Jess Gillam's "This Classical Life"

[DracoM]

[pastoralguy]

Quite agree!

[Cerdd]

Has anyone listened to Jess Gillam’s new 30 minute programme ?

Yes, I tried. It’s on as I drive to my regular Saturday activity. It’s like the worst sort of podcast - a couple of people gabbling away at each other, more interested in their interaction than what they are talking about.

I admire Jess Gillam’s musicianship, and I don’t argue with R3 using young presenters and trying other ways to draw younger people into the audience. I haven’t asked any yet whether they like this programme. Some people obviously do like gabbly presenter-focussed podcasts.

But whereas I used to listen to “Music Matters” every week during my drive, I found that the time before I switched off “This Classical Life” and put on a CD got shorter every week. The radio won’t go on at all this week.

I enjoy hearing young musicians as a rule.

[EnemyoftheStoat]

I have to say that Katie Derham's Proms trailers are among the most sickly of all time. Like last year's but with extra maple syrup.

As for the constant drip - drip about "BBC Sounds" - well, it's like "Have you got a Boots card? Have you got a Nectar card? Mild Green Fairy Liquid"

It’s BBC Soundz, surely? That’s probably coming up wiv the nxt rebrand.

[Stanfordian]

I listened to yesterday’s programme and it was dire. Tom Service’s programme, which preceded it, was fine in comparison, having reduced his talking over the music to a less irritating level. Jess et al were verbally crooning over the music constantly. ‘Dumbing down’ just doesn’t do it justice.

In many ways I enjoy the programme although the frequent 6th form giggling I often encounter drives me mad.

[Serial_Apologist]

Yes, I tried. It’s on as I drive to my regular Saturday activity. It’s like the worst sort of podcast - a couple of people gabbling away at each other, more interested in their interaction than what they are talking about.

I admire Jess Gillam’s musicianship, and I don’t argue with R3 using young presenters and trying other ways to draw younger people into the audience. I haven’t asked any yet whether they like this programme. Some people obviously do like gabbly presenter-focussed podcasts.

But whereas I used to listen to “Music Matters” every week during my drive, I found that the time before I switched off “This Classical Life” and put on a CD got shorter every week. The radio won’t go on at all this week.

I enjoy hearing young musicians as a rule.

And welcome to the fourm, by the way, Cerdd!

[teamsaint]

I heard it last week.

It would be fine if it was a podcast ( or even a programme ) on 6 music .

[LezLee]

I heard it last week.

It would be fine if it was a podcast ( or even a programme ) on 6 music .

Or anywhere but R3 where unsuspecting punters can happen upon it.

[Nick Armstrong]

I have to say that Katie Derham's Proms trailers are among the most sickly of all time. Like last year's but with extra maple syrup.

As for the constant drip - drip about "BBC Sounds" - well, it's like "Have you got a Boots card? Have you got a Nectar card? Mild Green Fairy Liquid"

With my current R3 listening strategy, I’m relieved to say I haven’t heard any of this!

[Stanfordian]

I've said before that I love the idea of this programme with young people being so enthusiastic over music. But Jess' frequent giggling drives me to the off button.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

...and I've said the same, and that this programme is disrespectful of Jess, trying to turn her into a young Katie Derham, talking and simpering over the music.

[oddoneout]

The argument from those responsible would doubtless be that this informal approach is more appealing for the target audience. Whether that is true or simply another misinformed and stereotypical assumption is a question to which there will be no answer. I could be completely wrong but to me there is something slightly insulting about the implication that musical yoof is incapable of listening to a less gimmicky format; I would argue that quality presenters do not need gimmicks in order to share their knowledge and enthusiasm.
Other unanswered/unaddressed questions, such as the numbers of new/target listeners acquired cf the number of existing R3 listeners lost for this slot, have been raised before more than once by forum members.

[DracoM]

For me, it's desperate patronising show, and I fear, brilliant player as our Jess undoubtedly is, she ain't the come-on to the young to explore music.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

For me, it's desperate patronising show, and I fear, brilliant player as our Jess undoubtedly is, she ain't the come-on to the young to explore music.

No, but this is the BBC. They get their fixations and nothing - nothing will persuade them to be flexible when it's clear they've got it wrong.

[Barbirollians]

It is a waste of her talent. I was very impressed by her performance of the Adams concerto with the Hallé last week.