Essential Classics - The Continuing Debate

[Richard Tarleton]

Doesn't this stem from the entire rationale of the programme: that's it's for people new to classical music, who may be a bit overawed by listening to <gulp> Radio 3, who will then be intimidated if too much is demanded of them (a work lasting 30+ mins, discussion of more advanced musical points or which assume a certain amount of knowledge: in short which address the interests of more informed listeners)?

I can just imagine the person conducting the TA segment of the training course saying "Yes, but just because they're new, it doesn't mean you have to treat them like children. Adults can be new to things, too." You can still be in adult to adult mode, even to nervous beginners

[french frank]

I can just imagine the person conducting the TA segment of the training course saying "Yes, but just because they're new, it doesn't mean you have to treat them like children. Adults can be new to things, too." You can still be in adult to adult mode, even to nervous beginners

I think of interdisciplinary cooperation at university. One often needs to consult people in other departments (and be consulted) for specialist information. You wouldn't expect to be talked down to on the grounds that you knew little or nothing about the subject. But the assumption would be that people who asked for the information would be motivated to make some sort of intellectual effort.

When it gets to a programme tossing in a non-singer performing a song from My Fair Lady or a non-singer performing a comic song set to a classical piece, you're tempted to wonder exactly how irritating Classic FM's commercials are, and whether its rela-a-a-xing presentation is more irritating than Radio 3's nannying.

[oddoneout]

I can just imagine the person conducting the TA segment of the training course saying "Yes, but just because they're new, it doesn't mean you have to treat them like children. Adults can be new to things, too." You can still be in adult to adult mode, even to nervous beginners

Hear, hear. I often wonder how many people are put off finding out about a subject by the misguided approach of those attempting to enlighten them, rather than the subject itself. In recent years TV has demonstrated that it is possible, with the right person presenting, to engage novices in quite heavyweight subjects such that even if they don't understand everything put before them none the less they remain interested rather than alienated, but those with more knowledge will also find the programme of interest.

[oddoneout]

When it gets to a programme tossing in a non-singer performing a song from My Fair Lady or a non-singer performing a comic song set to a classical piece, you're tempted to wonder exactly how irritating Classic FM's commercials are, and whether its rela-a-a-xing presentation is more irritating than Radio 3's nannying.

Between the devil and the deep blue sea...
A colleague has decided that it is time to dip her toe into the world of so-called classical music( interest piqued by a piece of music heard on R4) but found the commercial interruptions on CFM too irritating to go down that route. Sadly, I know that the current set-up on morning R3 would also irritate her immensely and so haven't suggested it, because she is an intelligent, thoughtful mature person, who doesn't need jokes, tweemails, misinformation etc, just the opportunity to hear a wide variety of music.
R3's loss is my gain though, as I'm thoroughly enjoying introducing things to her, not least because it's also expanding my musical experience as I follow up things she asks about, which I wouldn't have otherwise have encountered, or have perhaps previously avoided.

[un barbu]

I wonder if this suggests a part at least of the target audience for mornings on Radio 3: "Hans Castorp loved music with all his heart, its effect being much like that of the porter he drank with his morning snack --profoundly calming, numbing, 'doze'-inducing -- and he listened now with pleasure, his head tilted to one side, mouth open, eyes slightly bloodshot."

[french frank]

I wonder if this suggests a part at least of the target audience for mornings on Radio 3: "Hans Castorp loved music with all his heart, its effect being much like that of the porter he drank with his morning snack --profoundly calming, numbing, 'doze'-inducing -- and he listened now with pleasure, his head tilted to one side, mouth open, eyes slightly bloodshot."

Yes, but apart from us …

[LMcD]

Today's 'follow-on' piece comprises 2 movements from Prokofiev's 'Lieutenant Kije'. In the interests of consistency, should listeners' suggestions be limited to 2 bleeding chunks torn from some other work?

[Bax-of-Delights]

Today's 'follow-on' piece comprises 2 movements from Prokofiev's 'Lieutenant Kije'. In the interests of consistency, should listeners' suggestions be limited to 2 bleeding chunks torn from some other work?

It would appear that all one has to do to get a name check is to write in and offer "Short Ride in a Fast Machine" as a follow-on to any of the pieces. SK got quite excited by that suggestion today.

[cloughie]

Today's 'follow-on' piece comprises 2 movements from Prokofiev's 'Lieutenant Kije'. In the interests of consistency, should listeners' suggestions be limited to 2 bleeding chunks torn from some other work?

But does she believe in Father Christmas like Greg Lake did?

[Nick Armstrong]

I wonder if this suggests a part at least of the target audience for mornings on Radio 3: "Hans Castorp loved music with all his heart, its effect being much like that of the porter he drank with his morning snack --profoundly calming, numbing, 'doze'-inducing -- and he listened now with pleasure, his head tilted to one side, mouth open, eyes slightly bloodshot."

Great quote!

[DracoM]

In the case of some presenters, I'd suggest Cage's 4 mins etc of silence.

[cloughie]

In the case of some presenters, I'd suggest Cage's 4 mins etc of silence.

Mahler 3 does the job for about 96 minutes, dept on the maestro!

[LMcD]

Best perhaps to go for Havergal Brian's 'Gothic' - just to make sure....
I've just heard that today (Wednesday) listeners will be asked for a companion piece to VW's overture to 'The Wasps'. Short odds on 'Nutrocker' by Bee Bumble and the Stingers?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Today, Suzy's request for a companion piece for the 1st movement of Beethoven 6 got the "wrong answer from me".

[BBMmk2]

Today, Suzy's request for a companion piece for the 1st movement of Beethoven 6 got the "wrong answer from me".

I had a mention too, at the last one for the Berlioz(name give away there)