The CBC Radio 2 unofficial Blog site

Long Live the Old CBC Radio 2

2008-09-03T06:49:00.000-07:00

Well as we know, CBC Radio 2, the one we've loved so much, is now history.

Friday, was absolute torture listening to our favourite shows 'swan song' I was home from work in suffiecient time to hear a choked up Jurgen kill is mic right at the end of the show and not saying good bye.

Listening to Studio Sparks was truly poigniant in hearing Eric play Richard Strauss' 4 Last Songs. My absolute favourite song cycle

A sad day in history.

All I can say is that hopefully should we have an election & a 'proper' government gets we can turf out the current Chair of CBC & restore CBC Radio 2 to it's former & better glory.

I should also mention that once again, I had to blast the CBC Blogster as they were doing their best to censor comments.

As for the new CBC Radio 2, forget it. If this is any indication, the CBC Classical channel is a pure joke. No commentary & randomly played music (muzak) much like Galaxie. No hope there.

NPR is now my thing!!

Countdown under way!!!

2008-07-10T04:56:00.001-07:00

Hey all, well it appears the countdown is underway as there is less than 2 months and counting.

If anyone reads this blog, I implore you, please, on Labour Day, phone, e-mail, write CBC to let them know you ARE NOT happy with you national broadcaster.

Don't let them get away with it.

No one should ram changes down our throat without consulting us. This is supposed to be a democracy

Less tha 2 months & counting

Quebec City's 400th Birthday

2008-07-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

Well, as we know this is the 400th anniversary. Bonne Fete Quebec a 400 annes juene, vous est mervelliux.

I would write more in French, but my written command of the language might be really embarrasing.

My main reason for entry was the complete lack of coverage of a major event back in March & picked up for broadcast by NPR's WFMT.

Through an e-mail alert I found out WFMT was picking up a broadcast of Mahler's 8th Symphony. It was performed by L'Orchesrtre Symphonic du Quebec, 100o choir & audience of over 10,000.

Neither CBC R2 or Espace Musique picked this up for broadcast of this very historic event.

Again so much for culture in this land of ours

Oh how pretentious

2008-06-20T06:35:00.000-07:00

While checking something on the Facebook group to 'Save Classical Music at CBC' I came across the other one about 'In the Key of Charles'.

OMG is that photo of his PRETENTIOUS.

If a network is image concious at all, & we have to put up with this program, PLEASE AT LEAST GET A BETTER PHOTO!!!

My Response to Ricahard Stursberg's Chain E-mail

2008-06-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

Well this now feels like the battle lines have been drawn between the big corporation & the little guy.

This is the typical response from Richard Stursberg & my rebuttle

His response;
Hello,Thank you for your interest in CBC Radio 2. As a result of your email,we thought you would be interested to hear of the announcements we’vemade about the hosts and programs for Radio 2 for this fall. We're veryexcited about our new line-up. Please have a look below for thedescription of our program schedule and biographies of our hosts. Wehope you'll check it all out in September and let us know what youthink.Best regards,Richard StursbergExecutive Vice-PresidentCBC English ServicesCBC Radio is delighted to announce the hosts for new programs slated toair this fall as part of the new radio schedule. While classical musicremains central to the schedule, there is now room for more excellentCanadian music in a mix of genres. These additions will complete thetransformation of CBC Radio 2 into a high quality, inclusive andcommercial-free Canadian adult music service. Monday to Friday from 6 to 10 a.m., Tom Allen will host CBC Radio 2’snew morning show, which will serve as the gateway to the new Radio 2schedule and will feature a wide range of music. At 10 a.m.,mezzo-soprano Julie Nesrallah will take the helm of the network’s newdaytime classical show, airing until 3 p.m. Then at 3 p.m., Rich Terfry,better known as Buck 65, will host Radio 2’s new drive-time songwritershow until 6 p.m. On the weekends, Molly Johnson will host the newmorning show airing Saturdays from 6 to 10 a.m. and Sundays from 6 to 8a.m. Completing the weekend schedule, Peter Togni will be ChoralConcert’s new host beginning in September, and Jurgen Gothe will hosta new weekly show on Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.Tom Allen needs no introduction to CBC Radio listeners. An accomplishedtrombonist, writer and broadcaster, he brings a wealth of experience andknowledge to every program he works on. Former host of such CBC Radioprograms as Weekender, Fresh Air and Music & Company, he returns to theweekday morning spot in a new show, one that will “feature a mix ofmusic that will set the tone for the day,” says Mark Steinmetz,director of Radio Music, “and represent the new direction that thenetwork is taking.”Julie Nesrallah is a versatile singer, at ease in all styles and wellversed in all forms of classical music. Chris Boyce, programmingdirector for CBC Radio, notes: “As soon as people listen to her, herappeal as a host, companion and broadcaster will be evident. Where shereally shines is her intimate knowledge of classical music, herdiscipline as a performer and certainly in the insight she will bring tomusic and musicians on the show.” Nesrallah is the recipient of manyprestigious awards and prizes, including the Canada Council for the ArtsEmerging Artist Award, the Brian Law Opera Award Grand Prize Winner, theCercle des Cents Associés Grand Prize Winner and the Journées de laMusique Française Grand Prize Winner. She is regularly cast in principalroles by leading opera companies across North America and abroad. Herroles include Rosina (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Suzuki (MadamaButterfly) and Maddalena (Rigoletto). A self-described “big music fan” with a vast record collection,innovative artist Rich Terfry calls upon the influences of folk, bluesand soul to create a unique and distinctive sound that’s difficult toclassify but easy to enjoy. A remarkable songwriter himself, hisexplorations and perspectives on other artists’ music are sure to beinsightful and entertaining. “No point of view, emotion, orinstrumentation is off-limits for me,” he says. “If I find an idea,memory, or emotion interesting enough to want to write about it, I justtry to turn that into music in as clear and honest a way aspossible.”Molly Johnson is one of Canada’s best-known singers, and herwide-ranging heartfelt music has long been a favourite of CBC Radiolisteners. She has rocked standing-room only audiences fromcoast-to-coast as a pop artist, and seduced the patrons of salons andlounges with her luscious interpretations of jazz and blues standards.She made history at the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival, becoming thefirst Canadian female vocalist in the festival's 17-year-history to sellout a show on the mainstage. She has regaled royalty during a privatecommand performance aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia before the Princeand late Princess of Wales, as well as having performed for NelsonMandela and Quincy Jones. In 2007, she was honoured with becoming anOfficer of the Order Of Canada. “Molly is a terrific host,” saysSteinmetz. “She’s an ideal choice for weekend mornings - thoughtfuland knowledgeable, eclectic, a friendly voice to help ease you into yourday.”Peter Togni is a composer, broadcaster, organist and conductor. As acomposer, Togni’s choral works are sung by choirs throughout Canada,the United States and Europe. His works have been released on XXIRecords, CBC Records, Hänssler Classics and Warner Classics U.K. In2006, Togni was nominated for a Juno award in the category ClassicalComposer of the Year for his work Illuminations, written for theSanctuary Trio and the Sanctuary String Orchestra. Togni will hostChoral Concert from Halifax.Since 1985, Jurgen Gothe has been entertaining listeners with a mélangeof music, off-the-cuff commentary and his unique frequent flights offancy. Gothe will continue to showcase his exceptional knowledge ofmusic in his new time slot on Sundays, and will put his own indeliblemark on different themes as they relate to music. Gothe will host hisnew program from Vancouver.With these additions, CBC Radio 2 offers listeners the strongest groupof knowledgeable and welcoming music hosts anywhere in the country - oraround the world! Stay tuned this fall for the launch of an exciting newCBC Radio

My response;

I AM EXTREMELY disappointed with the completely impersonal response I received from you concerning the e-mail I had sent you earlier.This shows, to me at least, that CBC Radio does NOT care about it's listener's & is going to do what it wants regardless.I was under the impression that Canada is a democracy & were there changes to be made, consult the listeners who pay for CBC through our tax dollars.At this point, I really don't know what to say. I really think that CBC has lost touch with it's listener's in the completely inhuman approach it takes in responses.If the morning program during the weekdays is anything like 'Weekender' is now, rest assured, you WILL have one less listener to worry about, not that you care.Thankfully, I have alternatives. With over 1100 Classical cd's ranging from the 16th-20th Century, I can convert them to mp3 discs & run them on random during my days off. I have hundreds of lp's crying to be transferred to cd. Sadly there are those who have no alternative.It is interesting that you are gearing to a supposed age group of 35-49. Guess what, I'm 50, so I feel discriminated against. Again, you have ignored people who cannot afford, or want computers by relegating Classical music to the internet.In slotting Classical music from 10AM-3PM, you are ensuring people will not be listening to Classical music on CBC Radio 2. You've done a great job of purging Classical music from the airwaves.A once great institution now wanes. A sad day for CanadiansBased on the response I got from your last e-mail, at this point, I DO NOT expect the courtesy of a human response, but will be totally shocked if I do.Philip Elliott

Forgive the structuring of my response as I copied it from my e-mail.

Needless to say I am NOT amuzed!!

Oh God, it's Sunday on CBC Radio 2

2008-06-15T03:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I keep plugging along here.

At least thankfully I know what I'm NOT listening to & have my alternative on.

Oh well, life goes on!!

Weekend Blahs

2008-06-14T04:02:00.000-07:00

One word!!!

BLEEGHHH!!

The only saving grace is Stuart MacLean's Vinyl Cafe.

How long before we loose that??

I wrote an e-mail

2008-06-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I wrote a lengthy e-mail to Chris Boyce, so we will see what happens, here it is;

Dear Mr. Boyce;

I am writing this e-mail to express my utmost dissappointment with approach that CBC Radio 2 is taking with it's listeners concerning the new changes to CBC Radio 2.

As this nation is considered to be a democracy, I would have assumed that CBC Radio 2 would have at least put forth a public forum as to the direction that CBC Radio 2 should going.

Having been a listener to CBC Radio 2 for almost 35 years, I gained my love & appreciation of Classical music & Opera while I was in my late teen's & early 20's through listening to Bob Kerr's 'Off the Record' to which was a wonderful eductation.

Through the '80's, there were wonderful weekend programs on Sunday with recital's of Organ & Chamber music. AM CBC would offer radio plays on Sunday Afternoon's.

Up until last year, I considered CBC Radio 2 to be the most wonderful source for Classical music listening. The live CLASSICAL broadcasts, or recorded shows gave us a real window on the Arts world in this country.

What amazes is how after all the years, it appaears to be 'taboo' to play Classical music during certain times of the day. The worst offense is to NOT play music which is obscure that CBC Radio 2 has been wonderful at educating our minds.

I have noted that since last March, there has been a really good attempt to purge Classical music from the airwaves. The first was to get rid of Danielle Charbonneau's 'Music for A While' Next was to loose 'In Performance'

From then, the next step was to gradually get rid of Classical music on the weekend mornings. I noticed that Classical music has been entirely phased out on Saturday mornings.

I really find it interesting (and not in a good way) the direction & ATTITUDE that CBC Radio 2 has chosen to take. As I've stated in various postings in letters online, the attitude is 'My Way, or, the Highway'

Any correspondence I've had has been in the form of what I call 'chain e-mails' which totally lack any human element in our once beloved national brodcaster. This proves that CBC Radio does not care about it's listeners.

On to the next issue is that of technology.

Why should Classical music be relagted to a low-fi audio internet stream of 64kbps. Any reasonable fidelity over the internet is barely reached at that level. I should mention I am a seasoned audiophile of 30 years.

There is no conceivable way that the same quality of an internet stream can approach that of a high quality analog FM tuner. I know, as I have a Mission Cyrus FM tuner I bought in 1987 & paid almost $500 for. Pity it will be collecting dust.

The other thing which I am offended at is the age range you are supposedly appealing to; 35-49. Guess what I'm 50, so those of us over this age group are SOL. In that aspect, I am being discriminated against & basically told where I can go if I don't like it. Well, guess what by stating a certain age range you are appealing to, you ARE being discriminatory & that may not fly in some circles.

Next are the music students who are being left out without any real source for Classical listening. How do you expect them to develop an education by not offering different types of Classical music, rather than the proposed 'Popular Classics' from 10AM-3PM. In performance was a great idea for students who would be otherwise unble to attend Classical concerts otherwise

What I find interesting that if Classical music is not selling, how is it that most performances people attend are usually sold out. Anytime I have gone to any Canadian Opera Company production it has been usually sold out. Some how the #'s just don't add up.

It just really annoys me as to the way CBC Radio 2 wants to elimnate Clasical music from the airwaves. The complete lack of the human element at the CBC is another issue as I cannot believe how impersonal CBC has become. CBC used to be the voice of our nation, but it a voice unto itself.

I have also blasted the CBC Radio 2 Blog for being too one-sided in opinions posted about shows. THIS IS A FREE COUNTRY.

Regardless of how YOU feel, THERE Will be a group of us who WILL fight to save the current state of Classcal music in our country. All I ask is for a proper human response that says 'yes we at CBC Radio 2 care about it's listeners'

Regards
Philip Elliott

CBC Only wants positive comments about changes to CBC Radio 2

2008-06-11T05:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, since when did our national broadcaster become a dictatorship?? What happened to freedom of speech in this country.

It is really amazing that on the CBC Radio 2 blog under the section where the 'New Radio 2' is, so far has only 1 negative comment.

Those of us hard core listeners to CBC Radio 2 are being totally dumped & obviously CBC Radio 2 doesn't want to hear ANY negative criticism. God forbid anyone should put a negative comment on there.

The plot thickens, as it were

The Vacuum Continues

2008-06-08T03:50:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Sunday morning & 'you know who' is on later.

I really wonder what will happen if & when Choral Concert goes.

Oh God, 4 hrs of 'In the Key of Charles'? or two more hrs of 'Weekender' neither of which is a good alternative.

Oh well, at least thankfully I have an alternative!!!

The weekend vacuum of the airwaves

2008-06-07T03:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it's the weekend.

As usual there is NO classical music to be heard on Saturday morning.

For those of you who work Mon-Fri, it would be so nice to get up on a Saturday morning & tune in to hear some civility after a stressful work week. Imagine if you were to hear some obscure Baroque music, or some quite chamber music, in Canada?? Yeahh, right!! NOTTTT!!

I, for one, refuse to listen to CBC Radio 2 on Saturday morning. When I work on Saturday morning, at least I have an alternative.

Oh well, at least we have broadband internet for alternatives unless the CRTC becomes 'Big Brother' & blocks what want to listen to.

My Response to Ricahard Stursberg's Chain E-mail

2008-06-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

As you may know certain people at CBC have been sending out what I call chain e-mails eith CBC trying to explain their positioning on the 'New' CBC Radio 2.

This is my reply & rebuttle;

Dear Mr. Stursberg;

A while back you sent me a letter basically asking me to be patient & try to embrace the changes coming to CBC Radio 2.

First off, I was offended that the majority of the e-mail was a 'chain e-mail' as I have seen that posted in the FaceBook group to 'Save Classical Music at CBC' to which I am a memeber of.

An e-mail of this type shows that management at CBC Radio 2 cares little of it's audiences. It also shows a lack of personality & HUMANISM in dealing with the way it's listener's are deeply hurt by the non-caring attitude.

It seems that at CBC Radio 2, the new attitude is 'My way, or the highway'

One must remember, that Canada is a democratic society, or it least I thought it was. Since when does a major broadcast network, especially a public broadcaster not consult the public as to potential changes it's doing in it's line up.

It is really sad to see that what Classical programming we have will be eliminated from the public airwaves & relegated to 'low-fi' internet streams which as I stated before will limit access. Seniors & those who cannot afford broadband internet will loose out & will have to suffer

From a technological standpoint there is no way that an audio stream at 64KBPS can compare to a terrestrial broadcast received by a high quality analog tuner.

If acceptable fidelity is to be put on the internet, then one should consider at least 128KBPS. European broadcaster NRK from Norway produces absolutey superb sound & broadcasts at 5.1 surround sound.

The US is now broadcasting in HD radio & typically in the Canadian way, we lag behind the times. It would be nice that for once CBC Radio would be the most technologically advanced in the industry

In the end, Mr. Stursberg, what is happening at CBC Radio 2, is completey undemocratic & whether you care about your listeners or not, we will continue to fight the undemocratic changes.

If I had the choice of how much is taken from my tax dollars to support, CBC Radio 2 at this rate, I would happily withdraw it in support of the US NPR network

Sincerely
Philip Elliott

I will post his initial letter so you can see what he had to say as I'm sure it's public domain by now

No Classical Music in the evening (or at least very little)

2008-06-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

Well, it never ceases to amaze me as to how much our national radio broadcaster is promoting Classical music less & less.

I note that 'Canada Live' has virtually no Classical music programs in it's line up.

What really amazes me is as to how CBC Radio 2 has gone from a totally exclusive Classical music broadcaster to doing everything possible to eliminate it from it's airwaves.

Many of us would say that we got our appreciation & education of Classical music thanks to CBC Radio.

Sad to say the next generation of listeners will not have the wonderful exposure to unadultered presentations of Classical music.

Now CBC Radio 2's vision is to have 'popular classics' from 10AM-3PM. I'm sure that we'll be hearin versions of this which will include James Last, Mantovani, Ferrante & Teicher & so on. I'm sure that's what they're really aiming for.

It is now more important to fight for the up & coming musicians who thirst for knowledge of Classical music.

Certainly the cd shops are not providing this as I cannot believe how pathetic HMV Toronto's Classical dept is.

Oh well, that's another blog in itself.

A Stress Free Music mix

2008-06-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm on my days off which a during the week.

Much prefer the mix of music during the morning during the week. I WON'T listen t CBC Radio 2 during the mornings on the weekend as they've shot themselves in the foot

'Here's to you' really bring this county together. How many national radio networks have a request program which allows people to other listener's music tastes. The 'musical excursions' were a real education. Sadly since Shelly Sommes left that is no more.

It appears CBC Radio 2 does not want it's listener's to be educated.

The stress relief is even more with Eric Fiesen's mix in the afternoon.

What at waste replacing this with 'popular classics' from 10AM-3PM

Sunday Update

2008-06-01T04:13:00.000-07:00

Good morning all.

Well, according to the CBC Radio 2 Blog there is nothing to indicate whether or not 'Choral Concert' is still with us

With producer Robert Cooper going, it will be interesting who, if anyone takes over the show. Another excuse for CBC Radio 2 to can a perfectly good program.

It appears our CBC Radio 2 blogster is at it again, with another really tacky blog on 'In the Key of Charles. Again, bleggh!!

In typical fashion, I doubt we'll see a full listing for Sunday Afternoon in Concert as usual. Pity as this is the only decent real Classical program left that has any concerts at all. That said, 'Canada Live' does it's best to steer clear of Classical music & as I've stated to various people should have always been a Radio 1 production

Katherine Duncan's Initial Bio for 'In Tune'

2008-05-31T06:11:00.001-07:00

Okay, whoever dreams up the bio's for the hosts of CBC Radio 2.

If anyone reads this blog to-day, please go to the bio for Katherine Duncan and read the intro.

Whatever happened to a class act in media??

Last week whoever wrote up the blog entry for 'In the Key of Charles' was the absolute worst writing I had seen anywhere. One word, BLEEGGGHHH!!

Welcome to the new way of doing things

2 New Shows

2008-05-31T03:47:00.000-07:00

As we know, 2 new shows air on CBC Radio 2 to-day 'Deep Roots' with host Tom Power & 'In Tune' with Katherine Duncan.

In all due honesty, I am by no means a 'Roots' based person at all & based on the way the current CBC Radio 2 schedule is, it may well take off.

I'm just now waiting for someone at CBC Radio 2 to axe Stuart MacClean's Vyinl Cafe. When I had Saturdays off I loved listening to his show, although it took a bit getting used to. It appears that CBC does NOT want 'intelligent' radio on Saturday mornings especially with Robert Harris' wonderful program 'I hear Music'

As for 'In tune' with Katherine Duncan, it's nice to have her back. Symphony Hall was wondeful as it really gave exposure to the various groups in this country. Let's see what happens. Welcome back Katherine.

Your favourite or Worst Program on CBC Radio 2

2008-05-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, I stated two of my favourite programs on CBC Radio 2.

Now let me state what 2 programs I like the least & oddly enough seem to go hand in hand in terms of the type of music being played.

'Weekender' with Peter Togni & 'In the Key of Charles' with Gregory Charles.

Both programs have absolutely no flow from one song to the next. When I heard 'Weekender' last, there was absolutely NO Classical music played whatsoever on the Saturday morning I was off & quickly switched to my partner's NPR radio station.

'In the Key of Charles' is another example of music with no flow at all, so it appears that CBC Radio 2 is doing a great job in eliminating Classical music from it's entire weekend morning line up . If 'Choral Concert' goes then CBC Radio 2 is truly a lost cause on weekend mornings

Oh those annoying promos on CBC Radio 2

2008-05-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

Say, who's idea was it to come up with those horrendous promos on CBC Radio 2. even worse just after you've been listening to something really sublime, eeegh!!

As of late, CBC Radio 2 has been doing it's utmost to push it's 'Concerts on Demand' A really annoying way of doing it is by playing a segment of music, dead air & then telling you where to hear the rest. Really brilliant scheme, not!!!!

What would be a great idea for CBC Radio 2 to do is to have a properly laid out schedule with really detailed listings as to what's coming up.

I note that one of CBC's supposed flagship Sunday shows, Sunday Afternoon in Concert. has virtually no listings at all almost until airtime. Okay Bill Richardson, a little more effort on your site would be appreciated

Official Launch

2008-05-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

Okay everyone, THIS IS the OFFICIAL LAUNCH of my blog.

Post away till you're hearts content. Remember the rules, comments can be for kudos, panning, constructive criticism of CBC Radio 2 shows etc.

I would like to keep this blog civilized, so try to minimize profanity, regardless of how strongly you feel

Enjoy & have fun!!!

Programs worth Commenting on

2008-05-29T06:04:00.001-07:00

As you may be aware there are some drastic changes coming to CBC Radio 2 come September.

Programs that we have been listening to for years will be axed.

Two of my personal favourites that will be gone are 'Music & Company' with host Tom Allen & the other of my favourite will be Studio Sparks with Eric Friesen. In the time that I have been listening to Tom Allen & Eric Friesen, I really feel like there is a piece of civility in a highly commercialized world

Tom's morning show has been a delight to listen to giving just the right mix of music & talk to get the day started. Pity that we are going to loose an education in the morning and a sense of wit.

Eric Friesen's 'Studio Sparks' is wondefully refreshing and such a stress free mix of music. The only thing I could potentially fault Eric for is giving commentary during the breaks of a major work as I do find it breaks the mood (a bit)

This is to be replaced a program of 'popular classics' from 10AM-3PM, If I want that, I'll look elsewhere.

I will be interested to see what CBC Radio 2 plans to line up for it's four internet streams it plans. If the programs are at least half decent, those who DO NOT have access to internet will miss out on something potentially good

The Unofficial CBC Radio 2 Blog Site

2008-05-29T05:14:00.001-07:00

Hi All;

As you know CBC Radio 2 has it's own blog site to discuss upcoming programs inviting comments (preferably positive) from it's listeners.

This blog site is being developed to take this one step further by allowing listeners of CBC Radio 2 to voice their opinions of programs that we hear on CBC Radio 2, be it positive, negative or constructive & offer up discussions of programs.

As the old saying goes, stay tuned!!