator, Bryars has worked alongside figures as diverse as Brian Eno, Tom Waites, the Hilliard Ensemble, Mainz Opera and Faroese singer-songwriter, Eivør Pálsdottír. He has collected a lifetime’s-worth of amazing stories along the way, and Kate invites Gavin to share some of the many surprising twists and turns in his journey from experimental outsider to concert hall favourite. Today he discusses his early steps into composing, rejecting a traditional path in classical music for something more adventurous.

Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet (excerpt)
The Cockpit Ensemble, directed by Gavin Bryars

The Stopping Train (I. Goole to Gilberdyke (Eastwards)
Blake Morrison, narrator
James Woodrow, electric guitar
Morgan Goff, viola
Nick Cooper, cello
Gavin Bryars, double bass

Crookesmoor (excerpt)
Joseph Holbrooke Trio

The Sinking of the Titanic (excerpt)
Philip Jeck, improvising turntablist
Gavin Bryars Ensemble

My First Homage
Dave Smith, piano
Gavin Bryars, piano
Andrew Bilham, vibraphone
Ronald Reah, vibraphone
Andrew Renshaw, sizzle cymbal
Andrew Wilson-Dickson, tuba

Release date:

59 minutes

On radio

Mon 23 Jun 2025 16:00

Broadcast

  • Mon 23 Jun 2025 16:00

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