Song Diary Of A Dying Man

The songs - were Al's choices for ‘Beckstival' a back garden celebration co-created in the depth of lockdown during June 2020, just weeks before Al's death from cancer. The music ranged from 60s psychedelia and pop classics to a traditional pipe march.

The tender and witty email correspondence between the two gives voice to Al himself, and underpins Karine's week-long meditation on the role that song plays in each of our stories of living and dying - as lullaby and love letter, memory marker and memorial.

In this first essay Karine describes making the offer of the private gig and being overwhelmed by Al's response, starting what would be remarkable collaboration for them both.

Written and Presented by Karine Polwart

Producer by Peter McManus

Mixed by Sean Mullervy

Karine Polwart considers music's ritual power to connect, soothe, honour and remember.

Folksinger Karine Polwart reflects on the power of music as she recalls a back garden concert given during the depths of lockdown, the result of a unexpectedly rich collaboration.

The resulting correspondence became an unexpectedly rewarding collaboration as they shared their love of music through Al's choice of songs. In this essay Karine considers the power of song to transport us to a place and time, conjuring up important moments in our lives.

Written and Presented by Karine Polwart

Producer by Peter McManus

Mixed by Sean Mullervy

Karine Polwart considers music's ritual power to connect, soothe, honour and remember.

Folk musician Karine Polwart recounts a unique collaboration during the lockdown of 2020, considering in this essay the power of song to transport us to a place and time.