theguardian.com
Classical Music's Last Night: A Mixed Bag of Triumphs and Disappointments
The Last Night of the Proms featured a diverse program, including a debut performance by conductor Elim Chan, alongside established artists like soprano Louise Alder and trumpeter Alison Balsom, but also saw mixed reception for new compositions and a celebrity-driven performance of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.
- What were the most impactful performances at this year's Last Night of the Proms?
- Conductor Elim Chan's debut was a standout success, receiving significant praise. Soprano Louise Alder delivered exceptional performances of Jewel Aria and Vilja, showcasing vocal range and skill. Trumpeter Alison Balsom, in a poignant farewell performance, delivered a strong rendition of Hummel's concerto.
- How did the program balance established works with contemporary compositions, and what was the audience's reception?
- The program included a mix of established orchestral and choral pieces by composers like Mussorgsky, Dukas, and Shostakovich alongside newer works. While some contemporary pieces like Benjamin's cantata were well-received, others, such as Pépin's Fireworks and Portman's The Gathering Tree, received a mixed response; a Queen medley featuring Brian May and Roger Taylor proved more humorous than impactful.
- What broader trends or implications can be drawn from this year's Last Night of the Proms, considering both its musical choices and the socio-political context?
- The juxtaposition of the Proms' inclusive atmosphere with the presence of far-right protestors in the surrounding area highlights a tension between cultural celebration and socio-political divisions. The mixed reception of new compositions suggests ongoing challenges in integrating contemporary works within established classical music programming. Alison Balsom's retirement, partly attributed to a lack of repertoire, raises questions about the ongoing development and promotion of pieces for brass instruments.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review presents a balanced perspective, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of the concert. While praising several performances (Elim Chan, Louise Alder, Alison Balsom), it also critiques the less successful pieces (Camille Pépin's Fireworks, Rachel Portman's The Gathering Tree, and the Queen arrangement). The framing is largely descriptive, focusing on the musical aspects of the concert rather than overtly promoting or criticizing any particular viewpoint.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and descriptive. While terms like "firecracker," "rip-roaring," and "sparkling" are used positively, and "clumsy" and "marginalised" negatively, these are common descriptive terms in musical reviews and don't appear to significantly skew the overall tone. There are no overtly loaded or charged terms used.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses primarily on the musical aspects of the concert. It doesn't address the political context mentioned in the introduction (Tommy Robinson protest) beyond acknowledging its presence. While this omission is significant, it's understandable given the limited scope of a concert review. The focus of the article is clearly the musical event and its diverse program. Therefore, omitting the political context doesn't necessarily constitute bias, but rather a justified focus on the event itself.
Gender Bias
The review features several female performers (Elim Chan, Louise Alder, Alison Balsom) prominently and positively, showcasing their talents without resorting to gender stereotypes. Their contributions are evaluated based on their musical merit, not on gender-related factors. The description of Louise Alder's dress doesn't feel explicitly biased, but perhaps less detail about attire for other performers might balance it out.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a classical music event showcasing diverse musicians and composers, including a Hong Kong-born conductor and British soprano. This indirectly promotes cultural understanding and appreciation, contributing to the broader goals of quality education by enriching cultural awareness and fostering inclusivity. The event also features new music, albeit with mixed reception, which can be seen as promoting artistic innovation and exploration, valuable aspects of education.