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SJ conveys knowledge and passion in fascinating language

Just heard the riveting 90 minutes of Stephen Johnson on Ravel. I’m not a pianist, but SJ made me see Ravel as a major piano technician, as an innovator, as a genius. All credit to Johnson’s persuasive and utterly unpretentious manner, analytic skills, and sheer quietly infectious enthusiasm without histrionics or self-promotion. Some lovely playing too by Cedric Tiberghien of Gaspard de la Nuit in particular.

Marvellous knowledge, fluency, musicianship, vocabulary, enthusiasm, generosity…

SJ really knows his stuff and everything he puts together is immaculately researched and INTERESTING. Very much “Old School” Radio 3 and thank goodness he is still around…

Gives insight into literature as well

Hermes – it is funny you should say that about getting SJ presenting the Proms, because the very same thought went through my mind too. He’s articulate, he knows concert protocol (no gushing interjections from him a millisecond after the conductor puts down his arms,) and umm… he isn’t bad on the eyes either.

Compelling

May I second the praise for Stephen Johnson, a terrific asset for R3 and an object lesson in modest and self-effacing presentation skills underpinned by a first rate understanding and love of his subject.