For the Love of the Recorder

Charlotte Spencer, Camerata's Head of Development, reviews First Love Sky Arts 1

"Did you catch First Love on Sky Arts 1 last night?  Don't worry if you didn't, there's another chance to see it on Sunday 12 September at 7.10pm.  The programme follows famous faces as they revisit their musical past, and this week it’s the turn of the journalist and broadcaster Janet Street Porter.  See a short video about the show. I was really surprised to discover she is a huge fan of classical music and the Baroque period in particular, and for her challenge she tackles re-learning the recorder.  Despite it's association with primary school, the recorder is actually a really difficult instrument to master and make sound good! In the show Janet prepares to perform in public in her own inimitable and entertaining way – although it is really clear from the way she talks about it that this music is something she cares deeply about, which I found quite touching.  I have to admit I was tipped off by a very good friend of mine Ian Wilson, a brilliant recorder player and Early Music specialist, who was involved in the programme! It’s a fabulous show, and really highlights how much effort actually goes into making something look effortless, which its all too easy to forget when watching and listening to talented musicians.  Here's a link to the programme. Really worth a watch!"