The Proms: a new history

Wright, D. C. H. and Doctor, J. and Kenyon, N., eds. (2007) The Proms: a new history. Thames & Hudson, London. ISBN 9780500513521

Abstract

From its beginnings over a century ago, the Proms series has grown into one of the largest international music festivals in the world, famed for its wide repertory and uniquely committed audiences. Since the BBC began to promote the seasons eighty years ago, they have become known worldwide through radio and television broadcasts, especially of the Albert Hall's exuberant Last Night celebrations. From the days of its first conductor, Henry Wood, through the early periods of crisis to the Proms of today, influences on the series are surveyed by expert authors - including Nicholas Kenyon, Controller, BBC Proms, Live Events and TV Classical Music. They discuss how key social trends have changed the Proms and how, moving with the times, the Proms have continued to shape the musical tastes and listening habits of a nation. Fully illustrated with images from over a century - venues, celebrated performers, programmes and prospectuses, social context, and of course the Prommers themselves - this book brings the history of a great musical institution vividly to life.

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