Jesus movie soundtracks on the BBC

Miles Jupp of BBC Radio’s Silverscreen Beats is hosting a series of 15-minute audio documentaries on Jesus movie soundtracks this week. You can listen to today’s show, on Miklos Rosza’s score for King of Kings (1961), here.

Future installments include:

Godspell (July 4)
Composer Stephen Schwartz reveals that he took five weeks to write the classic songs such as Day By Day. Another song, Beautiful City, became the unofficial anthem of the World Trade Centre disaster, and virtually all the words in Godspell are derived from the New Testament.

Jesus Christ Superstar (July 5)
Lyricist Tim Rice reveals that the movie only came about because the stage show was such a flop, and how Tom Jones inspired the title to the film.

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (July 6)
Composer Geoffrey Burgon reveals how he wrote a traditional, serious score to counteract the comedy in a controversial film. Director Terry Jones admits that he was surprised that the song Always Look on the Bright Side became such a hit.

The Last Temptation of Christ (July 7)
Composers Peter Gabriel and David Bottrill reveal insightful and surprising stories from behind the scenes of this controversial movie. Director Martin Scorsese admits to receiving death threats during production.

I have heard today’s show, and as one who doesn’t really know how to play or analyze music but loves to listen to people who do, I found it rather interesting. I’m looking forward to the others.