This uniquely cross-sectional approach to culture combines great art with great music, and examines the connections between the two. Each piece of music from the carefully chosen selection takes on a new dimension and provides a musical context to the work of leading painters and sculptors. This fascinating series, with a colour booklet including a chronology of the principal artistic and political developments of the period, broadens our view of the music itself.

The genius of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) was truly astounding. No other painter of the twentieth century approaches him in reputation and influence, and none did more to create the revolution in art which we still call modernism. Each new generation continues to find the power of his vision compelling. On this audio, the world of Picasso is given a musical perspective with a carefully chosen selection of pieces by the finest composers of his time.

Picasso designed sets for Stravinsky's Pulcinella and Satie's Parade - two very different composers with whom he shared common ground. This exciting and varied selection of pieces forms a descriptive musical backdrop for Picasso's dazzling originality. As always, Hugh Griffith provides clear and absorbing notes.