MY SIX BEST ALBUMS

JOANNA TROLLOPE, 73, is the award-winning novelist whose books include A Village Affair, The Choir and her latest, City Of Friends. She is chair of judges for the BBC National Short Story Award and the winner will be announced on October 3 on Radio 4’s Front Row. bbc.co.uk/NSSA AMY WINEHOUSE: Back To Black (Universal) I need stories in music as I need stories in books – and I can’t get enough of Amy.

I love the way she sounds and there’s something about all that fervour encapsulated in somebody so minute that is fascinating. I have a little blast on my computer at the end of the day. FAURÉ: Requiem (IMP Classics) In Paradisum, in particular, has a personal association because it was played at the funeral of my best friend who died 23 years ago. There’s something about the cascading, hopeful sound that’s perfect because she lived life to the last minute. DORY PREVIN: Mythical Kings And Iguanas (EMI) She could express complexity of feeling, such as when you know a relationship is no good but you keep wanting it. I always admire people who make something constructive out of personal heartbreak. I listen to it in the car. MOZART: Great Mass In C Minor (Decca) My favourite recording of this is by the English Baroque Soloists conducted by John Eliot Gardiner.

It’s got some solemn bits but Mozart is so joyful. The music is almost as familiar to me as my own hand. It’s a great background piece. EMMYLOU HARRIS: Stumble Into Grace (Nonesuch) I love her musicianship and ability to take any old subject and make a song of it. She’s much more than just a country and western singer. She has taken a simple, powerful tradition and elevated it. I love her voice’s deadpan quality. BEETHOVEN: Symphony No 6 Pastoral (LSO) I came to Beethoven rather late and now he can do no wrong. In the pastoral, he imagines the dawn and the glory of the calm after a storm.

About 10 years ago, I went to Berlin and heard all the Beethoven symphonies in a week. It was extraordinary. To order any of the books featured, post free (UK only), please phone The Express Bookshop on You may also send a cheque made payable to or postal order to: or you can order online at www.expressbookshop.com