Last Night of the Proms.

I rarely watch now but have very happy memories of watching with my mum. She was a 1922 dob, her dad served and was a prisoner in ww1. She was ATS in ww2, her brother in Africa, my dad a royal marine, Mediterranean fleet. I only mention this because mum was hugely patriotic, loved the last night with Rule Britannia etc. we waved union flags and sang along.

Also despite not having a privileged upbringing, her father played piano, she was introduced to and loved classical music as well as Gershwin and more.

merlotgran, I don’t want to stir dissent on your positive thread, I read it and was back with mum, singing, waving our union flags and enjoying special time together. It was not xenophobic, imperialistic or any other negative thing that I’ve heard all too often. It didn’t stop me, or my mum, reflecting on “stuff”. I do wish we could stamp our feet and enjoy in knowledge it’s complicated, without drowning in Guilt

Right, tin hat on, I’m off. Merlot if yiu want this taken down, I’ll ask hq

Of course not, Iam I agree with you.
For-me it’s a happy night of memories going back to my grandmother allowing me to stay up late and teaching me the words to all the patriotic songs.
When DH died I couldn’t watch for two years but now I’m happy to blub my way through it. 😂🇬🇧🇬🇧

I am watching and loving the music but will turn it off before LOH&G because, though you won’t find anyone more patriotic than me, I simply can’t stand it. Elgar apparently didn’t like the words that were set to his music either so I’m in good company. Enjoy, those of you who do love it.

I’m sure we will.

We’re enjoying the evening. I didn’t ‘get’ Fireworks but as someone said,^all music is new at first.^
Really enjoyed Bohemian Rhapsody.

We used to watch as a family when I was a child and it now brings back so many lovely memories of my happy childhood... but it does remind me how very much I still miss my parents!

I used to go tothe proms regularly when I first started work and lived in London. One year I even had a season ticket.

This year being sofa surfing at DD's most of the summer, I haaven't really listened very much to anything. Usually my radio is my constant companion, but that hasn't been easy as she is a tv person, but we aare almost back in our own home so that next year, I canlisten again.

Another one whose mum was born in 1922 and she loved the Proms and all music.And I shed a tear or two when the song from The Merry Widow was sung as that was my dad's favourite. And then my own memories of being a 15 year old seeing Bohemian Rhapsody for the first time.So a very nostalgic night.

It was wonderful to see Brian Taylor and Roger Moore and what a great reception they were given. I’m enjoying this Last Night and as others have said it’s evocative of a childhood long ago, listening with parents no longer here, and shedding a few tears. Love the energetic Ellin Chen, too.

It was a very good Last Night. A real party atmosphere.

Two excellent soloists, Louise Alder and Alison Balsom. Not keen on the conductor. The pace of the evening in general seemed rather lacklustre to me..

We really enjoyed it.
It was both emotional and enjoyable.

No, Iam64 your post is absolutely fine.

I think Elgar's music or part of the Planet Suite (Jupiter - I Vow to Thee my Country) would make splendid English anthems with some tweaking of the words.

Elim Chan is wonderful, so enthusiastic, I remember her from last year.

There is another thread too.

I admit to shedding a few tears during the National Anthem. It’s such a beautiful arrangement and as we know the King’s challenges…

That was a great Last Night. Bohemian Rhapsody was extraordinary. Elim Chan is a joy to watch.

My husband wanted Nimrod played at his funeral. I’m another who loves I vow to thee my country

Bohemian Rhapsody was wonderful! Freddie was a genius.

We did go to a prom this year. Dh asked me to pick a night, I chose the one with Mendelssohn’s violin concerto. There was some Stravinsky, too.

Next night at the Albert Hall will be for John Rutter’s Christmas concert - booked early!
Went last year, it was brilliant.

I apologise to the conductor for misspelling her name ☹️

It was wonderful! Such variety. Loved it. Bill Bailey was fun smile

A highlight for me was The Gathering Tree composed by Rachel Portman who is widely known for her film scores.
Perfect choral music for a Last Night.

I can't say I enjoyed all of it but it was good to see that the tradition lives on complete with the silliness and light heartedness on the one hand and the traditional elements on the other.

One thing that bugs me is that, long before Queen even existed, I had a 78rpm record of a piece entitled "Bohemian Rhapsody." I can't remember who composed it or recorded it and the record was lost or broken years ago.

The Gathering Tree was beautiful. I tried to get it on YouTube so I can share it, but I can't find it. Maybe they have to wait as last night was the premiere ...

Absolutely stunning performance of Bohemian Rhapsody and I loved seeing Bill Bailey on the same typewriter I used when learning to touch type.
All together now - 'the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog ' (If you know, you know)

Magenta8

I can't say I enjoyed all of it but it was good to see that the tradition lives on complete with the silliness and light heartedness on the one hand and the traditional elements on the other.

One thing that bugs me is that, long before Queen even existed, I had a 78rpm record of a piece entitled "Bohemian Rhapsody." I can't remember who composed it or recorded it and the record was lost or broken years ago.

Bohemian Bohemian Rhapsody by Freddie Mercury is an original.

There were other Rhapsodies before that one, of course, written by other composers.

Retroladywriting
It's jumps not jumped, otherwise there is no 's'. !!

Magenta8

I can't say I enjoyed all of it but it was good to see that the tradition lives on complete with the silliness and light heartedness on the one hand and the traditional elements on the other.

One thing that bugs me is that, long before Queen even existed, I had a 78rpm record of a piece entitled "Bohemian Rhapsody." I can't remember who composed it or recorded it and the record was lost or broken years ago.

It was Dvorak. I still haven’t got used to Bohemian Rhapsody being by anyone else!