Am I a Philistine?

[ChesterfieldJohn]

Hi,

I have just been on a P & O Music festival cruise and found that although I like a variety of music and enjoyed most of the various music on board, the violinist, the flutist I could not take to the female soprano.
How can anyone enjoy a woman 'singing' so loud that you cannot hear any of the other singers or the piano?

Does anyone actually enjoy listening to her 'singing' in Italian?

Does this make me a philistine?

Also people on this cruise were the rudest of any I have cruised with.

Is this because they are 'upper class' people?
Plummy voices and never a please or thank you from them?

I even noticed a few clicking their fingers for the waiters in the Crows nest.

I did have to laugh though when the Headliners did their 'we'll meet again' show and several of them did not know what to do when they sang Land of Hope and Glory

John

[Kendhni]

Despite the sister i law being an operatic singer I am afraid I am also not a fan of that kind of music (with some exceptions).

I also hate swing but include swing versions of 'Wonderwall' and 'Eye of the Tiger' in my joke music collection. I heard both being played on Oceana and managed to find free downloads (since I would not pay for such rubbish) .. they go along with The Streak, Funky Gibbon, Wombles and Pinky & Perky numbers.

[david63]

Having been on a music cruise once (not by design) I know what you mean.

I think that with the "classical" performers it is the same as any other - some you like and some you do not like, nothing wrong with that. But I do think that some, not all by any means, of the passengers on this type of themed cruise do consider themselves to be of a different "class" - probably hankering after the "good old days" when cruising was only for the rich!

[Manoverboard]

We enjoy the light classical stuff and, as you say, the various musicians. Singing in other languages is not, for me, an issue per se but opera type squalking is basically a step too far and time to leave the room.

So I guess we could both become Members of the Philistine Club

Sounds as though you had a full quota of Mrs Buckets on board

[Jan Rosser]

I too went on a music festival at sea by "accident" - I booked it because it was 22 nights to the Caribbean at a very good price so you can call me a philistine too I suppose I went for all the wrong reasons

I can't say I appreciated the opera bits but during the cruise it was Armistice Day and we had a service out on the deck and the passenger choir sang along with the two lady artistes and it brought a tear to my eye I must admit.

Apart from that they staged a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance and it was a joint thing with passengers and singers which was great fun and very well done.

I wouldn't voluntarily go on this type of cruise but at the right price I'm game I did think the age of the passengers was older too (course I don't class myself in that bracket )

Going off subject David I do like the new smilies especially the

[Dancing Queen]

Like you John I like a variety of music but have been disappointed on occasion

I remember years ago we booked a Jazz cruise not because we are Jazz fans ( we're not ) but because the itinerary was one we wanted to do, some of it was very "heavy" and imo dreadful ( so I guess I'm a philistine too ) but some of it was pretty damn good so I appreciated the good bits.

Posh people on P&O ... whatever next sadly there have always been the "rude and clicky finger brigade" and I doubt that will ever change just have the satisfaction of knowing you are not one of them .. I do

[GillD46]

I enjoy all sorts of music but until recently felt opera wasn't for me at all - until we went to see and hear Tosca at the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden. The opera was in Italian of course, but the translation was shown on a drop down screen above the stage. I was completely drawn into what was happening and the wonderful singing and was well and truly hooked.

I would now be more open to more opera, though I do think the quality of those singing would have a great bearing on whether or not I'd enjoy it as much.

[Quizzical Bob]

There's good and bad singing in all genres.

[qbman1]

There's good and bad singing in all genres.

Just like there's good and bad behaviour in all walks of life, but no excuse for the kind of rudeness the OP describes.

I have found that the real posh lot ("old money" if you like) definitely know how to behave - it is the ones who have "acquired" more money than is good for them who think they are something they are not and think they can lord it over us mere mortals !

[Gill W]

I've been on two Music At Sea cruises, not by design, just that it happened to turn out that way.

I enjoyed some of it, especially the offerings from popular operas and Gilbert and Sullivan. But some of the other music was a bit too obscure for me. I'd rather they played the more popular classical music, like my favourite piece, The Gadfly ( the theme from Reilly Ace of Spies)

I reckon there were other people in the audience who didn't know much about classical music, but didn't say anything as nobody wanted to appear to be a Philistine. Also, I think some people still think classical music is elitist, so showing an appreciation of classical music makes them think they are a cut above. Which is carp of course, all sorts of music is for everyone, not just a tiny niche.

[Jacknian]

I'm not a fan of classical music really but I'm willing to give anything a try ( musically that is ) if someone is a good singer or musician then I'll listen for a while and make my mind up whether its to my taste. The trouble is often the amplification is so loud you can't really distinguish if you like it or not ! Like the OP I find some ( not all ) more well off people can be rude. We had a lady on our last cruise who treated the waiters dreadfully making them fetch and carry for her and constantly changing things that were not to her liking, then she would pass them a pound coin and say ' that's all for now ' or ' leave me now ' we laughed about her but she must have been so annoying for the waiters, I bet they ran for cover when they saw her coming !

[paultheeagle]

Some singers sing...other singers scream....I enjoy listening to singers but can't stand those that scream, even Operatic sopranos I will listen to but only if they sing popular music in English.

[Kendhni]

There's good and bad singing in all genres.

Except where Pink Floyd is concerned ... only good!

[Dark Knight]

No John
you like what you like...........end of

[The Tinker]

This reminds me of one cruise we went on where the golden oldies were out in force - my hubbie has no airs and graces about him unfortunately and on our table all one couple moaned about was how they must have a table for two - we never saw them again after the first night and in conversation I asked him (as he sat their end) what did you talk about - apparently the woman asked if he had any family - to which he replied yes - mum dad brother etc!!!! and did he play golf - reply no!

On the subject of opera/classical music - i have tried over the years to appreciate this but have failed it just sets my teeth on edge! Jazz though I absolutely love.

[Mariner Mike]

I generally like a wide range of music, but as the OP said I find loud female opera sets my teeth on edge as does some loud male opera. Other than that my tastes range from 60ies pop, Abba etc through, folk, American Blues, Gilbert & Sullivan to some classical. Never been on a music festival cruise, but did go on Oriana pre Xmas on year with a classical pianist in Pacific lounge, with the bar shut during the performance and really enjoyed it. On the other had when we've seen the same on Azura/Ventura it has been in Malabar/Tamarind it has not worked. People passing throgh all the time and complaining about the bar being closed (of course they couldn't get a drink anywhere else nearby ). Wrong venue - for that sort of thing you need a closed area.

It really is down to choice, but at the right price I'd give one a try - although the attitude of some referred to by the OP would wind me up a bit!!

[Dancing Queen]

Apologies for going off topic but for anyone who hasn't heard of him check out Andre Rieu, he is a violinist and his concerts are amazing, not that I've been lucky enough to go to one yet but it's on the bucket list.

Sadly I doubt P&O will be featuring him any time soon but an amazing performer

[Jean W]

Completely agree Jo, but, think about it - would there be any room for passengers if he and his fellow artistes were all on board We'd definitely try for a Cruise with him on board though - we can but hope

Our experience of a Music Cruise was on Oriana to the USA (again we hadn't booked for the music). We were on a table for 8 and 2 of our fellow passengers were choristers and had brought the score with them - Pirates of Penzance. I love Pirates of Penzance but said I would never want to see it again. Every evening it was thrust down our throats and as we were also sitting near to the Professionals, it became very embarrassing when she constantly waved and called out their names. I don't know who was more embarrassed - the passengers or the Professionals.

Also, one day, a group of us were stood talking and, heaven forbid, laughing. A lady came out of the Pacific Lounge and told us all to be quiet as they were rehearsing The lady was not a passenger, but the Wife of the Celebrity presenter. Daft, I know, but we all moved - it was like being a School.

Happy days

[Quizzical Bob]

There's good and bad singing in all genres.

Except where Pink Floyd is concerned ... only good!

I rest my case.

[Mo2013]

Now all that is a matter of opinion. My OH likes Pink Floyd and Deep Purple, I like Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Cream, along with Jethro Tull. I like some opera, those famous tunes we all know, but some voices are too harsh for me. Screechy voices notwithstanding, just as with ballet, if you know the story and can have a translation it is easier to get into. I've seen operas on tv with subtitles and to be honest, the words sounded ridiculous. Ok, ok, I am a philistine.

[Dancing Queen]

Completely agree Jo, but, think about it - would there be any room for passengers if he and his fellow artistes were all on board We'd definitely try for a Cruise with him on board though - we can but hope

Our experience of a Music Cruise was on Oriana to the USA (again we hadn't booked for the music). We were on a table for 8 and 2 of our fellow passengers were choristers and had brought the score with them - Pirates of Penzance. I love Pirates of Penzance but said I would never want to see it again. Every evening it was thrust down our throats and as we were also sitting near to the Professionals, it became very embarrassing when she constantly waved and called out their names. I don't know who was more embarrassed - the passengers or the Professionals.

Also, one day, a group of us were stood talking and, heaven forbid, laughing. A lady came out of the Pacific Lounge and told us all to be quiet as they were rehearsing The lady was not a passenger, but the Wife of the Celebrity presenter. Daft, I know, but we all moved - it was like being a School.

Happy days

Probably not Jean.

He actually did a UK tour last year but unfortunately it was too close to us going away at Xmas to consider it.

I would love to see him perform at somewhere like Chatsworth in the summer months.

[Jean W]

Wouldn't Chatsworth be fabulous?

He is in Nottingham (I think), but again December, which is no good to us Cruise or no Cruise

There has been a series on Sky recently including his concerts in Maastricht. You might like to see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmg0acTeZUI

I hope that works - never done it before on here

We'll have to see about a weekend somewhere - all 4 of us

[Delboy]

I have seen some very good tribute acts on board, the best being a Rolling Stones tribute.
I enjoy music covering a broad spectrum, don't mind some opera and have had the pleasure of going to the Royal Opera House, in Covent Garden.
My main interest though is Jazz, one of my favourite artists being Diana Krall, she is a Canadian jazz pianist and singer, known for her contralto vocals. She has sold more than 6 million albums in the US and over 15 million worldwide. My wife hates Jazz.
I have my earphones plugged into my Ipad as I am writing this, listening to a playlist of soft jazz tracks, streamed from my main computer.
Sorry Jo, but André Rieu music does nothing for me, but just to let you know he has concerts in Nottingham, Liverpool and Leeds in December this year. Check the following link.

http://www.viagogo.co.uk/Arts-and-Theat ... tAodJG0Apw

[RB1961]

Chesterfieldjohn

I didn't see the lady in question but did find most of it hard going. I didn't go on the cruise for the music but we did enjoy the piano and violin recital.
I thought on the whole most passengers were quite chatty although I did encounter a few at breakfast/lunch in the MDR who IMO were very rude to the staff. Still it takes all sorts.
It was the 1st time we have been on a ship that had NV. None of our table had it and I thought the measures they put in place appeared effective.
It was a shame that sidewalk got shut as I had a fantastic burger on the second day.

RB

[suespud]

Derek, we are going to see Curtis Stigers on sunday at The Sage, Gateshead. (after drinks and food on the Newcastle side of the Quayside)
I have been a fan since the 90's when he was more "pop" than Jazz.

But he has develped into a wonderful Jazz saxophonist.
His voice is dreamy....
Probably a bit "light" for some real Jazz fans...but he does it for me

http://curtisstigers.com/