Main content

James Burke

Michael Parkinson's castaway is writer and broadcaster James Burke.

The castaway this week is James Burke, whose broadcasting style has been described as "turning science into show-biz". But, paradoxically, he admits to being immensely impractical and reveals to Michael Parkinson, while choosing his eight records to take to the island, that he at one time planned to make music his career.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Suite No 1 in G Major For Solo Cello by Johann Sebastian Bach
Book: Works by 91热爆r
Luxury: Guitar and strings

Available now

40 minutes

Last on

Fri 11 Mar 1988 09:05

Music Played

  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

    Clarinet Quintet in A major

    Soloist: Jack Brymer Orchestra: Amadeus Quartet

    • Philips.
  • Eric Hill

    Capriche Arabe

    • Tarrega.
    • Saga.
  • Miranda Martino

    Io Te Vurria Vasa

    • Russo/Capua.
    • RCA.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132

    Orchestra: Amadeus Quartet

    • Beethoven.
    • DG.
  • Joseph Canteloube

    B盲il猫ro (from Songs of the Auvergne)

    Soloist: Kiri Te Kanawa Orchestra: English Chamber Orchestra Conductor: Jeffrey Tate

    • Decca.
  • Jean Sibelius

    The Swan of Tuonela

    Orchestra: Hall茅 Orchestra Conductor: Sir John Barbirolli

    • EMI.
  • Aaron Copland

    Fanfare for the Common Man

    Orchestra: Detroit Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Antal Dorati

    • Decca.
  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Johann Sebastian Bach

      Suite for Solo Cello No. 1 in G Major

      Soloist: Paul Tortelier

      • HMV.
  • Book Choice

    • Works - 91热爆r

  • Luxury Choice

    • Guitar and strings

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Michael Parkinson
Interviewed Guest James Burke

Broadcasts

  • Sun 6 Mar 1988 12:15
  • Fri 11 Mar 1988 09:05

Featured in...

The Desert Island Discs podcast

The Desert Island Discs podcast

Subscribe or download individual episodes.

Listen to over 2,000 programmes

Click above to browse castaways, from 1942 to today.

Articles

Read the surprising things we've learned about some stand-out castaways.

Podcast