In 1975, BBC spelled out how MUZAK — and musical power – worked, maybe

It’s a master class in Western “common practice” music and its power. It decodes complex music theory and its impact on the mind. It’s also got some deeply entertaining action with a bearded psychiatrist operating a reel-to-reel machine and filters. Let’s watch this 1975 episode of BBC’s Horizon on the science of music and MUZAK.

How Elizabeth Parker wove the score of 1984’s The Living Planet

Electronic scores can evoke the dramatic wonder of nature, as composer Elizabeth Parker demonstrated in her score for the 1984 BBC David Attenborough classic The Living Planet. Here’s a look behind the scenes, as Parker imagines that soundscape with everything from a PPG Wave to a ketchup bottle. If you need a little extra imaginative inspiration back to the Earth, you’ll love listening to her talk about how she works.

Peter Kirn - August 28, 2025

Get the BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover instantly with Spitfire Audio – free, lightweight

It’s got all the basic elements of the BBC Symphonic Orchestra in plug-in form, it sounds great, it’s easy to use, and it’s all in a tiny 200MB. And now it’s free instantly, no strings attached. (No pun intended.)

Peter Kirn - July 14, 2022

Inside a note: explore minimalism with Björk home studio visits

Peter Kirn - February 8, 2021

The taste of music: listen to LJ Rich talk about synesthesia

Peter Kirn - October 26, 2018

BBC gives away 16k WAV sound effects, but disallows some uses

Peter Kirn - April 24, 2018

Unlocking unimaginable sounds with the BBC Radiophonic Workshop

Peter Kirn - June 5, 2017

Delia Derbyshire gets her own road

Peter Kirn - November 28, 2016

Sail to Samos with vintage BBC to find Pythagorean tunings

Peter Kirn - July 27, 2016

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