Stooping, but not to conquer

Here is yet another attempt to interest a wider public in classical music, in the form of a book ‘as told to’ Tim Lihoreau by Stephen Fry, based on a show the latter hosted on Classic FM. Falling concert attendances and CD sales, as well as the general downward slide of the culture, means that somebody needs to do mission work in this area, especially among the ear-numbed young. But I’m afraid that this isn’t going to do the trick.

I should say at once that I have no doubt that Fry’s passion for the great composers is sincere and that, perfectly honourably, he aims low. Boldly, he traverses the entire history of ‘classical’ music, starting with cave-drawings and the Ancient Egyptians and finishing with Hans Zimmer’s film-scores and Andrea Bocelli’s ghastly crooning. But the restless, jerky pace of progress is designed to satisfy only those suffering from a severe case of Attention Deficit Disorder.