Essential Classics - The Continuing Debate

[Roger Webb]

Quite! However, having reached the stage of my life in which circumstances dictate a steady lowering of expectations, I probably find it less difficult than some others to live with most of the changes that are occurring, or being imposed, on the station.

Did you get a mention today? I didn't...it was therefore a terrible dummed-down waste of time!

[french frank]

I agree that the marketeers have taken over . But Reith in fact hated the idea of the Third Programme as he thought it would ring face high culture from the majority audience.

He was right in that as it turned out, but if the mainstream services had still been covering it adequately no one would have been excluded. But, first corral high culture into a single space - then relentlessly reduce it and diminish the intellectual demands: that wasn't what was intended by Haley's BBC. There was a glimmer of understanding of this at the old BBC Trust which agreed that it should not be left to Radio 3 to purvey 'high culture' to the nation.

[LMcD]

Did you get a mention today? I didn't...it was therefore a terrible dummed-down waste of time!

I didn't contribute a suggestion today.

[Ein Heldenleben]

And so for the fifth time this month we have Greig’s Wedding at Troullhagen - including an entire Music Map built on the threadbare link of wedding music. Aren’t there any other 19th lyric pieces they can schedule -it’s getting ridiculous?

[Old Grumpy]

Did you get a mention today? I didn't...it was therefore a terrible dummed-down waste of time!

Next it will be The Archers theme tune...


dum de dum de dum de dum

[smittims]

Haven't you heard? Barwick Green was dumbed-down long ago . Listen to the current version and see if you like it. I think it's an atrocity, though I shan't be surprisd to hear that someone won an 'award' for it. . Ironically, it its present form the melody resembles Wally Stott's skilful parody in the 'Bowmans' episode of 'Hancock'.

[Old Grumpy]

Haven't you heard? Barwick Green was dumbed-down long ago . Listen to the current version and see if you like it. I think it's an atrocity, though I shan't be surprisd to hear that someone won an 'award' for it. . Ironically, it its present form the melody resembles Wally Stott's skilful parody in the 'Bowmans' episode of 'Hancock'.

Mmm - had to look that one up - not an Archers fan myself.

Here's one for the folkies:

https://youtu.be/MCFhbfIygkI?si=MaQi486JAH6RUv5l

[LMcD]

Mmm - had to look that one up - not an Archers fan myself.

Here's one for the folkies:

https://youtu.be/MCFhbfIygkI?si=MaQi486JAH6RUv5l

The trailer which now marks the end of TTN informs us that EC will help prepare us to face the rigours of the day. Apart from the implication that Breakfast doesn't do much for our peace of mind, I would have thought that 9.30 was a bit late to start this calming process.

[smittims]

It depends on your schedule. Edward Clark, one-time BBC stalwart, was rarely out and about before midday. Me, I face the rigours of the day at about 4.15 am with a strong coffee an Kellogg's corn flakes. , Billy has a dish of Felix and goes off to inspect his territory. So Through the Night is my listening at that time.

[Padraig]

Information please.Today or yesterday I overheard a radio as I was walking along a .street - I assume Radio3, and Essential Classics, going by the time AM. The music was Mussorgsky's The Song Of the Flea, I don't think it was Boris Kristoff. I heard enough to recognise the tune and a great bass voice. Anton, I'm sure you at least can help me to identify the performance. It is an old favourite but I have not heard it for years and then it was Boris Kristoff. Thanks, if anyone knows the answer.

[Pulcinella]

Information please.Today or yesterday I overheard a radio as I was walking along a .street - I assume Radio3, and Essential Classics, going by the time AM. The music was Mussorgsky's The Song Of the Flea, I don't think it was Boris Kristoff. I heard enough to recognise the tune and a great bass voice. Anton, I'm sure you at least can help me to identify the performance. It is an old favourite but I have not heard it for years and then it was Boris Kristoff. Thanks, if anyone knows the answer.

Today's playlist gives the details:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021y0n

Modest Mussorgsky


Mephistopheles' Song of the Flea (Blokha)

Performer: David Willison. Lyricist: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Singer: Benjamin Luxon.

• MUSSORGSKY: SONGS AND DANCES OF DEATH; SUNLESS.
• DECCA MUSIC GROUP LTD..
• 13.

[Padraig]

Today's playlist gives the details:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021y0n

Modest Mussorgsky


Mephistopheles' Song of the Flea (Blokha)

Performer: David Willison. Lyricist: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Singer: Benjamin Luxon.

• MUSSORGSKY: SONGS AND DANCES OF DEATH; SUNLESS.
• DECCA MUSIC GROUP LTD..
• 13.

That was quick, Pulcinella. Many thanks. I found the item, about (1.48 in on the link) sung this time by another admired singer.

In return I enclose a translation, and a few interesting details, all of which have added to my own enjoyment of the song.

ahem , , , An English Adaptation of Mephistopheles' Song of the Flea From Faust

[french frank]

Good to see the Performer, Lyricist and Singer credited

[Ein Heldenleben]

Seems to be British Music Day on R3 .
I don’t know who the first trumpet was on this but they were sensational . And very forward in the balance.


William Walton Orb and Sceptre Performer: Noel Rawsthorne. Orchestra: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Sir Charles Groves.

• EMI.

[LMcD]

Seems to be British Music Day on R3 .[/LIST]

A day-long 'British Music Map' masterminded by Sara Mohr-Pietsch.