BaL 4.01.20 - Elgar: Enigma Variations

[Pulcinella]

Just listened to this 2001 BAL and I'd forgotten just how informative and interesting BAL used to sound compared with today's version. Lots of examples here it's sad to think we've lost this format.

"Rarely rarely comest thou, O Spirit of Delight"

But presumably now deemed too elitist for today's (perceived) listeners?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

But presumably now deemed too elitist for today's (perceived) listeners?

It's a pity that Radio 3 sees fit to insult its listeners. Suzy Klein does it openly. Others do it more obliquely.

[Nick Armstrong]

I'd forgotten just how informative and interesting BAL used to sound compared with today's version.

I hadn’t

Bloody idiots

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I hadn’t

Bloody idiots

&

And the idea that Rob Cowen could be regarded as "too elitist" is literally incredible. But then so is so much of current Beeb "thinking" - and not in the way they'd like the word to be understood.

[gradus]

My word, that's how you do it. Did anyone else think the voices seemed a little on the high side, digital glitch?

[LMcD]

&

And the idea that Rob Cowen could be regarded as "too elitist" is literally incredible. But then so is so much of current Beeb "thinking" - and not in the way they'd like the word to be understood.

The same presumably goes for Rob Cowan?

[Pulcinella]

Popped into Richer Sounds in York today to buy a headphone jack adapter, and took the CD with me; listened on (what I assume were good) headphones connected to the same CD player/amp I have and YES, I now hear what others have mentioned.
Odd that it's not (so) apparent through my normal home speaker set up, but that seems the case with others too.

Apologies if I raised false hopes.

[seabright]

That’s interesting, thanks I had no idea there were old BALs on YouTube. I wonder if it’s a one-off or if there are any more. Must have a hunt around.

I had no idea either but if you click this link below, you'll be presented with a whole list of complete BALs, starting with surveys of "The Magic Flute," Brahms's 3rd Symphony, the "Missa Solemnis," Vaughan Williams's 5th, Mahler's 5th, Dvorak's 8th, Verdi's "Macbeth," Beethoven's 3rd Piano Concerto, Liszt's 1st Piano Concerto, etc. etc. ... Consequently, would it be a good idea to start a "BAL on YouTube" thread, so that the direct links could be provided for those interested in previous surveys of any particular work? ... There's little doubt that YouTube has turned into a great classical music archive, though in the case of these BALs, they've all been uploaded by the same contributor! ...

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Record+Review+BBC+RADIO+3

[Nick Armstrong]

I had no idea either but if you click this link below, you'll be presented with a whole list of complete BALs, starting with surveys of "The Magic Flute," Brahms's 3rd Symphony, the "Missa Solemnis," Vaughan Williams's 5th, Mahler's 5th, Dvorak's 8th, Verdi's "Macbeth," Beethoven's 3rd Piano Concerto, Liszt's 1st Piano Concerto, etc. etc. ... Consequently, would it be a good idea to start a "BAL on YouTube" thread, so that the direct links could be provided for those interested in previous surveys of any particular work? ... There's little doubt that YouTube has turned into a great classical music archive, though in the case of these BALs, they've all been uploaded by the same contributor! ...

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...ew+BBC+RADIO+3

Good heavens.... Treasure trove indeed. Thanks for these, shall be browsing!