BBC Proms 2011: Caroline O'Connor sings Strike up the Band

[andykhodak]

It seems Jennings03 was expecting to hear a British classical singer doing some British opera or, preferably, some Scottish traditional song. No wonder he was disappointed listening to an Australian musical theatre performer with an American composer song. Sounds a little chauvinistic but understandable: he wouldn't have liked it if it was Judy Garland herself.

Caroline O'Connor gives a great performance (as usual) but when you're expecting Kiri Te Kanawa even Gershwin won't be classical enough.

[Jennings03]

I take it from this further comment of yours 'so lets leave him to it' that you have become the self-appointed leader of the crucifiers; if anyone has a problem I doubt if it is myself. You might, instead, try to constrain your urge to be assertive and complacent in the cosiness of the crowd and focus on addressing the purpose of 'comments' rather than exposing your hatred of males through your barrage of puerile attacks.

[Jennings03]

It may be an example of classic popular music of the US but it can hardly be described as being classical which surely was the original concept behind the Proms; to introduce Western classical music to the general public but hardly the popular music of the masses. Somewhere, more lately, the dream has changed which by itself is not a problem; it is the damage that is being done to this wonderful tradition.

[CDB8939]

@Jennings03

JO3 obviously has a problem with anything from the US, so lets leave him to it, and maybe he will have a Harrison Birtwisle or Mark Anthony Turnage season put on for him next year, there will certainly be plenty of seating choice in the house. I will wait for the next JWO Prom and hope I am lucky enough to get tickets.

[Jennings03]

Interesting why so many feel the desparate need to attack my comment which is both legitimate and accurate. The Proms have always been fully booked without the Americanisation of modern day pop-culture and with a performer who is awkward in movement. It was appalling in its entirety and should not have been performed; it was harsh, brash, and trashy! Before any others comment on my contribution remember, scoundrels hide behind patriotism!

[CDB8939]

@Jennings03

I say again, the Proms is for all tastes of music nowadays, not stiff rigid full on classical music. Quite how you can say that The Hollywood Concert is modern day pop, I thought it was classic musical. Henry Wood wasn't complaining, I saw him there sitting behind the Orchestra, and indeed some of the same musicians are playing now at the last night, namely the Orchestra Leader and the Principal Second Violin for 2

[OfficiallyCaroline]

You have received many responses similar to my own. it shows you are TOTALLY out of touch with this genre of music.best keep your ignorant comments to yourself.

[Jennings03]

Daiseymay; sounds an appropriate description; who then is pompous? Rather than attack other posters why not say something constructive about the performance; something sensible other than demonstrating your inability to cope with opposing views to your own? Can you not appreciate that the singing is appalling and the singer's movements awkward? I can only comment by what I see on this video. If you can see something different then why not express it?

[OfficiallyCaroline]

@Jennings03 YOUR AN ABSOLUTE IDIOT !!!!!

[Jennings03]

@OfficiallyCaroline If you are finding difficulty at accepting my comments then the problem is yours and has little if anything to do with myself. It is the reflection of your attitude which reveals an insecurity; possibly a holiday will resolve your problem.

[walshamite]

@OfficiallyCaroline What? Your an absolute idiot? No, I think you mean "You're" an absolute idiot, as you're abbreviating You are... why is this error so widespread?

[Jennings03]

Does bad news, like the truth upset you? Poor soul! How can disharmony and a sreaming skull be appreciated? Do you ever feel like a Lilliputian which is how you come across.

[civilservant]

I DID say something appropriate about my experience, and as this Prom was sold out so fast must say something about its popularity. You seem to have set yourself up as a aficionado making sweeping statements about the audience yet be unable to accept that this Prom brought a lot of joy to a wide range of ordinary people. Surely that is the purpose of the Proms?.

[Jennings03]

There is nothing harmonious in this woman's singing; she is murdering the song. Those who were at the concert were probably influenced by expectation and mass hysteria. Why not attempt to say something appropriate about your experience rather that attack the views of others or set yourself up as an aficionado?

[3dwurli]

@Jennings03 Why not just enjoy it? If you have nothing nice to say, dont say anything!

[walshamite]

@3dwurli You're fighting a rear guard action that will fail, J-03. The proms season has to make a legit profit, the JW Orchestra is hugely sought after, these tunes are timesless and extremely popular. The concert is a sold-out event, and doesn't blot out the other classic nights - IT SUBSIDISES THEM, and helps keep he proms Season viable. Get real. And please stop patrolling the tube like a member of the thought police. This is music. Nobody died here.

[3dwurli]

@walshamite Why is this in reply to me?

[ProfessorPiano]

@Jennings03 "She is murdering the song" - She's a great singer with a strong voice. Let's also take in mind this song is rarely ever covered with a vocalist. Perhaps because it was originally rather unpopular when it was released. It was only the instrumental arrangement for band/orchestra that became popular. I think she did an excellent job at it and most certainly put in the passion that (if you listen to the lyrics) this song needs and most definitely deserves! :D

[Jennings03]

I can hardly be concerned about your views. This Americanisation of the Proms will cause Sir Henry Woods to turn in his grave.

[civilservant]

@Jennings03

I was there last night, and all I can say is that the response from the audience said how great this performance was. If the "popularisation" of concerts likes this brings more people to the Proms, I am sure Sir Henry would approve of that

[MrDaiseymay]

@Jennings03 You pompous idiot, get back to your radio three dugout.

[Jennings03]

What awful singing! The BBC Proms are okay for the traditional music but let today's pop singers sing the American songs.

[skj72]

@Jennings03 What?! I was in the audience for this and can honestly say that there wasn't a moment I didn't enjoy and all of the singers were absolutely wonderful! You want pop singers singing the greatest songs from all the old musicals? Half of todays pop stars can barely even sing properly! Your comment really confuses me, I just don't get how you can think this is poor??

[CDB8939]

@Jennings03

You need to lighten up J03, the Proms is for everyone to enjoy, that is what Henry Wood started them for. I was in the RAH for the performance, it was Fantastic ! the Orchestra is probably the best in the world, all the musicians are having a fantastic time, no one leaves the stage between numbers as they all want see the performance, the concert sold out in 4 hours, Caroline O'Conner was brilliant, top Broadway performance.

as were all the other Singers & The Maida Vale Choir.

[CrimsonHawkArts]

IDK