Light Music

[LMcD]

Well, I have to say that I am currently in a lovely old stone villa in Crete with a wonderful view over the wine-dark sea, so I guess I was understandably well disposed towards the programme this morning ! My French husband, who is not that much of a classical enthusiast, thoroughly enjoyed the mix, however bizarre it was! It was good for background music whilst we took in the view.

I have been grateful to the presenter in recent weeks of bringing nice discoveries to my ear. One being that lovely Catherine Bott piece this morning.

That lovely Catherine Bott is on Radio 3 at 1915 BST this evening presenting a programme celebrating the centenary of the birth of Ernest Tomlinson.

[Old Grumpy]

That lovely Catherine Bott is on Radio 3 at 1915 BST this evening presenting a programme celebrating the centenary of the birth of Ernest Tomlinson.

Is this archival or does it represent a return to Radio 3 by CB? If so, that is (Heavy) Fantastic news!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002383y?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

[AuntDaisy]

Is this archival or does it represent a return to Radio 3 by CB? If so, that is (Heavy) Fantastic news!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0...n=share-mobile

Thanks for the heads up LMcD & Old Grumpy.

It looks like an external production company, Brook Lapping, has secured the talented Ms Bott. More please.
"A Brook Lapping production for BBC Radio 3"

[french frank]

Is this archival or does it represent a return to Radio 3 by CB? If so, that is (Heavy) Fantastic news!

I think it's new but an indie production (Brook Lapping productions) rather than an R3 in-house programme.

[Old Grumpy]

I think it's new but an indie production (Brook Lapping productions) rather than an R3 in-house programme.

To be welcomed nonetheless.

[hmvman]

It was an excellent programme. At the risk of being off-topic it was good to have another programme about light music on BBC radio. I must admit that to my shame I hadn't realised it was Ernest Tomlinson's centenary today. By coincidence I was presenting a programme of Eric Coates' music to my recorded music group yesterday.

[LMcD]

It was an excellent programme. At the risk of being off-topic it was good to have another programme about light music on BBC radio. I must admit that to my shame I hadn't realised it was Ernest Tomlinson's centenary today. By coincidence I was presenting a programme of Eric Coates' music to my recorded music group yesterday.

Catherine Bott presented a 'Light Fantastic' programme on Eric Coates in 2014.

[hmvman]

Catherine Bott presented a 'Light Fantastic' programme on Eric Coates in 2014.

I remember that 'Light Fantastic' series. Amazing that it was ten years ago!

[Steerpike]

Interesting and informative programme yesterday with Catherine Bott - highly recommended! (Hope this is posted in the right place)

Steerpike

[french frank]

Yes, heard it and found it very interesting and enjoyable. There's been a bit of discussion about it on the 'Eternal Breakfast Debate' thread but a new thread devoted to light music is better!

Yes, I've been trying to follow up on a request to merge those posts on to this thread, but it's more of a problem than the last two merges . Suffice to say (for the moment) that the programme was much appreciated.

[hmvman]

Yes, heard it and found it very interesting and enjoyable. There's been a bit of discussion about it on the 'Eternal Breakfast Debate' thread but a new thread devoted to light music is better!

[LMcD]

Yes, heard it and found it very interesting and enjoyable. There's been a bit of discussion about it on the 'Eternal Breakfast Debate' thread but a new thread devoted to light music is better!

I'm about to listen to yesterday's programme, and would like to join you in welcoming a Light Music thread. My Ronald Corp/New London Orchestra CDs are probably the most regularly played in my collection..

[pastoralguy]

I was lucky enough to play a lot of light music in my incredibly undistinguished career as an orchestral violinist. It really is marvellous music and although I don’t listen to a lot I always enjoy it when I hear it on the radio.

[LMcD]

Interesting and informative programme yesterday with Catherine Bott - highly recommended! (Hope this is posted in the right place)

Steerpike

Very interesting and enjoyable. I didn't know that the Dam Busters march wasn't originally written for the film.

[oddoneout]

Very interesting and enjoyable. I didn't know that the Dam Busters march wasn't originally written for the film.

Yes this was one of those programmes that left me wishing there would be another. The bits of information that came out are no doubt available online if one searches, but there are times when it is good to have it all in one place - such as when the person/topic isn't necessarily one that is familiar. I haven't so far been able to find anything further about Ravel and Eric Coates, but looking at his biographical details and finding that he was a viola player did, for me, explain why his orchestration is so well crafted; sitting in the middle of the action playing too often indifferent and /or boring parts would be a reason to want to do better.
It was a surprise to hear about the Dambusters story - it is now so inextricably linked with the film (and certain parts of British life) the assumption is that it was purpose-composed.

[hmvman]

Yes this was one of those programmes that left me wishing there would be another. The bits of information that came out are no doubt available online if one searches, but there are times when it is good to have it all in one place - such as when the person/topic isn't necessarily one that is familiar. I haven't so far been able to find anything further about Ravel and Eric Coates, but looking at his biographical details and finding that he was a viola player did, for me, explain why his orchestration is so well crafted; sitting in the middle of the action playing too often indifferent and /or boring parts would be a reason to want to do better.
It was a surprise to hear about the Dambusters story - it is now so inextricably linked with the film (and certain parts of British life) the assumption is that it was purpose-composed.

Agree absolutely. The Coates and Ravel story was certainly new to me. I was giving a presentation of Coates' music on Saturday to a music group and it would've been good to have mentioned the Ravel meeting!

Coates' own recording of the Dambusters, made in 1955, is worth a listen if only for how idiosyncratic it is. He makes lots of cuts and just finishes with sustained chords; the piece is almost unrecognisable!