Kindness to the Aged 26 June 1988

Trevor Leggett was head of the Japanese Department of the BBC.

This is one of his broadcasts to Japan

Zubari for 26 June 1988

Hello listeners!

Recently I had a pleasant surprise. It was pleasant not because it brought me anything, but because it gave me a glimpse of real kind-heartedness.

In Britain, composers and dramatists register their published works at the Performing Rights Society, which is a public corporation. Whenever a registered work is performed in public, the public performer – usually radio or TV – pays a small fee to the Organization. Every year, they are paid over to the composer or dramatist.

Fifty years ago, my father composed and published some pieces of music, and I still receive annually a few fees, as his heir.

Famous composers of pop music like the Beatles for instance, or Webber, receive millions from their compositions. But there must be a good many like me who get very little.

My name has been on the register for a long time, so they must know that I am probably elderly. They also know I do not get much from them.

I was amazed to receive a letter from them asking whether I need money. The letter said:

“We have a Fund to help elderly members who are receiving State benefit, but who may need extra assistance. If you are in this situation, please write to us, and we will try and help you.”

This means that the very wealthy composers have set up a big Fund. They want to help old composers who are unsuccessful, and living in poverty.

I was surprised. Usually, success comes at a bound, so to speak. One day a composer or writer is almost unknown, and poor; then suddenly famous and rich. Generally, when one is suddenly rich, one forgets all about the poor. I felt most impressed that the British composers have not done so.

© Trevor Leggett