It could only really happen in the rarefied atmosphere of the classical music world – and the Proms in particular. It is open warfare on vibrato.

Vibratoless Elgar

On the weekend it was reported in the Observer newspaper that the traditional climax to the BBC Proms this year would feature a vibratoless performance of Elgar’s ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ conducted by Sir Roger Norrington.

By all accounts the old walrus moustached composer should have been buried in a tumble dryer given the number of times he has supposed to have revolved in disgust from his eternal slumber over questions of his musical output over the years4BR

Stupid hats

Such has been the furore over his decision — the conductor was alleged to have ‘...alienated a large part of the musical profession’ according to Keith Harvey of the Gabrieli Quartet – that it is said that some die in the wool Promenaders may well refuse to don their usual panoply of stupid hats and fancy dress and stand rigidly to attention instead of participating in their usual camera catching antics as the second half of the final concert comes to a close.

Squirms

Norrington is unapologetic it seems over his decision stating in the Observer article: "…here comes the ouches and squirms, the fuss and hubbub. I was expecting it. I’m throwing a hand grenade at musicians who simply have to accept they must transform their playing if they are to play as composer’s intended."

Central heating

He also added to extra incendiary landmine of: "Vibrato can be amazingly destructive to an orchestral expression. It is acoustic central heating."

Norrington has a bit of a track record on these things it seems with a performance of Elgar’s Symphony No.1 shocking the Proms audience last week. He has long been an advocate for claiming that vibrato was a modern invention introduced at the turn of the 20th century. Music before that date he argues should be played with out it.

In the trenches

Meanwhile in the trenches of his rivals the opinions about his decision were just as barbed.

Raymond Cohen, a professor at the Royal College of Music called the decision ‘disgusting’. "Elgar would have turned in his grave," he said.

Gone too far

Anthony Payne, famous for completing Elgar’s Symphony No. 3 and his ‘Pomp and Circumstance March No. 6 said: "Roger has become fixated on this issue and I feel he has gone too far."

Mark Elder of the Halle said: "I don’t think a total ban on vibrato is based on historical accuracy. Vibrato has always been there."

Tumble dryer

By all accounts the old walrus moustached composer should have been buried in a tumble dryer given the number of times he has supposed to have revolved in disgust from his eternal slumber over questions of his musical output over the years – even the brass band movement has got involved with the legitimacy of his ‘Severn Suite’.

Interesting night out

Still, it should make for an interesting night out at the Royal Albert Hall later this year. As Sir Nicholas Kenyon, Director of the BBC Proms until last year stated: "I’m sure the programme he’s chosen for the last night will sound fresh and disticntive. It will be the unusual in the way the last night should be."