BBC Beethoven Downloads

[robert newman]

An article in todays 'Evening Standard' here in London refers to the phenomenal number of people worldwide who downloaded Beethoven last year from the BBC site. In an article entitled 'The Ring of Doom for Record Labels' Norman Lebrecht writes -

'When BBC Radio 3 runs the whole of Wagner's Ring cycle on Easter Monday, Rhine maidens to immolation, there will be free downloads once again - only this time with a difference. Unlike last summer's Beethoven splashout (when all 9 symphonies were reeled out over a fortnight and 1.4 million downloads were taken worldwide), the Wagner goodies are being strictly limited'

Also -

'Only last week, the Royal Opera House unveiled a high-definition camera system that is supposed to feed BBC screenings and DVD releases. But the ROH is also geared, says chief executive Tony Hall, 'to experiment with the world of broadband and transform our relationship with our audiences'. That means Sylvie Guillem and Placido Domingo live in your living room before the decade is out'.

[DavidO]

Originally posted by robert newman:

An article in todays 'Evening Standard' here in London refers to the phenomenal number of people worldwide who downloaded Beethoven last year from the BBC site.

I saw that elsewhere a few days ago, & grinned goofily like any good Beethoven lover.

Some of you might be interested in the RealPlayer video files of Beethoven performances & discussions on the BBC site.

1. Go to www.bbc.co.uk/music/classicaltv/.

2. Scroll down & click the Beethoven Uncovered link near the bottom.

3. Click the radio button for your preferred media player (Windows Media Player or RealPlayer).

4. Click OK in the lower right. The interface will appear. You can watch all three programs (or programmes).

Programme 1 is Symphony No. 2 & discussion.
Programme 2 is Piano Concerto No. 4 & discussion.
Programme 3 is the Missa Solemnis & discussion.

[LizR]

That means Sylvie Guillem and Placido Domingo live in your living room before the decade is out'. [/B]

Dear Robert

I wonder if opera singers are getting as twitchy as actors and actresses about HD. Apparently it highlights every blemish.

Liz.