Robert J. Lurtsema
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Robert J. Lurtsema (November 14, 1931–June 12, 2000) was a public radio broadcaster.
He hosted the classical music show, Morning pro musica, on WGBH in Boston, Massachusetts, from 1971 until his death from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was known among public radio listeners throughout New England for his sonorous voice and his phrasing, which frequently included long pauses.
The long pauses, anathema to mainstream radio, were either tolerated or loved by his loyal listeners. "I'm not afraid of dead air," he was quoted as saying. "I don't think there's anything wrong with a quiet spot once in a while. When I pause I'm visualizing my audience, the person I'm speaking to. I always imagine I'm speaking to someone in particular."
[edit] Trivia
His signature opening pieces were portions, different each day of the week, of Ottorino Respighi's Ancient Airs and Dances Suite. He accompanied these with his personally made recordings of chirping birds, suggesting the show as virtually the first thing his listeners heard in the morning.
