Simon Heffer presenting British music throughout June: Saturday Classics

[amateur51]

Seriously, there must be loads of articulate, knowledgeable, employable people out there who know about British Music.

Antony Hopkins for example ... Rob Cowan and Jonathan Swain

Ooops have I spoken out of turn?!

[teamsaint]

I would like to hear British music covered the way in which British art is being covered by James Fox on BBC4 - right now!!

Apologies - at 8 pm

that is during the Champions League Final.

[amateur51]

I think the English generally (as distinct from the British) don't feel a strong need to go round telling people they're British. In the case of music, I don't think patriotism comes into it: people simply appreciate the music and appreciate the chance to hear it. That bowtie conjures up images of British jingoism. No?

For me it evokes English male upper-class jingoism I'm afraid.

[Nick Armstrong]

Ooops have I spoken out of turn?!

Not at all

Didn't expect this thread to turn controversial...!

[Anna]

that is during the Champions League Final.

Of course, Champions League final: The biggest German invasion of Britain since the fifth century as Borussia Dortmund face Bayern Munich Trouble is, we cannot chant "two world wars, etc."

Actually, does it really matter who is presenting the programme?

[french frank]

However, I remember enjoying Simon Heffer's last British Music programmes very much (I think there was quite a discussion about it here with all of the posts being appreciative)

That's as I remember it. I only dipped into one of the programmes, but I was quite favourably impressed. But for those who enjoy a little joke, his clubs are given as Beefsteak, Garrick, MCC and Pratt’s ...

[Anna]

That's as I remember it. I only dipped into one of the programmes, but I was quite favourably impressed. But for those who enjoy a little joke, his clubs are given as Beefsteak, Garrick, MCC and Pratt’s ...

Well, I remember, when his last series of British Music was on, I posted about how impressed I was with such a 'grown-up' Saturday Classics and the dissenters said 'have you no idea of his various scribblings' to which I replied: 'No, never heard of him, it's a good programme' I also remember it was the first time I heard a Peter Warlock choral composition, which I liked a lot.

[EdgeleyRob]

Of course, Champions League final: The biggest German invasion of Britain since the fifth century as Borussia Dortmund face Bayern Munich Trouble is, we cannot chant "two world wars, etc."

Actually, does it really matter who is presenting the programme?

It matters who is presenting the Champions League Final,ITV's Andy Townsend v Sky's Gary Neville,no contest.

[teamsaint]

I think it does matter who gets given such high profile, influential jobs.
We have a nation full of talented people, and good messages really matter.

[Flosshilde]

Perhaps the PoW would do a better job (he was terribly keen on Parry, I believe)

[amateur51]

That's as I remember it. I only dipped into one of the programmes, but I was quite favourably impressed. But for those who enjoy a little joke, his clubs are given as Beefsteak, Garrick, MCC and Pratt’s ...

I wonder if he pays his own fees or if they're regarded as good sources of political & social intelligence by his employers in Sark or wherever

[Simon]

I tended to cringe when I saw Stars and Stripes in people's gardens in the USA.

Good heavens! Why on earth would you cringe? They are American; they are flying an American flag. Surely nothing unusual there. Now, if you'd said they were flying the Jolly Roger, I could understand your worries...

If I saw union flags similarly here I would be suspicious.

Suspicious of what? There's a chap two villages away who has a flag in his garden all the time, I think. I'm sure he's getting on for 90. He still gardens a bit and occasionally you see him. Pleasant, sensible, decent and always good for a chat. A thoroughly nice old gent, as far as I know.

[Simon]

I think it does matter who gets given such high profile, influential jobs.
We have a nation full of talented people, and good messages really matter.

You're being silly again, ts! Just because someone's political views don't coincide with yours doesn't necessarily mean that they are untalented, you know!

[BBMmk2]

I hope these programmes will be worth the listen!!

[antongould]

...............

Actually, does it really matter who is presenting the programme?

To certain members it matters a lot, seemingly, or is that only on certain programmes??

I have just listened again to one of the originals and whilst SH does alright it is noticeable that for certain pieces, if not composers, he gives credit to the producer, the already mentioned Finzi's By Footpath and Stile being one such discovery.

Perhaps we are in the land of the eternal R3 question how much of any playlist is down to the presenter, the producer, the guest, the Facebooker, the texter or the Fweeter?