What is your verdict on this year's Proms?

[johnb]

"I'll be back".

I hope so! I've enjoyed your contributions to the forum.

By the way - I exempt myself from the "chummy old gentleman" label - I'm much more of a curmudgeonly old fart.

Best wishes

J

[salymap]

Jayne, good morning, I bear nobody any illwill and am sure your contributions are as welcome as anyone's.

Perhaps as a newcomer you don't realise that,although we try to stay on topic, two or three conversations usually go on simultaneously on any popular thread. I hav e many times been ignored or passed over for the main subject of the thread but usually get back in there later. No-one meant to upset you but you did rather spoil a touching reunion with FHG. As the chummy old woman/lady that dear Chris referred to, I can assure you that music means as much to me as anyone, having spent my life working in the music world.
Please relax, we all need these MBs and speaking for myself it is my link with a past life. Okay?

[Flosshilde]

We "chummy old gentlemen" have heard more, seen more and played more than most; to add to our collection of memories.

More of value to our fellow message boarders, I think, than bragging about our collection of equipment.

I suggest that if, as a comparative newcomer to these boards, you show a little more humility, you might learn something to add to your own awareness of what is the vast landscape of musical knowledge and experience.

Ventilhorn

WEll, I've never bragged about my equipment - I'm too much of a gentleman.

I don't see why newcomers should 'show humility', unless it's to bolster the egos of some of the rather more pompous members. Who knows, a necomer to the board could be one of the most distinguished performers - even more distinguished than Ventilhorn.

[Badger]

I found them generally distinctly lack-lustre, apart from a light music evening and a hollywood evening, which went off after a very few minutes.

They do seem to be losing their way...

I really do believe the message given to Roger Wright by the BBC for 2008 onwards must have been to widen the appeal of the Proms to more people. Hence for purists and traditionalists a proportion of what is now really an 'arts festival' including poetry, light music, even turntable 'scratching' with orchestra and comedy/fringe performers, with the big screen and live simultaneous Last Nights around the UK, is bound to disappoint and appear to lower standards.

[salymap]

I really do believe the message given to Roger Wright by the BBC for 2008 onwards must have been to widen the appeal of the Proms to more people. Hence for purists and traditionalists a proportion of what is now really an 'arts festival' including poetry, light music, even turntable 'scratching' with orchestra and comedy/fringe performers, with the big screen and live simultaneous Last Nights around the UK, is bound to disappoint and appear to lower standards.

Very true Badger. Nothing to be done now it's here I suppose. Welcome, by the way

[Badger]

Very true Badger. Nothing to be done now it's here I suppose. Welcome, by the way

Thank you...how nice! In this era of UK riots, recession, politician's errors and terrorism, the UK can be very proud that the BBC Proms and Edinburgh Festival to include the Fringe are acclaimed this year as the greatest arts festivals in the world. Not so bad for one little island which once 'ruled the world'. To be passionate about the arts is a great cushion when 'all about one' seems to be shocking.