London Recordings

The eminent art critic David Sylvester always managed to catch the unexpected angle when he explored the lives, work and ideas of his contemporaries. This dazzling, surprising collection - planned and completed by David Sylvest himself shortly before his death in 2001 - includes key interviews recorded in London over the years. Some pieces focus on artists, conveying the urgent, changing movements of British art from early appreciations of Henry Moore and William Coldstream, to Bridget Riley, Malcolm Morley, Howard Hodgkin, Gilbert and George, Rachel Whiteread, Douglas Gordon and Tony Cragg. Other interviews turn to ballet, theatre film and music, introducing us to the world and views of Leonide Massine, the inspired film-set designer Ken Adam, the composer Harrison Birtwistle and Michael Brearley, former England cricket captain. Deeply enjoyable, rewarding and thought provoking, London Recordings is a tribute to Sylvester's remarkable wisdom, humanity and humour as well as his enduring genius.