The Eternal Breakfast Debate in a New Place

[Ein Heldenleben]

Not really apposite. I'm not saying that it's partly bad. Only that I personally don't enjoy 100% of the music, or the performances, played every day. But if I did, that would make me thoughtlessly undiscriminating, wouldn't it? For example, I happen to find the singing of a particular baritone who is very much in vogue (and indeed whom I've seen lauded around these parts) extremely bland. He gets far more exposure on Breakfast (and indeed elsewhere on Radio 3) than I think he deserves. So when he pops up, I find myself not enjoying the programme at that point. But I understand that there are many people who do. And his appearance does not turn a good programme into a bad one.

Who is this bland baritone ? Please tell me it’s not Bryn?
Ok does he come from a country well known for its secessionist Francophone population?

[underthecountertenor]

Who is this bland baritone ? Please tell me it’s not Bryn?
Ok does he come from a country well known for its secessionist Francophone population?

Not Bryn, and no.
Origins closer to home (speaking as a North Londoner).

[underthecountertenor]

I accept that what you aren't keen on doesn't make it a 'bad programme' for you. But what I don't like about the programme makes it no longer worth switching on. Irritating presentation and too little musical interest. But - that's just me, and I accept responsibility for remedying the situation. No feelings one way or the other about anyone who thinks/feels otherwise. I don't even 'grumble': I just comment

I was concerned because it was my words that were seized for the curate's egg reference, which was not what I was saying at all.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Not Bryn, and no.
Origins closer to home (speaking as a North Londoner).

You’ve got me. I thought I knew a lot about baritones ..
Thomas Allen from Durham ...instantly recognisable and not bland ..no

I think I’ve got it. Also a composer who’s written a jazz mass ?
Ooh I like him!

Recently been listening to John Shirley Quick following the BAL On Vaughan Williams . He is the absolute prince of English Baritones

[french frank]

I was concerned because it was my words that were seized for the curate's egg reference, which was not what I was saying at all.

I take your point. I should have said the notion of 'curate's egg' was very apposite as far as I was concerned. Looking through this morning's Breakfast playlist (seeking a baritone to whom you might have been referring), I spotted that Josquin's El Grillo, sung by the Hilliards, was played, which is something I like (and Ah, Robin' played just before). But, even if I knew it was going to be played (which I wouldn't because they don't tell you until after it's been played) it wouldn't be worth keeping an eye on the clock and switching on for 5 minutes. Or even navigating the slider to hear it afterwards, since if I want to hear it again I can play my EP record. It's not something I want to compare 15 recordings of.

[Ein Heldenleben]

I take your point. I should have said the notion of 'curate's egg' was very apposite as far as I was concerned. Looking through this morning's Breakfast playlist (seeking a baritone to whom you might have been referring), I spotted that Josquin's El Grillo, sung by the Hilliards, was played, which is something I like (and Ah, Robin' played just before). But, even if I knew it was going to be played (which I wouldn't because they don't tell you until after it's been played) it wouldn't be worth keeping an eye on the clock and switching on for 5 minutes. Or even navigating the slider to hear it afterwards, since if I want to hear it again I can play my EP record. It's not something I want to compare 15 recordings of.

I think you need the Radio 3 Renaissance Polyphony alert app I am thinking of developing. The idea is that is spots the 5 minutes or so played in Radio 3 in every 24 hour period and either alerts you or downloads it for later consumption. The only thing is I know nothing about apps or coding...

[french frank]

I think you need the Radio 3 Renaissance Polyphony alert app I am thinking of developing. The idea is that is spots the 5 minutes or so played in Radio 3 in every 24 hour period and either alerts you or downloads it for later consumption. The only thing is I know nothing about apps or coding...

So, you may be gone some time? In fact, I'm quite happy to concentrate on getting and eating my breakfast at that time in the morning. And after that I tend to keep quite busy doing interesting things.

[underthecountertenor]

You’ve got me. I thought I knew a lot about baritones ..
Thomas Allen from Durham ...instantly recognisable and not bland ..no

I think I’ve got it. Also a composer who’s written a jazz mass ?
Ooh I like him!

Recently been listening to John Shirley Quick following the BAL On Vaughan Williams . He is the absolute prince of English Baritones

You have it, I think. I don't actively dislike him. But his singing does nothing for me. It's very safe. What annoys me is that he appears to be omnipresent to the exclusion of many fine baritones, past and present, including the two you mention. And I agree about 'Quick' (sic), of course. Now THERE was a voice.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Apologies JSQ a quirk of spell check , the tiny forum font , and ageing eyes.
I think the problem is the groupthink cluster effect on Radio 3 and indeed all media . If it’s a baritone reach for Bryn , Gerald , RW. , Tom Allen.
Thomas Hampson used to be the favoured son but not so much now ..,
It would good be hear just a bit more some of the greats who were in some cases exceptionally well recorded . For example Tito Gobbi or the truly astonishing Ettore Bastiannini . Different repertory sure but you hardly ever hear them.

[DracoM]

I think you need the Radio 3 Renaissance Polyphony alert app I am thinking of developing. The idea is that is spots the 5 minutes or so played in Radio 3 in every 24 hour period and either alerts you or downloads it for later consumption. The only thing is I know nothing about apps or coding...

How about an 'Early Warning' alert?
About the only way we're going to get to hear much on our so-clued-up-and-worth-listening to R3

[cloughie]

Some very unpleasant sounds on Lizzie’s programme this morning. She seems to manage choices which sound ‘off the note!’

[antongould]

Some very unpleasant sounds on Lizzie’s programme this morning. She seems to manage choices which sound ‘off the note!’

I’m a week behind cloughers ..... something to look forward to next week ........

[cloughie]

I’m a week behind cloughers ..... something to look forward to next week ........

I welcome your comments, anton !

[Nick Armstrong]

Some very unpleasant sounds on Lizzie’s programme this morning. She seems to manage choices which sound ‘off the note!’

I found keeping the switch firmly to the ‘off’ position was very effective in avoiding unpleasantness...

[antongould]

I welcome your comments, anton !

You shall have them ......