Opera on 3 - Live from the Met

[James Wonnacott]

I enjoy the music but is it part of the deal that we have to endure the ghastly American accent of the presenter?

[Richard Tarleton]

In a word, yes - this is as it says on the tin, a live broadcast which comes as a package. Margaret Juntwait succeeded Peter Allen a few years ago - he too was smoothness personified and could be regarded as an acquired taste, you either like their style or you don't

[kernelbogey]

I'm fairly sure there was a time - 20 or more years ago - when Radio 3 did its own commentary, and Peter Allen was faded out and in, before and after. I don't mind Margaret Juntwait too much - but the dialogue between her and Ira is so patently scripted that I find it very artificial.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Having the authentic voice of the American who is introducing the work from the Met is hardly something we can complain about. Would we expect an American to introduce Proms broadcasts over there? I think not.

[kernelbogey]

Agreed. We also save ourselves much anguish if we recognise that American is now the dominant world dialect of English!

[Cavaradossi]

Not this old chestnut again. Of course it's part of the package. If you don't like it listen via France Musique, they talk over the Met Presenters.

Also good for listening again, they tend to cover most of the Met Season.

[kernelbogey]

Not this old chestnut again.

Filbert?

[Don Basilio]

Wasn't Ira Madame Vera Galuppi-Borsch in the dear old Gran Scena Opera Company?

I just lurve the presenters. It is probably my memory playing tricks, but I'm sure I remember Peter Allen commenting on some soprano singing Aida at the Met and then later singing someone else at Chicago or wherever: "Today a slave girl: tomorrow a princess. That's opera." Wonderful.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Agreed. We also save ourselves much anguish if we recognise that American is now the dominant world dialect of English!

That's only because there are more Americans than British. Recognising this does not diminish the anguish

[Flosshilde]

I enjoy the music but is it part of the deal that we have to endure the ghastly American accent of the presenter?

Well, as it's from the Met in New York, New York, USA, the accent is presumably non-negotiable :doh: