20th Century Greats

Released: 2004-11-27

Runtime: 48 minutes

Episode Overview

John Lennon and Paul McCartney turned themselves into the most influential composers of the late twentieth century. Their music wasn’t just immensely popular. It also proved that traditional western harmony – the main building block of European music – still had plenty to offer. They, more than anyone, saved the western musical tradition from extinction, and gave it a new purpose and a direction.

Series Overview

Howard Goodall examines the work of The Beatles, Cole Porter, Bernard Herrmann and Leonard Bernstein.