The Interval

[Guest]

I was looking to see if this had been discussed here before but I couldn't find anything. Apologies if it has already been done to death and I have missed it.

It appears to be becoming the practice for Radio 3 to play recorded music during the intervals of concerts. My recollection is that there was a time when short talks on a wide range of topics completely unrelated to the music would be broadcast during the intervals. This was akin to being present at the concert venue and during the interval chatting and exchange ideas with friends and acquaintances. I would never ever think about plugging in my headphones and listening to music during the interval while at a concert. It would ruin the flow of the concert programme which someone had spent time and effort putting together.

The interval talks on Radio 3 were times when you would encounter people and ideas which you might not otherwise come across and they made the broadcast evening concert much more of an event. There must be a large number of interval talks in the BBC archives. Perhaps some of them could be rebroadcast. I certainly would welcome them in place of recorded music.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I agree. Excellent post, Wallace.

[Serial_Apologist]

If a particular interval talk had musical excerpts included, I would be happy, so long that the subject matter were germane to the music performed during the concert... and preferably not the same music as that in the concert. Many times these talks are on subjects totally at variance with the latter, and this the problem, I think.

S-A

[MrGongGong]

Surely its time for this to feature ?

http://delaurenti.net/favorite/

A Soundart classic

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Playing music in the interval is rather like the hall/theatre management playing piped music during the interval. The ears need a change and a rest.

[Petrushka]

Playing music in the interval is rather like the hall/theatre management playing piped music during the interval. The ears need a change and a rest.

Agree with this and with the sentiments expressed by Wallace in Msg 1. There used to be many a time when an interval talk was of unexpected interest and gave food for thought. I really loathe having music during the interval and especially when it's a 'Discovering Music' on the music we are about to hear. It usually has the effect of ruining the second half. Better to switch the radio off and set the alarm for 20 minutes which is what I do.

[Segilla]

I agree. Excellent post, Wallace.

Hear, hear!

[french frank]

Since we seem to be in 'Poll' mode at the moment, this might be a good subject. I'm sure there are different views.

Possibilities?

1. Recorded music, unconnected with the concert

2. A speech-based music talk, covering the music to be played/Discovering Music

3. An interview with the evening's performer(s)

4. A vox pop style (audience, sundry orchestral players/administrators)

5. A talk unconnected with the music

6. A short story or other reading

I will investigate whether it's possible to put them in order, otherwise 'most liked' and 'least liked' would be interesting.

[mercia]

doubtless I'm missing the point, but surely an alternative is

7. recorded music connected with the concert

......... which is what they often have

[french frank]

doubtless I'm missing the point, but surely an alternative is

7. recorded music connected with the concert

......... which is what they often have

Yes. On second thoughts I suspect people are saying they want a break from just listening to music. Does it make a difference whether it's, say, by one of the concert's composers?

(Another option would be the broadcasting of the low mumble of audience voices, with the odd, 'Well, anyone coming for a drink?' I don't think that's been tried before. Would be very cheap.)

I don't want to sidetrack people from the issue. I think, like Wallace, the (unconnected?) talk is best. If you're interested you can listen, if not you have Twenty Minutes to take a break and come back to your seat for the resumption of the concert.

[mercia]

..... well I guess whichever alternative they plump for one has the choice of switching off for 20 minutes and returning later ......

[Don Petter]

3. An interview with the evening's performer(s)

Certainly not 3. The ones I catch always seem to be banal. Performers speak to us through their music, and are often not good or interesting communicators in speech!

[french frank]

..... well I guess whichever alternative they plump for one has the choice of switching off for 20 minutes and returning later ......

Well, true, but I dare say the people at R3 would like a few people to stay listening! If an overwhelming number didn't like (say) the recorded music option, it would be interesting to know why they would want to continue with it.

[mercia]

has Radio 3 specifically asked for feedback regarding this topic ?
I think we can assume they would ride roughshod over any preferences expressed here.
that's right isn't it ?

[french frank]

has Radio 3 specifically asked for feedback regarding this topic ?
I think we can assume they would ride roughshod over any preferences expressed here.
that's right isn't it ?

I'll send you a PM about that.