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Date: | Mon, 8 Feb 1999 15:15:03 +0100 |
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The following amusing piece appeared in today's (London) Daily Telegraph
above the signature of Auberon Waugh (son of Evelyn).
Our great hope
Some years ago, I wrote that the arrival of Classic FM, the radio
station playing classical music 24 hours a day, was the most hopeful
social development in Britain in the past 20 years. Millions of
people in every walk of life have discovered an enthusiasm for
classical music which transforms their outlook and sweetens their
lives.
Now we learn that it has a soothing influence on children and encourages
them to be better behaved and work more effectively in class. Radio
3 might be as effective, except that being presented by the BBC it
feels bound to include modern music, which is generally much uglier.
It is well known that popular music, which is as addictive as
alcohol, has the effect of reducing its devotees to something scarcely
recognisable as human. My only fear is that once the progressive
teachers get it into their muddled heads that classical music is good
for children, especially those from poor or disadvantaged backgrounds,
they will start playing the music of modern composers such as Harrison
Birtwistle or Philip Glass.
This can only puzzle the children, and might persuade them to insult
their teachers and scribble rude messages on the wall.
John G. Deacon
Home page: http://www.ctv.es/USERS/j.deacon
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