Together Sounding

The word Symphony derives from the greek words 'Sym' meaning together and 'phony' meaning sounding....

And I'm thinking about form both symphonic and sonata:

http://library.thinkquest.org/22673/forms1.html

Can this be used as a structure for a radio feature?

Lost in the supermarket

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA8LWKiOTGI

When I told my friend Matt I was doing a piece on the musicality of supermarkets he recommended this song by The Clash - later echoed by Geoff as we meandered around the aisles searching for inspiration. Probably not part of the symphony, but food for thought "I came in here for a special offer, guaranteed personality"

On Beauty

I spotted this poem on the tube as I was on the way to carry out a spot of research in a supermarket last week. Got me thinking about beauty.. hidden or otherwise.

Lines from Endymion by John Keats

A thing of beauty is a joy forever

It's loveliness increases, it will never

Pass into nothingness but still will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams, and health

and quiet breathing

Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the earth

Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth

Of noble natures, of the gloomy days

Of all the unhealthy and o'er darkened ways

Made for our searching: yes in spite of all,

Some shape of beauty moves away the pall

From our dark spirits.

About Supermarket Symphony

Supermarket Symphony is a composed feature - produced by me (Nina Perry) On this project I am being superbly assisted by Geoff McQueen, Josef Hare-Brown and Hilary Robinson. It is a Falling Tree Production for BBC Radio 4.

Love them or hate them, supermarkets are social hives, in part, driven by us and our shopping habits. As we desert the high streets in favour of supermarkets, are we merely opting for convenience or the cheapest price? Or falling prey to marketing ploys? Or is there something more to this attraction? Do supermarkets fulfil a deeper social or personal need?