Prom 74 (12.09.20) Last Night of the Proms

[Prommer]

My question is: Why does it matter?



Interesting choice of adjective: philistine = hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts

The hostility seems to be coming more from HMG and the Daily Mail/Daily Express.

There's a delicious irony (or two) in the facts that our current negotiations over fishing rights would suggest that we DON'T actually rule the waves, and that the increasing likelihood of Scottish independence will put an end to 'Britannia' too.

I'm afraid I don't accept that indifference to the Last Night programme is a sign of a higher aesthetic sensibility. The fact that some people enjoying it perhaps do not instantly recommend themselves as bosom pals, or dinner companions, is quite irrelevant in the scheme of things. Removing the ability of willing artists (except perhaps the woke conductor) to perform works in their fuller expression, ie with the intended words (and for highly questionable reasons, in truth) is an act of philistinism. Thank God this convenient sleight of hand has been identified and repelled, and as a result the Last Night will probably stay as it is for even longer than would otherwise have been the case.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

But what about Rees-Mogg reciting: "Britons never SHALL be slaves?" When did he last go to a Prom?

Possibly many of politicians who are the most vocal on this issue are unaware of any Proms other than the Last Night?

[Prommer]

Possibly many of politicians who are the most vocal on this issue are unaware of any Proms other than the Last Night?

Um, see your message 149!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Um, see your message 149!

Now I really confused.

[LMcD]

Now I really confused.

You and me both, guv'nor!

[oddoneout]

My question would now be, how many singers? Who will sing the verses? in what arrangement? Will it be done in as low key a way as possible to make the philistine BBC suits feel better?

This answers your first question

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-53998584

[cloughie]

Um, see your message 149!

You must be clairvoyant.

[Prommer]

Um, see your message 149!

Sorry, it seems to have changed - your message 137... "Please discuss the Last Night of the Proms here, and not party political issues that go well beyond the singing (or otherwise) of certain songs associated with the event."

[Prommer]

You then immediately started to talk about politicians' ignorance of Proms other than the Last Night! Anyway, no matter.

[Prommer]

This answers your first question
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-53998584

Thank you for this, though I'm not sure this actually means it must be a maximum of 18, simply because this was done the other day?

[Petrushka]

You then immediately started to talk about politicians' ignorance of Proms other than the Last Night! Anyway, no matter.

I frequently used to see politicians of all stripes in the audience either at the Proms, the Barbican or the RFH. Among those I remember are Denis Healey, Norman Tebbit, Geoffrey Howe, Robin Cook, Edward Heath and Norman Lamont. Somewhat disconcertingly, I once found myself sitting next to Jeremy Thorpe at a Prom.

Not seen any politician at a concert now for a good number of years.

[oddoneout]

Thank you for this, though I'm not sure this actually means it must be a maximum of 18, simply because this was done the other day?

Yes sorry about that. I had read the article earlier so just found the link to post rather than re-reading. However looking at the distribution of singers in the photo I'm doubtful whether more would be feasible - there's a limit to how far ensemble can be stretched I would think at those distances?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Perhaps someone can explain why this attack on Keir Starmer has remained but my responses have been deleted ? They are equally party political

Sorry. Missed that one. Will adjust.

[Norrette]

Not seen any politician at a concert now for a good number of years.

I have often seen them behind me when I get up at the interval. My tickets are usually the stalls nearest the first violins.

At the risk of conflating the topic with another current story the latest lyrics for RB are going to be:

Rule Britannia, Britannia waives the rules


(Nicked from twitter)

[oddoneout]

I know they aren't synchronised anymore(those happy days are long gone for me) but seeing that the radio and the TV broadcasts start at the same time I think I might have both on, but with the TV sound ( and KD) off. Sometimes the gap between what the eyes see and the ear hears is too distracting but it might be OK for this, and seeing the performers is part of the occasion.
On the plus side of the new arrangements, the whole thing is shorter, and shown in one go on BBC1 - no channel hopping. With all the 'topical' publicity will the audience numbers be higher I wonder.