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Damon Albarn and Dr Dee

Stuart Maconie chats to Damon Albarn and presents an exclusive performance of the opera Dr Dee, which was recorded in 2011 in Salford with the 麻豆社 Philharmonic Orchestra.

Stuart Maconie talks in-depth to Damon Albarn about his eclectic musical output and presents an exclusive performance of his first opera Dr Dee.

As a musician Damon needs no introduction; the founder of Blur, Gorillaz and The Good, The Bad & the Queen, he's widely regarded as one of the most innovative musicians of the past two decades.

First premiered at last year's Manchester International Festival, Dr Dee tells the story of John Dee; mathematician, astronomer, occultist and advisor to Elizabeth I. Recorded last year in Salford with the 麻豆社 Philharmonic Orchestra, the opera sets Dee's story to a sonic backdrop of early English period instrumentation, African beats, and Renaissance flourishes, described by Albarn as "strange, pastoral folk".

Stuart talks in depth to Damon about the opera, his recent production work with Bobby Womack, his collaboration with Tony Allen and Flea from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Rocket Juice & The Moon - and the future of Blur.

2 hours

Last on

Sun 22 Apr 2012 20:00

Music Played

  • Jim Richardson Junior

    The Thresher

  • Wiggy

    Zombic Hunch

  • Sproatly Smith

    The Mermaid Of Marden

  • Amazing Blondel

    Lady Marion's Galliard

  • The Chap

    Better Place

  • Grande Duke

    Stonecutter

  • Casual Sex

    National Unity

  • Dr Dee: An Opera By Damon Albarn

    • Damon Albarn

      Chalk Scratch

    • Damon Albarn

      Apple Carts

    • Damon Albarn

      The Moon Exalted

    • Damon Albarn

      Euclid Lecture

    • Damon Albarn

      A Man Of England

    • Damon Albarn

      A Marvelous Dream

    • Damon Albarn

      A Prayer

    • Damon Albarn

      Edward Kelley

    • Damon Albarn

      Nine Point Star

    • Damon Albarn

      Temptation Comes In The Afternoon

    • Damon Albarn

      Watching The Fire That Waltzed Away

    • Damon Albarn

      Moon

    • Damon Albarn

      Cathedrals

    • Damon Albarn

      Tree Of Beauty

    • Damon Albarn

      The Dancing King

  • Heroin Diet

    Murder Contest

  • Rocket Juice & the Moon

    Hey Shooter

  • Blur

    Beserk

  • The Owl Service

    Turpin Hero

Broadcast

  • Sun 22 Apr 2012 20:00