Prom 74 (12.09.20) Last Night of the Proms

[antongould]

A former member thinks we should discuss this

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/18/last-night-of-the-proms-must-change

[oddoneout]

I've wanted change for some years now, not primarily or solely because of the now unacceptable associations/overtones. It seems to have become so overblown/long that I don't bother with it now unless there is something of interest in the first half.
I would like to see Proms in the Park hived off to do its own thing, which might include relaying parts of the RAH concert, since live orchestral music accessible to different audiences is IMO something to be welcomed and supported, but I suggest that that audience is one which enjoys/expects the 'lollipops'(which needn't include the likes of Brittania) which fit better in such a context. Given that the Proms season has a theme each year perhaps the final concert could include a reflection on/reference to the current season now finished, and a look towards that to come, and still contain some of the regulars such as the Sea Shanties? But above all, shorter and more focused.

[Serial_Apologist]

I've wanted change for some years now, not primarily or solely because of the now unacceptable associations/overtones. It seems to have become so overblown/long that I don't bother with it now unless there is something of interest in the first half.
I would like to see Proms in the Park hived off to do its own thing, which might include relaying parts of the RAH concert, since live orchestral music accessible to different audiences is IMO something to be welcomed and supported, but I suggest that that audience is one which enjoys/expects the 'lollipops'(which needn't include the likes of Brittania) which fit better in such a context. Given that the Proms season has a theme each year perhaps the final concert could include a reflection on/reference to the current season now finished, and a look towards that to come, and still contain some of the regulars such as the Sea Shanties? But above all, shorter and more focused.

OK, but expect the Far Right (a term which imv should have gone in the hated words and phrases thread) to come and burn down the Albert Hall, if the Last Night is cancelled.

[LMcD]

'Overblown' describes the Last Night perfectly, I would say. I think it has turned into an event which is far too aware of its own importance, which is why I haven't watched it for many years. If it does become 'shorter and more focused' I'll give it a try.
The sea shanties will have to go of course, because the sea is what the slavers' vessels sailed on, and nothing by Elgar can be included because his name and the word 'slave' both comprise 5 letters, 2 of which are the same, and both words are monosyllabic. added to which Worcester is too close to Bristol.

[MrGongGong]

The sea shanties will have to go of course, because the sea is what the slavers' vessels sailed on, and nothing by Elgar can be included because his name and the word 'slave' both comprise 5 letters, 2 of which are the same, and both words are monosyllabic. added to which Worcester is too close to Bristol.

I think joining in with the kind of bullshit made-up nonsense which certain newspapers like to indulge in is one of the ways that we got in the mess we are in at the moment.
People DO really believe in the kind of "straight banana" jokes

LNOTP would be better off consigned to the dustbin of history IMV
Though there have been some great commissions ...... Panic (on the streets of London) being one

Maybe one way to ensure that we have a LIVE culture is to have an event that only features music by people who are still alive ?

[Serial_Apologist]

I think joining in with the kind of bullshit made-up nonsense which certain newspapers like to indulge in is one of the ways that we got in the mess we are in at the moment.
People DO really believe in the kind of "straight banana" jokes

LNOTP would be better off consigned to the dustbin of history IMV
Though there have been some great commissions ...... Panic (on the streets of London) being one

Maybe one way to ensure that we have a LIVE culture is to have an event that only features music by people who are still alive ?

I'm just wondering what kinds of last night commissions would result... Today's not yesterday, as Stevie Wonder once sang...

[LMcD]

Could I suggest that any revamped, socially relevant LNOTP includes a specially commissioned set of symphonic variations on Noel Coward's 'There Are Bad Times Just Around The Corner'?

[MrGongGong]

Could I suggest that any revamped, socially relevant LNOTP includes a specially commissioned set of symphonic variations on Noel Coward's 'There Are Bad Times Just Around The Corner'?

I was working on an orchestral version of Chumbawamba's Mouthfull of Sh*t ... a great song IMV

[kernelbogey]

It seems to have become so overblown/long that I don't bother with it now unless there is something of interest in the first half.

And detestably chauvinistic.

[DracoM]

And detestably chauvinistic.

[Serial_Apologist]

And detestably chauvinistic.

That's why the euphemistically-described "far right" would probably burn down the Albert Hall were the Last Night to be cancelled. Where else are they allowed their collective let's pull-together its full blow job of publicity?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

A former member thinks we should discuss this

Former members have no relevance.

[eighthobstruction]

....perhaps next year the whole thing could be haned over to the Chineke! Foundation....

....and 'foreigners' do love the lnotp....spealing to some Germans on a Anglsey Beach few years back who were over for Proms Wagner Cycle....they love it and look forward to its broadcasts in Germany and create /copy it in Germany???....Surely many of you Prommers have been....is just that people and venders of flags outside ROH have found it easier to pick up UK /Union Flag memorabilia??.... [I'm being friendly]

[jayne lee wilson]

For God's sake get rid of the bloody thing now we've got the chance.... great to have some kind of farewell to the Proms Musicians & Composers (assuming it ever comes back in a recognisable form) but the Mythical-Nationalistic-Exclusivist Jingoism? Get Rid. No more Johnsonian Churchillian Pretensions. (Only one Prom Brexiterian Nationalists ever take an interest in....)

My dear Mother, who worked as a Sergeant in the Armaments factories in WW2 would get a bit tearful in Land of Hope or Jerusalem.... I would too on her behalf....(ah, those Spitfires taking off from green meadows.... ). She was there. Really. It meant a lot. (The words didn't matter much).

But offer her a Bruckner Symphony instead....or a programme of Beethoven, Berlioz and J-Strauss Overtures and Waltzes... she'd take the deal like a shot... more fun, less tears....(except in saying farewell to the orchestras etc...)

Teddy Bears welcome...(so long as they're not called anything like "Aloysius"..)

[eighthobstruction]

....I think it would great if LSO did an evening of arrangements of Fela Kuti works....crying out for strings to interplay with brass and big Choir chanting and a tenor singing about International Corruption and International Thievery and multi-complicity.....International THIEF THIEF....