The position of poetry in the scheme of broadcast programmes is now fairly established: an ever-increasing interest is being taken in the poetry readings that now occupy a regular place in broadcasting. Mr. Ridley's series of talks is an attempt both to enlarge the pleasure of those who are already keen in their enjoyment of the readings and to open the fields of poetry to yet fresh comers. Mr. Ridley, who is a Fellow and Chaplain of Balliol College, Oxford, and Tutor in English Literature, will give six weekly talks, covering such phases of the subject as the enjoyment of poetry, the sound and devices and form of poetry, and the trend of modern poetry itself.
The greater part of Max Reger's short life was a series of conflicts with almost every section of the musical world, and only in his last years did anything like recognition of his great gifts come to him. He was not one who cared for honours and rewards and, though in his latter years these were accorded him in generous measure, it probably meant far more to him that the best intelligences of the world of music had begun to recognize him as an immensely sincere composer.
He was an ardent lover of his own country, and more than once refused tempting offers of appointments away from home. He did, however, undertake concert tours from time to time, and visited this country in 1909, taking part in two Chamber Concerts mainly devoted to his own works.
The enormous volume of music which he left includes many songs in the most varied moods.