The Other Ted Heath

[Conchis]

Caught the tail-end of this programme late last night before going to bed. BBC Parliament tends to be an 'off the radar' channel for me but it occasionally puts on some real gems.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b063rg7y/omnibus-the-other-ted-heath

This documentary features future Labour MP (and Wagner expert)Bryan Magee accompanying the Tory leader to his old stomping ground at Balliol College, taking in a performance of Un Ballo In Maschera at Covent Garden and then on to the Edinburgh Festival. Heath remains his usual buttoned-up self throughout.

The best moment comes when Ted Downes puts Heath in his place: 'I don't consider Beethoven to be an operatic composer and I don't like Mozart'.

Less than a fortnight before this programme was broadcast, Heath had become Prime Minister.

[Serial_Apologist]

"This place is Grade 2 listed, I understand".

"Yes", my grandfather's housekeeper answered.

"Good, then that means we can use your toilets", said Edward Heath, PM.

True story.

[clive heath]

There exists a recording of Edward Heath playing the first movement ( the variations) of Mozart's A major sonata K 331 about which I remember thinking " not rubbish, in fact not bad". Can't find it on youtube. no relation btw. or the bandleader.

[Conchis]

His recording of the Beethoven Triple Concerto, with three unknown eastern European musicians, was also highly regarded. It doesn't seem to be available at present.

In the docu, Heath reveals himself as a not terribly convincing Mahlerian by citing the 2nd or the 8th as his 'desert island' Mahler symphonies.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

His recording of the Beethoven Triple Concerto, with three unknown eastern European musicians, was also highly regarded. It doesn't seem to be available at present.

Cheaper than chips (if you don't mind second-hand/used/pre-loved):

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0024GLKSY?keywords=edward%20heath&qid=1438098918&ref_=sr_1_5&s=music&sr=1-5

[Daniel]

Cheaper than chips (if you don't mind second-hand/used/pre-loved)

Is there a big market for pre-loved chips round your way? I'm familiar with second-hand ones, having plucked many from the plates of the unsuspecting in my time. Used though is a category I have yet to fully explore.

(Sorry, it's late and I was in the mood for pointless rhetorical questions and a bit of reminiscence about chips which seem a rarer event here than they once were. )

Edit: In a weak attempt at on topic-ness I meant to say, that I do know Margaret Thatcher added VAT on yachts in her first ever budget, about which Ted Heath complained with some feeling.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Is there a big market for pre-loved chips round your way?

It's a recession - this is The North!

I'm familiar with second-hand ones

Not to mention second-hand fish fingers.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

"Hand"












"fingers".

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

You get a better class of tumbleweed down south.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Edit: In a weak attempt at on topic-ness I meant to say, that I do know Margaret Thatcher added VAT on yachts in her first ever budget, about which Ted Heath complained with some feeling.

I think that was something he brought up in 1992 - he said it had ruined his retirement, which was a bit strange, as he didn't retire until 2001.

[MrGongGong]

I have it on good authority from those who had to share a stage with him that his "conducting" was a bit of a role playing exercise.

[Daniel]

I think that was something he brought up in 1992 - he said it had ruined his retirement, which was a bit strange, as he didn't retire until 2001.

That is strange. Perhaps retirement for him was a state of mind.

I must say I can imagine Margaret Thatcher slapping VAT on yachts in Punch and Judy sort of way, with great personal pleasure, knowing on whom in particular it was likely to impinge - "Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. And where there are yachts, may we bring VAT" <cough>

[Daniel]

Not to mention second-hand fish fingers.

And when will this cruel world ever think of making chips for the left-handed?

[visualnickmos]

His favourite "pop" group was the Ink Spots - he even got the shirt!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

And when will this cruel world ever think of making chips for the left-handed?