On the Radio Seven days Today

Private Passions

Radio 3, noon

Tim Harford spends his working life pursuing cool-headed analysis of statistics and data. But here, the economist reveals to Michael Berkeley the piece of contemporary classical music which makes him surrender to his most passionate emotions.

Monday

Gary Davies Radio 2, 9.30am

Gary deputises for Ken Bruce in the mid-morning slot. Australian comedian Adam Hills chooses the Tracks Of My Years, while two listeners try their hand at the Popmaster quiz.

Tuesday

Short Cuts Radio 4, 3pm

Josie Long presents short documentaries about acts of love – from the story of Ruth Coker Burks, who cared for hundreds of men during the Aids epidemic, to poet Nikita Gill’s look at a love which ended in its beginning.

Wednesday

Composer Of The Week Radio 3, noon

Donald Macleod explores Mozart’s treatment of love in its many guises in Die Zauberflöte, Idomeneo, Così fan tutte, le nozze di Figaro and Die Entführung aus dem Serail.

Thursday

Lauren Laverne 6 Music, 7.30am

Scotland’s makar Jackie Kay is special guest on Lauren’s breakfast show. The author of Trumpet discusses her new book which mixes biography, fiction and poetry about iconic blues singer Bessie Smith.

Friday

Iggy Confidential

6 Music, 7pm

The rock ‘n’ roll icon kick-starts the weekend with a rebel playlist featuring the likes of Burna Boy, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Khruangbin and Miles Davis.

Saturday

Pick Of The Pops Radio 2, 1pm

Paul Gambaccini presents two chart countdowns from decades past.