Classic BBC Radio Theme ~ Radio 4 UK Theme

The BBC Radio 4 UK Theme is an arrangement of traditional British airs composed by Fritz Spiegl (and possibly Manfred Arlan) which was played every morning onBBC Radio 4 between 1978 and 2006. In 2006, an announcement that the broadcast was to be cancelled caused much controversy in the United Kingdom, including extensive discussion in the British media and even in Parliament. The last broadcast of the UK Theme was at 5:30am on 23 April 2006.

This version is a re-recording by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Vintage
• radio
• theme
• BBC
• Radio
• Four

[retroscient]

What's the tune that kicks in with violins around the 2:17 mark? I've known it forever but can't place it.

[markh5682]

@retroscient

That is Greensleeves

[chrisb012]

I only came to enjoy Radio 4 recently, and have already fallen in love with the shipping forecast theme (thanks Mark, for putting on here). I found this on a search of themes online. I never even knew this existed! Its wonderful! Let's start a campaign to bring this back!

[cherikandler]

i think this was taken off air as a result of it not confirming to the "modern radio 4 agenda, "or some such piece ,management nonsence . like everybody else who has the misfortune to be up and out at 5 30 it was a real early morning tonic . i therefore must concur with 44tyke's sentiments in full !

[janemacification]

@retroscient ok as far as i can tell the tunes are as follows

Rule Britannia

Londonderry Air

Drunken Sailor

Scotland the Brave

Men of Harlech

Early one morning

Rule Britannia

[RocksNStars55]

@drigin1234 People who were not British? Like who for example? Who on earth would be offended by a beautiful piece of music like this?

[drigin1234]

I stopped listening to BBC radio after they stopped broadcasting this early morning tune.

The BBC had many opening tunes which were beutiful.

I believe the reason they ditched this tune is because it may have caused offence to all people who were not British Political correctness all gone mad.

[redfire20003]

Rule Brittania

LondonDerry Air (O Danny Boy)

Annie Laurie

Drunken Sailor

Greensleeves

Men Of Harlech

Early One Morning

Rule Brittania (reprise)

This was a lovely composition of Traditional tunes. I cannot fathom why R4 ever decided to ditch it. Can someone tell me why?

[retroscient]

Thanks very much, I love it

[radio53]

R4 has been pretty dire for the last five years. I can't listen anymore to the Today programme. Everytime I turn it on in the afternoons I get another programme about the Holocaust.

[1AdrianR]

Damazer is a bloody moron! "I believe the bulk of the audience will be better served by a pacy news briefing". Nothing could be farther from the truth! The bulk of the blooming audience wants it back! Also, what person is ready for a 'pacy' news briefing at 5:30 in the morning! People are hardly awake! I am writing to the BBC right away!