Individual Feature Analysis

Feature Analysis

BBC Radio 3: "A Social History of the Piano" by Michael Goldfarb

Broadcast Sunday, 10 Nov 2013 at 18:15

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01msj6v

"A Social History of the Piano" by Michael Goldfarb was part of the continuous Sunday Feature series for BBC Radio 3 and was last aired on 10 Nov 2013 at 18:15.

This particular feature is ideal for those who are interested in music and culture. In addition, it would have an influence or be of an interest to those who have a strong connection with the piano and other instruments. Michael Goldfarb explores the history of the piano and how it has involved into much more than just a simple instrument into the 21st century by taking us through its beginning origin of development into more modern environments while also including the influence of the piano on lifestyles, society, and the downfalls that have occurred against the value of the piano.

In "A Social History of the Piano," the presenter, Michael Goldfarb, takes us through various historical context of the piano and where this grand instrument stands today in the music world. The presenter’s words are subtle yet passionate while being enhanced with personal interviews and with the use of sound effects to create the emotion. The interviews allow us to get a personal view while also providing us with background or historical content. Each interview presents us with a different view from around the world with the variation in where the interviewees come from and their experiences.

The use of the clips of piano playing in the background brings us through different times of music and follows through with the context of the feature. We are able to feel as though we are present in the moment in each scene. From the beginning, we know that he is present in the street he is describing with the use of environmental/traffic sounds. We are also able to go back in time by creating a picture of black and white imagery in our heads with a piano player and old cafes. The use of this music and sound create this imagery throughout the feature and enhance the words being spoken by both Michael Goldfarb and the interviewees. By the end, the strong use of construction and demolition display the way in which modernization has changed the views and value of pianos.

Overall, the listeners are able to immerse themselves into what is being said and create an image in their heads rather than simply listening to words that may have little meaning without these details. We are able to understand how something simply know as an instrument containing just bits and pieces of material to many people in the modernized world was once and is still more than just a simple instrument.