Building a Library - General Discussion

[Petrushka]

Most of us on the Forum have a high degree of knowledge of the record catalogue and have long ago decided on our favourite versions of the work under review, so we aren't the target audience for BaL in the way we were when impecunious students deciding how best to spend our hard-earned cash, in my case back in the early 1970s.

I rarely listen to the programme now, but do so if the subject is a work I don't know well (or at all) and want to know more. The last one I heard was Sarah Willis doing the honours with the Strauss Horn Concerto No 2, a brilliant programme that completely fulfilled expectations.

The sheer volume of recordings of the classical repertoire now available renders the entire format of BaL as outdated and absurd. How can a 45 minute slot on, say, a Tchaikovsky or Beethoven symphony come to any meaningful conclusion about a 'winner'?

Having said that, I still think there is a place on Radio 3 for a comparative review programme that helps give guidance to those in the same position as I was 50 years ago but the BaL format as it stands now isn't it. Perhaps an 'Interpretations on Record' kind of programme, taken out of 'Record Review', without the concept of a 'winner' and given to a broadcaster with some authority on the work might fulfil these requirements?

[antongould]

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.

Go for it Rumpole .....

[Serial_Apologist]

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.

Can't say I envy you!

[Nick Armstrong]

Go for it Rumpole .....

I shall await EA’s imprimatur

[Nick Armstrong]

Go for it Rumpole .....

I’ve moved such general ‘could do better’ posts as I could see from the last few months’ BAL threads (having received Alpie’s go-ahead)

If there are any others that need moving, please draw them to my attention.

[Bryn]

I’ve moved such general ‘could do better’ posts as I could see from the last few months’ BAL threads (having received Alpie’s go-ahead)

If there are any others that need moving, please draw them to my attention.

You are clearly a workaholic, Nick. Many thanks for this tidying up.

[Nick Armstrong]

You are clearly a workaholic, Nick.

I think it’s the first time that has ever been suggested! But thanks!

It didn’t take very long, in fact. I know that there are others some while back after the dreaded ‘twofer’ format became a fixture but I can’t remember when that was (and wonder if the archaeological work to find such older posts is useful - the arguments are summarised in some of the posts which are now up-thread here).

[antongould]

I think it’s the first time that has ever been suggested! But thanks!

It didn’t take very long, in fact. I know that there are others some while back after the dreaded ‘twofer’ format became a fixture but I can’t remember when that was (and wonder if the archaeological work to find such older posts is useful - the arguments are summarised in some of the posts which are now up-thread here).

Legend ......

[verismissimo]

I’ve moved such general ‘could do better’ posts as I could see from the last few months’ BAL threads (having received Alpie’s go-ahead)

If there are any others that need moving, please draw them to my attention.

Now I've just read them all again. Grrrr!

Thanks, Nick. :)

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

My thanks added too. Moving posts requires careful judgement, as the original thread can be disrupted by the omission.

[LMcD]

My thanks added too. Moving posts requires careful judgement, as the original thread can be disrupted by the omission.

My thanks, too Nick - I'm sure your labours have not been in vain, as there are probably plenty of comments and suggestions to come on this subject!

[kernelbogey]

I’ve moved such general ‘could do better’ posts as I could see from the last few months’ BAL threads (having received Alpie’s go-ahead)....

...So I woke up to find I'd started a thread, when I never, your honour: I been fitted up!

[Ein Heldenleben]

My thanks, too Nick - I'm sure your labours have not been in vain, as there are probably plenty of comments and suggestions to come on this subject!

Can I add my thanks as well? I see that several of my posts have been moved which, given I don’t have particularly strong views on the subject , either shows that I am an opinionated windbag or that others are much cleverer at integrating a dig at the format into their thoughts on the actual selection ....

[Pulcinella]

I shall await EA’s imprimatur

Looks like you got the nihil obstat then!


Thanks from me too.

[antongould]

Surely we should have an I Wish Morning Radio 3 Was Like It Used To Be thread ..... that would test Rumpole’s moving skills ....