Howard's programmes are always entertaining and this is no exception. 6 hours well spent. However, unless otherwise advised, assume that a "story" of music is a story of classical music. No qualms with that but, really? Did the 20th century just fly by that quickly.
This could be taken as a SPOILER: Episode 1 delves into the origins of music, Episodes 2-5 are largely a guide through a few hundred years of classical music. Episode 6 concentrates on the 20th century.
The programme opened my eyes to a number of composers I had heard of but of whom I didn't know much. I began to be able to put a name to all those tunes I had heard in the background many times. No more grasping around in the dark when it comes to searching out classical works. Actually, a bit disappointed he didn't dwell further on the British composers (yeah, there were one or two) but maybe they were derivative rather than innovative.
I kept wondering what happened to all the traditional folk music growing in seclusion around the world. But I think seclusion is the point here – it didn't affect the outside world so it didn't affect the story of music. Pity but fair enough.
Now my major gripe: Episode 6 – the 20th century. 12 bar blues to jazz to skiffle to psychedelia to glam to prog to punk to rap to acid house and on including all those genres I have missed out. All neatly bundled up in one hour. Along with the progress of classical music in the 20th century. Hmmm, Goodall does highlight the fact that popular music is, essentially, guitar, bass, drums and keyboards so changes fall within the same rigid boundaries. Possibly. This is, after all, Howard's story. I guess it is the content, rather than the watchability I am querying.
If you already know your Bach from your Verdi, watch this program for pleasure. If you are interesting in broadening your horizons then pull up a stool and absorb the history lesson. Thumbs up from me :)
This could be taken as a SPOILER: Episode 1 delves into the origins of music, Episodes 2-5 are largely a guide through a few hundred years of classical music. Episode 6 concentrates on the 20th century.
The programme opened my eyes to a number of composers I had heard of but of whom I didn't know much. I began to be able to put a name to all those tunes I had heard in the background many times. No more grasping around in the dark when it comes to searching out classical works. Actually, a bit disappointed he didn't dwell further on the British composers (yeah, there were one or two) but maybe they were derivative rather than innovative.
I kept wondering what happened to all the traditional folk music growing in seclusion around the world. But I think seclusion is the point here – it didn't affect the outside world so it didn't affect the story of music. Pity but fair enough.
Now my major gripe: Episode 6 – the 20th century. 12 bar blues to jazz to skiffle to psychedelia to glam to prog to punk to rap to acid house and on including all those genres I have missed out. All neatly bundled up in one hour. Along with the progress of classical music in the 20th century. Hmmm, Goodall does highlight the fact that popular music is, essentially, guitar, bass, drums and keyboards so changes fall within the same rigid boundaries. Possibly. This is, after all, Howard's story. I guess it is the content, rather than the watchability I am querying.
If you already know your Bach from your Verdi, watch this program for pleasure. If you are interesting in broadening your horizons then pull up a stool and absorb the history lesson. Thumbs up from me :)
