Desert Island Discs is a long-running BBC Radio 4 programme first broadcast on 29 January 1942. As it's name would suggest, an invited guest selects 8 pieces of music (originally records that they brought with them) , a book and a luxury item they would take if they were stranded on a desert island. The final piece of music was the one they considered most essential.
On May 27 1963 Birgit Nilsson appeared on the program. What follows (with some musical examples) is her selection. It's interesting to note of those records she selected 6 of her own performances. Now that's a true Diva.
Choices
1.
Carl Maria von Weber
Leise, leise, fromme Weise (from Der Freischütz)
Soloist: Birgit Nilsson Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra Conductor: Heinz Wallberg
2.
Franz Schubert
Die Forelle (The Trout), D550
Soloist: Elisabeth Schumann
3.
Birgit Nilsson
I Could Have Danced All Night
4.
Giacomo Puccini
Nessun dorma! (from Turandot)
Soloist: Jussi Björling Orchestra: Rome Opera House Orchestra Conductor: Erich Leinsdorf
5.
Edvard Grieg
I love but thee (Jeg elsker dig), Op. 5/3
Soloist: Birgit Nilsson
6.
Richard Wagner
Act 3 Love Duet (from Siegfried)
Soloist: Birgit Nilsson, Wolfgang Windgassen Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor: Georg Solti
7.
Richard Strauss
Salome
Soloist: Birgit Nilsson Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor: Georg Solti
8.
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE
Richard Wagner
Liebestod (from Tristan und Isolde)
Soloist: Birgit Nilsson Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor: Georg Solti
Luxury Item:
Swedish Crossword Puzzles
