March 27, 2023

Remember those giant metal-tipped darts marketed to kids in the '80s? "Here are some weapons for you to throw at each other — dinner's at six,'" These, and many more, will be on display at the "Museum of Failure," which recently opened in New York City. The museum celebrates bad ideas, silly designs, and overhyped products.

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It's Monday, so let's get to it:

The big idea: BBC’s classical blunder
Issues: Weaponizing classical music
Liszts: The dumbest deaths in classical music history
Guide: How to make coffee just like Beethoven
Cartoon of the week
Around the web: Wordle (the musical version), a nonlinear workday, and a Wikipedia game, plus more curious internet finds.

CLASSICAL CHARTS

THE BIG IDEA

BBC’s Classical Blunder

The BBC has reversed course on its decision to shudder the BBC Singers chamber choir after significant backlash from musicians, the public, and politicians alike.

Announced in March, the original decision to de-fund the nearly centuries-old choir was seen as a cynical divestment in classical music programming to make room for more artistically diverse programming at the BBC. The decision was met with fierce opposition from conductors, choirmasters, and senior government officials.

What’s next?

It remains uncertain if the corporation will proceed with its plan to reduce salaried orchestral posts across its English orchestras by roughly 20%.

The Musicians' Union revealed that the choir will now resume its place in this year's Proms program, and the union will enter into consultations with the BBC to ensure the ensemble's future remains secure. The union plans to address the proposed 20% cuts with the corporation.

Cautiously hopeful

In a statement to BBC News, the Singers spokesman Sam Evans, said he was feeling good about the announcement. "It goes to show that when you've got an important message, you can make your voices heard," he said. "I feel like the BBC is a family member, but sometimes people in your family take wrong turns, and they need to be told that they're making a mistake."

This marks the second U-turn

…by the BBC this month, following the suspension and subsequent reinstatement of Gary Lineker over his use of social media to criticize the government's migration policy.

Jo Laverty, the Musicians' Union's national organiser for orchestras, stated that the weeks following the BBC's announcement had brutally impacted those affected. Laverty emphasized the union's support for its affected members and its commitment to positive negotiations with the Singers and BBC Orchestras.

Naomi Pohl, the union's general secretary, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support.

THE LATEST

Music critic Fiona Maddocks reported a disturbing incident at a concert by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment last week. During a speech by the orchestra CEO, a man started shouting and gesturing from his seat. The incident highlights the heightened emotions surrounding classical music, particularly in light of recent funding cuts. | The Guardian

The Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO) has cancelled multiple shows due to declining ticket sales, raising concerns for its future. Despite efforts to engage younger audiences through innovative programs and collaborations, ticket sales have remained sluggish. RSO's management is working on strategic initiatives to address these challenges and ensure the orchestra's long-term survival. | Global News

The long-awaited Apple Music Classical app arrives this Tuesday. The service, aimed at enhancing the classical listening experience, offers curated playlists, interviews, and exclusive content. Subscribers can access high-quality music, expert recommendations, and explore lesser-known works from diverse composers and performers. | Classical-music.com

ISSUES

Los Angeles Metro Wields Classical Music Against Homeless

Los Angeles's Metro is blasting classical music to deter people from seeking shelter during recent harsh weather. Metro COO Conan Cheung believes this will make the "system more enjoyable and comfortable" for transit users.

Ridership has plateaued at 75% of pre-pandemic levels, with safety concerns persisting.
In 2023, 21 people died in the system, mainly from overdoses.

Not everyone agrees

Critics argue for "care-centred" solutions rather than hostile approaches. County Supervisor and Metro board member Hilda Solis supports exploring alternative strategies.

Last year, advocates demonstrated potential care-centred initiatives at a community event. This included social workers, platform attendants, and additional amenities.

Where things stand: Using classical music as a deterrent is not a new phenomenon. Several cities worldwide have employed this tactic in various settings. In the UK, the London Underground used classical music to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour at certain stations. Similarly, in the US, some convenience stores and fast-food chains have played classical music to discourage loitering and late-night gatherings.

LISZTS

The Dumbest Deaths in Classical Music History

Unravelling the bizarre demises of brilliant composers.

Classical music history is filled with fascinating stories of triumph and tragedy. While many composers have passed away under ordinary circumstances, some have met their end in the most unexpected and peculiar ways.

František Kotzwara (1730-1791)

Kotzwara, a Czech composer and violinist, met his end during an erotic asphyxiation session with a prostitute in London in 1791. Despite his talents, Kotzwara's bizarre death has overshadowed his musical legacy.

Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687)

The Italian-born French composer died from gangrene, which developed after he accidentally stabbed his foot with a conducting staff during a performance in 1687. His odd demise is a testament to the perils of unchecked passion.

Charles-Valentin Alkan (1813-1888)

The French composer and pianist Alkan, known for his virtuosic piano compositions, supposedly died after a bookcase fell on him. Some speculate that he was reaching for a book on the Talmud, a Jewish religious text, when the heavy bookcase toppled over and crushed him.

Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915)

The Russian composer and pianist Scriabin, a forerunner of the Symbolist movement, died from septicemia at the age of 43. The infection began with a small pimple on his lip, which he ignored and continued to shave over, causing the infection to worsen. His untimely death halted the creation of his ambitious and mystical work "Mysterium," which was intended to be a week-long, transformative event.

Ernest Chausson (1855-1899)

The French composer Chausson, known for his lush and expressive music, died in a bicycle accident at the age of 44. While riding downhill near his estate, he lost control and crashed into a brick wall, resulting in fatal injuries. Chausson's death came at the height of his career, leaving behind a small but significant body of work.

Henri Vieuxtemps (1820-1881)

The Belgian violinist and composer Vieuxtemps suffered an unfortunate and bizarre death when he was struck by a rock thrown by an unknown assailant. The impact caused severe injuries that eventually led to his demise. Vieuxtemps was an influential musician of his time, and his compositions remain a staple of the violin repertoire.

GUIDE

How to Make Coffee Just Like Beethoven

Beethoven liked his coffee just so, with exactly 60 beans per cup.

The magic number: The specificity of the bean count allowed him to achieve his desired strength and taste. He would also grind the beans himself — believing that grinding too early would compromise the flavour.

To replicate Beethoven's morning brew, follow these steps:

Measure out precisely 60 coffee beans.
Grind the beans to a medium-fine consistency.
Add the coffee grounds to a French press.
Heat water to 200°F (93°C) and pour over the coffee grounds, filling the French press.
Stir the coffee and water mixture gently.
Allow the coffee to steep for 4 minutes.
Press the plunger down slowly to separate the coffee.

AROUND THE WEB

📅 On this day: In the year 845, Paris was sacked by Viking raiders, probably under Ragnar Lodbrok, who collects a huge ransom in exchange for leaving.

🤓 Usefull: Structure a nonlinear workday to match your peak productivity levels.

👽 Really?: This Harvard Physicist is racing to prove this meteorite is an alien probe.

😄 Fun: If you love the concept of Wordle but wish there was a musical version, you’re in luck. Meet hurdle.

🧠 Time killer: Guess which Wikipedia page is longer.

🐢 Cute Overload: Baby tortoises in the half shell hanging out with mama.

CARTOON OF THE WEEK

Roger screws up (Farside - Gary Larson)

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