What is 'Light Music' ?

[Leinster Lass]

Wasn't there a chap called Eric Robinson who used to introduce programmes of light music on BBC radio?

[Serial_Apologist]

Wasn't there a chap called Eric Robinson who used to introduce programmes of light music on BBC radio?

Indeed yes! I used to find his attitude to us kids patronising even before I know what patronising meant!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

When I began listening to music seriously in the 1950s, I remember that the Light Programme broadcast a concert at around 5.0 pm on Wednesdays, entitled "Music of the Masters" - this was followed at around 6.0pm by the Third Programme with a "Symphony Concert" - usually heavier fare - and then by the BBC Symphony Orchestra Concert often from the RFH at 8.0pm on the Home Service. All three networks contributing to the Musical Life of the Nation. Great days!!

[cloughie]

Wasn't there a chap called Eric Robinson who used to introduce programmes of light music on BBC radio?

...and he had a big brother Stanford who was also a conductor and on the BBC staff for many years establishing the forerunners of the BBC Singers and BBC symphony Chorus, and a frequent conductor of the BBC orchestras. I agree with S_A Eric came across as smug and self important, but was a good purveyor of the light repertoire!

[rauschwerk]

The definition in message #3 seems a good one to me. However, when I gave it to a non-musician in response to his request, he said nothing but gave me a look that had 'smart-arse' written all over it!

Light music, it seems to me, does not plumb the emotional depths of more serious fare. Thus Elgar's Chanson de matin is light but his Sospiri certainly isn't.

[vinteuil]

Light music, it seems to me, does not plumb the emotional depths of more serious fare. Thus Elgar's Chanson de matin is light but his Sospiri certainly isn't.

... I think that definition comes from a 'romantic' notion of what music delivers. I'm not sure that the seriousness of some Scarlatti sonatas - or Bach fugues - necessarily comes from an 'emotional depth' : it comes from the innate interest of what's going on in the music

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[cloughie]

The definition in message #3 seems a good one to me. However, when I gave it to a non-musician in response to his request, he said nothing but gave me a look that had 'smart-arse' written all over it!

Light music, it seems to me, does not plumb the emotional depths of more serious fare. Thus Elgar's Chanson de matin is light but his Sospiri certainly isn't.

Surely the personal nature of, and reaction to music means that plumbing of emotional depths will vary considerably from one listener to another and with individuals will vary on when they are listening, and what they want from a piece of music at that time.

[vinteuil]

I can't remember who it was said words to the effect that light music was defined as the melody being more important than what you did with it.

... yep, all that 'light music' gregorian chant

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdroyjKs1Ls

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[Roslynmuse]

Wasn't there a chap called Eric Robinson who used to introduce programmes of light music on BBC radio?

My first reaction was - didn't he present Gardener's Question Time?

According to the all-knowing Wikipedia, ER was involved with the Eurovision Song Contest in 1960 and 1963. (That's Robinson, not Robson!)

[gradus]

It's this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lARhekRY4q8