Counterpoint (radio)
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Counterpoint is a BBC Radio 4 music quiz originally hosted by Ned Sherrin. It was first broadcast in 1986. The latest series, starting 19 March 2007, is hosted by Edward Seckerson.
The quiz splits into three "movements" (or rounds). The first round, "Moderato Questionable", gives five questions to each contestant, two of which are illustrated by short musical pieces. Two points are given for a correct answer, and if the answer is incorrect the other contestants may buzz in for one point. If there is a tie at the end of this round, a further buzzer question is asked to determine the contestants' order for the next round.
Theme and Variation forms the middle round. Four categories of questions are offered, some of which are very specific (for example "Beethoven's Piano Sonatas"), while others are more general (for instance "Sunshine and rain"). The person leading after the first round gets to choose from the four categories, the runner-up chooses from three, and the contestant in last place decides between the remaining two. Each round consists of eight questions, including three musical cues. Again two points are given for a correct answer; however in this round questions answered incorrectly are not offered to the other contestants.
The final round is "Questionable Accellorando". It consists of about twenty questions, all of which are on the buzzers. The first person to buzz may answer for a point. If they are incorrect then they will lose a point, and there are no bonuses.
Counterpoint is mostly about classical music, but it does include a considerable proportion of questions about jazz, pop, and other forms of modern music. These often prove to be panel-beaters.
Each edition features three contestants, and only the winner of each show progresses to the next round. The series is complete in 13 weeks, and has been running in Radio 4's Monday afternoon quiz slot since 1998.
The Counterpoint theme is Bach's 'Partita in E major', arranged & performed by Jacques Loussier.
Counterpoint Radio is also a radio station in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. It was established in 1986 and the first broadcast was on October 31 of that same year. In the beginning, the studio was situated in the Lootsstraat 29, but later it was moved to the Kanaalstraat, right in front of the antennas.
The music played on Counterpoint FM includes contemporary r&b, soul, rap and dance music, but you can hear many classics too. The broadcasts can be heard online via CounterpointFM.com.
