Private Passions

[hmvman]

...and I thought the gentle way Michael Berkeley dealt with that moment when the guest was clearly choked with tears was excellent. He just said, "Let the music speak for you shall we?"

(As an unrelated aside, I had a problem with the version of the first movement of Brandemberg 5 which was chosen (Berlin Academy for Ancient Music). The tempo was brisk...no problem there...but the harpsichord 'cadenza' was very slow, over-indulgent and rubato-laden to the point of silliness. It seems to be a fashion among some present-day harpsichordists. It made it even sillier when the tutti began again to end the movement at its opening speed.)

Agree on both counts, ardcarp. As another aside regarding the music performance, after that moving moment when MB said "let the music speak for you", Jessye Norman's strident rendition of Dido's poignant aria seemed all wrong to me in the circumstances.

[Nick Armstrong]

Moving indeed, and her distress at one point was all the more poignant I felt for her general air of a highly capable, in control (and somewhat formidable) person. Yet again I was struck by Michael Berkeley's skill in negotiating such delicate moments.
I always enjoy the programme but there have been some notably excellent episodes in recent months; we are fortunate that this R3 highlight has so far escaped interference...

I couldn’t agree more. Remarkable episode among several remarkable ones lately

[Ein Heldenleben]

He also did well handling the outpouring of emotion from Rugby player Brian Moore - one of the most extraordinary hours of broadcasting in recent memory.

[ardcarp]

Today's programme, with guest Dame Stephanie Shirley, was moving.

...and I thought the gentle way Michael Berkeley dealt with that moment when the guest was clearly choked with tears was excellent. He just said, "Let the music speak for you shall we?"

(As an unrelated aside, I had a problem with the version of the first movement of Brandemberg 5 which was chosen (Berlin Academy for Ancient Music). The tempo was brisk...no problem there...but the harpsichord 'cadenza' was very slow, over-indulgent and rubato-laden to the point of silliness. It seems to be a fashion among some present-day harpsichordists. It made it even sillier when the tutti began again to end the movement at its opening speed.)

[oddoneout]

Today's programme, with guest Dame Stephanie Shirley, was moving.

Also notable for me in introducing to me the name of blind pianist and 'autistic savant' Derek Paravicini.

Moving indeed, and her distress at one point was all the more poignant I felt for her general air of a highly capable, in control (and somewhat formidable) person. Yet again I was struck by Michael Berkeley's skill in negotiating such delicate moments.
I always enjoy the programme but there have been some notably excellent episodes in recent months; we are fortunate that this R3 highlight has so far escaped interference...

[kernelbogey]

Today's programme, with guest Dame Stephanie Shirley, was moving.

Also notable for me in introducing to me the name of blind pianist and 'autistic savant' Derek Paravicini.

[kernelbogey]

Today's programme, with Meg Rosoff, was IMV a classic

[Serial_Apologist]

On the Sunday Morning thread, I mentioned in passing that yesterday’s PP featured the excellent and fascinating Iain Sinclair.
Serial Apologist was grateful for the heads-up, so I thought I’d also mention it in its proper place. Interesting and thoughtful choice of music too.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00120qd

Thanks UTCT - yes, the right place; and what an excellent programme it was.

[underthecountertenor]

On the Sunday Morning thread, I mentioned in passing that yesterday’s PP featured the excellent and fascinating Iain Sinclair.
Serial Apologist was grateful for the heads-up, so I thought I’d also mention it in its proper place. Interesting and thoughtful choice of music too.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00120qd

[gradus]

I thought it was an interesting programme about a man of surprising depth. The way he speaks and his voice bear an extraordinary likeness to Tony Blair.

[cloughie]

One of the few old-school 1950s One Nation Tories - or was until he resigned the Conservative Party - which only goes to show how far to the right things have slipped that we are enjoined to feel consoled by him and his paternalist views.

He didn’t resigned he was kicked out!

[Serial_Apologist]

Yes, seems to be one of the good guys - certainly not a Boris fan now if he ever was!

One of the few old-school 1950s One Nation Tories - or was until he resigned the Conservative Party - which only goes to show how far to the right things have slipped that we are enjoined to feel consoled by him and his paternalist views.

[cloughie]

Agreed. Just re-listening to certain bits having listened to it live with great interest

Yes, seems to be one of the good guys - certainly not a Boris fan now if he ever was!

[Nick Armstrong]

Rory Stewart 24.10.21
Among the more stimulating of these programmes: not moving, as some are, but intellectually stimulating and informative about ethics and some spiritual matters, as well as contemporary politics. I find him a most interesting man.

Agreed. Just re-listening to certain bits having listened to it live with great interest

[kernelbogey]

Rory Stewart 24.10.21
Among the more stimulating of these programmes: not moving, as some are, but intellectually stimulating and informative about ethics and some spiritual matters, as well as contemporary politics. I find him a most interesting man.