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Spring 2011 No. 154 £1.75 2135 cover_52183 FRMS cover 142 30/08/2011 09:57 Page 2 NEW RELEASES www.hyperion-records.co.uk
RAVEL THE COMPLETE PIANO MUSIC LISZT THREE FUNERAL ODES New releases of Steven Osborne’s best- FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE selling discs have become some of the TWO EPISODES FROM LENAU’S FAUST most eagerly-awaited events in the As part of Liszt’s anniversary year pianophile diary. This most delicate and Hyperion turns to some of the subtle of musicians also displays a composer’s most underrecorded and pyrotechnical deployment of digital underperformed works. Liszt’s piano acrobatics, mesmerising colour control music is so much in the foreground and breathtaking articulation. All these that his works for orchestra have been qualities are visible in this two-disc set. almost forgotten. Here we present a Ravel’s works have been central to fascinating selection. Steven Osborne’s performing repertoire BBC SCOTTISH SYMPHONY throughout his career, making this set a ORCHESTRA / ILAN VOLKOV perfect marriage of composer and performer. 2 Compact Discs CDA67731/2 Compact Disc CDA67856 STEVEN OSBORNE
ECHOES OF NIGHTINGALES EŠENVALDS PASSION & RESURRECTION This delightful disc, performed by one The live performance in 2009 of this major of the most admired sopranos of today, work by the young Latvian composer accompanied by her long-time Ešenvalds thrilled critics and audiences collaborator, pays homage to an alike. As a new liturgical work that looks important musical tradition and part of set to enter the repertoire it is comparable performance history, and to four great to Arvo Pärt’s Passio. Stephen Layton’s sopranos from the past. The repertoire commitment to new Baltic music is well- includes the encore-songs, mainly by known – reflected by performances of great American composers, performed by integrity and passion. This recording is Kirsten Flagstad, Eileen Farrell, Helen particularly splendid, featuring not only the Traubel and Eleanor Steber at the end matchless Polyphony and Britten Sinfonia of their legendary recitals. but also Carolyn Sampson, heard here to CHRISTINE BREWER dazzling effect, crowning the performance Compact Disc CDA67813 Compact Disc CDA67796 with her extraordinary singing. ROGER VIGNOLES CAROLYN SAMPSON / POLYPHONY BRITTEN SINFONIA / STEPHEN LAYTON
BUXTEHUDE THE COMPLETE ORGAN PALESTRINA WORKS VOLUME 3 MISSA AETERNA CHRISTI The latest volume of Christopher MUNERA & MOTETS Herrick’s acclaimed series of ‘A perfect introduction to Buxtehude’s complete organ works the breadth of Palestrina’s genius, comes from Paris and the admired organ inspiringly sung’ (Organists’ Review) of St-Louis-en-l’Île – formally opened in ‘Highly recommended along with 2005, and based on the work of previous releases in this series’ Zacharias Hildebrant (1688-1757). (Fanfare, USA) As with previous discs, it includes a THE CHOIR OF WESTMINSTER selection of the composer’s praeludia, CATHEDRAL / JAMES O’DONNELL ostinato works, canzonettas and canzonas, interspersed with chorale preludes, chorale fantasias and variations. Compact Disc CDA67855 Compact Disc CDH55368 (budget price) CHRISTOPHER HERRICK ORGAN OF ST-LOUIS-EN-L’ÎLE, PARIS WEBER COMPLETE PIANO SONATAS RARE FRENCH WORKS ‘These are distinguished performances, FOR VIOLIN AND by a pianist of true romantic temper, of ORCHESTRA four works that have had more than their ‘Philippe Graffin is just the share of misunderstanding from player for these delectable byways of performers and critics alike’ late-Romantic French repertoire ... (Gramophone) Graffin plays [the Fauré] as though he Garrick Ohlsson is the pianist, acclaimed believes in every note – what sublime for his performances of Brahms and advocacy ... superb performances, then, Chopin on Hyperion. These delightful boldly and atmospherically engineered’ recordings were originally released on (International Record Review) Arabesque. PHILIPPE GRAFFIN GARRICK OHLSSON ULSTER ORCHESTRA THIERRY FISCHER 2 Compact Discs CDD22076 (for the price of 1) Compact Disc CDH55396 (budget price)
Hyperion Records PO BOX 25, LONDON SE9 1AX [email protected] · TEL 020 8318 1234 2135 frms pages_Layout 1 30/08/2011 09:56 Page 1
FRMS BULLETIN Spring 2011 No. 154
CONTENTS EDITORIAL Page Editor Thelma Shaw Ave atque vale – hail and farewell 2 15 Cann’s Lane OUT & ABOUT Hethersett Federation Norwich NR9 3JE Tel: 01603 819097 Annual General Meeting 2010 at Cirencester 3 Out of the spotlight; Maureen Jenner’s presentation at the AGM 5 Editorial copy Regional Groups If your copy is in manuscript form Central Regions Music Day; Inspirations in autumn 7 or on CD or floppy disc, send it Societies direct to the Editor at the above Torbay Music Weekend 8 address. Bradford-on-Avon visit to Wyastone Estate 8 If your copy is available as an Maidstone Music Appreciation Society 8 email attachment send it to: Berlioz Society in fine fettle 9 [email protected]
Swinton prepares to celebrate 9 Editorial deadlines Carnoustie centenarian 10 Spring issue: 31st December West Wickham’s busy year 10 Autumn issue: 30th June REVIEWS First Hand Records revives classic Boult recordings 11 Advertising Hyperion contrasts 11 Advertisements are available from Hans Rott: Symphony in E major £35. For information on rates and Ravel’s complete solo piano music played by Steven Osborne discounts contact the Editor: Dutton’s Epoch label latest releases 12 [email protected] Rutland Boughton: The Queen of Cornwall (full address inside back cover) Orchestral tone poems by Rutland Boughton & Edgar Bainton Elgar works transcribed and arranged for piano by Iain Farrington Circulation Select Music reissue 1960 Brahms Eine Deutsches Requiem 12 If you would like your own copy Wyastone’s broad spectrum 13 of the Bulletin sent direct, contact Moeran: Solo folksong arrangements/Holst: The Planets, piano version the Distribution Manager Frescobaldi on harpsichords & virginals/Hits of 1960, it’s now or never [email protected] NEWS & VIEWS (full address inside back cover) Copies are distributed to all From the Chairman’s desk 15 affiliated societies and to the What’s in the Secretary’s postbag? 16 Federation’s Associates, with a Tribute to Brian Cartwright 17 total estimated membership in the MUSIC ARTICLES region of 10,000. Haydn as opera director: Colin Dancer, Cardiff RMS 18 The beginnings of film music: Paul Astell, Oswestry RMS 21 NB Copyright. The material content of Bulletin may not be REGULAR FEATURES reproduced elsewhere without the Presenters’ Panel 22 formal permission of the Notable anniversaries for 2012 26 publishers, The Federation of REGIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 27 Recorded Music Societies Ltd. Scottish Group music day. West Region inaugural meeting Printed by: The Max Chessingham Park Industrial Est Common Road, Dunnington Front cover: Bars from the score Please note that the address North Yorkshire YO19 5SE of Haydn’s Theresa Mass of the FRMS website is www.thefrms.co.uk ISSN 0928150
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EDITORIAL Ave atque vale – hail and farewell Now I feel it is time for He became a committee younger blood so, reluctantly, member two years later and and in a parody of the WW1 has as he says: “been putting popular song, I say: “I don’t on the records ever since – but want to leave you but I think I no LPs these days!” He also ought to go.” designs and produces the To use a cliché often quoted by Society’s annual programme of politicians (usually to get out events and manages its of a sticky situation!) I really website. Paul’s professional
would like to be able to spend life also involved the Hail more time with my family and production of brochures and Dozens of poets have waxed friends. The situation is by no publicity material; he is lyrical as they hailed means sticky and under the therefore able to take over the springtime. And now, not only wise, committed, and always reins as Editor as easily as are snowdrops in flower but loyal, Chairmanship of John falling off a log. the Federation is also Davies, whose jovial Contact details blossoming. We hail the new enthusiasm is renowned, the Western regional group and th The autumn issue of the Federation reaches its 75 Bulletin will be Paul’s first. wish great success to the anniversary on very strong societies within the region and Publicity officers, secretaries foundations that did not seem and others that will be sending to their joint activities. possible a few years ago. …and farewell items for publication should Joy of team work By way of the grapevine, the make a note of the following It has been a joy to work with a news might have reached some telephone number by which to wonderful bunch who could readers that this issue of the contact him: have invented the concept of Bulletin is my swan song as 01691 771437 team spirit. For them Editor, although I shall not step The email address for the ‘hierarchy’ is simply a measure down from the FRMS Editor will be as published at of the responsibility they Committee until the AGM in the back of the magazine and willingly assume and October. George Steele will redirect efficiently carry out. I shall It has been enormously messages as soon as this issue miss them as colleagues but has been published. satisfying to produce a look forward to when we meet magazine that is focused on a as friends at the various subject close to my heart and I Federation and Society events. thank the many people who have contributed all kinds of Welcome to Paul Astell material for publication. I also Another important salutation. I thank our readers most am delighted that we have a sincerely for their continued first-class editor-elect. He is interest and valuable support. Paul Astell, whose professional background and long Paul Astell, Editor elect A great bonus is that the job association with the recorded We look forward to welcoming has brought me into contact music fraternity make him Paul to his first visit to with people from Land’s End ideal for the office. Daventry this year and hope to John ’o Groats whom I Paul has been an active there will be a good crowd to might not otherwise have had th member of the highly meet him at this 75 the good fortune to meet – my successful Oswestry RMS anniversary event. See you husband for one! since 1979. there! Thelma Shaw
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FRMS Annual General Meeting 2010. This overview of the AGM in Cirencester on 23rd October 2010 outlines the main business points and gives an account of the important social events that forge links between societies from all parts of the UK. Ed. This was when he visited The Chairman gave warm thanks Warmth & charm L’OperaDou in Nîmes and was to Lyndon Jenkins, Graham interviewed by its founder Kitely and Tony Baines for the Gordon Smith. This unique great amount of work they do to opera house featured in issue ensure the continuing success of 152 last Spring. the annual Daventry music More traditionally, The British weekend event. Library invited George Steele, He also congratulated those who manages our website, to responsible for the successful submit the FRMS website for Scarborough and Torbay music inclusion on the UK archive site weekends; regional organisers of Lady Jill Charnley, Chairman of host as a representative of part of the music days and other events, Society, Cirencester RMS UK documentary heritage. with special congratulations to Such an invitation is given to those that formed the new Tremendous efforts on the part websites that demonstrate Scotland Region, and to all who of the hosts, Cirencester RMS, innovation and that reflect the support such events. made the FRMS Annual General diversity of contemporary Before handing over to the meeting a splendid and interests. Treasurer, John thanked his memorable event. On a sad note John announced Committee for lively discussion Lady Jill Charnley opened the the death of Brian Cartwright, and support at the Derby meeting with a warm and a former FRMS Treasurer. meetings and the delegates for charming welcome, saying that Brian had fought a long battle their attendance. she and her committee had against leukaemia and a tribute enjoyed an interesting time is paid to him on p.17. Treasurer’s Report putting together a programme Treasurer Graham Kitely for the occasion. It included a Changes ahead reported that all licences, PRS, recorded music presentation, a John also gave notice of changes PPL, insurances for public sumptuous dinner and a recital ahead as several positions will liability, equipment and by The Four Seasons String become vacant on the FRMS Directors’ Indemnity have been Quartet. Committee in the near future. paid. In the well appointed and very Thelma Shaw will stand down It had been a steady year that comfortable Stratton House after two long periods as Editor contained nothing calculated to Hotel it all added up to an between 1992 and 2011 and the frighten the horses, although a excellent autumn mini break for Spring 2011 edition of the bit of a stir was caused by the delegates. Almost 60 RMS Bulletin will be her swan song; proposals from the previous groups were represented, either Tony Baines will stand down Government to withdraw current in person or by proxy, and after after 9 years as Secretary, and exemption from PPL charges for the formal business delegates Treasurer Graham Kiteley will charities and similar groups. thoroughly enjoyed the hand over responsibility for However, the RMS network has entertainment. organising the Federation’s nothing to worry about – even if music weekend to a successor the Coalition team finds time to Chairman’s who will join the President deal with such comparative Review Lyndon Jenkins in this work. trivia. After the formal business John thanked them all for their Total cash flow amounted to preliminaries, John Davies, sterling service and various £81,000, of which 25% was FRMS Chairman, gave his skills before announcing that he generated by the Daventry annual review of the past year. himself will stand down after ten Music Weekend. He began with news that two of years as Chairman. The cost of the AGM in 2009 the committee had received very Music events returned to a normal level after different forms of recognition. There were many notable music the difficulties experienced with At the forefront of modern IT, weekend and day activities the 2008 event held in Bristol. Secretary Tony Baines had during the past year, at national, Despite a reduction in sales that appeared on U Tube! regional and local level. caused the surplus income from
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the Bulletin to dip below £1200, Exeter (Opera Speke) and A long discussion followed, with the level of advertising income Bradford-on-Avon; groups from Graham Ladley (Oswestry remained fairly steady so that the Lostwithiel and Acton had made RMS) reminding delegates of overall situation is most enquiries about affiliation. the grave situation in 2000, satisfactory. He had received Bristol and Perivale societies when the FRMS had almost self- five subscriptions to the Bulletin had closed, while two that are destructed and had been saved from the USA. currently flourishing in the south by the present Committee. Graham stressed the importance of England (one with a Mick Birchall (Hinckley RMS of financial support from membership of 190!) were in and FRMS Committee) echoed advertisers, some of whom had danger of closing because, in this and said that he and most of expressed disappointment at the neither case, is anyone willing to the present Committee had put response from readers. He take over from the elderly themselves up for election appealed to affiliates to respond, organisers, who are in their 80s. “because we cared” and were even if simply to request a After giving his report, the anxious to avoid a repetition of catalogue or information, but Secretary answered various similar disruption. ALWAYS to mention the comments and questions on Treasurer Graham Kiteley Federation. insurance and copyright issues suggested that the FRMS is too If any reader would like a and delegates reminded that modest and that affiliates should detailed accounting sheet, please leaflets on these are available. be made aware of its importance send a stamped self-addressed to them. The savings from envelope to the Treasurer, whose Officers, Committee & centralisation are enormous and address is at the back of this Examiners most societies would close if issue. A list of the names of current they had to bear the full costs for Officers and Committee had their own insurance and Secretary’s Report been circulated previously. All indemnity. FRMS Secretary Tony Baines were willing to stand and as Much enthusiastic comment and commended Cirencester RMS on there were no new nominations positive suggestions for their success in hosting the their appointment en bloc was recruitment led into further AGM. Attendance was greater proposed and approved considerations on publicity and than usual and the reservations unanimously. promotion of the Federation. for dinner and the recital were The Treasurer reported that the excellent. independent examiners, Alvin Any other business He continued to deal with many Robinson and Malcolm Pye John Hardy (Southport RMS) enquiries, from individuals were both willing to continue suggested that, for ease of seeking to join a group or from and their appointment was recognition, the Committee societies wishing to contact approved unanimously. should wear printed name similar groups. Other queries badges and delegates should fill concerned insurance, copyright Recruitment in their names on blank badges and technical matters and these issued on arrival. were referred to the appropriate Before closing the meeting, the colleague. Chairman stressed that any Donald Rooksby, formerly of practical proposals from Hyperion, no longer gives affiliates would be most presentations to societies but welcome and receive careful will continue his mail order consideration by the Committee. service for Hyperion CDs on the After tea at 4.00pm delegates same terms. Chairman John Davies listens to enjoyed a wonderful evening. comments from delegates Comings & goings The Scottish Region had been The Chairman expressed (Since the AGM, volunteers have revitalised, the Yorkshire and concern that the Federation is come forward to prepare as Central Regions were still active. faced with the same problem as suitable replacements for the Sadly, Les Warner of Southwest affiliates: anno domini taking its retiring Officers. A stable future Surrey Region had died, but the toll and no volunteers to take for the FRMS now seems region will continue. Little is over from the several Officers assured and proposals for known of other regional groups. wishing to retire. All had joined appointments will be put New affiliates were from the Committee at the same time, forward at the 2011 AGM in Blackpool, Preston, Drymen, hence the mass exodus. Rochdale.)
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The Four Seasons *Alexander Borodin: Quartet no.2. On with the music The third movement of this piece After the formal business came Quartet struck a familiar chord as it is a tea and the first of the important The traditional live recital nocturne on which the theme for the social events that give an followed dinner and this year song And this is my beloved, from opportunity for far-flung groups was given by a talented group of the musical Kismet, is based. to catch up with old friends and local musicians who are *Antonin Dvorak: Nature lies make new ones. involved with teaching at Peaceful and You are asking why, Cheltenham Ladies College. the last two movements from a set A record number of delegates of 12 contemplative songs entitled attended dinner and the two Cypress Trees and transcribed for music sessions quartet by the composer. *Antonin Dvorak: Waltz no.1 from Unusual recordings a set of two for strings. Despite First, Maureen Jenner, their distinct Bohemian overtones, Programme Secretary of Dvorak resisted the suggestion to Cirencester RMS, gave a call them Slavonic Dances. fascinating presentation about The audience thoroughly instruments that are rarely appreciated the panache, highlighted as soloists. Claire Piper, violin; Jacqueline sensitivity and consummate skill Called Out of the Spotlight. It Statham, violin; David Lloyd, viola; of a perfectly balanced team. Robina Sabourin, cello was so entertaining and unusual The cherry on the top of this The members of the Four that I have reproduced it in full delightful recital was the encore Seasons Quartet are all highly as a separate article at the end of item played in response to qualified musicians, each one this report. prolonged applause: Dvorak’s with an impressive background Waltz no.2 for Strings. of experience. They enjoy playing together and individually Goodnight & au revoir with other prestigious ensembles And on a quietly tuneful note, so throughout Europe. They have a ended another successful and mutual love of the string quartet enjoyable Annual General repertoire and welcome Meeting and social weekend. opportunities to perform together Chairman John Davies repeated whenever possible. his warm thanks to our hosts and Their recital was of works that to delegates for their attendance have been their favourites over as he wished us “Goodnight and Maureen Jenner brings neglected many years. instruments out of the shadows au revoir”.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Out of the spotlight: a presentation by Maureen Jenner Jew’s Harp Guitar This instrument is an ancient one known The guitar is a more conventional instrument but, throughout Europe and Asia. No other instrument again, an ancient and widespread one. It was has so many different names, such as mouth drum hugely popular until the 1830s, when technical and buzzing saw from the German and breeze from advances in the pianoforte brought that instrument the Italian. It is a made from a small keyhole into the limelight. Although there were many shaped iron frame, open at the narrow end in pieces written for a single guitar there were far which a strip of metal vibrates. The circular part is fewer written for two. held in the mouth between the teeth and the strip is The composer Fernando Sor, was born in Spain in twanged by a finger to create an incredible sound. 1778, but spent most of his life in Paris, was himself It is surprising how much music was written for the a guitarist. He wrote guitar duets amongst his Jew’s harp. Albrechtsberger alone wrote at least prodigious output of operas, ballets, symphonies, seven concertos for this instrument. and music for piano but, sadly, little has survived. Albrechtsberger: Concerto in E major for Jew’s Harp Sor: L’encouragement, 1st and 2nd movements; Arada and Orchestra, 1st movement; soloist Fritz Mayr. Guitar Duo, Simon Davies and Nicholas Lee.
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OUT & ABOUT - Regional and Society news Inspirations in Autumn Mediterranean influence The influence of the Mediterranean, and the The Central Region held its Autumn Music Day 2010 at a new venue, the Quinborne Centre on the western outskirts attraction of its sunnier climes has long been a thread of Birmingham. The theme for the day was Inspirations; woven through the tapestry of the art of more music inspired by Shakespeare, The Silver Screen and northern and colder countries. Mick Birchall amply Italy. Ted Pezarro, Bob Drew and Graham Ladley report. illustrated how this was true of Italy in his eclectic The day started in the experienced and capable hands programme that included the music of three of Allan Child. He soon inspired us by all things Germans, an Austrian, a Hungarian, an Englishman, Shakespearean with a wide range of music; from the a Russian and a Czech. With well-chosen excerpts, familiar to the more obscure, it was all there. He Mick showed how each of these drew inspiration began with Smetana’s Solemn March for the 1864 from the country and its artists. Bohemian Shakespeare celebrations. Then followed Liszt responded to Italy’s greatest poet with his the more familiar O Mistress mine and Where the Dante Symphony, from which we heard the Inferno bee sucks, songs from Twelfth Night and The movement. Then followed Rachmaninov’s Tempest and Thomas Arne’s tribute to the bard in his treatment of the story of Francesca da Rimini, and setting of words by David Garrick. Shakespeare’s an excerpt from Pfitzner’s opera Palestrina. Mick influence was felt outside these isles and inspired demonstrated Martin’s response to the sublime art works by, among others, Brahms and Wagner. of Piero della Francesca with a piece that was Allan’s other examples were Amy Beach’s song for unknown to many of us and made a particular Measure for Measure and Saint-Saëns’ delightful impression on several of the audience. I, for one, elaboration on Ophelia’s fate. will explore this music further. Most of Allan’s excellent presentation concentrated The responses from Elgar and Richard Strauss were on British composers such as Finzi, Horovitz, more generalised. The Elgar example was not, as Richard Rodney Bennett, Balfour Gardner and Elgar. might have been imagined, In the South but the third I confess to a special fondness for one of Allan’s movement of the Second Symphony, the relevance of offerings, namely Duke Ellington’s cheeky Sonnet to which was shown clearly by Mick. The Neapolitan Hank Cinq written for the Stratford, Canada, sound was evident in the third movement of Shakespeare Festival. An excellent opener for a full Strauss’s Aus Italien. This connected directly with day of surprises and delights. EP the German composer Johann Adolf Hasse, whose Film music delightful aria from one of his numerous operas was After lunch, the familiar sound of the fanfare that a revelation to many of us. It was probably written heralds the start of all 20th Century Fox films with his wife in mind, as she was one of the leading opened a presentation by Paul Astell in which he operatic sopranos of her day. examined the music that has contributed to almost all Mick’s extensive knowledge of all things Italian, and cinematic productions since the talkies era began. his love of that country and culture, came through in The thirteen examples in Paul’s programme included every part of his enjoyable and informative music from Napoleon (1927) and King Kong (1933). presentation. I write this in an ice-bound Shropshire. He brought the whole presentation to life, not only How I wish I could follow the advice of Rousseau with the music but also with stills from the films. that Mick quoted: ‘Run, fly to Naples…’ GL Familiar composers included Erich Korngold, Franz Thank you! Waxman, Malcolm Arnold, David Raksin, Alfred Once again, thanks are due to Mick Birchall. In Newman, Miklós Rózsa, John Barry and John addition to presenting one of the sessions, he also did Williams. The films were: The Sea Hawk, Sunset the bulk of the organisation for the day, including the Boulevard, The Big Combo, Schindler’s List, Out of catering, and in unfamiliar surroundings, produced a Africa, Wuthering Heights, Spellbound and Hobson’s splendid lunch. Thanks also to FRMS Chairman Choice. No prizes for guessing who composed the John Davies for presiding, to all those who helped on music for which film! the day, and to the Quinborne Centre staff who Paul’s presentation refuted the frequent allegation ensured that everything was in place for us. that film music is incapable of standing alone, divorced from its master. His presentation was a NB: Paul Astell has prepared a series of articles on the masterful display put together with much care and a history of film music. They will be published in the complete understanding of the genre. RFD Bulletin and the first is on page 21 of this issue.
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This demonstrated that the leadership of the classical The Torbay Music Weekend recording industry now lies with the independents Barry Miller, Chairman of the Friends of Torbay, sends and they, at least, are optimistic about the future. this account of the 41st TMW held at the Palace Hotel, th nd Sunday also featured Jonathan Willcocks talking Torquay, from 19 -22 November 2010. As usual, the event opened with a reception at which about his work as both composer and conductor, and we were able to renew our acquaintance with old Terry Barfoot, a perennial favourite at Torbay, who friends and meet a number of new participants. talked about Mahler. Live recital Fifty years in Music The final item was our traditional live performance. The opening musical event was a talk by the FRMS This year the Manor House Quartet played works President, Lyndon Jenkins. Lyndon’s presentations by Haydn, Louise Bevan (one of the Quartet) and never fail to delight and in this one he reminisced Spohr. As usual this Sunday evening recital proved about some of the great musicians with whom he has to be one of the highlights of the weekend. worked during his fifty years in music. It was a worthy opening for our weekend. What more can one ask? Enjoyable music, fine presenters, good food and the opportunity to meet Saturday treats old friends and make new ones all contributed to a Saturday’s programme was so full of delights that it vintage Torbay weekend and we look forward to the is difficult to know what to mention here. Lynne next. Mark the date : 18-21 November 2011. Plummer started the day by exploring an interesting idea: Gardens in Music. Perhaps more serious was Bradford-on-Avon RMS Arthur Boyd’s Composers at the Piano. This was a Roger Apps reports a on a visit to the Wyastone Estate. fascinating and deeply researched study of Adrian Farmer, Music Director at Wyastone, recordings of composers playing their own music. met the visitors and gave them a history of the The next event can only be described as a triumph. Nimbus site and of the mansion. Later, Antony Adrian Farmer and Antony Smith talked about Smith, Commercial Director, joined the group Classical Music from the Internet, illustrating their to give a most interesting and informative talk with live demonstrations. It is probably fair to insight into the recording industry. say that there were some doubts about the subject A recording ‘in the making’ by The Rautio Piano when it was first proposed. In the event this proved Trio of Beethoven’s Piano Trio, Op.11 to be one of the most popular presentations and I ‘Gassenhauer’ was used as an example to give a comprehensive overview of the whole CD suspect that even those who already obtain some of production process from recording to dispatch, their music this way learned a lot and were well including manufacture; design and print of entertained in the process. sleeve note and cover; CD production, packing, Later in the day Jennifer Bate offered insights into quality control and stock management. There the life of an organist under the title A Funny Thing was also a tour of the building where the first Happened..... and Patricia Whittock gave an audio- classical CD was manufactured in the UK in visual presentation called It’s not all Swans and the 1980s. Members also had a very pleasant Moonlight. This featured a number of ballets, journey through the Wye Valley from Chepstow classical and modern, and proved very popular with to Monmouth via Tintern. Unfortunately the the many members who enjoy the ballet. Patricia’s weather was too misty to appreciate the full accompanying talk almost convinced this glory of the autumn colours. Bradford RMS thanks Adrian and Antony for a revealing and balletophobe that he is missing something! memorable day and for their continued support And for those on owl watch to the FRMS. As usual, members of the home team gave late Maidstone Music Appreciation Society evening programmes. On Friday Peter Lymbery This Kent Society is now in its 46th season and gave us A Song for All Seas, All Ships and on their President, Margery Pears, is the longest Saturday Jenny and Fraser Smith presented us with serving member of the Society. On a special Tuneful Vienna. Both were enjoyable and melodic evening to celebrate her 90th birthday Margery, programmes, just right to end the day. sprightly as ever, gave a feast of recorded Business and pleasure on Sunday music. During the interval The Society Passing over the AGM, Sunday gave us a quite presented her with a miniature gramophone fascinating question-and-answer session with senior complete with horn and containing a miniature executives from four independent recording labels. clock – but no Nipper !
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There’s a lot to see on the one-day guided walk, including visits to residences in the Harley Street and Queen Anne Street W1 area; Drury Lane Theatre, and Royal Opera House Covent Garden, where Berlioz frequently performed. In August we hope to make a return visit to the Festival Berlioz. This annual event is staged in the village of La Côte-Saint-André in the Isère, near Grenoble in south-east France. The composer was born there in 1803 and there is a museum in his birthplace. This year the festival runs from August 18–28. Jim Andrew, Maidstone Treasurer and Acting Chairman, The theme is Berlioz, Liszt & the Devil and some proposes the 90th birthday toast to Margery Pears. 1,200 musicians will be involved in the 50 Music for a birthday celebration concerts, lectures and events that are Margery opened her music programme with scheduled. Beethoven’s Spring Sonata for Violin and Piano, The climax of the year is the Berlioz Weekend in (David Oistrakh and Lev Oberin); then came Bloomsbury from November 5-6. Leading Barber’s Knoxville Summer of 1915, wonderfully musicians, musicologists and experts will performed by Sylvia McNair with Yoel Levi and contribute to the topic Berlioz’s Choral Works. the Atlanta SO. A centenary piece too! The year 2012 promises to be a busy one and After the interval and presentation to Margery, will include David McVicar’s new production of members enjoyed the memorably recorded The Trojans that will be staged at the Royal version of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.21 Opera House, Covent Garden, during the featuring Alfred Brendel/ASM/Neville Marriner. summer. You can find full details about us on As Margery explained, this popular work has our website: www.theberliozsociety.org.uk become tagged forever with the Elvira Madigan title! Margery has always been fascinated by Swinton prepares to celebrate composers’ responses to poetry and other texts Derek Stott reports and she ended with Benjamin Britten’s The Swinton Recorded Music Group might not have composition Rejoice in the Lamb. the longest history of Recorded Music Groups but at Margery has what is possibly one of the last one time it boasted the longest name registered with living links with Gustav Holst. In her youth her the National Federation of Gramophone Societies, as family were close friends of the Holsts in it was then called. London. Margery knew Imogen well and has At its inception the group was appropriately named letters from Gustav. Margery’s birthday evening was unforgettable The Swinton & Pendlebury Arts Club Music and much enjoyed by the dedicated members. Appreciation Group. On Local Authority reorganisation in 1974 the group became Berlioz Society in Fine Fettle independent and adopted the shorter title. The London-based Berlioz Society enters its 60th year in The Group has had six Chairmen in 40 years and at fine fettle, with a growing UK and international membership, lively committee activity and expanded present has 21 members. We have had just two programme. Media Manager Christopher Follett reports. convenient venues to the West of the conurbation of Last August the Society organised a three-day Manchester and Salford. Members continue to meet walking tour of more than 25 Berlioz-related fortnightly on Wednesday evenings and enjoy a sites in Paris. This was a great success and a varied programme of music given by club members, similar operation will take place in London this friends and guests. May. During this event members will follow in The group will celebrate its anniversary with a buffet the footsteps of the composer during his five supper on 8th June 2011. The Honoured Guest, visits to London in 1847-1855. Mr John Davies, Chairman of the FRMS, will “The London season! In no country in the world present his choice of Music. is so much music consumed in a season as in nd London…” Berlioz wrote this comment in a A further celebratory programme on 22 June 2011 feuilleton in his newspaper Le Journal des will feature the favourite music of all past and Débats in 1853 –an observation that could present Chairmen. apply to London just as well today!
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*The day out for a party of 60 took place in Carnoustie centenarian June. It started with a private cruise down the There must be something special in the Scottish air! John Medway from Maidstone to East Farleigh and Maidment, Chairman of Carnoustie RMS, sends news of a Barming, with a cream tea on board. Then a member who reached his century in January. coach took us to Finchcocks, a fine Georgian On Thursday 20th January Carnoustie RMS held a th manor with a remarkable collection of keyboard 100 birthday celebration for Claude Spiers. instruments. Claude joined the society when he was already 90 After a ploughman’s supper in the cellar years young and has attended regularly ever since. restaurant, members enjoyed a concert in the Claude is an accomplished painter. Originally a self- great hall. Richard Burnett, founder of the taught artist, Claude decided to further his collection at Goudhurst, introduced the knowledge of art and in 1979 completed his studies programme and with him were Phyllis Clarke, for an Open University degree in The History of Art. period flutes; Martyn Clarke, clarinet and Plans are afoot for an exhibition of his work, which keyboards; and Alastair Laurence, piano – jazz. will be shown later this year. Richard and his guests gave a delightful programme that included 18th century pieces for flute, flageolet and harpsichord; 19th century works for flute and early piano, and also items of fun from a repertoire of folk and jazz music. This was a superb and unusual concert to end a splendid day out. *The 18th annual musical holiday abroad was a highlight of the year. In early August 38 members spent five days in a hotel at Montecatini Terme and attended the Puccini Opera festival at Torre del Lago, where Puccini Centenarian Claude Spiers cuts his birthday cake lived from 1900-24. The balmy summer evenings were given to West Wickham’s busy year operas that began at 9.15 in the open-air opera A report from Chairman Phillip Cox house by Lake Massaciuccoli. Under starlit In addition to its regular fortnightly skies we saw a spectacular production of programmes, West Wickham RMS enjoyed Turandot; the lesser-performed La Fanciula del several coach visits to orchestral concerts at West, set in a Californian miners’ camp during the Royal festival Hall and the Royal Albert the 1849-50 gold rush, and, on the final Hall. We also had our 16th visit to evening, Tosca. Glyndebourne; this year we saw the Touring During the day coach trips included visits to Opera’s lavish and polished production of the Villa Puccini; a walking tour of Lucca; a day Mozart’s Don Giovanni. in Florence, with a guided tour of the Uffizi We now sponsor an annual live recital, given in Gallery and, finally, a visit to Pisa. This took in our meeting place, the Methodist Church in the cathedral, baptistry and leaning tower. West Wickham. This year James Turnbull, The holiday in 2011 will take us to Buxton in oboe and cor anglais, with Craig White, piano, Derbyshire for the International Gilbert & gave a splendid concert to a capacity audience Sullivan Festival, staged in the Frank Matcham of 120 members. Highlights of the year were Opera House. the three annual excursions: the music weekend; a musical day out, and a musical The great variety of the society’s activities and holiday abroad. attractive fortnightly programmes (which this year included the Chopin and Schumann *The music weekend was held in April at the anniversaries and Lord Aberdare’s presentation Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne. The theme was Berlioz in England), together with a friendly, Myths, Legends and Fantasies, during which a welcoming atmosphere, help to maintain its variety of presenters produced a set of membership of 120 with a waiting list. programmes containing music by Offenbach, Suppé, Saint Saëns, Respighi, Arnell and Any news you would like to share? Rutland Boughton. The weekend ended with a Views to air? Or a bee in your bonnet large screen DVD presentation of excerpts from that wants to get out? The Editor Adolfe Adam’s ballet Giselle and Gounod’s would be glad to hear about it. opera Faust.
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Shortly after his mental problems became apparent Classic Boult revived Rott sank deeper into depression and destroyed FIRST HAND RECORDS is a newish label that is many of his works. doing dedicated work in remastering a selection of At the time of his death none of his music had been Sir Adrian Boult’s major recordings from the 1950s. published or performed in public and had it not been Enthusiasts will recall how, on being required to for two close friends, who deposited his surviving leave the BBC at 60, he quickly took up with the manuscripts in the Music Collection of the Austrian London Philharmonic Orchestra and was soon National Library, Rott’s music would have sunk recording prolifically for the Nixa label with into oblivion. Added to this, his tutor Bruckner something called ‘The Philharmonic Promenade never forgot his brilliant student and always talked Orchestra’ – a nom de plume for the LPO that about him and his work, while Gustav Mahler, a fooled nobody. friend and fellow student under Krenn, was equally At last he could record the great classics, something enthusiastic about Rott’s genius. that he had always wanted to do. Soon the four This CD is a reissue of the 1989 recording of Rott’s symphonies of Schumann and all eight Berlioz Symphony in E major, of which Mahler said: overtures were issued. “It is completely impossible to estimate what music has Nearly all the Nixa discs appeared in the UK in lost in him. His first symphony soars to such heights of mono only, but FHR has gone to considerable genius that it makes him, without exaggeration, the lengths to locate the stereo tapes that were known to founder of the New Symphony as I understand it.” exist. These now make their UK debut. The result The work shows a distinct anticipation of Mahler’s is a handsomely packaged 3-disc set, with worthy style and suggests that Mahler could have drawn on documentation that includes a fascinating essay by Rott’s material for his own compositions. There are Boult himself. also hints of Wagner and Brahms in this innovative The Schumann symphonies are typical of him: and imaginative work that was acclaimed as a honest and forthright with well-judged speeds ‘precocious symphony’ (The Sunday Times). (occasionally surprisingly fast) and the Berlioz Its first performance was in Cincinnati in March overtures are both stylish and exciting. Compared 1989 and the same artists performed it in Paris and with the old monos, and some really poor electronic London during the same month. The accompanying transcriptions that came out subsequently from Pye, booklet gives a broad background to the composer the difference in sound is absolutely amazing. and clear notes about the composition. FHR07 Cincinnati Philharmonia Gerhard Samuel.CDH55140 Maurice Ravel (1875-1937): Complete solo Contrasts from Hyperion piano works Twenty-two years separate Hyperion’s original recordings of works by two composers whose lives By complete contrast, Ravel was a self-assured and music differed greatly. The little-known dandy, a mediocre pianist but a composer Viennese Hans Rott was a welcome discovery for determined to ‘do different’ and bring the element me while the French pianist Maurice Ravel needs of surprise to his music. He made this clear in a no introduction. The CDs reviewed here typify short early piano work Sérénade Grotesque, one of Hyperion’s first-class quality and capture the his fifteen compositions for solo piano, distinct styles of composition and essence of what magnificently recorded here by Steven Osborne on one imagines the composers intended. two CDs. Students of Ravel will appreciate the comprehensive notes in the accompanying booklet. Hans Rott (1858-84): Symphony in E major Each piece has its own attributes, with moods Hans Rott was highly talented but psychologically ranging from playful to passionate, sombre to unstable and his brief but brilliant career was cut joyful, but all carry Ravel’s hallmark of vivacious short when he was committed to a mental hospital originality. These works are technically demanding soon after graduating with the highest honours from but without any of the florid superfluous detail that the Vienna Conservatory. He died at the age of 26. Ravel termed ‘babillage’ (waffling). After both his parents died, It was a financial One of Britain’s outstanding pianists, Osborne has struggle for Rott to study but, recognising his won international acclaim with many awards and brilliance, the Conservatory waived the fees for his his interpretation of this music is precise, sensitive, final years of studies. Rott was an organist and and thoroughly captivating. He writes: “Making studied first under Anton Bruckner and later, seeing this recording has been a labour of love.” This is himself as a composer, completed the composition obvious in his fluent performance. course with Franz Krenn. Ravel: The complete solo piano music. CDA67731/2
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REVIEWS
Troilius and Cressida. This recording constitutes the Releases on EPOCH label first performance of an autobiographical work that the Among a fascinating collection of Mike Dutton’s composer renamed Thou and I and withdrew it, stating: releases in December 2010 on the EPOCH label are “This is a piece I prefer to keep to myself…it is too two world première recordings that marked the intimate to concern audiences.” th 150 anniversary of the British composer Rutland Summer Night. After its first performance in Boughton’s death in 1960. They were: his music Birmingham in 1902 S S Stratton attributed the work drama The Queen of Cornwall and, coupled with with great orchestral skill, strong harmony and ‘the works by Boughton’s friend and colleague, Edgar precious gift of melody’ – characteristics that mark most Bainton, Orchestral Tone Poems. Another gem of Boughton’s music. from Dutton is a CD of Elgar orchestral works Edgar Bainton: Three Tone Poems arranged for piano by Iain Farrington. Bainton was a fellow pupil with Boughton at the Royal The Queen of Cornwall College of Music and the two remained lifelong friends. They had much in common, musically and in their Rutland Boughton enjoyed his heyday as an philanthropic views (although Boughton tended to be esteemed composer between 1914 and 1926, when more political). Bainton studied composition with Sir his ideas to promote a specific type of English opera Charles Villiers Stanford and became one of the in the form of choral drama culminated in his significant young British composers. He and his family founding and directing the highly popular and collaborated closely with Boughton at Glastonbury and successful Glastonbury Festival. Bainton composed three music-dramas for the festivals. On 5 August 1914, fired by Boughton’s unbounded Several of Bainton’s important orchestral works have enthusiasm, amateur music groups and young come to light in the last twenty years, including the tone professional singers joined actors and dancers in the poems on this disc: Paracelcus; Pompilia, and first of an annual event that became recognised as Prometheus. All were inspired by the works of major the focal point for British opera. Notable among poets and differ from those of Boughton, which have a Boughton’s operas that were opened at Glastonbury romantic theme, in that they contemplate more on the was The Immortal Hour, which enjoyed an struggle against adversity. Thoroughly recommended. unprecedented run of 216 consecutive performances Royal Scottish National Orch.; Martin Yates. CDLX7262 when it was transferred to a London theatre in 1922. Elgar works arranged for piano & orchestra Regrettably, Boughton expressed his strong socialist Some readers will remember a recital given by the political views in the choral drama Bethlehem. This Farrington Ensemble at a music weekend. The was a fatal error of judgement. The resulting ensemble was formed by the exceptionally versatile scandal brought the Glastonbury Festivals to an and talented Iain Farrington. He also performs abrupt end in 1926 and Boughton left the limelight. world wide as a solo pianist and organist and with He spent the rest of his life quietly composing and other prestigious ensembles. writing but at the time of his death was almost This world première recording of his performance forgotten as a composer. of his own arrangements and transcriptions of three The Queen of Cornwall was inspired by Thomas Elgar works demonstrates the range of his exciting Hardy’s play and performed at Glastonbury in 1924. creativity and acclaimed talent. It is a remarkable work. Hardy’s libretto tells the Concerto Allegro for Piano and Orchestra (arr. 2007). tragedy of an English Tristan and Isolde (Tristram Symphony no.2 in E flat maj. for piano solo (arr. 2009). and Iseult) set to music by a composer aspiring to Piano Improvisations: no.2 in G min; no.5 in D min. be an English Wagner. (transcribed in 2004). Expressively performed by members of the London Iain Farrington’s wonderful performance and Chorus with the New London Orchestra conducted interpretation, stirring and moving by turn, gives by Ronald Corp, this is another of Mike Dutton’s another dimension to Elgar. EPOCH CDLX5295 excellent recordings. The 2-CD set has an Brahms reissue from Select Music informative booklet that gives the libretto as well as Almost at the top of my desert-island-disc list is details of the composer and could form the basis of Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem and I can never an entertaining and enlightening programme for resist any new issue of this soul-stirring work. But RMS groups. I loved it! EPOCH 2CDLX 7256 each one is measured against my treasured EMI red Orchestral Tone Poems label 1962 LP with Klemperer conducting the Three symphonic poems by Rutland Boughton: Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus with Elisabeth Love and Spring, of which the score is prefaced with Schwartzkopf and Deitrich Fischer-Dieskau. words from The Song of Solomon. The work begins at Another close to my heart is Solti’s 1979 recording full throttle and after passages of joyous lyricism ends with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, with jubilant trumpets and glockenspiel. Kiri Te Kanawa and Bernd Wiekl.
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REVIEWS
There are many other recordings by different music staff at St. Paul’s and it was John York who performers, each with its own merits and individual discovered the forgotten, leather-bound and signed stamp. One example is the superbly ethereal but copy in a cupboard in the soundproof room where compelling interpretation by the Monteverdi Choir, Holst wrote and rehearsed the work before its debut with the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique as an orchestral suite. conducted by John Eliot Gardiner (Philips 1991). Also on this CD are Suite in Three Movements and A live recording of a performance in Milan in 1960 Suite No.2 by the composer and pianist York Bowen by Sergiu Celibidache conducting the Orchestra (1884-1961). Fiona and John York perform as Sinfonica e Coro di Milano della RAI has been York2 and have a fine reputation as ‘the duo with a remastered on the Dynamic label and distributed by difference’. Their lively and polished performance Select Music. Compared with Klemperer, on the Nimbus label is well worth exploring. NI5871 Celibidache sometimes takes the work at a pace that Frescobaldi on harpsichords & virginals lacks depth of feeling. A real treat on the Nimbus label is Wyastone’s Nevertheless the marked dynamics are impressive, volume 3 of works by Frescobaldi (1583-1643) for giving some lovely moments of light and shade, harpsichord and virginals. The 23 tracks are a particularly by the female voices in the opening bars representative selection of pieces from the first two and the chorus Wie lieblich sind deine wohnungen. volumes in which Richard Lester recorded With soloists Agnes Giebel, soprano, and Hermann Frescobaldi’s keyboard music on the Giovanni Boni Prey, baritone, I highly recommend this version, but harpsichord (circa 1619) and other instruments of more as an excellent concert performance than a the period. contemplative requiem. IDIS 6596 The music presents technical challenges in the toccatas, capriccios, canzonas and other forms. Wyastone’s broad spectrum Richard Lester, internationally acclaimed as one of There is always a broad spectrum of musical Britain’s leading players, meets these challenges interest in the CDs that Antony Smith, Commercial with consummate ease to give an elegantly flowing Director of Wyastone Estate, sends for review. This recital that is sheer delight. NI 5870 month is no exception. On the Nimbus, Video programme available Retrospective, and BMS (British Music Society) Richard Lester has made a supporting video to labels there is something to suit every taste and Wyastone’s series. In the 20-minute film he mood, as well as recordings that give a new discusses the life of Frescobaldi and his music, and perspective to familiar works. explains the factors that influence its interpretation. Moeran: solo folksong arrangements He also demonstrates the harpsichord used for this The first disc that I picked up made me think CD and shows how it can affect our appreciation of “Serena’s done it again!” Remember my guardian the composer’s musical language. Together, the angel and her serendipitous intervention from time video and the 78 minutes of music on the disc to time? Here is another example. The cover of the would make a most entertaining and unusual Autumn 2010 edition was linked to Moeran’s tone presentation for a RMS meeting. poem Lonely Waters that was based on a Norfolk **DVD copies of the video are also available. For folksong of the same name. And what should I more information and copies contact Wyastone: receive but the BMS 2010 CD of the complete Tel: 01600 892 747; Fax: 01600 891 052 or collection of Moeran’s folksong arrangements, email: [email protected] among which the group of six from Norfolk Retrospective nostalgia includes the original song Lonely waters. And now for something completely different! The With expressive performances by Adrian press and other agencies often refer to the ‘baby Thompson, tenor, and Marcus Farnsworth, baritone, boomer generation’ and Wyastone’s Retrospective accompanied by John Talbot, piano, plus a booklet label also aims at this sector of the listening public. that gives an in-depth account of Moeran and his Hits of ’60, it’s now or never holds a wealth of research, this is a must for students of this genre. nostalgic appeal. With 30 hits of the swinging BMS438CD sixties recorded by the original artists, from Elvis to Gustav Holst: The Planets, piano version The Everly Brothers; The Shadows to Chubby This version of The Planets Suite was arranged for Checker; Jim Reeves etc., this cheerful CD will four hands at one piano by Holst and two of his trigger many memories. RTR 4172 contemporaries while he was Director of Music at **When making enquiries with advertisers please St. Paul’s Girls School. The two pianists here are remember always to quote the FRMS Bulletin as John and Fiona York. Both are members of the your source of reference.
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News and views
FROM THE CHAIRMAN’S DESK Farewell to our Editor This Bulletin will be the last one to be edited by Thelma Shaw. The FRMS movement is deeply indebted to Thelma for serving two sessions as Editor of our esteemed publication in the format as we know it today. In 1992, as Thelma Mills, she prepared a joint new-look issue for the previous Autumn and forthcoming Spring and remained until 1999, the year she married our Vice-President Roderick Shaw. As Thelma Shaw, she took up the reins again in 2005 and will step down officially at the 2011 AGM. This time span means that as a Committee member she has been involved in more of the Federation’s history than any of the currently serving members. The Bulletin is one of the principal organs of dissemination of information to our affiliates and associates. Anyone writing a history of the FRMS would find the magazine a major resource, with its year-on-year reports of Annual General Meetings, Music Weekends, Regional events, and activities together with news and celebrations of affiliated societies. In short, the Bulletin reflects the ever-changing scene of personnel and occasions. It is also a good read, with articles of musical interest and other relevant material. And if you wish to contact the FRMS you will find a list giving contact information for Committee Officers and Members as well as for Regional Secretaries. I know many members use the Notable Anniversaries of Composers list as a useful source for their presentations. Some find inspiration from the music articles and book reviews and others might be tempted by the new CD releases and offers. I decided to take a look at the back issues of the Bulletin covering the period when Thelma first became Editor. Maybe I ought not to have been surprised at what I discovered. At that time, a significant number of affiliates, including some of the then committee members, believed that we would be lucky to reach the new millennium. Mark Twain famously said: "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated”. Thelma used the Bulletin to apply this statement to the Federation and to publicise the enthusiasm that keeps us alive and well, albeit in fewer numbers. The FRMS movement might well be destined to a lingering death, mainly because we are not successful at recruiting members below the age of 60. In fact the U3A was formed to cater for those generally over 60 who still have energy and drive; the whole U3A movement has had great success based on this very formula. The scene has changed and will continue to change. The pessimist will insist we are doomed; the optimist will adapt and be ready to take opportunities when they occur. I suggest that we concentrate on the members we have and cater for those who are interested in our activity and not worry unduly about age. So let us accept the challenge. As we say goodbye to Thelma, let us remember that she was always ready to take up a challenge and never shirked the task. For example, from the beginning she established a strong but friendly marketing strategy that would attract advertisers to support the Bulletin. In the bad times she accepted that it was difficult, but not impossible, to obtain the necessary advertising revenue and the Federation now enjoys a firm and warm relationship with important recording companies and other regular advertisers. Her attitude was always optimistic and positive. We praise her dedication, her undoubted skills and her significant contribution to the movement. Thelma, we shall miss you up front but look forward to your continued presence at FRMS events. Our very best wishes to you and Roderick; may your retirement be long and happy. John Davies, FRMS Chairman
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Haydn as Opera Director Colin Dancer describes a lesser known aspect of Haydn’s prodigious output n 1762 Prince Nicholas “The enclosure in front of the stage, hired and the records show that I Magnificent” succeeded his with Haydn at the keyboard in he was paid more than the brother Prince Paul Anton as the centre and the players others. head of the Esterhazy family, the arranged on either side. richest in the Austro-Hungarian The musicians’ quarters, Haydn’s operas Empire. Wanting a more attached to the opera house, Haydn’s workload was imposing Palace than his own at were not large enough to allow tremendous and he worked at a Eisenstadt, Prince Nicholas the musicians to bring their rate that has been described as extended a hunting lodge, 15 wives - hence the story of the unbelievable and superhuman! His work with the opera troupe miles away, near a shallow lake. Farewell symphony! Haydn had constituted the greatest part of Designed by the Viennese court a suite of four rooms at the end of the block. This opera house his duties and in 1786 he put on architects, the magnificent 125 operas. Of these, eight were palace ‘Esterhaza’ was known as was to be Haydn’s main place of first performances and this was the Hungarian Versailles. It was work from 1767 to 1790. the year in which he also a mixture of baroque and rococo Strict discipline composed his Paris symphonies! styles, with 126 rooms, two Discipline was strict, and the ballrooms and a banqueting Haydn would rehearse the Prince employed his own room. The main avenue in the singers and the orchestra in the ‘executioner’. On one occasion morning and be dressed in full vast grounds was several miles Benedetto Bianchi was on stage long, and the park contained livery to receive instructions with Katterina Poschwa and statues and buildings that from the Prince at midday. used his stick to raise the hem of included a marionette theatre, a There could be a performance in her skirt, exposing her ankle grotto, several temples, a the afternoon, opera or a play in while she was singing her aria. Chinese ballroom and the opera the evening, music to Many in the audience started to accompany meals and perhaps a house. smile, which puzzled Katterina, ball at night. He also wrote 128 The opera house but not her husband in the baryton trios for the Prince’s The opera house, complete with orchestra. The Prince sentenced favourite instrument and an under-floor heating system, Bianchi to 50 strokes of the cane attended with other musicians to was finished in 1767 and was and two weeks in prison. On play them. In total Haydn quite small by today’s standards, returning to the stage, Bianchi directed over 1000 operas, and seating only 400 people. The had to make a public apology for composed 21 operas of his own, Prince and his principle guests his disgraceful behaviour. many of which have been lost. occupied a balcony at the back The vast majority of the operas of the theatre while their retinue Music at Esterhaza Haydn was responsible for all put on at Esterhaza were by the and Esterhazy servants sat on 10 popular composers of the day, the music at Esterhaza, including rows of benches in the main such as Cimarosa, Anfossi, body of the theatre. operas, concerts, dances, incidental music for plays and, Paisiello, Piccini and Salieri. The two theatre specialists at after Gregor Werner died, music After discussion with the Prince, Esterhaza, Nuncio Porta and for the church. Originally, there Haydn would find the scores, Pietro Travaglia were amongst was an orchestra of 24 musicians adapt them for the Esterhaza the best available. The scenery and a troupe of six singers. resources, write out the separate they built was multi-purpose and The limitations of these instrumental and vocal parts and used for operas and plays where resources and the personal tastes arrange for them to be copied. appropriate. of the Prince governed what He wrote 20 insertion arias to The large stage could Haydn could do. In non-singing match the strengths of the forces accommodate 60 people on stage parts he could make use of the at his disposal. Many of these at the same time. It was fitted servants and Grenadiers from the were to suit the poor capabilities with all the latest stage Prince’s Regiment. In 1776, the of mezzo Luigia Polzelli, with machinery, allowing gods to Prince took on 7 new singers whom Haydn had an affair. descend from the clouds or rise but, if the occasion demanded, Overall, these changes reflected from the bowels of the earth. extra singers could be brought in Haydn’s astute musical Lighting was by spirit lamps, from the nearby town. judgement as well as the hidden in the wings. The On one occasion Haydn’s capabilities of the troupe. orchestra was situated in an younger brother Jonathan was
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Variety of entertainment snake) hatches a plot to ensure were destroyed. The next day Starting in 1769, from April to that the two lovers can marry. the Prince started planning a new October the Prince employed a Her skill with four different theatre and modified the theatre company run by Carl disguises would make Sherlock marionette theatre so that the Wahr to stage comedies and Holmes look like an amateur. entertainment could continue. other entertainment. They also She poses first as an old crone La Fedeltá Premiata performed Shakespeare tragedies who claims the rich man is the father of her granddaughter; next Haydn composed the opera La such as Hamlet and King Lear. Fedeltá Premiata for the re- Haydn was expected to provide as a German servant of a Marquis who is to marry the opening of the opera house, but the incidental music for these the building was not quite ready plays; some of this he recycled daughter; then as the Marquis himself who confides to the rich and the opera was performed in in his symphonies. the marionette theatre. Haydn’s own operas were man that he is not interested in the girl and is arranging for his In the story, the Goddess Diana always chosen whenever there servant to marry the daughter. has been offended and demands was a festival or visiting an annual sacrifice of two true dignitary. When Empress Maria Finally, Vespina obliges as a notary for the marriage lovers to a monster in the lake. Therese visited in 1773, Prince The curse can be ended if Nicholas planned three full days ceremony. Done properly, these scenes are someone offers himself to be of entertainment with one sacrificed out of love. spectacle following another. hilarious and must have made The dénouement of the opera The Empress had travelled from even the Empress smile. It is must have presented a challenge Vienna in a convoy of 30 said that she remarked: “If I for the set designers. It required coaches driven at a top speed of want to hear good opera I go to a monster with black teeth to 12 miles per hour. Esterhaza”. Obviously good opera wasn’t high on her list of emerge from the lake but at the During the visit the guests were priorities because she never last moment for the scene to roused first thing in the morning change into a grotto containing by the military band playing in again visited Esterhaza. To help the audience follow the Diana and her court, ensuring a the courtyard. There would be happy ending! guided tours of the estate, plays, opera everyone was given a operas and marionette operas, wordbook, a typical print run Il Mondo della Luna masked balls and at night the being 400-500. Twenty-five Today, Haydn’s comic opera Il whole park would be copies for the Prince and his Mondo della Luna is probably transformed into a fairyland by guests were on special paper the most popular. A father has the light of tallow lamps in glass with a stiff cover, the rest on marriage plans for his two jars hanging from the trees. ordinary paper with paper daughters and a servant girl, but covers. For Empress Maria The peasants would be all three have other ideas! Therese’s visit, three wordbooks encouraged to give displays of The father is duped into thinking were bound in silk, for the folk dancing and singing and the that he has travelled to the moon, entertainment would be crowned Empress and her attendants. where the ‘Emperor’ tells him with a fireworks display that Disastrous fire who the daughters and servant ended with letters representing Seven hundred weights of tallow must marry. The father agrees, “Long Live Maria Therese”. A were used for all the lamps in the is angry when he discovers he visit to Esterhaza must have park, and this was stored in the has been fooled, but relents and, th th seemed like a visit to an 18 roof space of the Theatre until as always in 18 century opera, Century Butlins! needed. It was cold on the night all ends happily ever after. th L’infedeltá delusa of 18 November 1779 and the Workload takes its toll Prince ordered fires to be lit in Maria Therese was treated to Haydn’s heavy workload began the Chinese ballroom for the ball Haydn’s latest opera, L’infedeltá to irritate him and in 1790, in a delusa (Infidelity outwitted) planned the next day. letter written to his friend based on a libretto by Contellini The ornamental stoves became Marianne von Genzinger, wife and arranged by Haydn’s overheated, the ballroom caught of the Prince’s doctor, he Principle tenor, Carl Friberth. It fire and the fire travelled along complained of his drudgery. is the familiar story of the the corridor to the theatre. With When Prince Nicholas died in controlling father who wants to all the tallow in the roof space, the autumn, his son disbanded marry his daughter off to a rich the Theatre went up like a candle the orchestra and opera troupe. neighbour, but she is in love with flames shooting thirty feet Haydn received a pension and with the poor boy next door. into the air. Many music scores immediately went to Vienna The boy’s sister, Vespina (little and the musical instruments and “freedom”.
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The Beginnings of Film Music: Paul Astell begins series that charts the history of narrative soundtracks for cinema Traditionally, film music began in 1895 in Paris, Vienna-born Steiner spent fifteen years on where especially composed piano pieces Broadway before moving to Hollywood in 1929 accompanied short films made by the pioneering to work for RKO, who took the bold decision to Lumiére brothers. During the silent era lone allow him to do some limited narrative scoring for pianists gamely improvised to the on-screen minor productions, a major advance on Jolson’s action but at many venues cinema organs from contribution to The Jazz Singer. RKO deemed the manufacturers such as Wurlitzer replaced the results a success and they commissioned further, piano. and much more extensive, soundtrack scores from Original orchestral scores were rare, as only the the composer. grandest theatres would be suitable for, and able A 1933 film that was fully scored by Steiner was to afford, an orchestra of any size. Abel Gance’s King Kong. Not only is this considered Steiner’s Napoleon in 1927 was a milestone in silent film most important achievement but it also marks the history. Its première at the Paris-Opera featured a true beginnings of film scoring as we now know live performance of Arthur Honneger’s score and it. Before this, there had been no other talking the conductor was equipped with a device by films in which the sheer power of the music added which he could adjust the projector’s speed to suit another dimension to the moving images. Before the varying tempos! any music had been added, the producers feared that what was billed as a horror movie featuring a In 1925 Warner Bros. Purchased the Vitaphone model of a giant gorilla would provoke more system from Western Electric. The system laughter than terror. consisted of a standard film projector adapted with an integral turntable and sound system that allowed full synchronisation with the moving images. Warner released the first Vitaphone feature, Don Juan, in 1926 with a score recorded by the New York PO but 1927 saw the first ‘talkie’ The Jazz Singer, a basically silent movie with several song numbers sung on screen by Al Jolson. During the Golden Age of Hollywood (1930s- 1950s), a number of talented musicians and composers came to Hollywood and were in demand to provide soundtracks for the talkies. One composer, Max Steiner (1888-1971) is considered to have laid the foundations for original, narrative, symphonic film scoring and set Importantly, the music was now able to tell the the standard for all those that followed. audience exactly what was happening on-screen. For example, how would they know of the monster’s tenderness towards the heroine, (the screaming Fay Wray), without an appropriate theme for those scenes? Steiner’s landmark score showed music’s ability to terrorise and humanise. The reconstructed full score is available on CD (or mp3 download) from Naxos. The King Kong score was based on the Wagnerian leitmotif with themes dedicated to the monster and other characters, a common practice ever since. According to Steiner: “If Wagner had lived in the 20th century he would Max Steiner have been the number one film composer!”
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LORD ABERDARE – The Berlioz Society Under the title Rutland Boughton: Beyond The 16 Beverley Road, London SW13 0LX Immortal Hour Ian gives talks on the life and music Tel: 020 8876 8398; mobile 07768 397190 of his once famous grandfather. E-mail: [email protected] Expenses only Talks with visual and music illustrations include: DEBBIE BRIDGE BA (Voice) Berlioz from B to Z: an overview of the composer’s 14 Milnthorpe Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 5HT life and works Tel: 01273 732121: Mobile: 07748 678564 Berlioz in England: his five visits from 1847-55 Email: [email protected] The Musical Madhouse: on my translation of Website address: www. debbiebridge.com Berlioz’s book Les Grotesques de la Musique Debbie is a Canadian opera singer /performer. She Berlioz’s songs for voice and piano has toured over the UK and abroad. Member of the Expenses only; willing to travel. Royal Society of Musicians, Equity and the NAAA. TERRY BARFOOT Talks include: 25 Mulberry Lane, Cosham, Portsmouth PO6 2QU American Round Up – series 1 and series 2 Tel: 0239 238 3356 Northern Lights - an introduction to Canadian E-mail: [email protected] composers. Fees £50 plus travel. Author, contributor to leading music periodicals ALLAN CHILD and to the New Grove; presenter/lecturer at 12 Highfield Road, Derby, DE22 1GZ conferences and other musical events, many Tel: 01332 332649 organised by his own company, Arts in Residence. E-mail: [email protected] Reviewer for the Musicweb-International website. Secretary of Derby Music Circle and committee Regular presenter at societies in southern England. member, FRMS. Recent presentations include studies of Dvoák, Offers several serious and light-hearted Elgar, Mozart and Richard Strauss. programmes, all, hopefully, informative and Repertoire list on request. entertaining. Recent titles include: GEOFF BATEMAN ACIB Cefa The Sincerest Form of Flattery; Bredon Hill to 34 Frizley Gardens, Bradford, W. Yorks BD9 4LY Egdon Heath; Postcards from Seville. Tel: 01274 783285 No fee; expenses minimal. Will travel. E-mail: [email protected] MAGGIE COTTON Secretary, Bradford RMS. Wide variety of 57 Elmfield Crescent, Birmingham B13 9TL programmes including artist and composer profiles. Tel; 0121 449 3196 Most programmes feature audiophile recordings, E-mail: [email protected] and audio/visual presentations can be arranged. Website: www.percussionworkbook.com No fee, minimal travel expenses only. First professional female percussionist in a UK BBC MIDLAND RADIO ORCHESTRA - New entry symphony orchestra. CBSO 40 years (18 with (Contact details as Dinmore Records - see below) Simon Rattle). An evening of light music presented by former Author of Percussion Workbook: details of MRO member Paul Arden-Taylor, who has repertoire’s timpani/percussion requirements. compiled a large archive of surviving MRO Agogo Bells: friendly guide to schools percussion recordings. No fee, expenses requested over 50 Wrong Sex, Wrong Instrument – an autobiography miles, CDs for sale. Her presentation: Red Light District lifts the lid off IAN BOUGHTON BA (Hons) DipMus recording sessions - warts and all! 25 Bearton Green, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1UN Fee £50 plus negotiated travel expenses. Tel 01462 434318 Mobile 07703 584152 DINMORE RECORDS E-mail: [email protected] 11 Romsley Hill Grange, Romsley Website: www.rutlandboughtonmusictrust.org.uk Halesowen B62 0LN. Tel/fax 01562 710801 E-mail: [email protected]
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Dinmore Records is a small, independent classical The life and work of conductor Hans Richter record label with its own location recording and Recording unknown repertoire for Sterling label post-production facilities, run by a professional Ibbs and Tillett – the agency’s artists musician. Fee: Negotiable. Contact Paul Arden-Taylor for a presentation with DR DAVID FLIGG music from the current catalogue. CDs for sale Leeds College of Music, 3 Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 No fee, but expenses requested over 50 miles. 7PD. Tel: 0113 222 3423 GORDON DRURY E-mail: [email protected] 31 Kingsley Park, Whitchurch, Website: www.impulse-music.co.uk/fligg.htm Hampshire RG28 7HA. Tel: 01256 892267 Principal Lecturer in Classical Music at Leeds E-mail: [email protected] College of Music. Member of the Incorporated Experienced speaker offers audio-visual Society of Musicians and the British Academy of presentations about one of London’s major Composers and Songwriters. Various and wide recording venues, Kingsway Hall, and some of the ranging entertaining topics. Contact to discuss many classic recordings made there. availability, fees and your Society’s requirements. No fee. Travelling expenses negotiable. JOHN GILKS THE DVOÁK SOCIETY The Old School, High Street, Nawton, Promotes the music of all Czech and Slovak York YO62 7TT Tel: 01439 771273 composers. A few of its members give talks and There’s Magic abroad in the air; lectures to societies at various locations. Music of Saint-Saëns/Music of Grieg; Enquiries to: David Roberts, Hon Sec, The Dvoák Dancing through the years; Society, 13 Church Lane, Knutton, Newcastle- C is for Composer; under-Lyme ST5 6DU Tel:01782 631274. Creating good habits: the story of Simon Rattle E-mail: [email protected] Cylinders to CDs; Vive La France! Website: www.dvorak-society.org Expenses only. No fee but expenses might be requested. JOHN HUMPHRIES THE ELGAR SOCIETY 10 Drovers, Bolney Street, Haywards Heath, Contact Branch Secretaries in the following areas to West Sussex, RH17 5PT. Tel: 01444 881887 arrange a speaker from the Society. Subjects include: London Charles Villiers Stanford: arguably Britain’s Ruth Hellen, 30 King James Avenue, Cuffley, greatest all round musician; teacher of many early Potters Bar EN6 4LR. Tel 01707 876079 20th C British composers, and tireless promoter of West Midlands British music. Richard Smith, Sunny Ridge, Bourne Lane, William Yeates Hurlstone: outstandingly gifted Brimscombe, Stroud, Glos. GL5 2RP pupil of Stanford, who might have rivalled Purcell Tel: 01453 882091 and Elgar in importance had he lived longer. North West Expenses: negotiable. Will travel anywhere. Mrs Pat Hurst, 60 Homewood Rd., Northenden, MICHAEL JAMESON – New entry Manchester M22 4DW. Tel: 0161 998 4404 60 Crookham Road, Church Crookham, Fleet Southern GU51 5DH Tel 01252 625663, Mob 07521 317935 Chris Condley, 17 Lonsdale Avenue, Cosham, Profession al cellist and music critic, offers talks on Portsmouth PO6 2PU Tel 02392 389410 a wide range of subjects. Fee and expenses by Great Western negotiation. John Hammond, 19 Carleton Road, London ERIC JENNINGS N7 0QZ Tel: 07894 473125 9 Hillside Road, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 6AW Scotland Tel: 01928 733209. E-mail: [email protected] Sharron Bassett, 9 George Street, Dunfermline, For 31 years principal trombone with the Royal Fife KY11 4TQ. Tel: 01383 727491 Liverpool PO. Subjects include: CHRISTOPHER FIFIELD Conductors I have known and worked for; MusB GRSM ARMCM ARCO The life and times of Beethoven; Life in the 80 Wolfington Road, London SE27 0RQ Orchestra; Rio de Janeiro; A Musician Becoming Tel: 0208 761 3600; mobile 07752 273558 Fee: £50.00 + expenses for non-local presentations. E-mail: [email protected] BERESFORD KING-SMITH Freelance conductor. Talks include: Cantabile, 8 South Parade, Sutton Coldfield, Bruch’s music beyond the first violin concerto West Midlands B72 1QY Tel/Fax: 0121 355 5018 A Voice from the Pit – the things that go wrong in E-mail: [email protected] opera. Retired senior administrator with CBSO; author of The life of Kathleen Ferrier its official history Crescendo!
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Talks include: influential record labels. Survival techniques, new Crescendo! - The Story of the CBSO formats, downloading, manufacturing processes, The Story of Birmingham’s Choral Societies recording sessions and working with artists all What is Genius? illustrated with a wide musical selection. Six Special Singers No fee or expenses but we do bring discs to sell. Bach and the Bible CLIFFORD OCCOMORE Fee: £75 includes travel up to 15 miles. 37 Attlee House, Lansbury Road, Broadfield, AMELIA MARIETTE MA Cert MGS – New entry Crawley, West Sussex RH11 9JA Apartment 1, 8 Courtenay Road, Newton Abbot, Tel: 01293 405972; mobile: 07747 388940 Devon TQ12 1QT Tel 01626 366506 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Themes of presentations arranged by discussion Former curator of the Holst birthplace Museum, with programme secretaries. A wide range of offers presentation: Holst, the Man and his Music interests to accommodate Societies’ requirements. using rare slides and music examples. No fee. Travel expenses reasonable and negotiable. Experienced and passionate speaker with over 10 DR GEOFF OGRAM, Secretary Stafford RMS years experience. 6 Silverthorn Way, Wildwood, Stafford ST17 4PZ Fee £50 (for 1-hour talk) plus expenses for non- Tel: 01785 663423 local presentations E-mail: [email protected] CHRISTOPHER MORLEY A number of recital programmes, with a significant 16 Melbourne Road, Halesowen B63 3NB content of 20th C British music. Tel: 0121 550 4482. E-mail: [email protected] My specialist composer is Gordon Jacob, whose Chief music critic of Birmingham Post; Midlands music I discovered in 1956. We became friends correspondent for Classical Music and other music and I have just completed a book on his music. The publications. Illustrated programmes include: recital on his work is entitled Seventh Son. Confessions of music critic No fee required, just minimal travel expenses. Changing critical attitudes to Elgar SIVA OKE LRAM The Symphonies of Gustav Mahler 13 Riversdale Rd, Thames Ditton, Composers on record; The problem of bespoke Surrey KT7 0QL music; Opera Now; Music of the mountains Tel: 020 8398 1586 Fax: 020 8339 0981 Fee £120, inclusive of all reasonable expenses. E-mail: [email protected] ELIZABETH MUIR-LEWIS Website: www. somm-recordings.com Manor Barn, 8 Manor Way, Ratton Village, Former professional musician, veteran of the record Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 9BN. industry and owner of SOMM Recordings, a well- Tel: 01323 507337. established label with a wide-ranging and E-mail: [email protected] interesting repertoire Website: www.eliz-muir-lewis.co.uk SOMM enchanted evening: music from current Professional singer and conductor, and the widow catalogue. of the singer Richard Lewis. She talks about the No fee, but expenses requested over 50 miles. life and voice of Richard Lewis, with outstanding LYNNE PLUMMER archive recordings of legendary performances at 52 Judkin Court, Century Wharf, Covent Garden and Glyndebourne, as well as Cardiff CF10 5AU. Tel: 02920 489332 amusing and interesting anecdotes. E-mail: [email protected] Fee £100 -£150 plus travel. Professional career as a broadcaster with the BBC DAVID NASH and other stations. Illustrated talks with interviews Queen Anne House, Mill Lane, Shoreham, on various topics, including: Kent TN14 7TS; Tel: 01959 523214 The Importance of the Double Bass; Presentation My Father, Heddle Nash – Not as Simple as it Looks – behind the scenes at the reminiscences of one of England’s finest ever opera; Gardens in Music; Sound portraits of various tenors, from within his family circle, illustrated soloists, conductors and other music makers. with recordings. Will travel. Fees negotiable + expenses. Fee and expenses by negotiation.` TONY POOK (York RMS) NIMBUS RECORDS 1 Lower Friargate, York. YO1 9SL. Wyastone Estate Ltd, Wyastone Leys, Ganarew, Tel: 01904 642407; E-mail: [email protected] Monmouth NP25 3SR. Tel: 01600 890007 Presentations are from the lesser-known but tuneful E-mail: [email protected] repertoire of the 19th and 20th centuries. Particular A behind-the-scenes insight co-presented by Adrian interest in American, British and Czech music. Farmer and Antony Smith, who have many years Other programmes of Belgian, Finnish, Russian, experience working with one of Britain’s most Slovakian and Spanish music. Featured composers
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include Uuno Klami, Amy Beach, Mieczyslaw BASIL TSCHAIKOV Karlowicz, Gottschalk, Borodin, Dyson, Dvoák, Apt. 31, Royal Arch Court, Norwich NR2 3RU Fibich, Smetana and Suk. Tel: 01603 766123. E-mail [email protected] Travel expenses only. Former member LPO, RPO, Philharmonia DR. JIM PRITCHARD - THE GUSTAV MAHLER (Chairman several years); founder and first Director SOCIETY UK National Centre for Orchestral Studies; Chairman, 15 David Avenue, Wickford, Essex SS11 7BG now President Emeritus, Music Preserved Archive. E-mail: [email protected] Played with Beecham, Stokowski, Klemperer, Website: www.mahlersociety.org Karajan, Barbirolli, Davis, Heifetz, Rubinstein, Formerly of the Wagner Society and now Chairman Rattle, Rostropovich, Schwarzkopf. of the GMS UK. Talks on Wagner (such as The Just published The Music goes Round and Around. Ring Road to Bayreuth), and something about Presentation: Recording with Legends. Gustav and Alma Mahler, entitled A Marriage of No fee; reasonable expenses requested. Convenience? performed with his wife, Allessandra CLIVE WILKES No fee; reasonable expenses requested. 70 Filching Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex MISS JOY PURITZ BN20 8SD. Tel: 01323 724916. 149e Holland Rd, London W14 8AS Current programmes include: Tel: 020 7494 3130 (day) 020 7602 4187 (evening). George Gershwin - Crazy for you E-mail: [email protected] Sergei Prokofiev - the prodigal son Granddaughter of Elisabeth Schumann and Golden age of film music translator of her biography (written by the singer’s Aspects of opera in the 20th Century son, Gerd Puritz). Illustrated presentation entitled Dmitri Shostakovich – the great survivor A Portrait of the Soprano, Elisabeth Schumann has Rimsky-Korsakov and the mighty handful been well received by the Friends of Covent The Golden Age of Russian Opera. Garden, the National Sound Archive and many Further details on request. Expenses only. CATHERINE WILMERS recorded music societies. The Brew House, Radwell, Baldock, Herts SG7 5ES. Fee negotiable. Tel: 01462 730490. E-mail: [email protected] THE RACHMANINOFF SOCIETY – New entry Website: www.cwilmers.co.uk Promotes interest in and appreciation of the life and Professional cellist. Recorded award-winning CD works of Sergei Rachmaninoff, Russian Composer, A Cello Century of British Women Composers pianist and conductor. A few of its members are 1884-1984. Features anecdotes about the available on occasion to give talks (illustrated with composers and the making of the CD. recordings) to societies at various locations. Also The Not so Silent Minority: examples of late Enquiries to John Lockyer, Chairman, The 19th/early 20th C music by women composers, Rachmaninoff Society, 4 Springfield Cottages, New including Fanny Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, Road, Rotherfield, Crowborough, East Sussex and Ethyl Smyth. TN6 3JR. Tel: 01892 852265. Travels countrywide. Fees negotiable + expenses. Website www.rachmaninoff.org DAVID WILSON E-mail: [email protected] 142 Greenway, Hayes, Middlesex UB4 9HX No fees but expenses may be requested. Tel: 020 8841 9166. PAUL ADRIAN ROOKE MA (Cantab) Cert. Ed E-mail: [email protected] 95 Nightingale Rd. Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 1RL Subjects covered include: Tel: 01462 458614; Mobile: 07711 617561 Kathleen Ferrier; Solomon; Adolf Busch and the E-mail: [email protected] Busch Quartet; Sir Henry Wood; Myra Hess Web site: pauladrianrooke.com No fee. Southeast England preferred. Retired music teacher. Music Adviser, The Rutland RALPH WOODWARD Boughton Music Trust. Talks on Rutland th 114 Histon Road, Cambridge CB4 3JP Boughton, 19 century British music and most Tel: 07711 384218 musical subjects. Expenses only. E-mail: [email protected] DONALD ROOKSBY Website: www.ralphwoodward.net Donald is no longer able to give presentations to Ralph is a young(ish) freelance conductor. societies, but still accepts orders from societies for Talks include: Hyperion CDs. What I do (musical background and working life) For details please contact him at Glanrafon, The music of Benjamin Britten 14 Heol Garrog, Eglwysbach, The cantatas of J S Bach. Colwyn Bay, North Wales LL28 5AQ. Fee + expenses – will travel. Tel: 01492 650244.
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Notable Anniversaries for 2 012 Compiled by Brendan Sadler There are no giants among the composers whose anniversaries are celebrated in 2012. However, a number of English names are featured and one could make up a number of varied programmes drawing on their output. Two well-loved singers of the last century offer great opportunities to programmers: Kathleen Ferrier was born in 1912 and Kirsten Flagstad died in 1962. Violin aficionados might like to note the death of Fritz Kreisler, also in 1962 Several artistes celebrate their 70th birthday in 2012: Sheila Armstrong (soprano), Matthias Bamert (conductor), Daniel Barenboim (pianist/conductor), Mauruzio Pollini (pianist). Pianist Ian Hobson reaches 60.
Composers (b = born; d= died) 1862 12.02.1562bap Campion, Thomas .(Eng) b Berlioz Beatrice et Benedict, opera ?. 05.1562 Sweelinck, Jan P (Ned) b Borodin Symphony No. 1 17.08.1562bap Hassler, Hans (Ger) b Brahms Cello Sonata no. 1 08.06.1612 Hassler, Hans (Ger) d Paganini Variations, Bks. 1 & 2 ? .08.1612 Gabrieli, Giovanni (It) d Dvorak String Quartet No. 1 17.01.1712 Stanley, John (Eng) b Sullivan The Tempest, incidental music 24.01.1712 Frederick the Great (Ger) b 1912 24.01.1712 Hebden, John (Eng) b* Bartok Four Pieces for Orchestra 08.01.1812 Thalberg, Sigismond (Ger) b Bax Christmas Eve on the Mountains 09.02.1812 Hoffmeister, Franz (Ger) d* Nympholept, for orchestra 11.03.1812 Wallace, Vincent (Ire) b Berg Five Orchestral Songs 14.05.1812 Mayer, Emilie (Ger) b* Bloch Israel Symphony, for voices and 27.04.1812 Flotow, Freidrich von (Ger) d orchestra 29.01.1862 Delius, Frederick (Eng) b* Bridge String Sextet 17.02.1862 German, Sir Edward (Eng) b* Butterworth A Shropshire Lad, rhapsody 22.08.1862 Debussy, Achille-Claude (Fr) b* Bredon Hill and other songs 23.05.1912 Françaix, Jean (Fr) b Debussy Jeux, poeme dansé 17.06.1912 Gillis, Don (US) b Gigues from Image for orchestra 17.07.1912 Markevitch, Igor (Russ) b Syrinx for solo flute 13.08.1912 Massenet, Jules (Fr) d Delius On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring 01.09.1912 Coleridge-Taylor, Samuel (Eng) d Song of the High Hills 15.09.1912 Cage, John (US) b Summer Night on the River 05.02.1962 Ibert, Jacques (Fr) d Dukas La Péri, poeme dansé 12.06 1962 Ireland, John (Eng) d Elgar The Music Makers 13.06.1962 Goossens, Eugene (Eng) d Holst Choral Hymns from the Rig-Veda, *Denotes contribution from Roger Hughes Group IV Ives Decoration Day, Pt 2 of Holidays Compositions (f = first performance; p = published) Symphony (This list is selective for considerations of space) Lincoln, the Great Commoner 1612 Medtner Three Nocturnes for piano and violin Dowland A Pilgrims Solace p Milhaud String Quartet no. 1 Gibbons Madrigals & motets in five parts Prokofiev Piano Concerto no.2; Piano Sonata no 2 Sweelinck Rimes françois et italiennes Toccata in C, for piano 1712 Ravel Daphnis et Chloè, ballet Handel Il Pastor Fido, opera Roussel The Spider’s Banquet, ballet Scarlatti, D Tolomeo et Alessandro, opera fp Schoenberg Pierrot Lunaire, song cycle Vivaldi L’Estro Harmonico, Op 3 Sibelius Scènes Historiques, Suite No. 2 La straveganze, Op 4 Strauss, R Ariadne auf Naxos, opera (1st version) 1762 Turina La Procesión del Rocio, Arne Artaxerxes, opera symphonic poem Bach, C.P.E. Harp Sonata in B minor V. Williams Fantasy on Christmas Carols Bach, J.C. Alessandro nell’Indie, opera Phantasy Quartet Gluck Orphée et Euridice, opera 1962 Haydn Symphony No.9 in C major Arnell String Quartet No. 5 Mozart Sonata in C for violin & piano, K.6 Arnold Concerto for two violins and strings 1812 Barber Piano Concerto Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8 Andromaches Farewell Piano Trio No.10; Bennett London Pastoral Fantasy, for tenor and Violin Sonata No 10 orchestra; Sonata No. 2 for solo violin Rossini La Scala di Seta, opera Fantasy for piano; Three Elegies Schubert String Quartets Nos. 1-3 Berio Passagio, messa in scena Weber Piano Conc. No.2; Piano sonata No.1 Berkeley Sonatina for Oboe and Piano
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Birtwhistle Chorales for orchestra Bliss The Beatitudes, cantata FRMS Scottish Group Copland Connotations, for orchestra Down a Country Lane, for orchestra Spring Music Day Dallapicolla Preghiere, for baritone and chamber orchestra Diamond This Sacred Ground; baritone/chorus Saturday 7th May 2011 and orchestra. Quartet No. 6 Feldman The Swallows of Salangun at Last Pieces, for piano Gerhard Concert for Eight Goehr A Little Cantata of Proverbs Smith Art Gallery and Museum Two Choruses for a capella choir Dumbarton Rd., Stirling Hamilton Arias for small orchestra Sextet Lunch at 1 p.m. followed by Harris Symphonies Nos. 8 & 9 Henze In re cervo, opera presentations from: Symphony No. 5 Hoddinott Symphony No. 2 fp Graham Melville-Mason Variations for flute, clarinet, harp and string quartet Topic: Sir Thomas Beecham Jacob News from Newtown, cantata Dr. George Fyfe, Kabalevsky Cello Sonata Khachaturian Cello sonata Topic: The Orchestral Song Ligeti Poème Symphonique for 100 metronomes Fee: £15 including lunch Aventures, for voices and
instruments Lutoslawski Trois poèmes d’Henri Michaud Contact John Maidment: Tel: 01241 853017 for chorus and orchestra or email: [email protected] Lutyens Music for Orchestra II Maxwell-Davies Sinfonia for chamber orchestra Leopardi Fragments for voices and instruments FRMS WEST REGION Maw Chamber Music for five instruments Inaugural Music Day Milhaud Symphony No. 12 Musgrave Chamber Concerto No. 1 Tuesday 19th July 2011 The Phoenix and the Turtle, for chorus and orchestra Nilsson Entrée, for orchestra and tape By courtesy of Stroud Valley Music Club the Szene III inaugural meeting and music day will take Orff, Ein Sommernachtstraum place in Stonehouse Penderecki Stabat Mater at Piston Lincoln Centre, Festival overture St. Joseph’s Hall, Oldends Lane, String Quartet No. 5 Stonehouse GL10 2DG Poulenc Clarinet sonata; Oboe Sonata Rawsthorne Medieval Diptych for baritone and orchestra; Cost approx £10, incl. Lunch, and drinks Quintet for piano and wind; Piano Trio Schuman Song of Orpheus for cello and orchestra 9.45 Registration and welcome Shostakovich Symphony No. 13, Baba-Ya 10.00 Sullivan without Gilbert. Presented by Seiber Violin Sonata, p Malcolm Lewis, Cirencester RMS Shapey Convocation for chamber group 11.15 Tea/coffee Chamber Symphony Stockhausen Momente, for voices and instruments 11.30 All in a lifetime…so far! Presented by Stravinsky The Flood, opera Roger Apps, FRMS and various RMS Abraham and Isaac, for baritone and 13.00 Buffet lunch (+ tea/coffee/soft drinks) orchestra 14.15 Adrian Farmer & Antony Smith Tavener Piano Concerto; Three Holy Sonnets present music from Wyastone/Nimbus Tippett Concerto for orchestra 15.45 Close Piano sonata No. 2; Songs for Ariel Walton A Song for the Lord Mayor’s Table, Contact: Roger Apps: Tel:01225 768098 or song cycle fp email [email protected]
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