Music for the Masses
Robert Newman, with the help of the first conductor Henry Wood, established the Promenade Concerts in the late 19th century. The first concerts took place at London’s Queen’s Hall. Following enemy action in World War II and the destruction of the Queen’s Hall the Promenade Concerts were relocated to the Royal Albert Hall.
Newman wanted to ensure that a well-balanced mixture of both classical and popular music was made available to large audiences. He might have hoped, but couldn’t possibly know for sure, that the tradition he established would continue indefinitely. In fact, this great British tradition has continued into the 21st century and Newman’s hopes have certainly been fulfilled.
One of the early traditions was for specified evenings to be devoted to named composers. For example, the music of Beethoven was played at Friday evening concerts. By the early 1950s these dedicated evenings began to disappear and the new trend was towards a much wider choice of music and events.
The Changing Style of the Proms
Many new conductors appeared at the Proms. One name that is synonymous with the Proms is that of Sir Malcolm Sargent. He was renowned for his smart appearance always appearing in full evening dress, a trend adopted by his contemporaries and many of the orchestral conductors that followed him.
The modern Promenade season lasts for eight weeks and comprises more than 70 events. Ticket prices in 2007 range from £6 to £80. (Approximately US$13 – US$160.) If you’ve got plenty of energy you can queue up on the day for a £5 ticket to stand either in the Arena or the Gallery. The queues are long and many would-be Promenaders are turned away since most tickets are sold in advance.
The programme caters for children, poetry lovers and opera buffs. Although orchestral music does still dominate the programme change is happening. The symphony orchestra does not always feature at every performance with performers, including trios, quartets, small ensembles, brass bands, small and large choirs from all over the world being invited to take part. The programme includes vocal and instrumental music from both western and non-western cultures, often accompanied by choreographed pieces presented by individual dancers and dance troupes.
Last Night at the Proms
Such is the demand for tickets that the Royal Albert Hall is filled to over flowing especially when the “Last Night” comes round. Anyone who has been lucky enough to have a ticket to the “Last Night” will not forget the lively atmosphere when thousands of balloons are released from the roof. Flag-waving audiences dress up in patriotic costumes and blow whistles and hooters.
Champagne and Picnics
The informal atmosphere of the Proms has now spread to parks across the United Kingdom. On the last night, concerts are relayed to thousands of out door promenaders who arrive with their champagne and picnics to brave the UK’s temperamental weather and enjoy the concerts on large screens.
Encompassing the World
Although tickets to concerts might be limited access to events is not. Television, radio and video-web casts take the Promenade Concerts to the world. Almost every event can be heard on radio, seen on television or viewed “on demand” at the BBC website for a week after the initial broadcast.
The Original Promise
Despite the constant refinement of Newman’s original idea the promise has been kept. The greatest variety of music and musical styles is performed to the highest possible standards and presented to ever increasing worldwide audiences.
Details of concerts and events forming this year’s Promenade Concerts can be found at the BBC website.
Sources:
“The Henry Wood Proms” written by David Cox BBC, 1980, ISBN 0-563-17697-0
“The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians” S. Sadie, Macmillan 1980, ISBN: 0333231112
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