Variations

BBC Radio 4; March 2007
Producers: Rosie Boulton and Peter Leslie Wild
44 min

A young woman. A tragic accident. A haunting melody. Variations weaves together the past and the present through the memories of a young radio researcher fighting for her life, after an accident in Greece. Kirstie’s most recent radio project was a documentary about the movement entitled Variations from Beethoven’s 30th Piano Sonata, a haunting piece of music that may or may not have been written for the great composer’s ‘eternal beloved’ – a woman whose identity has never been entirely clear. Love, death and mystery are the themes echoed by Beethoven’s timeless composition.

Starring Alex Jennings, Anna Madeley and Christine Kavanagh, Variations won the 2007 Grand Prix Marulić and was longlisted for the 2008 Sony Drama award. Commentary from the celebrated classical pianist, John Lill, creates a backdrop to the drama.