Joy
Sir: Alexandra Coghlan identifies the coincidence between the rise of recording and broadcast technology and the flourishing of the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge (‘Going for a song’, 5 December). Just as the publication of A Christmas Carol in 1843 coincided with cheaper books and a growing readership to forge the modern Christmas, so recent improvements in musical technology have just as firmly established its soundtrack. If Dickens created our modern Christmas, then its musical accompaniment should be accredited to Sir Stephen Cleobury, who served as Director of Music at King’s for 37 years until his retirement in September 2019. He died two months later, but I hope that it may be some comfort to those who loved him that his legacy, like that of Dickens, will be to bring joy at Christmas to countless people for many years to come.
Richard Hopkins
Dedham, Essex
Thanksgiving
Sir: The very same day that the online version of my article (‘eBay of pigs’, 5 December) came out, and following a little bit of chat on my personal Facebook page, I received an email from eBay informing me that my account was reinstated.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in