The Spectator and the Proms
A Study of Opinion
Much interest has been aroused by the announcement of the study of opinion on the Promenade Concerts which the Spectator is undertaking with the collaboration of the BBC.
The 71st season of Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, organised by the BBC, opened at the Royal Albert Hall last Saturday and continues until September II.
The forty-nine concerts will be attended by audiences of up to 6.000 a night and will be heard by millions more over the air. With the object of finding out in some detail what this multitude think and feel about the programmes and performances. the Spectator hits arranged, with the assistance of the BBC. to put into the hands of representative Promgoers a ten-item questionnaire. Among the questions put are these: Which was the most important programme from the viewpoint of the artistic merit of the work or works performed?
Which was the best performance of a major work? Name the season's best novelty. (A 'novelty' is a work not previously performed at a Henry Wood Promenade Concert.) Who was the best conductor and on what occasion? Who was the best solo singer? Who was the best solo instrumentalist? Have you any comments on Proms policy generally?
It is hoped to obtain a .substantial response from those who regularly hear Prom concerts
either at the Albert Hall or as broadcast. Readers in this category are invited to apply to The Spectator. 99 Gower Street. London, WC1, for questionnaire forms. These are being supplied with stamped envelopes for return. An article by Charles Reid, the music critic, analysing Promgoers' verdicts and comments, will appear in the Spectator in due course.
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