Live in Concert 30 May - Britten's War Requiem

[VodkaDilc]

The War Requiem on the 'thespace' website is a visual treat. A fairly long wait before the performance starts but some stunning views of Coventry Cathedral and - joy of joys - no spoken introduction, no 'celebrity' waffle, no 'knowing' guests. Granted that this sort of presentation would not work for every occasion but in this case it is wonderful just to watch and wait without any chatter. The camera work during the performance is excellent, adding to the intensity of the occasion. Can't wait for the DVD.

I wonder how many times the BBC folk will need to read this before they realise that we do not want all the additions they make to the presentation of concerts and other musical broadcasts. Omitting them would save money (I suppose the so-called experts get paid), it would cut down the length of the broadcasts, giving more time for the rubbish they delight in televising for 99% of the time - and, most importantly, most viewers would prefer it. I wish a spokesman for the BBC would answer this and tell us what they perceive the positive points are, when compared to all the negatives.

[Panjandrum]

I wonder how many times the BBC folk will need to read this before they realise that we do not want all the additions they make to the presentation of concerts and other musical broadcasts. Omitting them would save money (I suppose the so-called experts get paid), it would cut down the length of the broadcasts, giving more time for the rubbish they delight in televising for 99% of the time - and, most importantly, most viewers would prefer it. I wish a spokesman for the BBC would answer this and tell us what they perceive the positive points are, when compared to all the negatives.

I suspect they'd tell us what they are saying on their Facebook page, viz: it's available on the web, which is a BBC/Arts Council collaboration, and, therefore, we are making it available to as wide a range of the public as possible. They'd also say that many viewers like having a more relaxed, informal method of presentation and that, given the BBC's brief to make the arts accessible to the whole spectrum of potential viewers/listeners this is the preferred approach. Finally, they'd say that the availability of broadcasts on iplayer means that one can choose not to listen to the presentation. Make of that what you will.

[Northender]

I didn't know about the webcast either until I started reading this thread! Mrs N and I may watch it this afternoon if the weather doesn't improve.

[Osborn]

I suspect they'd tell us what they are saying on their Facebook page, viz: it's available on the web...and therefore, we are making it available to as wide a range of the public as possible.

But of course it changes the whole nature of the viewing experience. I don't want to watch it on a 19 inch computer screen in a spare bedroom from a distance of 2 foot & the chance of my wife pulling up a chair to watch with me are zero. (But I did & it was wonderful)

[Mary Chambers]

Television might have brought in some viewers who were mildly curious, and who would then discover something wonderful. We had to be pretty interested already to watch it on The Space, I feel.

[Petrushka]

Television might have brought in some viewers who were mildly curious, and who would then discover something wonderful. We had to be pretty interested already to watch it on The Space, I feel.

Indeed so, Mary, as I pointed out in my message 34. I learnt so much from music on TV in the 1970's and there is a 'ghettoisation' of the arts and music on TV these days that makes similar experiences for other people a practical impossibility.

[Northender]

Just finished watching the recording on 'The Space' - a wonderful performance. Especially moving, I thought, when Mark Padmore turned to gaze at his fellow soloist on the line 'I am the enemy you killed'....

[PJPJ]

I didn't know about the webcast either until I started reading this thread! Mrs N and I may watch it this afternoon if the weather doesn't improve.

I didn't either, but I notice there's a link to it now on R3's home page. Thanks to those here who flagged it up in the first place.

[Mahlerei]

Just watched this on thespace. Extraordinary performances all round. I look forward to the DVD/Blu-ray later this year.

[BBMmk2]

Thatis good then,asI have just watched it. A good match for the compsoer's own recoreding?

[austin]

Just watched this on thespace. Extraordinary performances all round. I look forward to the DVD/Blu-ray later this year.

A very wonderful performance.

http://tinyurl.com/cq6m6jj

[Resurrection Man]

Is Mr Pee actually Jeremy Hunt?

Or at least his driver?

Please give it a rest and grow up

[amateur51]

Please give it a rest and grow up

Do I know you?

[Resurrection Man]

Do I know you?

I doubt it very much.

[Beef Oven]

Do I know you?

Do what the man says and grow up Tiddles!