Music, Mischief and Morals in the C18 - BBC4 programme

[aeolium]

Did anyone else watch this programme presented by Suzy Klein last night? I thought it wasn't bad, with quite a lot of musical examples (beautifully sung, too, especially by Iestyn Davies) and some interesting insights into e.g. the origins of Rule Britannia and God Save the King. There were some gimmicky bits, worst of all the gruesome attempt by SK to pose as an C18 ballad-singer, but it was a decent overview of the early C18 development of music in London.

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

watched intermittently and disliked the balladeering, though it was courageous, as well .... music was imv also rather good ...

[Stan Drews]

Just caught up. Not bad, but would have liked to have had input from Lucie Skeaping.

[Mary Chambers]

I enjoyed it, even though I could predict what was coming next much of the time. ('Next, The Beggar's Opera'). She's a lively presenter, and unlike others here I thought her attempt at ballad singing was rather good. Iestyn Davies was, as usual, immaculate - does he ever have an off-day? - and Allan Clayton also sang most beautifully, especially Tom Bowling.

[Nick Armstrong]

Allan Clayton also sang most beautifully, especially Tom Bowling.

The latter was the highlight for me, I've kept that 2 minutes of lovely singing on my hard drive - that final phrase "aloft..."

[Rupert P Matley]

I generally found it informative and interesting but for me there were too many shots of Suzy Klein where there needn't have been, i.e, when interviewees were talking and when she was listening to others performing.

[Barbirollians]

I generally found it informative and interesting but for me there were too many shots of Suzy Klein where there needn't have been, i.e, when interviewees were talking and when she was listening to others performing.

I agree that was very irritating and her endless location shots - they could have saved a few quid - did we really need to see her squelching in Rossendale ?

Good programme generally - the only real disappointment was apart from the brief piece on Haydn there was very little about foreign influences .

[Ariosto]

I generally found it informative and interesting but for me there were too many shots of Suzy Klein where there needn't have been, i.e, when interviewees were talking and when she was listening to others performing.

I did not see this programme as I can't stand Soozy InKlein at the best of times and she is a dreadful pianist. Sorry about that. Just thought i would mention it ...

[french frank]

I generally found it informative and interesting but for me there were too many shots of Suzy Klein where there needn't have been, i.e, when interviewees were talking and when she was listening to others performing.

Everything you always wanted to know ...


The broadcast media (not just the BBC) regard presenters as crucial to the quality of programmes. For some audiences is probably true, but they also account for a lot of irritation (however 'popular' they are)

[Ariosto]

Everything you always wanted to know ...


The broadcast media (not just the BBC) regard presenters as crucial to the quality of programmes. For some audiences is probably true, but they also account for a lot of irritation (however 'popular' they are)

I did not really want to know all of that, but it fits. (Poor kids!) Must just make sure I avoid anything she does, if its possible.

[Sir Velo]

Everything you always wanted to know ...

I think you were rather too kind on Schmoozy Kline, FF, by omitting to quote these choice snippets:

"Best show on the radio?

Zane Lowe on Radio 1.

FIVE FAVOURITE THINGS?

Radio 3 on in the background

[Ariosto]

I think you were rather too kind on Schmoozy Kline, FF, by omitting to quote these choice snippets:

"Best show on the radio?

Zane Lowe on Radio 1.

FIVE FAVOURITE THINGS?

Radio 3 on in the background

Absolutely, she really did drop a few clangers there! I wanted to mention them but didn't and I'm pleased you did!

[french frank]

I think the idea was to increase the street cred rather than impress Radio 3 listeners. However, the target audience for Radio 1 is 15-29, so at 39 she is 'supposed' to have graduated to Stuart Maconie on 6 Music.

I think it may be said that many of the Radio 3 presenters are capable broadcasters but I'm afraid the age of appointing staff because they are highly knowledgeable about classical music is long past (jazz and world music are, in this respect, better served).

[mercia]

an Oxford First Class (Hons) in music.

[Ariosto]

So what!