This is a thoughtful, reflective and well-played programme, imaginatively programmed, and is balm to the ears on a blistering hot summer morning. What was not balm to the ears, was the fatuous choice of "interval filler" - a rip-roaring recording of Beethoven's massive Choral Fantasia, which completely spoiled the mood and provided no contemplative rest for ears between the two halves of the concert.
The business of filler music must have exercised Forumite minds before, but this was a shocking example of the disgusting practise at its worst! I've actually put in a complaint, as quoted below. I do not expect a sensible response, of course.
The business of filler music must have exercised Forumite minds before, but this was a shocking example of the disgusting practise at its worst! I've actually put in a complaint, as quoted below. I do not expect a sensible response, of course.
The business of filling live concert intervals with music, rather than giving our ears a rest from composed sound, through a linked radio talk or some other useful alternative, has become endemic - a sad sign of the decline of public broadcasting, and the inept laziness of Radio 3's programmers.
Today was a classic eye-roller: in the interval of a gentle and reflective clarinet and piano recital from the Edinburgh Festival, containing some rare works which it would have good to have learned more about, we had our ears pulverised by an irrelevant recording of Beethoven's Choral Fantasia, for solo piano, orchestra and large chorus.
Anyone who thought this was sensible, expedient or appropriate needs to have a serious think about whether they're in the right career.
I don't want a pro forma response, please, about costs. That's nonsense. Given the wealth of archive talks material available, it wouldn't take much gumption to find something appropriate there, or to ask a local music critic to say a few words about the content of the concert. It just takes a little professionalism.
Removing musical filler from concert intervals would (a) better respect the live artists; (b) demonstrate good taste, which is lacking; and (c) add immeasurably to the pleasure of your sound-battered listeners.
Playing music in the middle of a musical event is not merely stupid and lazy. It is utterly counterproductive, sending the message "we don't care a damn about this concert, and it's all space filling anyway".
Today was a classic eye-roller: in the interval of a gentle and reflective clarinet and piano recital from the Edinburgh Festival, containing some rare works which it would have good to have learned more about, we had our ears pulverised by an irrelevant recording of Beethoven's Choral Fantasia, for solo piano, orchestra and large chorus.
Anyone who thought this was sensible, expedient or appropriate needs to have a serious think about whether they're in the right career.
I don't want a pro forma response, please, about costs. That's nonsense. Given the wealth of archive talks material available, it wouldn't take much gumption to find something appropriate there, or to ask a local music critic to say a few words about the content of the concert. It just takes a little professionalism.
Removing musical filler from concert intervals would (a) better respect the live artists; (b) demonstrate good taste, which is lacking; and (c) add immeasurably to the pleasure of your sound-battered listeners.
Playing music in the middle of a musical event is not merely stupid and lazy. It is utterly counterproductive, sending the message "we don't care a damn about this concert, and it's all space filling anyway".
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