Abstract
Early music journalism was carried out in newspapers and magazines and the writers were strict professionals. ‘Commentary’ describes the process of music review and provides a history of music writing as it ran alongside the history of the orchestra. Program notes and liner notes, when knowledgeably prepared, are an essential part of the orchestra experience. Program notes and other forms of audience education could also be delivered from the podium. Newspaper music review has waned, except perhaps in London where a few fine writers on music still practice. The void has been filled by the Internet which is able to offer audio and visual clips to back up commentary.
