Still lots of work for the new DG to do....

[MrGongGong]

Of music, literature, or other art forms) requiring or meriting deep reflection:

And as "evidence" I present
Johann Strauss

(I think you need a new dictionary)

[doversoul1]

I just find it a ridiculous word to use thassorl

Are you sure you don’t mean ;

I just find it ridiculous to say some music is more serious than other?

I am just guessing from you post #15

Having the assumption that somehow "classical" music is more "mature" or even "serious" than other forms of music just makes some (SOME) of it's enthusiasts sound ridiculous.

[french frank]

ALL music could be said to be "serious"

So what's your objection to people wanting it to be treated 'seriously'? And getting facts right? Making critical assessments?

I just find it a ridiculous word to use thassorl

I find 'alternative' a ridiculous word. And 'left-field'. They seem to me pretentious - but you may find them very useful. I wouldn't dream of questioning anyone else's right to use them, or express my personal disdain when they use them.

[MrGongGong]

So what's your objection to people wanting it to be treated 'seriously'? And getting facts right? Making critical assessments?

None whatsoever

[french frank]

I don't think the new piccie is Nikisch either. No pointy beard for a start. No idea who it is.

It does seem that it's Nikisch. The pianola institute has the same photo, with some blurb about the Welte-Mignon invention and saying: "Arthur Nikisch, the Hungarian pianist and conductor, was photographed on 9 February 1906 - the cabinet on his left contained the roll marking machine, and Karl Bockisch, one of its inventors, can be seen sitting at the controls."

http://www.pianola.org/history/history_rolls.cfm

That seems to be a description of this photo.

[Richard Tarleton]

Hmmm. I suppose we must believe it then. Don't want to appear obsessive But it doesn't look a bit like him. AN seems to have had a pointy beard and much more extravagant moustache in every other photo I've seen of him, and look at the ones on my link which appear to span his adult life. His Wiki article photo (1901) shows him with the beard, the pianola picture was taken in 1906. Head shape is different, even.

[Flay]

Relax...

Thanks for those who came to my defence. I apologise for my earlier feral response.

I think we all agree that the music^* we love should be presented and promoted thoughtfully and as accurately as possible by people who are expert, experienced and knowledgeable.

^*And drama, art etc.

[Nick Armstrong]

Mr GongGong, if I may be so bold in making a positive suggestion

Oxford Dictionaries might be of some assistance to you here.

It states a common and recognised use of the word 'serious' is as follows:

Of music, literature, or other art forms) requiring or meriting deep reflection:

'he bridges the gap between serious and popular music.'

[french frank]

I think we all agree that the music^* we love should be presented and promoted thoughtfully and as accurately as possible by people who are expert, experienced and knowledgeable.

^*And drama, art etc.

I think even MrGG might agree with that

[MrGongGong]

I think even MrGG might agree with that

No problem with that at all

I'll pass on your thoughts

(what did folks think about Zoe Martlew's programme on Saturday?)

[Flosshilde]

AN seems to have had a pointy beard and much more extravagant moustache in every other photo I've seen of him, and look at the ones on my link which appear to span his adult life.

Indeed - much more interesting than the gent in the original photograph. I think I'll take one with me when I next go to the barber.

[P. G. Tipps]

(what did folks think about Zoe Martlew's programme on Saturday?)

Quite inexcusably I somehow managed to miss that one, but I see one of her self-publicised skills (apart from being a cellist and composer) is that she is 'a natural blonde'. Such an undeniable and relatively rare talent these days, I readily agree!

Seriously (oops!), I note that Ms Martlew's music is described as being 'uncategorisable' but, curiously, she is also said to 'draw the line at Country & Western'.

So even Zoe has her own little "elitist prejudices" when it comes to music categorisation, it seems ... ?

[teamsaint]

Quite inexcusably I somehow managed to miss that one, but I see one of her self-publicised skills (apart from being a cellist and composer) is that she is 'a natural blonde'. Such an undeniable and relatively rare talent these days, I readily agree!

Seriously (oops!), I note that Ms Martlew's music is described as being 'uncategorisable' but, curiously, she is also said to 'draw the line at Country & Western'.

So even Zoe has her own little "elitist prejudices" when it comes to music categorisation, it seems ... ?

Both fine genres........

Is it just me that struggles with publicity shots and adverts where the main subject has their mouth wide open?

[Flay]

(what did folks think about Zoe Martlew's programme on Saturday?)

Listening now. How odd. The programme starts with a sizeable chunk of the 1st movement of the enchanting Tchaik 1 which she iterrupts to talk a little about he childhood, then she plays another version from the start.

[teamsaint]

Oh dear. ( Zoe Martlew).

Two pieces in. BCs, ( par for the course) and then a childhood reminiscence followed , almost unbelievably, by piece conducted by robert king.

Somebody needs to get a grip. The new DG perhaps.