| Subject: Re: last night of the proms 2001 - changes |
Author:
Mike
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Date Posted: 20:28:03 14/09/2001
In reply to:
WILLIAM CRASTER
's message, "last night of the proms 2001 - changes" on 15:22:21 14/09/2001
I fully support the sentiments and views expressed by the first correspondent. The traditional sequence including Pomp and Circumstance and Rule Britannia should remain. Triumphalist? In bad taste? Did you hear the music used at memorial services in the USA today? I cringed. If that wasn't glorifying in America, I don't know what is. But I suppose that's all right, isn't it? And have you heard the finale of Beethoven's Ninth? Of course you have! Not triumphalist? Who are they kidding?
I had understood from American political leaders that it was "business as usual", but apparently not here. Why should Leonard Slatkin or any other American be offended or feel bad by the traditional Last Night pieces? Surely lyrics such as "Mother of the free" and "Britons never shall be slaves" are appropriate words of defiance to terrorists. As I said before, this is small beer compared with the way-over-the-top music and speeches used at the memorial in the USA. By comparison the Last Night would seem a model of British reserve!
Attempts have been made several times in the recent past by self-regarding "progressive" elements at the BBC to remove the patriotic element from the Last Night, but were defeated by public protests. This time Nicholas Kenyon and his supporters have used underhand and morally questionable tactics to achieve behind a smokescreen of fake concern what a full frontal assault has previously failed to do. What's the betting the traditional pieces remain off the programme next year? We all know the answer to that one.
I would urge all Prommers attending the Last Night to render an a capella version of Land of Hope and Glory in protest at this censorship. It would also be a fitting and heartfelt tribute to those who have suffered this week.
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