主播大秀

Cycling across Lambeth Bridge I can just about make out the top of the venue for today鈥檚 sneak preview of new 主播大秀 Two series . I鈥檓 heading for Westminster Abbey, and I鈥檓 quite excited as I鈥檝e never been inside the historic building before.

As I park up my bike just before 9.30am, tourists are already swarming around the impressive London landmark. Although I鈥檓 armed with a map, I realise I have no idea where I鈥檓 supposed to go and so am more than relieved when I notice a bright red 主播大秀 lanyard amongst the throng. It鈥檚 hanging round the neck of publicist Claire and she happily navigates me through the tour groups assembled in Dean鈥檚 Yard and deposits me safely at the Jerusalem Chamber.

With Claire I have the first of a number of conversations today that hint at how pleased Westminster Abbey is to be involved with the series. A lot of filming has taken place here, hence why staff at the Abbey were more than happy for today鈥檚 screening to be held in the building.

Reading through the press pack I was handed (whilst I was procuring a Bourbon biscuit), I learn that locations are an important aspect of this four-part series. Much effort has been made to film a staggering 40 pieces of music being performed in the venues they were originally composed for, giving viewers a unique chance to see how the architecture of the setting influenced the structure of the music. As well as Westminster, works have been recorded at Buckingham Palace, King鈥檚 College Cambridge and St Paul鈥檚 Cathedral. A selection of these recordings will be played in full on 主播大秀 Radio 3鈥檚 to tie-in with the series when it airs in July as part of .

Once settled in our seats, Commissioning Editor for 主播大秀 Music and Events, Jan Younghusband explains how the programme idea sprang from a passing conversation about Henry VIII and developed from there into David Starkey鈥檚 first authored television series for the 主播大秀. She also mentions that King Henry IV died in the Jerusalem Chamber, which is a little discomforting.

Busts of Henry IV and Henry V flank the television screen, which is somewhat apt as the four episodes听chronicle how the monarchy has shaped the history of British music from the reign of the aforementioned Henry V through to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. By way of introduction to the preview, David Starkey delivers an enthusiastic, fact-filled, whistle-stop tour of this timeline. As passionate as he is witty, he gives a sense of how music sheds so much light on the personalities of the kings and queens featured. This theme continues through the 45-minute screening of selected highlights, from the compositions of Henry V to the love story of and Henry VIII.

If I鈥檓 honest, I am more a fan of the Sex Pistols version of God Save The Queen, but the stories in today鈥檚 preview have hooked me in and as I cycle past Buckingham Palace on my way back to White City I can鈥檛 help but look at it slightly differently.

is Digital Content Producer, About the 主播大秀 Website and Blog.

• 听'Music and Monarchy' will be broadcast in July, dates will be announced in due course.听
• More programme information about the series is available as 听and in a press release on the website.