Building a Library - General Discussion

[Goon525]

Is it made independently? You’d surely have thought AMcG is salaried, given how much other stuff he does: concerts, links, publicity puff etc.

[Dave2002]

BAL today - a repeat?

Didn’t we have the Gran Partita BAL not very long ago? I bought several CDs after that one.

[BBMmk2]

BaL Rewind, whilst we have these distracted times.

[Dave2002]

BaL Rewind, whilst we have these distracted times.

Indeed - but it just seems very recent. Also, is it not actually possible to do a BAL even in these strained circumstances? I've heard that the BBC SO has been putting together a performance of a piece using iPhones or similar - not sure when it'll be released. That must surely be a larger exercise than doing a BAL - even though that's quite a lot of work. Some small choirs have certainly managed to put recorded performances together, for example as noted in the Gramophone Gala a few nights ago.

Ingenious solutions and determination!

[Alison]

They’ve all been repeats since lockdown Davie.

[Cockney Sparrow]

Its got to be twofer. We can't have our detestation of the McGregor interventions gathering pace again from listening to single reviewers delivering authoritative, informative reviews in the previous style.

[LMcD]

Indeed - but it just seems very recent. Also, is it not actually possible to do a BAL even in these strained circumstances? I've heard that the BBC SO has been putting together a performance of a piece using iPhones or similar - not sure when it'll be released. That must surely be a larger exercise than doing a BAL - even though that's quite a lot of work. Some small choirs have certainly managed to put recorded performances together, for example as noted in the Gramophone Gala a few nights ago.

Ingenious solutions and determination!

First broadcast 12/10/2019

[Cockney Sparrow]

Its hard to believe, in this age of streaming (and with Hyperion able to post out physical discs as they are absent from that platform) that a BAL could not be organised. What will they do with those summer weeks when they can't switch to adding to the all over the BBC "spotlight on the Proms" ?

BAL is (ok, was) one of the jewels in the R3 crown - surely. It seems a poor show, unless they can explain it (R4 "Feedback" referral, anyone?). So far no explanation offered (as ever).

I did trawl around a bit - in April there was a reference to a specification for the programme (here, or somewhere) but there is no reference I can find to the programme being made by an external provider.

But I speculate there has to be a spec. so that the programme can be bid for internally (as in BBC Studios) as well as for outside bidders - this is certainly a requirement on TV programmes know, I think (from recalled press articles). Perhaps they kept it as a R3 production but have to keep to the brief if it mentions BALs will be reviewer and "presenter".

BTW In my search I found a R3 commissioning page with a "style guide" (PDF - link just under the R3 logo) - lots of tedious detail in the PDF but IIRC it gets more interesting further down. (I ran out of time, so didn't explore the other info and links on that web page).

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/8L8pjmd5DYccjLk1VtV5CG/bbc-radio-3

[Dave2002]

Its got to be twofer. We can't have our detestation of the McGregor interventions gathering pace again from listening to single reviewers delivering authoritative, informative reviews in the previous style.

If some people can get modest size choirs together even under lockdown conditions, and some organisations have managed a whole orchestra (e.g. the MET) allbeit with a lot of work, then the BBC should be able to organise one of those much disliked twofer programs by making sure that the participants have the appropriate kit, and knowledge to put a programme together.

I think the most important thing is for the reviewer to be knowledgeable, and have done a good job of investigating the music and the recordings. Some reviewers are extremely good. Surely by now the BBC must have produced guidance sheets for anyone working remotely.

[cloughie]

If some people can get modest size choirs toghether even under lockdown conditions, and some organisations have managed a whole orchestra (e.g. the MET) allbeit with a lot of work, then the BBC should be able to organise one of those much disliked twofer programs by making sure that the participants have the appropriate kit, and knowledge to put a programme together.

I think the most important thing is for the reviewer to be knowledgeable, and have done a good job of investigating the music and the recordings. Some reviewers are extremely good. Surely by now the BBC must have produced guidance sheets for anyone working remotely.

Steady Dave, we’re talking low priority Radio 3 not getting minor celebs to sing for the masses!

[Dave2002]

Its hard to believe, in this age of streaming (and with Hyperion able to post out physical discs as they are absent from that platform) that a BAL could not be organised. What will they do with those summer weeks when they can't switch to adding to the all over the BBC "spotlight on the Proms" ?

We get deliveries quite easily, so surely the CDs required for review purposes could be sent to appropriate BAL reviewers. There shouldn't be an absolute need for streaming, though now we're in different territory, as some people claim streaming is better, and others prefer physical media. I think a lot depends on the equipment that is used for replay, but another issue would be about the format that listeners to the programme would actually like to hear and buy.

[gurnemanz]

Indeed - but it just seems very recent. Also, is it not actually possible to do a BAL even in these strained circumstances? I've heard that the BBC SO has been putting together a performance of a piece using iPhones or similar - not sure when it'll be released. That must surely be a larger exercise than doing a BAL - even though that's quite a lot of work. Some small choirs have certainly managed to put recorded performances together, for example as noted in the Gramophone Gala a few nights ago.

Ingenious solutions and determination!

I sent this email to the programme two weeks ago:

Building a Library is one of the features I always listen to, but I am about to switch to another channel because I do not need to listen to a repeat. Part of the attraction of BaL is not knowing who the "winner" will be. Last week I also tuned away at this juncture and did not actually come back, sticking with Radio Four then Fighting Talk on Five Live.

I obviously accept that things are difficult in current circumstances but other broadcasters have managed to be determinedly resourceful in keeping things going. I suspect part of your problem might be to do with the recently introduced two person format. Many listeners find this format far less appropriate anyway and prefer just to hear one critic presenting their views as a kind of essay, as was the custom for a long time, rather than as just yet another interview-type slot.

Please:
a) Find a way of getting new BaLs on the air.
b) Ditch the two person format.

[cloughie]

I sent this email to the programme two weeks ago:

Building a Library is one of the features I always listen to, but I am about to switch to another channel because I do not need to listen to a repeat. Part of the attraction of BaL is not knowing who the "winner" will be. Last week I also tuned away at this juncture and did not actually come back, sticking with Radio Four then Fighting Talk on Five Live.

I obviously accept that things are difficult in current circumstances but other broadcasters have managed to be determinedly resourceful in keeping things going. I suspect part of your problem might be to do with the recently introduced two person format. Many listeners find this format far less appropriate anyway and prefer just to hear one critic presenting their views as a kind of essay, as was the custom for a long time, rather than as just yet another interview-type slot.

Please:
a) Find a way of getting new BaLs on the air.
b) Ditch the two person format.

Did you receive a reply? Silly question I know!

[gurnemanz]

So far. Only an automated response.

[cloughie]

So far. Only an automated response.

That seems par for their course!