Building a Library - General Discussion

[VodkaDilc]

A good BAL is certainly one where an expert prepares a script - not a rambling discussion with the host of the programme.

[Nick Armstrong]

I prefer the ones which include a measure of expert technical deconstruction, such as you get from the likes of David Owen-Norris and Tess Knighton (to name but two), to the overuse of non-technical subjective adjectives and unsubstantiated opinions.

I agree completely with that - some analysis worn lightly. Plus comparative examples - two or more of particular sections, not just single, merely illustrative examples. (In that regard, I thought Martin Cotton yesterday was very good).

[euthynicus]

I prefer the ones which include a measure of expert technical deconstruction, such as you get from the likes of David Owen-Norris and Tess Knighton (to name but two), to the overuse of non-technical subjective adjectives and unsubstantiated opinions.

which make such broadcasts ever more unusual when considered within the bulk of Radio 3's output. So BaL is greatly to be valued in this context. By the way, can anyone explain to me how you measure

The degree of self regard in the reviewer

?

For example, I find statements such as

the SMP is the greatest sacred work ever because it just is,

(paraphrasing Jeremy Summerly) maddening and utterly meaningless. Yet they seem quite well received around here (good to have someone who cuts to the chase, tells it like it is, etc etc). Certainly such a statement is irreconcilable with the desire expressed above, and which I share, for 'a measure of expert technical deconstruction'.

[mikealdren]

The problem is trying to mix objective and subjective opinions.

In the much discussed Beethoven Violin Concerto review, Roy Goodman started by setting out objective reasons for his decisions but then found that none of his selections satisfied him in the slow movement - despite getting the trills correct, using vibrato appropriately, using period traditional timps with hard sticks etc. they just didn't have the necessary magic!

What a surprise!

Mike

[Barbirollians]

And ruling out all recordings from before a certain date does not a good BAL make .

What really annoys me is BAL reviewers that are dismissive of " legendary recordings". I have no problem with a reasoned criticism of a sacred cow but dismissive one-liners say more about the reviewer than the reviewed. Lucy Parham ( who made a recording of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No 2 that was panned in reviews) cast out Richter with a few words and my blood boiled.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

This can be useful, though, Barbi: as soon as such a sweeping, assinine* comment is made, the listener knows that the speaker's "judgement" cannot be trusted.

EDIT: My dictionary tells me this is misspelt. I know better!

[amateur51]

The problem is trying to mix objective and subjective opinions.

In the much discussed Beethoven Violin Concerto review, Roy Goodman started by setting out objective reasons for his decisions but then found that none of his selections satisfied him in the slow movement - despite getting the trills correct, using vibrato appropriately, using period traditional timps with hard sticks etc. they just didn't have the necessary magic!

What a surprise!

Mike

I understand that some people found Roy Goodman's BaL to be below standard but I found it to be fascinating, hearing the point of view of someone who had clearly thought a lot about the music from his practical experience and it led me to listen to several performances from violinists whose work I did not know beforehand.

[mikealdren]

I found it interesting too. However, it did highlight the difficulty of trying to be too objective. Ultimately, for me at least, great performances are those that draw me in and deliver the greatest emotional response (and I don't mean over-emotional).

Mike

[Extended Play]

BaL secrets

After following with interest the "Good and Bad BaLs" thread, here's a simpler question. Can anyone shed light on how BaLs are compiled when the work is mainstream repertoire? How would you cope if confronted with dozens of Brandenburgs or Eroicas or -- to be topical -- Rach Symphony 2s?

Surely it's naive to suppose that reviewers listen dutifully to every one from start to finish. Let's be realistic: won't a good many recordings be dumped before listening begins, based on personal prejudice or any number of other factors?

I wonder if reviewers ever regret their choice when it's too late. Do some deliberately go for an eye-catching, unexpected recommendation? And when it's all over, how do you get umpteen performances of the same piece out of your head? Or do you just hate it for life?

A little documentary feature with contributors past and present spilling the beans could be compelling listening. Perhaps it has been done already?

[cloughie]

After following with interest the "Good and Bad BaLs" thread, here's a simpler question. Can anyone shed light on how BaLs are compiled when the work is mainstream repertoire? How would you cope if confronted with dozens of Brandenburgs or Eroicas or -- to be topical -- Rach Symphony 2s?

Surely it's naive to suppose that reviewers listen dutifully to every one from start to finish. Let's be realistic: won't a good many recordings be dumped before listening begins, based on personal prejudice or any number of other factors?

I wonder if reviewers ever regret their choice when it's too late. Do some deliberately go for an eye-catching, unexpected recommendation? And when it's all over, how do you get umpteen performances of the same piece out of your head? Or do you just hate it for life?

A little documentary feature with contributors past and present spilling the beans could be compelling listening. Perhaps it has been done already?

It would maybe make a good BBC4 documentary.

[VodkaDilc]

I have often heard reviewers refer to 'blind listening', often resulting in surprising choices - at least in the early stages of reviewing.

[aeolium]

I have often heard reviewers refer to 'blind listening', often resulting in surprising choices - at least in the early stages of reviewing.

I think that ought to be the required method. I also wish that reviewers played each excerpt without revealing the performers in advance, so that the listeners are also 'listening blind'.

[verismissimo]

My sense is that blind listening is rather rare, although Jeremy Summerly explicitly did that for his recent St Matthew Passion BAL, with some startling and intriguing outcomes.

EP raises some important issues here!

[BBMmk2]

Hmm, blind listening? That be rather difficult would it not? When ypou get the cd out etc?

[Barbirollians]

There is some suggestion of long lists and recordings being discarded at that stage . Whether they are discarded on the basis of past listening or a fresh listen I do not know . The most scandalous of these discards was recently , as pastoralguy will agree ! , Ida Haendel's recording of the Britten Concerto.