Stephen Johnson

[ardcarp]

Someone on some other thread (can't find it now) was bemoaning the recent absence of SJ from R3. Well, he was back today along with his retrograde JS (Jonathan Swain) on CD Review today.

Thanks for the anonymous typo edit!

[Alison]

Yes, quite enjoyed his contribution even if he rather hogged the microphone.

[Barbirollians]

Hardly let JS get a word in edgeways - SJ does love the sound of his own voice .

[Sir Velo]

Knowing he'd lost the R3 gig I expect Johnson saw this as essentially an audition. In the circumstances why not take the opportunity to remind other broadcasters of his talents?

[teamsaint]

Whatever his accent is like, I enjoy SJ's contributions very much indeed.
I get the feeling that he understands the music, and has a clear , unpatronising and gently enthusiastic way of putting his thoughts over.

Can't really blame him for trying to earn a crust, especially when he sees how other jobs get dished out at R3.

[french frank]

People are permitted, if they wish, to express 'differing' views , but I shall then - according to custom and wont - alter the thread title without further comment.

[JoeG]

I posted the earlier thread and was delighted to hear SJ back yesterday morning - I could listen to him for hours! I do hope Discovering Music makes a return or he gets some new feature as I think he is a great loss to the station - though others obviously disagree!

[ardcarp]

JoeG

I think most people agree with you about SJ. Whether his great expertise and his engaging style of delivery is likely to fall in with current R3 trends is another matter! Let's hope for the best.

[DracoM]

That JS / SJ CD Review slot was exactly what R3 ought to be doing. Detail, passion, interest, specialists, illumination, unafraid to disagree. Everything 'Breakfast' and 'The Choir' aren't.

Eheu!

[Karafan]

I recently wrote to SJ to ask whether his landmark 14 part series (from 1996) 'Bruckner: a grand, mysterious harmony' was available anywhere - and he swiftly and courteously responded to say that it wasn't and he didn't even have it, or the script, himself - a great pity.

I have yearned for a rebroadcasting of this series*, but I regret it may be too much to hope for. In Bruckner, as in many other areas, I find SJ a constant delight - quietly authoritative and scholarly yet remaining engaging and easily understood. A class act!

*Don't suppose any boarder has it gathering dust on cassettes somewhere, do you?! :)

K.

[amateur51]

Yes, quite enjoyed his contribution even if he rather hogged the microphone.

Perhaps SJ is a morning person, whereas poor JS has done too many night-shifts