'Radio Klasik'

Radio Klasik, the only radio station in Jakarta broadcasting (Western) classical music, was deprived of its frequency on July 24. In the preceding week hundreds of sympathizers phoned and faxed into the station to express their grief about the absence of classical music on radio.

Since its inauguration in October 1995 until its death knell Radio Klasik 89.65 FM provided its listeners with an interesting variety of classical music from the baroque to the most contemporary, including compositions by Indonesian Slamet Abdul Syukur.

I have always preferred classical radio music over a private collection of records. There is the element of surprise in radio programs. It is regrettable that international stations like the ABC (Melbourne) and the BBC (London) have reduced their programs on classical music to virtually none. The bad thing with recorded music (LPs, cassettes, CDs) is that once you have played it, it has no surprises anymore. You know what will come in the next few bars. Playing records of one's own collection is somewhat like eating canned food.

Radio Klasik's advent in 1995 soon became an oasis in the desert. It had a growing number of listeners who, unfortunately, remained silent in their enjoyment of listening to their programs . Only in July 2000 did Radio Klasik realize, after the announcement of its hibernation, that the number of listeners to classical radio music is overwhelming. It was a surprise to everybody.

Radio Klasik had the distinct advantage of having the support of Deutsche Welle which regularly provided recorded performances on occasions like music festivals. Contrary to studio recordings these live performances emerge fresh despite occasional coughs from the audience and wrong notes from the performers.

Just a few days from its closing Radio Klasik broadcast during prime time a recording of the opening night of the Bayreuth Festival 1999. It was a new stage production of Wagner's Lohengrin with conductor Antonio Pappano making his debut appearance at the festival. Also appearing for the first time were singers Roland Wagenfuhrer as Lohengrin and Melanie Diener as Elsa. These are singers of the younger generation with an excellent command of their roles. Some people say that soprano Diener is a younger version of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Personally I think her voice is fuller and more genuinely expressive than Schwarzkopf's.

Maybe Radio Klasik is not fully aware of the assets it has in these live recordings. In this hibernation period (many expect that the station's closure is only temporary) Radio Klasik should maintain its contacts with the cultural representatives offices of European countries to ensure their assistance in the launching of its new frequency with improved programming.

S. HARMONO

Jakarta