what a racket....
relauctant to appear ungrateful of the free ticket and experience but the RFH recital was a rough ride.
Not a major fan of classical music but I was really looking forward to being immersed in the sound of an expert orchestra. I wanted to drown in melody and interesting instrumental sounds. Instead i drowned in the wail of bored babies with over filled nappies too young by far for their parents well intended musical aspirations.
The Peter Rabbit thing was engaging only because it at least held a story and not, and here forgive me for getting a bit simon cowell, by virtue of the Butlins childrens' entertainer style presentation. I think Ivan liked this bit so I give it due respect.
The pieces on animals were appalling if the idea is to engage young children in orchestras and classical music. No melody, often inaudible, no excitement. Perhaps in a small room....... a long way away from me.
The visual display, though obviously not the most important part of the event, was laughably half hearted but by then the kiddie audience would have been thrilled by anything so they oohed and ahhed as if a pyrotechnic display had erupted.
When the presenter suggested the audience should get up off their seats and move around I was filled with horror at the thought of the restless Henry and Jocasta seated in front of me being let loose at last as snakes upon the festival hall. Luckily they were listless and bored enough by then to stay sat.
I was glad of the Stravinsky at the end though by then i would have preferred a bit of peace.
The star of the show for me was the RFH building itself. a beautiful space to be in.
Ivan and I nipped off as soon as we could to the Mediatheque film library at the BFI and watched another of the fantastic children's film foundation films we saw on our visit there. It was raining hard on the south bank and was a fantastic thing to do.... so all's well.
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