U.K.-based radio station Classic FM “is about to mark its 25th birthday. It’s celebrating in style,” writes Ivan Hewett in Monday’s (8/28) Daily Telegraph (London; subscription required). “Classic recently announced its best ever listening figures: 5.8 million people are tuning in weekly. That ought to be cause for rejoicing. But for many classical music lovers, the success of Classic FM is a sign that … we’re no longer sure what classical music is, so millions of listeners can accept … the idea that classical music is good only for making you feel relaxed.… Viewed impartially, Classic FM has its good points…. The music is more varied than the decriers admit.… John Suchet, [Classic FM’s] most popular presenter, says, … ‘Our rule is that if people are twiddling the tuning dial and they come across Classic, there has to be a good chance they’ll like what they hear, and stick with it.’ … BBC Radio 3 is different. It has a mission to lead taste, and to foster the art of music…. Better to admit that the classical music world in this country is lucky to have both, stop using one as a stick to beat the other.”
Posted August 28, 2017
