Promenade concerts

At the Proms the audience are very mixed and there is always a high pro­portion of young people. The prome- naders in particular are informal, these are summer concerts, and it is certainly the thing to be extremely enthusiastic. Applause is often warm and frequently begins before the last notes have died away and is often indiscriminate. As many Londoners get their first intro­duction to concert going through these popular concerts, part of the audience has still to learn differentiate between a good and a, bad performance.

Back in those days, a young British conductor by the n^m^eVHenry Wood was concerned aboufcthe state of music

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МІИ КОНСПЕКТ

In Britain. He was worried by the low standard of performance, at the lack of British musicians and the infrequent opportunities for the ordinary person to hear good music.

The successful policy of mixing classi­cal and modern music in one program has won acceptance for new music.

The comparatively widespread interest in serious music is due to a large extent to Henry Wood's initiative. In the large provincial towns, too, seasons of prom­enade concerts are held. They are well attended and have played a leading role in encouraging the development of mu­sical life in the provinces.

The combination of good music and a lively atmosphere has won many friends in London and the provinces, and it is a small wonder that, especially for the younger generation, the Proms are the musical attraction of the year.

Now, listen to the questions and mark the correct answer

1. What audience attends the Proms?

   1. High society;

   2. mixed;

   3. common people.

2. What kind of concerts are the Proms?

   1. All-year-round concerts;

   2. spring concerts;

   3. summer.

3. What can the audience learn at the Proms?

   1. To differentiate between a good and bad performance;

   2. to dance waltz;

   3. to enjoy every style of music.

4. What was Henry Wood concerned about?

   1. The place where to organize the Proms;

   2. the successful policy of mixing classical and modern music;

   3. the state of music in Britain.

5. What role did the Proms play in en­couraging the development of mu­sical life in provinces?

   1. A leading role;

   2. no role;

   3. an organizing role.

Те а с h e r. By the way how do you un­derstand the promenade concerts?

P u p і 1. As far as I've understood from the text the Prom is...

Teacher. That's right. And what about you... are you a concert-goer?

Pupil. Oh, yes if I have free time, I go to the concert and listen to the music with pleasure.

Teacher. Oh, I see. Your home task for today was to make dialogues about visiting different concerts. You're wel­come. Who'd like to be the first?

*l

• How do you like it? It's great, isn't it? But why do you look so dull?

• You know I'm not in Seventh Heaven of serous classical music.

• But there were the best works of the world famous composers.

• To my shame, it sounded for me on­ly as a combination of sounds.

• I agree this music must be taught to understand first in order to enjoy it.

#2

• How do you enjoy this rock concert? I was all ears. I'm so impressed!

• Oh, that's right, it's extraordinary and creative.

• I like the manner of their performing the music. The rhythms are full of vigo- rand force just what appeals to the youth.

#3

• So what? I can't understand why concerts of classical music attract great masses of people.

• You simply don't understand this music, it has a deep intellectual appeal, and it creates a special spiritual world for the listener that enriches his inner life and makes him happy.

#4