We began the celebration of Purcell's 350th year yesterday and noted that it was also the anniversary year for Mendelssohn, Handel, and Haydn.Today, we combat anniversary fatigue with Norman Lebrecht's article from 2006. His advice:
But before we get too excited, there are serious risks attached to the coming cornucopia. If there is one thing we have learned from the Mozart Year it is that over-promotion cheapens the music--not my conclusion, I hasten to point out, but that of the incoming Salzburg director, Jurgen Flimm, who is having to claw the programme back from a surfeit of marzipan balls.
If one genius year can upset the applecart, five years on the trot will test the system to snapping point. Greatness in music is a rare and precious quality. Too much immortal stuff in high concentration with little of the second and third rate will weary the ear and distort audience expectations. Giants need to be measured against those of average height for their immensity to be grasped.
All of which makes the coming years absolutely crucial to the future of classical music. Successful programming is a delicate balance of bonbons and roughage. If the music industry gets the anniversary menu right, it could spark a resurrection of public interest. Get it wrong and fatigue will set in, leaving the museum echoing to a dusty emptiness.
Read the whole thing here.
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