A LITTLE BRITISH INDULGENCE.

We have just witnessed the conclusion of the 2013 BBC Proms season; one of the better activities of the British Broadcasting Corporation. The final night finishes with those moments of nationalism, but it's all mostly harmless, particularly as it includes international stars. This year the orchestra was conducted by Marin Alsop, the first woman to be handed the baton for this auspicious occasion. In addition, we heard the wonderful voice of another American, that superb opera diva, Joyce DiDonato. She gave us a number of songs, including 'Over the rainbow' (Harold Arlen/Yip Harburg) and 'You'll never walk alone' (Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein II) What was so disappointing, from the authors perspective, is that there was no mention of the songwriters by the announcer, Katie Derham, for these two pieces.

I have mentioned previously, my radio programme every Wednesday night 10.00pm UK time, available on line www.103theeye.co.uk, where I specialise in the wonderful songs from the 20th. century. Most senior citizens would be aware that 'Over the rainbow' was written for the film 'The wizard of Oz'. On the other hand, 'You'll never walk alone' would evoke thoughts of football to more folk than the fact that it is one of the most poignant moments in the musical show, 'Carousel'. Hey-Ho!


BOTH ARLEN AND RODGERS WERE SUPREME TUNESMITHS.