Building a Library - General Discussion

[Nick Armstrong]

There's still much to be gained by listening, even though AMcG's unnecessary and distracting interruptions fail to grow on me, and others.

Yes - as so often lately, this was anecdotally interesting and an opportunity to hear bits of recordings I’d not heard before... but as for some sort of definitive guide: nope

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

The I wish BAL was like it used to be thread

Yikes! Another marathon! How do these reviewers get through all these, without fatigue of the work setting in? I’m interested in this BaL, because, I don’t have much of Schumann’s chamber works.

I think the answer to that is: “by ignoring 90% of them”.

[makropulos]

I think the answer to that is: “by ignoring 90% of them”.

You do an injustice to those of us who take these things on. I know for certain that Katy Hamilton (for one) is extremely thorough in listening to many different versions before making a shortlist. I can say the same for my own efforts. I'm equally sure that other presenters take the job every bit as seriously. Just because you may not like the format of the programme or the shortlist that is considered doesn't mean the critics preparing these things are feckless and lazy.

[Ein Heldenleben]

You do an injustice to those of us who take these things on. I know for certain that Katy Hamilton (for one) is extremely thorough in listening to many different versions before making a shortlist. I can say the same for my own efforts. I'm equally sure that other presenters take the job every bit as seriously. Just because you may not like the format of the programme or the shortlist that is considered doesn't mean the critics preparing these things are feckless and lazy.

Good points which I don’t dispute for a second . It would take 35 to forty hours to listen to all the listed performances of this work. When I’ve been on juries adjudicating on 30 min to 1 hour films it’s usually thought permissible to watch 10 to 15 mins and if your interest has been lost by then than that is a reason for not proceeding further. Presumably poor sound or balance in a modern recording may be also a reason for quick rejection? Of course in the case of Janacek there will be many fewer versions but there are quite a few fine ones thus demanding a more or less complete listen. (Or re -listen!)

[Pulcinella]

You do an injustice to those of us who take these things on. I know for certain that Katy Hamilton (for one) is extremely thorough in listening to many different versions before making a shortlist. I can say the same for my own efforts. I'm equally sure that other presenters take the job every bit as seriously. Just because you may not like the format of the programme or the shortlist that is considered doesn't mean the critics preparing these things are feckless and lazy.

While it might be worth suggesting that R3 should/could publish the shortlists, the danger for our BaL threads might be that the outrage at Version X not being considered would then be expressed straightaway, rather than being subsequent to the airing of the programme, and that it could then end up as a distraction, rather than helping us focus on the versions that were being considered.
On balance, though, I think that seeing such a list would be helpful.

[makropulos]

While it might be worth suggesting that R3 should/could publish the shortlists, the danger for our BaL threads might be that the outrage at Version X not being considered would then be expressed straightaway, rather than being subsequent to the airing of the programme, and that it could then end up as a distraction, rather than helping us focus on the versions that were being considered.
On balance, though, I think that seeing such a list would be helpful.

That's a very interesting point –and I agree that it could be helpful to have the shortlist included with the blurb about a forthcoming programme. 'Versions considered will be...' –that sort of thing?

[Pulcinella]

That's a very interesting point –and I agree that it could be helpful to have the shortlist included with the blurb about a forthcoming programme. 'Versions considered will be...' –that sort of thing?

Exactly.

[makropulos]

Exactly.

I'd definitely go along with that, particularly as the producers need the list of 10 (or so) versions well in advance –so it has to be done anyway. I think it's a genuinely helpful/useful suggestion!

[LMcD]

Wouldn't it be more honest to promote BaL as 'a comparative review of a selection of recordings of (name of work)' or words to that effect? I never listen to the programme but often learn a great deal from the associated discussion - before AND after the actual broadcast.

[verismissimo]

The I wish BAL was like it used to be thread

Please could we post all variants on this theme here, so that we no longer have to read the arguments over again every week?

I know people feel strongly on these issues, but ...

[antongould]

Please could we post all variants on this theme here, so that we no longer have to read the arguments over again every week?

I know people feel strongly on these issues, but ...

Sensible move IMVVHO ..... and possibly of use elsewhere .........

[verismissimo]

Sensible move IMVVHO ..... and possibly of use elsewhere .........

That's the spirit, Anton!

[Ein Heldenleben]

Please could we post all variants on this theme here, so that we no longer have to read the arguments over again every week?

I know people feel strongly on these issues, but ...

Couldn’t agree more particularly as , unlike some, I listen every week and don’t find the twofer format that irritating compared with , say , not having had a draught pint of pale ale for six months....

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

The problem here is that the discussion may relate to a particular BaL broadcast, such as the one where AMcG wrong-footed a reviewer about which excerpt was to be played.

[Nick Armstrong]

The problem here is that the discussion may relate to a particular BaL broadcast, such as the one where AMcG wrong-footed a reviewer about which excerpt was to be played.

Some of the general ‘BAL format’ comments from the last 2 or 3 specific threads could perhaps be moved over here? If you think it a good idea, I’d be happy to have a go at that.