The Essay

Music might feature in the work of many writers, but do many writers play an instrument? Quite a few do, and this essay series charts five writers with musical 'careers'. Here is a bit of autobiography, telling listeners how they started out, their inspirations, their memorable performances and how playing relates to their lives as writers. And they are keen to demonstrate their musical talents, which you can hear at the end of each essay! Novelist Patrick Gale begins the series with his recollections of taking up the cello. It was better than playing sports at school and now he's commissioned someone to make him his own instrument.