U-turn
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March 08, 2005
Fragrance without a bite
The commercial radio station ClassicFM only airs the safe and solid repertoire. At least, that's what I discovered listening to them for a while.
They listen carefully to what the general public wants to hear. A lot of Smetana's Moldau, Mozart's Symphony Nr. 40 and Dvorak Slavic Dances.
I was nearly shocked hearing the finale of Stravinsky's Firebird. I discovered they even play 'contemporary' composers like Arvo Pärt and Tolga Kashif's Queen symphony (no harm meant, Tolga).
It is a pro they even play film music from composers like James Horner. But why not play music by composers like Steve Reich or John Adams? If we ever want to accept we have arrived in the 21st century it is about time to acknowledge contemporary music can taste nice without simply going back to the way of composing in the 1890s.
The Russian Duma should be pleased with stations like this. No Kulturkammer needs to be installed for this self indulged censorship. No investigations have to be undertaken because a theatre like the Bolshoi refuses to only stage harmless music that has lost its relevance in today's society.
So, come on ClassicFM, put some different music in your rotation list. Even the most expensive fragrance contains some smells you don't want to isolate, but are nevertheless there.
Posted by Renske at 22:22 UTC | permanent link