It's all about British composers!
(Photo: British Composer Edward Elgar 1857-1934)
It’s all about British composers!
According to recent surveys by the UK’s Classic FM (one of my favorite stations to stream), Brexit seems to be having a positive impact on the interest in British composers. Classic FM creates an annual list of the top 300 most popular songs based on 10,000 votes from the station’s listeners. They’ve been doing the survey for 24 years, and the results from the last survey are interesting indeed.
Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance Marches have reportedly jumped nine places to reach No. 25 in this year’s Hall of Fame. His Enigma Variations has jumped to No. 3, and eight other songs from this very British composer are also occupying spots in the top 300.
Ralph Vaughan William’s The Lark Ascending has achieved recognition as “the nation’s most popular piece of classical music,” overtaking Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.
What is reportedly causing the sudden interest in all things British? According to the experts, Brexit is causing Brits to examine what it means to be British, and apparently, that includes recognizing and celebrating Britain’s greatest composers.
I have to wonder if California suddenly decided to do its own Calexit from the U.S., would Californians suddenly start taking a shine to its own California-based composers? Would we be seeking out the music of John Cage or Terry Riley? Would attendance at California’s symphony orchestras, operas, and ballets suddenly surge? Seems an extreme means to boost patronage of the arts. There must be an better way…