Description: The personal home page of Jonathan Rawle of the UK, including all about me and some of my interests; photographs of places I've been; and ramblings about all sorts of things!
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It’s been a while since I wrote about Classic FM, but the latest news about changes to the schedule and presenters from next week needs commenting on.
Some people, particularly those who prefer Radio 3, look down on Classic FM as it is perceived to be lightweight, downmarket even, and not a station anyone who is serious about classical music would listen to. I have always argued against that point of view, making the case that if you listen to the right shows, there is some good content, and there are actually many opportunities to learn more about classical music.
Ever since the station launched 30 years ago, it has featured an Evening Concert every weekday, where they play whole works in full without interruption, for example a full symphony or concerto. It has had a few name changes, becoming the Full Works Concert , and most recently simply the Classic FM Concert . I believe the first presenter was the writer and historian John Julius Norwich . He was controversially replaced after a couple of years, provoking cries of protest from listeners, by Richard Baker , a