Just listening to the introduction to 'The Alchemist. A bit suprised by the vigour of the opening. I was expecting something dreamily impressionistic like Debussy. He was known as the 'English Debussy,of course,but then again,his third symphony is pretty stirring stuff & would be great at the Proms,(along with 'Neptune'). I rather like his Fourth which got some flak from the critics. Who cares if it just drifts around,just listen to that gorgeous orchestration.
They should have done the whole opera,this is great. Come on Chandos!
By the way according to iLink (http://cadensa.bl.uk), the Stanford serenade, though broadcast later , was either first broadcast, or recorded (I don't understand what is meant by what's written there :) ), on May 15 1985. Sea Wanderers may be 1991 re-broadcast of a 18 June 1976 broadcast, I believe (I'm not sure)- it could be a new concert but the performers seem to be the same (the 1976 broadcast has duration 24'48" according to iLink, if that helps).
Eric
Sorry,my lazy,(bad),writing. Regarding Parry. I think Albion mentioned the Chandos 2 cd set of Parry choral works,somewhere else on this site. Wonderful music,but I have to say that the some of the music was ruined for me by one of the male soloists,who has a very abrasive vibrato. I ended up selling the recording because of this. I can't remember who the singer was,but he really,seriously, put me off! The others were fine,however,as were the performances.
Albion, you are performing us a great service and I am very grateful, particularly for the Stanford, Parry and Mackenzie works. Thanks very much indeed.
Alas, long gone are the days when I used to scan the Radio 3 listings avidly in anticipation of recording some unsung British rarity! Now you're more likely to find Andre Rieu's Forever Vienna :P or a couple of thousand hours of Mozart ::)
I used to be the same,in my case,poring over the Radio Times with the old biro at the ready. Needless to say,I cancelled it ages ago after it turned into a glossy celeb orientated rag!
Also,those packages,sent via the Royal Mail,(which probably won't be around for much longer,either), with off air cassettes inside them, sent by some kindly soul contacted via the BMS or HB Society. The only one's I didn't enjoy at all were some Benjamin Frankel symphonies,which were eventually recorded,commercially, by cpo. I still don't like them,but it was still nice of him to send them!
It'll be very good to hear again La Belle Dame, since my own off-air tape succumbed to stretching many years ago; and I don't recall many of those Stanford performances at all! I do remember listening to Prometheous Unbound (was it really 31 years ago???) with a heavy heart as it seemed to plod along - but in those days I was much less attuned to Parry's wavelength. The fact is, 20 or 30 years ago even such rarities were so common (by comparison with today) that one became blase....For example, I keep hoping that someone out there has a recording of Holbrooke's "The Bells" which I recall hearing in about 1979 (?) and thinking thrilling, but which, bafflingly, I made no attempt to record...
I've just uploaded the following to the second folder of broadcasts (see first posting in this thread):
William Sterndale Bennett: Fantasy-Overture
Paradise and the Peri, Op.42 (1862)
Alexander Mackenzie: Overture
Youth, Sport, Loyalty, Op.90 (1922) - written for the centenary of the RAM.
Quote from: Dylan on Tuesday 04 January 2011, 09:25
I keep hoping that someone out there has a recording of Holbrooke's "The Bells" which I recall hearing in about 1979 (?) and thinking thrilling, but which, bafflingly, I made no attempt to record...
Both
The Bells and
Byron were performed by the BBC Singers and the BBC Concert Orchestra under John Poole (broadcast 6/12/1978). It would be great to hear those performances - does anybody have access to off-air recordings?
Once again, John, we are in your debt. Particularly so in my case for Bennett's Overture, which turns out to be a big 16 minute long piece which sustains it's length really well. I never thought I'd hear a symphonic poem by Mendelssohn, but that's almost what we get. Very nice.
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Tuesday 04 January 2011, 12:25Once again, John, we are in your debt. Particularly so in my case for Bennett's Overture, which turns out to be a big 16 minute long piece which sustains it's length really well. I never thought I'd hear a symphonic poem by Mendelssohn, but that's almost what we get. Very nice.
I think it's a highly attractive work, which should really have been included in Lyrita's disc of Sterndale Bennett overtures.
Quote from: Pengelli on Monday 03 January 2011, 19:40
I used to be the same,in my case,poring over the Radio Times with the old biro at the ready. Needless to say,I cancelled it ages ago after it turned into a glossy celeb orientated rag!
I keep badgering the BBC to schedule Cowen's Symphony No.5 (1887) which was recorded as part of the 'British Symphonies' series (2007/08) but has never been broadcast!
Besides the John Poole 1978 Holbrooke concert, could anybody possibly help with the following broadcasts:
Cyril Rootham: Ode on the Morning of Christ's Nativity (Teresa Cahill, Philip Langridge, Michael Rippon/ BBC Singers/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ Vernon Handley - broadcast 18/12/1975)
Cyril Rootham: Symphony No.2 (Scottish Philharmonic Singers/ BBC Scottish SO/ Handley - broadcast 28/1/1984)
I can't help with Albion's requests unfortunately, but to round out his British music fest I've uploaded recordings of Radio Three broadcasts of Ebenezer Prout's Fourth Symphony (in D of 1886), performed by the Bournemouth Sinfonietta conducted by Simon Jolly, and the Intermezzo, Al' Espagnol movement from his Third (in F op.22 of 1885). The files are here: www.mediafire.com/?dc4q4w2erdrwm (http://www.mediafire.com/?dc4q4w2erdrwm). I'm afraid that I have no record of the performers of No.3 or the movement titles of No.4.
It's far to say that both works are attractive but archaic for the mid-1880s....
Thanks Mark!
I've uploaded my off-air recording of Stanford's large-scale 1898 Te Deum, Op.66 (see folder 3 in the first post in this thread). I attended the concert at Leeds Town Hall (unfortunately I can't remember the date and the British Library Sound Archive don't seem to have it catalogued for some reason). It was a bad night in Nottingham for FM reception when the BBC finally broadcast the concert, but the actual quality is not too bad!
Originally Chandos intended to record this Te Deum alongside the Stabat Mater but then discovered ( ::)) that the two works would not fit onto a single disc, so they trotted out the little B flat Te Deum and the rather dreary Biblical Songs: http://www.chandos.net/details06.asp?CNumber=CHAN%209548 (http://www.chandos.net/details06.asp?CNumber=CHAN%209548)
Regarding the query about the Frankel cassettes. Unfortunately,it's just a cassette of off air performances of symphonies. The sound quality is poor,but would have been of some comfort to a Benjamin Frankel admirer,back in the 80's,when composers like Bantock and Holbrooke were just foot note in history boks or targets for snide put downs in dusty old pbks and tomes.
Also,I did have a clear out a while back,so I don't even know if I've still got it. Although,if it was a rare archive copy, I probably would have kept it. Incidentally,the cpo Frankel symphony cycle was praised at the time. I shall try some audio samples later. Maybe I will warm to Frankel,this time around, with some decent sound quality! Maybe!
I also had Alan Bush's mammoth Piano Concerto,somewhere,I think,complete with a rather poignant interview with John Amis,who remembered that when he went to visit the ardent Communist, Bush,in an old peoples home,Bush,who had Alzheimers disease,didn't even know the USSR had fallen.
The music is gritty and steely,although not atonal. I have only played it through about once! Apparently,his opera's were very popular in East Germany,for some reason!!!
Still,he's definately more tuneful than Roger Sessions. Although,to be fair to Sessions,I think he was genuinely motivated by his particular muse,unlike some pretentious,(being polite),so and so's I can think of.
Ebenezer Prout sounds like a character from a Dickens novel.
To unconfuse people, Pengelli, I think you're responding to a PM of mine there :) (and I'm a Sessions fan too, but de gustibus non disputandum and all that, and I don't seem to have a hat to eat, as they... :) - I mean, I'm quite positive Frankel and Sessions were motivated by their muse both in their tonal and less tonal works. Likewise Wellesz.)
Eric
As a dyed-in-the-wool Stanford fan, I cannot thank you enough, Albion, for uploading the Te Deum. It is a simply glorious work, quite up to the standard of the Requiem and the Stabat Mater. What a joy, and what a shame that Chandos didn't commit it to disc when they had the chance.
I recall hearing that the Allegri or another quartet broadcast one of Stanford's string quartets- the 7th or 8th(?) ? - some years back. (Or perhaps the 5th. Fascinating if the 7th which I believe was not published, unlike the 1st through 3rd and 5th.) Anyone know anything about this?
(Even if as I am told Stanford's later output shows some general falling off in quality, or even just his chamber output, I'm still curious about those works, yes- as digitised manuscripts etc. Though hopefully well-digitised. Some of the manuscripts - I'm thinking of an obscure and obscured opera score - digitised by (lesser-known, not Sibley etc.) libraries and uploaded to IMSLP have notes very well hidden under paperclips and such things and are basically not really usable scans for performance...
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Tuesday 04 January 2011, 17:02
As a dyed-in-the-wool Stanford fan, I cannot thank you enough, Albion, for uploading the Te Deum. It is a simply glorious work, quite up to the standard of the Requiem and the Stabat Mater. What a joy, and what a shame that Chandos didn't commit it to disc when they had the chance.
It
is a wonderful setting! Stanford (as with Parry) wrote such a large number of choral works that it would be difficult for a prospective record company to sort the wheat from the chaff. Certainly I would propose the following as worthy of committing to disc:
Elegiac Ode (1884),
The Voyage of Maeldune (1889),
Phaudrig Crohoore (1895), the Te Deum (1898) and
Merlin and the Gleam (1919). Unfortunately the full score of the last piece is lost, but I heard it in Jeremy Dibble's re-orchestration at one of the concerts given by the Broadheath Singers years ago in Slough (of all places) and it came across splendidly. Incidentally, the same concert featured a very fine performance of Cowen's Scena
The Dream of Endymion (1897). As far as I'm aware, no recording was taken of this special event - more's the pity!
Rather tangential to British music broadcasts (and thus apologies offered beforehand!) but mention of the Stanford chamber music causes the heart to leap.
So far as I know there is no available recording of String Quartets 3-8, the 1st String Quintet, the 2nd Piano Trio, both Cello Sonatas, and the 2nd Piano Quartet. Those gaps are, in my view, a scandal considering we have countless recordings of similar chamber works by Brahms and other deservedly 'sung' composers.
Those recordings we do have - especially the 3 Hyperion CDs of 2 String Quartets, String Quintet 2, and Piano Quintet - are deeply treasurable. To which I'd add Susanne Stanzeleit's Violin Sonata 1 in a collection of English violin sonatas, an ASV disc of Piano Trio 1, and a Naxos CD of works for clarinet and piano.
I wouldn't hesitate to put all the above on a pedestal, and they give me a pleasure akin to that given by the Brahms chamber music. That's praise indeed. I hope in particular the Vanbrugh Quartet eventually give us the remaining Quartets on Hyperion, before for example the Maggini on Naxos get in first (not that I'd have any objection at all to Hyperion being trumped in such a case!)
There is sometimes an assumption (perhaps in the sort of folk who continue to read the Gramophone) that because Stanford is an 'English' composer (which of course he wasn't) and that he wrote much choral and organ works he must obviously be a rather 'stuffy' composer and not up there with the real progressive figures in musical history. What absolute rot! One glance at those works he championed when deciding on festival programmes, or the very wide range of composers who were once his pupils, decisively blows such an assumption out of the water. He is a composer of the first order, and that's why I treasure the above CDs and also long for more.
Having expressed that view we can now get back to British music broadcasts!
Peter
Quote from: petershott@btinternet.com on Tuesday 04 January 2011, 19:56So far as I know there is no available recording of String Quartets 3-8, the 1st String Quintet, the 2nd Piano Trio, both Cello Sonatas, and the 2nd Piano Quartet. Those gaps are, in my view, a scandal considering we have countless recordings of similar chamber works by Brahms and other deservedly 'sung' composers.
Peter, you'll be pleased to learn that both 'cello sonatas
have been recorded, by Alison Moncrieff Kelly on Meridian:
http://www.meridian-records.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww.meridian-records.co.uk%2f&WD=stanford&SHOP=%20&PN=CDE_84482_Stanford_Cello_Sonatas.html%23aCDE84482#aCDE84482 (http://www.meridian-records.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww.meridian-records.co.uk%2f&WD=stanford&SHOP=%20&PN=CDE_84482_Stanford_Cello_Sonatas.html%23aCDE84482#aCDE84482)
PS. It
is the first String Quintet that is on that glorious hyperion disc, not the second!
Three further recordings have been added to Folder 3 of British music broadcasts:
extracts from Joseph Holbrooke's opera Bronwen, Op.75 (1915-20) and his Serenade, Op.94 (1929) together with Rutland Boughton's Trumpet Concerto (1943).
Stanford's 2nd string quintet is op.86 in C minor *nod*.
Many thanks indeed, Albion, for tipping me off about that Meridian disc of the cello sonatas. Somehow it escaped the normally vigilant eye.
And whoops about the String Quintet - I was relying on memory alone (risky!).
Your word 'glorious' is exactly the right word to describe Stanford's chamber music. Personally, I'd travel many miles for a Stanford concert, as opposed to just a few for Elgar.
Peter
"So far as I know there is no available recording of String Quartets 3-8"
The parts and a performance of the Stanford String Quartet #3 is available at the IMSLP at
http://imslp.org/wiki/String_Quartet_No.3,_Op.64_%28Stanford,_Charles_Villiers%29
Enjoy.
Well, including BBC broadcasts - iLink/cadensa (BBC Sound Archive) (http://cadensa.bl.uk) lists a broadcast of quartet 7 in C op.166 by the Alberni Quartet, and of quartet no.8 in E minor op.167 (London Quartet, broadcast early 1968 I think).
Eric
I've just added a number of songs by Granville Bantock to Folder 3: Songs of Arcady (1920), Three Nocturnes (1923), Songs for Children (1922) and Three Robert Browning Settings (1920).
Albion,is the Boughton recording the one on the 'White Line' cd? You just reminded me of it. The other items on the cd sound interesting,and I was thinking of buying it before it gets deleted & the s/h price rockets!
What about the 1979 R3 broadcast of Bantock's 'Omar Khayyam'? That would be a big upload! There have been so many complaints about the 'cut' Chandos version. Another broadcast performance crying out to be released on cd?
Quote from: Pengelli on Wednesday 05 January 2011, 12:06
Albion,is the Boughton recording the one on the 'White Line' cd? You just reminded me of it. The other items on the cd sound interesting,and I was thinking of buying it before it gets deleted & the s/h price rockets!
No, it was a concert performance, recorded by the BBC.
Quote from: Pengelli on Wednesday 05 January 2011, 12:33
What about the 1979 R3 broadcast of Bantock's 'Omar Khayyam'? That would be a big upload! There have been so many complaints about the 'cut' Chandos version. Another broadcast performance crying out to be released on cd?
It would be great to hear the 1979 Del Mar performance - unfortunately I don't have a copy, but there must be a number of collectors who do.
Regarding the Chandos recording of
Omar, it
is peculiar that those small cuts were made, but nevertheless I think that it is a superb achievement which is not spoilt in the least by the loss of about four minutes out of close on three hours - we are very lucky indeed to have it at all!
I have just uploaded some further recordings from my collection: the astonishingly-Elgarian cantata Hymn of Faith (1905) by Sir Ivor Atkins and three works published by the United Kingdom Carnegie Trust in the 1920s - Ina Boyle's The Magic Harp, Lawrence Collingwood's Poeme symphonique and Edward Mitchell's Fantasy Overture.
The Carnegie Trust subsidised the first publications (by Stainer & Bell) of several important British works including Vaughan Williams' London Symphony, Holst's The Hymn of Jesus, Rutland Boughton's The Immortal Hour, Frank Bridge's The Sea, Bantock's Hebridean Symphony, Stanford's 5th Symphony and The Travelling Companion, Cyril Scott's Nativity Hymn, McEwen's Solway Symphony, Gurney's Ludlow and Teme, Finzi's Severn Rhapsody and Warlock's The Curlew.
The three lesser-known works by Boyle (the only female composer represented under the scheme), Collingwood and Mitchell can be found, together with the Atkins cantata, in Folder 6 of British Music Broadcasts.
Happy listening! ;D
A quick word of thanks for this treasure trove - - some familiar, some not. Mind, sometimes some of the BBC's scrappier studio performances induce more than one wince ( the Stanford overture in particular could have done with a couple more rehearsals ) but then again others are remarkably capable: in particular let me commend to the curious Bantock's marvelously atmospheric "Sea Wanderers" , Mackenzies surprisingly (though why surprisingly?) passionate "Rose of Sharon", and Julius Benedicts robustly enjoyable symphony - who knew? (And one day I will sit down and really try to get my head round which permutations of the various Potter symphonies I know/don't know.)
Quote from: Dylan on Tuesday 11 January 2011, 10:37
Mind, sometimes some of the BBC's scrappier studio performances induce more than one wince ( the Stanford overture in particular could have done with a couple more rehearsals ) but then again others are remarkably capable
There is indeed an air of 'sight-reading' to some of these studio broadcasts! Still, it would be better than nothing if the BBC Philharmonic or Symphony Orchestra could be persuaded to sight-read it's way through Holbrooke's
Apollo and the Seaman (with the men of the BBC Singers sight-reading the Finale) or Mackenzie's Suite
London Day by Day. ;)
This is precisely what happened with the unheard broadcast of Cowen's 5th Symphony - with some rehearsal time left after recording another better-known piece for the 'British Symphonies' series (2007), Lewis Foreman (oh, blessed name) suggested they exhume the parts for the Cowen from the bowels of the BBC Library and just set it down. However rough the rendition, I'd still love to hear it (alas, enquiries have elicited no reply from Auntie as yet). :(
Thank you so much, Albion, for music I never would have got to hear otherwise, will enjoy hearing more Potter and all the rest. I am sorry I can't add anything, I only keyed into BBC and the internet a few years ago. There is a recording of Prout's Organ Concerto, Opus 5 (1870)on a CD from the Round Lake (New York) Summer Festival Orchestra featuring an organ in what was essentially an open air pavilion for many years. CDRL 101, probably out of print. What are the rules of uploading such if anyone were interested?
Quote from: jimmattt on Friday 14 January 2011, 15:13
What are the rules of uploading such if anyone were interested?
Hi Jim, it's very easy to set up a free basic account with media fire (http://www.mediafire.com/ (http://www.mediafire.com/)) although other types of account are charged - all you need is an email address. It takes a bit of time to work out the procedure, but once you have it's quite straightforward.
You can upload any type of files from your computer (mp3, wma, doc, etc.) and then choose to share them. Regarding the 'rules', I don't really know - personally, I wouldn't upload any recording that was commercially available. :)
I'd certainly delete any link to a rip of a commercially available recording. Please don't do that. That includes links to the thousands which are to be found on YouTube btw. Public domain, private recordings and rips of free-to-air radio broadcasts are fine, but it's always better to acknowledge the source (if you know it).
My euphoric cloud allowed me to neglect thanking Mark for the Prout upload, and no I don't plan to upload anything that deprives anyone of their rights, God knows the plight of any composer or record company, and all concerned could use a good infusion of resources, wonder how much our American guns would help if they were beaten into metronomes? just askin'.
Quote from: jimmattt on Friday 14 January 2011, 22:46wonder how much our American guns would help if they were beaten into metronomes?
Indeed!
I'm reminded of Sir Alexander Mackenzie's pithily ironic response to the pianist Frederick Dawson when he found that the music plates of publishing houses in Germany were being melted down by the authorities in order to manufacture bullets during World War I - "no doubt by this time the [
Scottish] concerto has been re-cast in another form, less musical, but more effective perhaps".
Quote from: Albion on Friday 14 January 2011, 23:24
Quote from: jimmattt on Friday 14 January 2011, 22:46wonder how much our American guns would help if they were beaten into metronomes?
Indeed!
I'm reminded of Sir Alexander Mackenzie's pithily ironic response to the pianist Frederick Dawson when he found that the music plates of publishing houses in Germany were being melted down by the authorities in order to manufacture bullets during World War I - "no doubt by this time the [Scottish] concerto has been re-cast in another form, less musical, but more effective perhaps".
I wonder how many unsung works were lost in this manner - first the plates were melted down in WWI, then the MS were bombed out of existence in WWII?
Quote from: JimL on Friday 14 January 2011, 23:47
I wonder how many unsung works were lost in this manner - first the plates were melted down in WWI, then the MS were bombed out of existence in WWII?
Too many?
Add a few other common means and... way too many.
Up with library preservation of all kinds, including but
not limited to digitization... (reminded of tales I've heard, possibly unreliable it's true... of the amount of funds the US Library of Congress is, or was, given for modernization and security as against preservation and such things... security I get and approve of, indeed, but... of course, they do have a substantial digitized collection, fortunately.)
Eric
The recording of the Julius Benedict symphony, if it's the same one I have in my collection (and it probably is), is by Myer Fredman and the Ulster Orchestra.
Quote from: dafrieze on Tuesday 18 January 2011, 20:49
The recording of the Julius Benedict symphony, if it's the same one I have in my collection (and it probably is), is by Myer Fredman and the Ulster Orchestra.
Many thanks for this information. I certainly don't think that there would have been two separate broadcasts, so I've amended the file details accordingly. If you happen to have a broadcast date, please could you let me know?
The latest broadcasts (Smith, Parry and Howell) are all uploaded now. :)
Albion: I do have recordings of the Cyril Rootham and Joseph Holbrooke pieces you've mentioned in the last few postings - they're all mp3'd and stored in iTunes and on my iPod - but I have no idea how to get them to you. Can you help?
Quote from: dafrieze on Wednesday 19 January 2011, 01:37
Albion: I do have recordings of the Cyril Rootham and Joseph Holbrooke pieces you've mentioned in the last few postings - they're all mp3'd and stored in iTunes and on my iPod - but I have no idea how to get them to you. Can you help?
If you
could possibly get them to me that would be brilliant - many thanks!
If they're stored as mp3 files on your computer, I think that you can just attach them to an email and send them that way. Big files will take quite a time to attach themselves. There are useful links here http://www.ehow.com/how_6933996_send-mp3-file.html
(http://www.ehow.com/how_6933996_send-mp3-file.html) and here http://www.ehow.com/how_6062521_send-large-mp3-files-email.html (http://www.ehow.com/how_6062521_send-large-mp3-files-email.html)
I've sent you my email address via a personal message through the forum.
If this is incorrect, please could somebody more file-literate than myself advise?
Quote from: dafrieze on Wednesday 19 January 2011, 01:37
Albion: I do have recordings of the Cyril Rootham and Joseph Holbrooke pieces you've mentioned in the last few postings - they're all mp3'd and stored in iTunes and on my iPod - but I have no idea how to get them to you. Can you help?
Through the very kind generosity of our member
dafrieze I've just received recordings of several important and exciting broadcasts:
Holbrooke:
The Bells (broadcast 1978)
Rootham:
Rhapsody on the tune 'Lazarus' (broadcast 1987)
Rootham:
Ode on the Morning of Christ's Nativity (broadcast 1975)
Rootham: Symphony No.2 (
Revelation) (broadcast 1984)
I have his permission to upload them into a BMB folder. I've gathered the relevant information and dates together into
Folder 7 and will create a link later today. ;D
Quote from: Albion on Thursday 20 January 2011, 08:02
Quote from: dafrieze on Wednesday 19 January 2011, 01:37
Albion: I do have recordings of the Cyril Rootham and Joseph Holbrooke pieces you've mentioned in the last few postings - they're all mp3'd and stored in iTunes and on my iPod - but I have no idea how to get them to you. Can you help?
Through the very kind generosity of our member dafrieze I've just received recordings of several important and exciting broadcasts:
Holbrooke: The Bells (broadcast 1978)
Rootham: Rhapsody on the tune 'Lazarus' (broadcast 1987)
Rootham: Ode on the Morning of Christ's Nativity (broadcast 1975)
Rootham: Symphony No.2 (Revelation) (broadcast 1984)
I have his permission to upload them into a BMB folder. I've gathered the relevant information and dates together into Folder 7 and will create a link later today. ;D
There is now a link to
Folder 7 of BMB containing the four works listed above. There is also a copy of Edgar Allan Poe's poem (taken from the vocal score) which Holbrooke used as his text. I am currently preparing a copy of Milton's poem which Rootham used in his
Nativity Ode and will upload this as well.
Once again, many thanks to dafrieze for supplying the original files of these rare broadcast recordings. :)
Thank you 'dafrieze',too.....and Albion.
There is a now also a copy of Milton's wonderful poem in Folder 7 to accompany the recording of Rootham's Ode on the Morning of Christ's Nativity. I've changed some of the archaic spellings to better reflect the text as given in the Stainer & Bell vocal score.
My pleasure. I just discovered this site and plan to explore (and, I hope, contribute to) it for some time now. And I want to thank Albion for having posted so many recordings already that I didn't have. I live in America, and up until fairly recently it was difficult to get my hands on BBC broadcasts of, especially, obscure British works. (The internet has changed all that.)
Listening to 'The Bells' now. This is exciting,can't understand why it wasn't performed again,after the 1978 broadcast. I will get to the Rootham as soon as I have the time.
Thanks are due to both Albion and dafrieze for arranging to make these downloads available. "The Bells" is a stupendous score, but the BBC have omitted some of the most important instruments which Josef calls for - notably the Mushroom Bells which make a tremendous contribution to the timbres and, most shamefully, the concertina which has a crucial role and is occasionally quite exposed. Its absence, when you follow the score, is glaring. Still, what is there is well done and I hope it will inspire someone to mount (and record) a performance of this wonderful work with ALL the instruments, which will do the composer justice.
Yes,and one can just imagine what it will sound in modern digital sound quality. I'm hoping Chandos will get round to doing it,but maybe someone else? I HAD to listen to it all the way through,and none of it made me think of Wagner! I find with Holbrooke that the composers that most come to mind,if I'm looking for a comparison, tend to be French or Russian,although Holbrooke has his very own personal sound world,there's no doubt about that. A wonderful composer,he was just very unlucky. God,I hate fashion!
Quote from: Gareth Vaughan on Thursday 20 January 2011, 18:52
"The Bells" is a stupendous score, but the BBC have omitted some of the most important instruments which Josef calls for - notably the Mushroom Bells which make a tremendous contribution to the timbres and, most shamefully, the concertina which has a crucial role and is occasionally quite exposed. Its absence, when you follow the score, is glaring.
In order to increase your appreciation of this wonderful music, you can download and follow the full orchestral score (Breitkopf & Hartel) of Holbrooke's
The Bells from the IMSLP initiative: http://imslp.org/wiki/The_Bells,_Op.50a_%28Holbrooke,_Joseph%29 (http://imslp.org/wiki/The_Bells,_Op.50a_%28Holbrooke,_Joseph%29)
Please obey the copyright laws of your country.
The 1935 Violin Concerto by Irish composer Ina Boyle is now uploaded to Folder 7. Beautifully lyrical, it shows the clear influence of her teacher Vaughan Williams in the modal tinge to much of the writing - it's rhapsodic structure may call certain other works to mind: The Lark Ascending and Julius Harrison's evocative Bredon Hill.
Repeated from an earlier post, here is a fascinating outline of her life and work, with a fairly comprehensive work-list of major compositions which, on the evidence of The Magic Harp and the Violin Concerto, certainly deserve further exploration: http://www.michaeljamiesonbristow.com/ina-boyle-1889-1967 (http://www.michaeljamiesonbristow.com/ina-boyle-1889-1967)
The manuscripts are held in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin: http://marloc.library.tcd.ie/calmview/Overview.aspx (http://marloc.library.tcd.ie/calmview/Overview.aspx) (enter search term ina boyle).
Respect. As I believe they say...
I've just uploaded broadcast performances of two wonderful choral works by Sir George Dyson: Saint Paul's Voyage to Melita (1933) and Nebuchadnezzar (1935) - Folder 7. :)
Albion:
An incredible treasure trove of music. My thanks for it all.
QuoteI find with Holbrooke that the composers that most come to mind,if I'm looking for a comparison, tend to be French or Russian,although Holbrooke has his very own personal sound world,there's no doubt about that.
Absolutely spot on. Holbrooke has nothing at all to do with Wagner (except insofar as he used leitmotifs in the Cauldron trilogy) and everything to do with Tchaikovsky and Debussy. And he created his own distinctive (and, to my mind, distinguished) sound world.
Quote from: oldman on Friday 21 January 2011, 21:24
An incredible treasure trove of music. My thanks for it all.
I didn't realise that I still had the Dyson recordings, but it's amazing what you find squirrelled away! In
Saint Paul (with it's fantastic evocation of a storm at sea, caused by the wind Euroclydon) the BBC Singers are more assured than the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus under Handley (on Somm - they are distinctly awry at moments in
Agincourt on the same disc) and I think that Simon Joly obtains more drama from both scores than Handley or Hickox (
Nebuchadnezzar on Chandos). The male soloists are all first rate too - all in all two great performances of works that really should be better known.
The rediscovery of the Dyson cassette pointed a trail to other long-forgotten tapes of broadcasts. I've created Folder 8 which contains specially recorded performances by Barry Wordsworth and the BBC Concert Orchestra when Parry was Composer of the Week in 1995: the Soliloquy from his unperformed opera Guenever (1886), the first version of the Scherzo from the E minor Symphony (1889) and the five-movement Suite from the Incidental music to Ogilvie's Hypatia (1893).
There are also excerpts from Edward Loder's romantic opera Raymond and Agnes (1855). :)
I now have a copy of Norman Del Mar's legendary 1979 performance of Granville Bantock's complete Omar Khayyam (1906-09). This is a recording which many people would like to hear and I'd like to express my (and indeed our) deep gratitude to dafrieze for providing the files.
These will take a little while to sort out and re-number (including checking through the whole work with a vocal score :o), but should be available shortly! ;D
What can I say. 'Wow'? Well,actually,everything in those folders!
Actualy,I feel you're like an angler reeling in a prize catch.
anyone got Parry's chamber music lying around? I have -somewhere- a tape of his 3rd string quartet in G from a BBC broadcast, and know his string quintet was broadcast once - don't know if his minor-mode first two quartets were broadcast too ...
Oh,don't get me started. I'd love the Ralph Holmes performance of Havergal Brian's Violin Concerto, (I accidentally taped over the end of my cassette copy. Oh,and Patric Standfords fantasic Symphony No 5,broacast on R3,circa 1985. My copy got 'chewed up'. By the tape recorder,not me,I hasten to add! It might not fit here,but it's very lyrical,Joan Rodgers singing is stunning & poor Patric got panned by the snotty critics. And then of course,there's the Ole Schmidt performance of the 'Gothic Symphony',also chewed up;my favourite & in my opinion,the best performance of the 'Gothic', so far.
Also Schreker's 'Der Schatzgraber',in a superb performance conducted by Zagrosek,broadcast on R3 in 1985, Also 'chewed up'! Grrrrrr!
Stil,musn't be greedy!
...anyone?!!!
After a long day spent undertaking something akin to an archeological project, I've finally reassembled the mosaic of Norman Del Mar's 1979 BBC broadcast of Bantock's stupendous Omar Khayyam (armed with my copy of the 458 page vocal score).
I've renumbered the main files in sequence and given incipits of the quatrains at the beginning of each file (remember to click Show Extra Details in the left-hand menu). The recording is now available in Folder 9.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our American cousin dafrieze for his wonderful contributions to the cause! ;D
I certainly do!
You're our Hero,(and you too,Albion).
Quote from: Albion on Saturday 22 January 2011, 17:24
After a long day spent undertaking something akin to an archaeological project, I've finally reassembled the mosaic of Norman Del Mar's 1979 BBC broadcast of Bantock's stupendous Omar Khayyam (armed with my copy of the 458 page vocal score).
I've renumbered the main files in sequence and given incipits of the quatrains at the beginning of each file (remember to click Show Extra Details in the left-hand menu). The recording is now available in Folder 9.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our American cousin dafrieze for his wonderful contributions to the cause! ;D
I've expanded the performance details in Folder 9 and added the names of the artistes who personified the six Pots in Part 3.
Oh, shucks, okay - I'll accept hero (he says, blushing). But just this once. And thank you, Albion, for listing the names of the Pots - I got the original cassettes of Omar Khayyam from a friend of an acquaintance of a stranger, and I only ever knew the three main soloists.
This is turning out to be a quite literally fantastic treasure trove. Thanks so much.
Beats 'Treasure Island',even without Wallace Beery!
There is now a typed copy of the complete text of Omar Khayyam in the folder. It is the version that Bantock used, translated by Edward Fitzgerald (5th edition, 1889). :)
A belated thanks for this outstanding contribution; among others I'm delighted to see are alternative performances of the two Dyson cantatas, neither of which I quite felt worked on their commercial issues - it'll be interesting to hear whether St Paul comes off in this recording? (The chorus on the Somm recording just didn't seem to cut it - is it to do with the fact that choirs increasingly seem to find it hard to recruit men these days?) As for Omar Khayam - I've been reading about this "legendary" performance for years, but had despaired of ever actually hearing it....And then the two Rootham works! The problem now is finding some time to actually listen to it all!! (And, I might add, working out how to make my own contributions: I'm pretty sure I can fill some gaps that even Albion et al haven't covered...)
Quote from: Dylan on Sunday 23 January 2011, 14:44
I'm pretty sure I can fill some gaps that even Albion et al haven't covered...)
I'm painfully aware that there are significant gaps in the broadcast collection, made all the more painful because I originally had some of them on tape including the first seven listed below (since either deteriorated to the point of no return or misguidedly discarded when 'superceded' by commercial recordings on disc):
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: Five Choral Ballads (1905)David Owen Norris, piano/ BBC Singers/ Simon Joly (broadcast 22/5/1984)
Hamilton Harty: The Mystic Trumpeter (1913)Brian Rayner Cook, baritone/ BBC Singers/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ John Poole (broadcast 5/8/1991)
Alexander Mackenzie: Scottish Rhapsody No. 1, Op.21 (1879)BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/ Bryden Thomson (broadcast date unknown)
Hubert Parry: The Lotos-Eaters (1892) and The Soul's Ransom (1906)Bach Choir/ Philharmonia Orchestra/ David Willcocks (broadcast 5/6/1986)
Ethel Smyth: Mass in D (1893)BBC Symphony Chorus/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ Meredith Davies (broadcast 6/4/1986)
Arthur Sullivan: The Golden Legend (1886)Leeds Philharmonic Chorus/ BBC Philharmonic Orchestra/ Charles Mackerras (broadcast 15/3/1986)
Charles Wood: Patrick Sarsfield, Symphonic Variations (1907)Ulster Orchestra/ Simon Joly (broadcast 19/3/1992)
also
Ina Boyle: Overture (1933-34)Ulster Orchestra/ Colman Pearce (broadcast 17/3/1992)
Hamilton Harty: The Mystic Trumpeter (1913)Belfast Philharmonic Society Choir/ Ulster Orchestra/ John Lubbock (broadcast 12/10/1994)
Joseph Holbrooke: Byron (1904)BBC Singers/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ John Poole (broadcast 6/12/1978)
Charles Villiers Stanford: Requiem (1897)BBC Singers/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ John Poole (broadcast 6/10/1978)
Charles Villiers Stanford: Phaudrig Crohoore (1896)BBC Singers/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ Ashley Lawrence (broadcast 11/6/1974)
If any members have good copies of these and would be willing to share them, please could they send me a message. Ideally, the recordings should already be digitally transferred but I can also convert from cassette tapes if necessary. :)
Going through this wonderful thread, I think I know how Howard Carter felt when he first opened tutankhamun's tomb and saw the wonderous treasures within.
Regretfully, I don't think I have anything to contribute apart from a 1976 broadcast of the Wordsworth PC.
I will attempt to find it if there is any interest, but I wager that Albion already has it.
Thal
Quote from: thalbergmad on Sunday 23 January 2011, 23:43
I don't think I have anything to contribute apart from a 1976 broadcast of the Wordsworth PC.
Thanks to the generosity of
thalbergmad we now have two broadcast recordings of William Wordsworth's warmly romantic Piano Concerto (1946) in
Folder 8 of BMB: a performance by the pianist who gave the premiere in April 1947, John Hunt, and one conducted by Simon Rattle in 1976. :)
Thanks to a very kind donation by hammyplay, there is now a recording of Alexander Mackenzie's 1897 Scottish Concerto in Folder 6 of BMB.
In comparison with the Hyperion disc (Steven Osborne), this 1988 broadcast recording gives greater prominence to the piano, allowing us to hear in greater detail Mackenzie's virtuosic writing (the Concerto was premiered by Paderewski). :)
Available shortly in Folder 10 will be more music by the Wesley brothers, Charles (1757-1834) and Samuel (1766-1837) - although slightly outside the Romantic remit of the forum, these works stand as important evidence of the enormous talent of native British composers at the turn of the 19th century.
Particularly impressive is Samuel's massive unaccompanied setting of Horace's Ode in praise of Drusus (Drusi laudes). The recordings are from Radio 3's fascinating series on the family (1989). :)
Last August Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810-1876) was Composer of the Week on Radio 3 - did any member record these programmes, especially the following performances:
Overture in E (c.1834)
BBC Scottish SO/ Michal Dworzinski (16/8/2010)
Symphony in C (1834)
BBC NOW/ Grant Llewellyn (17/8/2010)
I was on holiday at the time! ::)
I did manage to copy the music that the BBC specially recorded for their week-long survey of Wesley last fall. The (one-movement) symphony and the overture are in this folder: http://www.mediafire.com/?en8vp1uc5y8bd (http://www.mediafire.com/?en8vp1uc5y8bd).
Quote from: dafrieze on Sunday 30 January 2011, 14:39
I did manage to copy the music that the BBC specially recorded for their week-long survey of Wesley last fall. The (one-movement) symphony and the overture are in this folder: http://www.mediafire.com/?en8vp1uc5y8bd (http://www.mediafire.com/?en8vp1uc5y8bd).
Thanks ever so much for providing the S.S. Wesley recordings. So that people won't miss it in the future, I'll copy the link as
Folder 11 at the beginning of the thread - hope this is OK!
Thanks to thalbergmad we now have a copy of Leslie Bridgewater's Piano Concerto in C minor played by the composer's wife, Iris Loveridge (1917-2000). Although not strictly a broadcast, this is an otherwise-unrecorded and attractive work and therefore deserves inclusion.
The Concerto was heard on the BBC Third Programme soon after it's completion in 1947 and was recorded shortly afterwards by Paxton (GTR 105/6): this fascinating, if unfortunately heavily-cut, performance of the piece can now be found in Folder 6. :)
A broadcast performance of Granville Bantock's Symphonic Prelude for Brass Prometheus Unbound (1933) has now been included in Folder 3.
Also, not broadcasts but nevertheless of great interest, there are now further recordings of late Bantock works from Paxton's fascinating catalogue in Folder 8: the Celtic Symphony (conducted by Walter Collins) and Comedy Overtures to two plays by Aristophanes - The Frogs (conducted by the composer) and The Women's Festival (conducted by Dolf van der Linden).
:)
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 30 January 2011, 18:29
Quote from: dafrieze on Sunday 30 January 2011, 14:39
I did manage to copy the music that the BBC specially recorded for their week-long survey of Wesley last fall. The (one-movement) symphony and the overture are in this folder: http://www.mediafire.com/?en8vp1uc5y8bd (http://www.mediafire.com/?en8vp1uc5y8bd).
Thanks ever so much for providing the S.S. Wesley recordings. So that people won't miss it in the future, I'll copy the link as Folder 11 at the beginning of the thread - hope this is OK!
Unless I'm very much mistaken, the Overture in E broadcast as part of Radio 3's Samuel Sebastian Wesley series (Composer of the Week) is in fact the last orchestral composition by his uncle Samuel (1766-1837) - the same work published by Redcliffe Edition (http://www.musicweb-international.com/redcliffe/wesley.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/redcliffe/wesley.htm)).
When I listened to the recording the piece sounded very familiar and then I realised that it is the self-same work which was broadcast as part of a series on
Samuel Wesley in 1986 (Ulster Orchestra/ Brian Wright 11/5/1986) which I recorded at the time.
If anybody can shed further light on the question of attribution I'd be grateful for any information. Until such information presents itself, I've provisionally amended the details for File 11!
Words do not even begin to express ones gratitude to all for this great gift of music. To say that it has been an eye opening experience is an understatement.
Thanks to all.
Another old man agrees very much with Oldman - Thanks so much for making all of this wonderful British music available - especially here in the colonies where we don't get to hear much of it.
Jerry
Quote from: jerfilm on Monday 31 January 2011, 18:25
Another old man agrees very much with Oldman - Thanks so much for making all of this wonderful British music available - especially here in the colonies where we don't get to hear much of it.
Jerry
Hopefully more gaps in the catalogue (including those listed above) will be filled in the future. Anybody with relevant off-air recordings of similar repertoire is more than welcome to get in touch by sending a personal message through the forum. If the broadcasting authorities don't value their resources enough to acknowledge the growing interest in 19th- and early 20th-century British music it is up to enthusiasts to propagate these recordings! ;)
I concur! What a bountiful gift to everyone on the Unsung board. (And the lurkers too.) I had never even heard of the Wesleys, and there is music here I had never heard before.
I seem to recall at least one of the Wesley extended family may be more famous for something he composed or did than for his name. Maybe someone here, some source on the internet, or some combination provides insight there. (IMSLP has a keyboard sonata of Samuel Wesley's typeset from manuscript apparently.)
Eric
The many here who have enjoyed the broadcast performance of Sterndale Bennett's "Paradise and the Peri" will be dismayed to learn that of only two sets of parts listed as available in the UK, the set belonging to the RAM has been lost (!!!) and the set in the Yorkshire Libraries archive in Sheffield is deficient in a number of parts and too delicate and crumbly to be lent. I currently have the original publisher, Kistner & Siegel, looking for a set in their archives. (It is possible, of course, that the BBC has a set - but somehow I doubt it. If they ever had one, knowing them, it's probably been thrown out!) There are, fortunately, many copies of the Full Score available, so a new set could be produced - but that involves work which would not be necessary if only we would take proper care of our musical heritage.
Quote from: Gareth Vaughan on Wednesday 02 February 2011, 20:55
The many here who have enjoyed the broadcast performance of Sterndale Bennett's "Paradise and the Peri" will be dismayed to learn that of only two sets of parts listed as available in the UK, the set belonging to the RAM has been lost (!!!) and the set in the Yorkshire Libraries archive in Sheffield is deficient in a number of parts and too delicate and crumbly to be lent.
Ye Gods! >:(
Is there no end to the incompetence, negligence and malicious damage that besets our musical heritage? >:( >:(
As you say, at least the full score was printed (and quite beautifully by Kistner too), otherwise the custodians of our national treasures would very probably have used Bennett's autograph manuscript to wrap their chips in! Grrrrrrr... >:( >:( >:(
I gather, speaking of manuscripts and chips, that that story about Bach cantatas being used for fish wrapping has a definite source (book, I mean- it may be from one of his sons originally though actually I am under the impression not...?, but I mean a definite book it first appeared in) and may be apocryphal... though many were lost in many too many other ways (well, maybe from that use too.) Anyhow, sorry. Back to! Am a member of a list where that would be ontopic and etc.
Makes a change from the Sun!
Thanks to Dylan we now have broadcast recordings of excerpts from Stanford's final opera The Travelling Companion (1916). :)
Fantastic! I've been wanting to hear that Stanford opera for ages, (and haven't we all?),and,unfortunately I missed those excerpts when they were broadcast.
The McEwen excerpts are also welcome,as would be a little more interest in that composer,from the cd companies!
What A wonderful gift to all! I've been reading the Jeremey Dibble biography of Stanford and Actually hearing the music is a wonderful accompaniment.
Thanks again!
Oh, tremendous. What a treat! Thanks Dylan and Albion!
"The McEwen excerpts are also welcome,as would be a little more interest in that composer,from the cd companies!"
There are no less than 8 CD's of McEwens music available on the Chandos Label. See:
http://www.chandos.net/searchresults.asp?zoom_query=McEwen&zoom_per_page=10&zoom_and=0&zoom_sort=0
Further donations by Dylan have provided us with two extremely important broadcasts - Edward German's Symphonic Suite The Seasons (1899) conducted by Sir Charles Groves in 1989 and (even rarer) John Foulds' Cello Concerto (1911) conducted by Nicholas Braithwaite with Raphael Wallfisch in 1988.
The performance of the superb The Seasons is one which I am especially happy to be reunited with: my treasured tape disintegrated to the point of no return many years ago - in both playing and interpretation Groves' performance is vastly superior to the Marco Polo recording. ;D ;D
I'm fully aware of the Chandos cd's of McEwen,but unfortunately there has been little interest from the cd labels since. There's still allot more by this composer to explore.
Quote from: Pengelli on Saturday 05 February 2011, 06:35
I'm fully aware of the Chandos cd's of McEwen,but unfortunately there has been little interest from the cd labels since. There's still a lot more by this composer to explore.
A particularly glaring omission is the 1901 Viola Concerto.
On 14th October 2007 BBC Scotland broadcast extracts from a BBC performance (10th June 2007) given in Glasgow by Scott Dickinson with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra conducted by Stefan Solyom.
Was this performance ever broadcast complete at any point - and if so did anybody record it? ???
Seems strange to only broadcast extracts.
NB Apologies to 'Oldman',my reply sounded a bit pompous. Thank you for drawing my attention to the Chandos cd's,anyway. It's just a bit irritating the way Chandos seem to pick hold of some composer sometimes,do a couple of cd's and then throw him, (or 'her') aside! Yet there are some composers they seem obsessed with,like Bax,for example. As David Hurwitz so bravely pointed out,(with all due respect to the late lamented Vernon Handley),did they really need to splash out on another Bax cycle,when there is so much else to record? I like Bax,although not as much as I used to,but poor old Bryden Thomson did a pretty good darn job,and I do get the feeling that Chandos have wasted money on some scores which even Bax would have felt embarassed about!
Actually,I hate to call Hurwitz brave!
Quote from: Pengelli on Saturday 05 February 2011, 10:22
I do get the feeling that Chandos have wasted money on some scores which even Bax would have felt embarassed about!
It's a very fair point - when do you draw an on-going recording project to a close? I was slightly disappointed when the marvellous Chandos Cyril Scott series came to an end after four discs, but then they had built each disc around a symphony so the limits of the project seem logical with hindsight (although there is a great deal more marvellous music by Scott to explore).
I certainly wouldn't want to be without Handley's interpretations of the complete Bax symphonies (good as Thomson's undoubtedly are), but there are cases in the Chandos Bax catalogue where works have been 'specially orchestrated' for recording - unfortunately in such cases the orchestration often includes the unusual combination of a barrel and a scraper. ;)
I see,your point too,Albion. Chandos have released a very good cd of Scotts chamber music since,so maybe there will be some more. Also,remember that they did a cd of music by Leighton some years ago. Recently,their interest in that composer seems to have been renewed,so perhaps they just meant that series as opposed to 'never again'! (Your excerpts from 'The Alchemist' really 'got me going',I think!
As to the Chandos Bax series. While I recognise the sterling work they have done for this composer,a point does come when enough is enough. Wasn't it Bax himself who said, (I can't remember the precise quote) he would like to retire,(from music),like a grocer! At any rate it is a well known fact that he was fed up with composer & was finding it increasingly difficult to compose.
On the same note,how many more bits & pieces are they going to orchestrate and stitch together by Elgar?
As to Bryden Thomson's interpretations,I personally like the way he seems to savour Bax's orchestration,luxuriating in the heady,often sumptuous textures;which is what allot of people would say is exactly the wrong thing to do,but in my opinion is what allot of Bax's output is all about. I particularly like his approach in No's 3,4,5 & 7. It's a great pity he died before his time. I remember he was very keen on the sadly neglected Welsh composer Daniel Jones and I was rather hoping he might get round to recording a complete cycle of his symphonies,(on cd/Lp). Sadly,this was not to happen.
This could turn into an 'unsung conductors thread'!
Sorry to be cynical here, but I suspect record companies carry on scraping the barrel with composers like Bax and Elgar because there is a market for more music by these names, irrespective of whether the music does them justice. I imagine they feel it's easier to sell a reconstructed PC by Elgar than a symphony by Daniel Jones or Stanley Wilson - and perhaps they're right! We do not have access to their sales figures, so cannot provide an informed comment.
Dylan has very kindly sent us a broadcast recording of Eric Fogg's choral cantata The Seasons. Premiered at the same Leeds Festival (1931) that saw the first performance of Belshazzar's Feast, Fogg's work was inevitably "weighed in the balance and found wanting".
The Seasons is, however, an attractive work in it's own right and was re-orchestrated in 2005 by David Ellis - the full score has long since gone missing along with much of Fogg's orchestral output. I've included a copy of the text by William Blake along with the audio files in Folder 11. :)
Thanks, Dylan.. I love the Foulds Concerto and can see why the Fogg cantata was "found wanting" in 1931. Not nearly "modern" enough, I'm sure. But I like it......
Stanley Wilson! Another intriguing,tantalising neglected composer who we might just get to hear a bit of on cd,one day,if we're luck! Along with Gaze Cooper,Daniel Jones,Eric Fogg,Patric Standford,Peter Racine Fricker, Bernard Van Dieren,Derek Bourgeois and David Wynne;all composers,who,so far,even in this age of revivals of the lost & forgotten,the cd companies have so far shown little or zero interest in pursuing. Patric Standford is still with us of course. Some of the scores will be hard if not impossible to track down,but with a bit luck I'm going to live long enough to hear some of,(or more of), these composers on cd!
Thanks to Dylan & a little help from the indefatigable Albion we get to hear some Eric Fogg,although there is a little of his output available on the Dutton & ASV White Line label. But not much.
I was just looking at the list of compositions by Eric Fogg and the unusual circumstances of his very untimely and tragic death.
Right,I think I'll bung on some 'unsung' Bryden Thomson,following my pro Thomson Bax rant. Bax's Seventh should be ideal,(although Thomson's Fourt is supposed to be his best).
Listened to a bit of Stanford's 'The Travelling Companion' last night. This is really good stuff! The bit I listened to was very tuneful,almost like operetta,and there I was expecting some dry old Victorian dirge! (Mind you,some of those song with orchestra seem to compete with Arthur Sullivan.at times,for lusty tunefulness). But being brought up on books of folk tales, (or fairy tales),and Hans Christian Anderson,and that sort of thing,I have always been very intrigued by this one.
Point three! Listening to a pile of Albert Lortzing opera's the other day,I was suprised to find a lavish website entirely devoted to this glorious composer. This is,of course, VERY off topic! But sites as good as that really DO help to promote interest in a composer.
The week of Feb 13 appears might have some things for those of us following this thread on BBC: Afternoon on 3 starts on Monday the 14th with pieces by Harrison, Foulds and Bainton played by BBC Concert Orcestra on tour, hopefully the rest of the week will have other interesting things. Bravo BBC, at least in this instance.
Quote from: jimmattt on Monday 07 February 2011, 13:01
The week of Feb 13 appears might have some things for those of us following this thread on BBC: Afternoon on 3 starts on Monday the 14th with pieces by Harrison, Foulds and Bainton played by BBC Concert Orcestra on tour, hopefully the rest of the week will have other interesting things. Bravo BBC, at least in this instance.
It is excellent that these pieces are being given a broadcast airing - the actual tour-programme items are:
Mozart: Overture to The Marriage of Figaro
Mendelssohn: Midsummer Night's Dream: Scherzo, Nocturne, Wedding March
Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto no. 1 in G minor, Op. 25
Vaughan Williams: Symphony no. 5
Ilya Yakushev (piano)
BBC Concert Orchestra
Keith Lockhart (conductor)
The Harrison, Foulds and Bainton works are all taken from Dutton Epoch discs.
The December 1988 broadcast of Sullivan's Festival Te Deum (1872) and a couple more of the Paxton Bantock recordings have now been added to the BMB archive. :)
Sorry, just saw the heading and didn't look closer. My bad.
Albion: more humble thanks are due for the very enjoyable Sullivan addition. Just picture Uriah Heap - 'ever so 'umble.
As a staunch member of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society I am 'The Slave of Duty'. ;)
Just out of interest,are the Paxton recordings taken from the records or from some other medium,such as tape! The originals must be very rare now.
As to the Bax Thomson 7. Unfortunately, the Lortzing marathon continued with a 2cd s/h copy of the emi 'Der Waffenschmied' in the morning post,in pristine condition,sold to me by a monk! (I wonder if they auction on ebay?!!)
As to this online archive. I wonder what treasures are going to pop up next. I will have to look through my collection. Although,if I have anything it's not going to be hifi! There were no dolby state of the art systems here,I'm afraid!
Quote from: Pengelli on Monday 07 February 2011, 16:30
Just out of interest,are the Paxton recordings taken from the records or from some other medium,such as tape! The originals must be very rare now.
The Paxton recordings are from various historical-recording blogs and websites which have appeared over the last few years.
Macbeth and the
Four Chinese Landscapes were also available on a Dutton disc (2000) but that has been deleted for several years and the Bantock Society which sponsored it was unfortunately wound up in 2004.
Quote from: Pengelli on Monday 07 February 2011, 16:30
I will have to look through my collection. Although,if I have anything it's not going to be hifi! There were no dolby state of the art systems here,I'm afraid!
Please do! If you have any performances of similar repertoire which you think might be of interest (within the broad limits of 1860-1940) drop me a line - if the recording is serviceable and is otherwise unavailable I can transfer from cassette tapes if necessary. :)
McEwen's Viola Concerto (1901) was performed complete at the Glasgow City Halls on 10th June 2007. The complete (unbroadcast) BBC recording of this performance is available from the Scottish Music Centre - if you send them an email (info@scottishmusiccentre.com) they will produce a CD for £13.50 (including postage and packing) - Alasdair Pettinger at the SMC is very helpful.
Here are the details that you will need:
catalogue number 35372
J.B. McEwen - Viola Concerto
Scott Dickinson
BBC Scottish SO/ Stefan Solyom
as the BBC supplied the original mp3 any copy provided by the SMC is to be used for research and private listening only.
I'll see if I can find my tape of Parry's string quartet no.3 as broadcast on BBC a few years back- not one of the oldest tapes around etc. (though for all of that I'm not sure where I put my copy- I'll find it. Should be able to digitize it and send it along, I think... though really the quartets and quintet ought to reach CD sometime, I would think. They're available in modern edition scores I believe... who knows.)
Two important broadcasts by the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Sir Edward Downes have been added to BMB - Rutland Boughton's gorgeous Symphony No.2, Deirdre (1/10/1985) and Granville Bantock's Pagan Symphony (27/1/1984). These can be found in Folder 1. :)
Quote from: Albion on Monday 07 February 2011, 23:47
An important broadcast by the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Sir Edward Downes has been added to BMB - Rutland Boughton's gorgeous Symphony No.2, Deirdre (1/10/1985). This can be found in Folder 1. :)
The one that used to be available on Carlton Classics/BBC? Wonderful indeed imhonesto.
Wonderful,I'm sure everyone here will be grateful.....but lucky ol' me,I've got the original cd's! If only the current releases from the BBC archives were as exotic! Still,we got some Havergal Brian.
Downes takes a quite different approach to the 'Pagan',and the 'Deidre Symphony' really should receive a commercial cd recording.
Oh dear,I've got that one wrong! The Bantock 'Pagan' is conducted by Maurice Handford in on a cd of,decidedly, less than hi-fi sound quality. Of interests to commited 'Bantockites,but worth collecting for comparative purposes,I suppose.' only! It's coupled with the 'Hebridean' conducted by Boult,from 1968 on the Intaglio label.
'Made in Italy!'
The Carlton cd is of superior quality.
Question: Does anyone here know the date of the Handford recording?
The Carlton cd of Downes conducting the Bantock is coupled with music by Bax,and I bought it partly because I don't like 'Fifine at the Fair,whch is paired with the 'Pagan' on the Hyperion. Carlton's coupling of 'Tintagel' & two of Bax's 'Northern Ballad' seems more appropriate in terms of mood & atmosphere.
I wish the Carlton series had been able to continue. Some of the stuff on the 'BBC Legends' label should have stayed in the vaults!
If anyone out there fancies buying the Intaglio cd of Bantock,the sound quality is thin,and sounds like it was recorded off the radio with one of those ancient portable cassette players with the keyboard controls,shoved in front of the radio,except that you can't hear people slamming doors,the toilet flushing in the background and mum doing the washing up. (The 'Aries' team would be proud of them) It's quite clear though. Hopefully,one day,someone will release these performances in better sound quality.
Quote from: Pengelli on Tuesday 08 February 2011, 14:33
Question: Does anyone here know the date of the Handford recording?
It was part of the rather lacklustre 'celebrations' surrounding Bantock's centenary in 1968. From Rob Barnett's review of the Handley/ Hyperion box set -
Bantock's stars rather unluckily had his centenary year (1968) fall slap-bang in the middle of the most unpropitious cultural period. What would a musical world focused on dissonance, exclusivity and novelty make of this tumultuously productive orchestral writer of tone poems, ballads and songs. The reception was all too predictable. He was ignored by the many; condemned by the few who found time to bother. His music was considered an irrelevance to a new age. He was not alone in this: indifference and spleen greeted the likes of Josef Suk, Adolphe Biarent and Arthur Farwell.
There were outposts from which Bantock was saluted but they were not numerous. There were articles in 'Music and Musicians' and various other music magazines. Harold Truscott and Stephen Lloyd wrote articles and gave broadcast talks. Boult, Del Mar and Handford directed BBC studio broadcasts of Overture to a Greek Tragedy, the Pagan and Hebridean symphonies and extracts from Omar and Sappho. The reel-to-reel tape machines of the era - Philips, Grundig, Ferrograph, Vortexion, Akai, Sony and Sanyo - whirred away as recording angels and we can still enjoy some of that legacy.
Interesting. I don't want to go into the tonal v progressive debate here,but of the three composers here,Arthur Farwell is now the most neglected on cd. Suk is the one who seems to be taken the most seriously by mainstream critics,but mostly on the basis of his 'Asrael Symphony.' Biarent has made it to cd,and I don't know if it's just my imagination,but I have noticed that reviews of Bantock in the newspapers are getting politer,even if they're not generaly enthusiastic.
So it was one of those 'centenary things',where the interest is either formal or driven by a minority of commited enthusiasts and then just fizzles out. Strange how things change. Back in the early eighties I never expected to be buying recordings of Bantock,let alone Holbrooke,and most recently,Stanley Bate.
One last point,relating to newspaper critics,and that's the one who writes for the 'Yorkshire Post'. Very enlightened,to say the least. I wish they were all like that.
Another thing,when I was a teenager, I always fancied a reel to reel tape recorder. Now that I have enough cash they're of interest only to curio collectors!
Folder 2 now contains some fascinating broadcasts of music by York Bowen and Norman O'Neill, very kindly provided by dafrieze. Some of these recordings are of considerable vintage and we are very fortunate to now have access to them.
York Bowen has gradually been emerging from relative obscurity in recent years, but the music of O'Neill is still something of an unknown quantity: a pupil of Arthur Somervell at the Royal College, he became conductor at the Haymarket Theatre in 1908 and a professor at the Royal Academy in 1924.
Despite research into these latest contributions, I still haven't been able to confirm precise broadcast dates for Bowen's Festal Overture or the Sinfonietta Concertante - anybody who has this information is warmly invited to get in touch! :)
We now have a copy of Percy Whitlock's Symphony in G minor for Organ and Orchestra (1936-7). I have transcribed it from a cassette tape very kindly provided by Dylan: this is a splendid performance of an intriguing and rewarding piece (Folder 2).
Here is some background information on the music and it's composer - http://www.musicweb-international.com/whitlock/organsymphony.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/whitlock/organsymphony.htm) :)
Fascinating read, Albion. Thanks for the link. Now to hear Whitlock's Symphony...
David
Wow! The fabled Percy Whitlock! This is one people talk about in tents and around firesides! The first few bars made me think you had uploaded the 'Last night of the Proms' by mistake!
Marvellous!
Albion! Regarding your above post. My mother had heard of Norman O' Neill. Well,some of his music at least. I remember playing a cassette of some light music I recorded off Radio 3 & her eyes 'lit up'.I think it might have used on 'Childrens Hour' or somewhere. At any rate what ever it was,it was popular when she was a youngster,(she's 78 now). I wonder what it was? I've forgotten & I must ask. It may have been 'The Bluebird',(which was also a movie rival to 'The Wizard of Oz',starring,the once hugely popular, Shirley Temple).
I shall have to ask.
Once again, a thousand thanks for the wonerful music.
BTW - since you seem to be making this threa the stanard stopping point for british music downloads, would it not be a good idea to consoliate .(with the owners permission of course) the Broadcast of ebenezer Prout's 3rd and 4th Symphony into this list?
Quote from: oldman on Friday 25 February 2011, 18:00
would it not be a good idea to consoliate .(with the owners permission of course) the Broadcast of ebenezer Prout's 3rd and 4th Symphony into this list?
If Mark is agreeable, I'd like to move the Prout broadcasts across to the main listing to prevent them from getting 'lost' in the body of the thread.
Of course.
Wow! Lovely work for a combination that has all too few titles......
Thanik you, thank you
Jerry
Quote from: jerfilm on Friday 25 February 2011, 22:14
Wow! Lovely work for a combination that has all too few titles......
Thanik you, thank you
Jerry
Whitlock's Symphony
is splendid and certainly deserves a wide audience. With Mark's approval, I've now moved the Ebenezer Prout files to
Folder 1 and Cipriani Potter's 1837 Quartet to
Folder 5.
And I should have added my renewed thanks, Albion, for this cornucopia. The Whitlock, Bowen and O'Neill works are downloading as I type.
Whitlock is one of those composers that enthusiasts rave about. Imagine this being given a professional state of the art recording by Chandos or Telarc? I remember being excited by the Chandos recordings of Guilmaunt and thinking why don't we get this,now and again,instead of the,admittedly,wonderful Saint-Saens,over and over again. (Don't get me wrong,I like Saint-Saens,and allot of his music is neglected) Listening to this gave me the same feeling. What's wrong with Whitlock? Is it the name? Or because he's un-exotically British? (Oh,and born in Kent,like my mother!)
This could be popular!
After this I just had to buy a cd of the Whitlock Organ Sonata.
Just to say thank you, Albion, for all these wonderful recordings. This will keep me busy for ages!
Quote from: calico on Saturday 26 February 2011, 15:58
Just to say thank you, Albion, for all these wonderful recordings. This will keep me busy for ages!
Great! The whole intention of starting this thread was to showcase the wonderful depth of British music beyond the Elgar-Vaughan Williams-Holst-Walton-Britten canon - the view of Britain as the "poor man" of European musical culture is a travesty, the inanity of which is still not properly acknowledged.
Much has been, and
is being recorded beyond this core repertoire (Chandos, Hyperion, Lyrita, Dutton, et al) but there is clearly
so much more and quite often important broadcasts of wonderful music have come and gone without any wider dissemination! I'm really pleased that the willingness to share off-air recordings has been embraced by so many members and hope that this will continue. For example,
Dylan had kindly sent another broadcast from the 1995
Britannia at the Opera series which I will transfer from tape and upload at the beginning of next week.
As promised, I have transcribed, edited and uploaded the 1995 broadcast of excerpts from The Olympians (1948) by Arthur Bliss from the tape kindly sent by Dylan. These eight extracts can now be found in Folder 5. :)
Here is some brief but useful information on this wonderful opera, including a synopsis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Olympians (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Olympians)
Another very kind donation by hammyplay has given us a broadcast of the Fantasy for Piano and Orchestra by Reginald King (1904-1991). This can be found in Folder 5.
Primarily known as a composer of light music, this work (a revision of an earlier Piano Concerto) shows another side of King's considerable talent. Here is some background information on the composer and his career - http://www.bardic-music.com/king.htm (http://www.bardic-music.com/king.htm). :)
Lovely piece - thanks Hammyplay.....and Albion
Jerry
I'll second that, thanks. Very pleasant.
Quote from: Pengelli on Saturday 26 February 2011, 13:17
What's wrong with Whitlock? Is it the name? Or because he's un-exotically British?
I wonder if it is possible to be put off a composer by his name. Being English and born in Kent, it seems strange to me that someone with the name of Percy could compose such great music. I would expect my butcher, milkman or favourite uncle to be called Percy, but not a composer. Whilst not sounding exotic to me, I wonder if the name sounds exotic to someone living in France or Germany?
I once suggested to my piano teacher that he would be far better known if he changed his name from Richard Meyrick to Ricardo Merikov. I don't think he has though.
Thal
I'm not sure being called Percy harmed the poet Shelley's chances too much. Maybe it's a cultural thing. Anyway, I have recordings of music by 18th-century composers named Pichl and Titz, so things could always be worse...
Perhaps it is a cultural thing, but again I am slightly amused that someone called Reginald from Hampstead could compose a lusicious piece of romantic music as recently uploaded in this wonderful thread. Perhaps people like me are not exactly helping the cause of British composers. I would hesitate to listen to music by Eli Parish, but not Elias Parish Alvars and is not Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji slightly more appealing than Leon Dudley Sorabji??
As for Shelley, I did not even know that his first name was Percy. I have only ever heard him referred to as Shelley.
Thal
After hearing Whitlock's 'Organ Symphony',uploaded by our good friend Albion,I immeadiately bought the Hyperion recording of his 'Organ Sonata'. I must admit I always had some idea he was a Northerner. Maybe I'd been watching to many hovis adverts,but the name just had this Northern 'ring' to it. Kent doesn't seem like a Percy sort of place to me,but then again it probably isn't these days. Of course Percy Whitlock died before his time,but I wonder if he would have done allot better if he had been a Ralph,a William or a Benjamin?
Or,conversely, what if Benjamin Britten had been Percy Britten,or William Walton had been Archibald Walton?
Quote from: dafrieze on Friday 04 March 2011, 19:51
I have recordings of music by 18th-century composers named Pichl and Titz, so things could always be worse...
Then again, one could always organise a programme of Schytte and Scheidt - I wonder why Andre Rieu hasn't thought about it yet. :P
Oh Fux...
Positively schoolboyish! Surprised at you all.
Worth remembering that first names are prone to fashion and cultural change. It would have been pretty unlikely that Britten and Walton would have been called Percy and Archibald for the simple reason that at the time of their births these names had gone out of fashion. They were reasonably common 19th century names - hence Shelley for example.
Anyone spent 30-40 years in education? I suffered from 34 years of it, and even in that relatively short space of time it was quite fascinating to see how names come and go. Once had a student who would have been born circa early 1970s. Poor lad had been dumped with the name of 'Hendrix'. Very hard to look at him and keep a straight face. Mind you, he was a bit dense. I saw him once ambling off campus, rucksack and guitar strapped across his back. The following dialogue took place:
Tutor "Hi, Hendrix, where are you off to?"
Hendrix "Er, Glastonbury. Ace."
Tutor "But that took place last week"
Hendrix "Oh, errr, did it? Fux, Titz and Schytte. I really thought it was this week".
Apologies. Blimey, I shall be struck off by the administrator. (If he is with male offspring, wonder if the poor lad is called Joachim?)
If Percy Bysshe Shelley was given his middle name after his mother's maiden name, would that make him a son of a Bysshe?
...
oi, that was horrible (though I usually think of a late-Romantic Styrian composer and teacher with a similar and similar, if some't Foxy, name rather than a Baroque composer and author, in that connection.)
Edward, since you ask Peter. A good, solid Anglo-Saxon name that embarrasses neither parents nor child ;)
I work in six inner-city Primary schools and any composers arising from the present pre-teen generation are much more likely to have eye-catching, ear-tickling (and stomach-churning) names such as Chardonnay, K-J, Gage, Delacy, Kobi or (my all-time favourite) Colon.
However, it would be a grave mistake to assume that this is a modern phenomenon: for anybody wishing to extend their historical knowledge of the long-standing British tradition of giving children strange and downright bizarre names I can heartily recommend Potty, Fartwell & Knob, by Russell Ash (http://www.russellash.com/pottyfartwellandknob_whatsinaname.htm (http://www.russellash.com/pottyfartwellandknob_whatsinaname.htm)), culled from census records and parish registers - some random examples include
Hula Beanland (born Burnley, Lancashire, 1871)
Faintnot Isaday Bourne (born Rye, Sussex, 1878)
Farting Clack (born London c.1863 - Walthamstow, Essex, 1871 census)
Lovely Budge (born Chard, Somerset 1881)
Philadelphia Bunnyface (Laneast, Cornwall, mentioned in a will 1722)
Fluffy Heaver (born not prior to 1901; died Kensington and Chelsea, London, 1998)
Virus Wheelhouse (born Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, c.1839 - Hebden Bridge 1901 census)
Porndance Powell (born Blackwell, Worcestershire, c.1841 - Sedgley, Staffordshire, 1871 census)
Bamlet Neptune Switzer (married Ada Charlotte Prince, Uckfield, East Sussex, 1890)
Soapy Crooks (married at Bosmere, Suffolk, 1891)
Zealous Faraginous Mullard (born Bedwelty, Monmouthshire, 1892)
Creamaleanouss Thompson (married Liverpool, Lancashire, 1874)
Perhaps Percy Whitlock doesn't seem so strange now! ;D
Albion, I propose to all that, without any qualification whatsoever, you are awarded Top Prize for the most hilarious posting of the year - if not the decade. Wonderful stuff!!!!! Dear me, people are going to think me odder than usual. Some of these names have become instantly memorised, and right out of the blue, I find myself thinking of, e.g. Fluffy Heaver, and exploding with merriment. Just hope I don't do so right in the middle of a piano recital.
Okay,let's start again. What if Benjamin Britten had been named Farting Britten? WOULD we have taken him SERIOUSLY?
Thanks to jimmattt there is now a recording of the first Organ Concerto by Ebenezer Prout, first performed at the Crystal Palace by John Stainer in 1870, in Folder 1. This is taken from a deleted and very hard-to-find 1988 disc featuring the oldest three-manual organ in the United States at Round Lake in New York. :)
Who'd have thought it? Thanks to you both!
Further fascinating additions to the archive (and the subject of a recent composer thread) have been provided by jimmattt: two piano concertos by Frank Merrick (1886-1981), written in 1905 and 1936 respectively and played by the composer himself in the mid-1970s. Originally issued by Rare Recorded Editions, these are transfers from the original LPs. Thanks Jim!
These can now be found in Folder 5. :)
Quote from: thalbergmad on Friday 04 March 2011, 19:37
Quote from: Pengelli on Saturday 26 February 2011, 13:17
What's wrong with Whitlock? Is it the name? Or because he's un-exotically British?
Whilst not sounding exotic to me, I wonder if the name sounds exotic to someone living in France or Germany?
Thal
It is a possibility that it sounds exotic to those not overloaded with our cultural baggage. Consider the opera by Donizetti "Emilia di Liverpool" - not the setting we'd think of as ideal for a romantic opera but an exotic far off place that maybe sounds more romantic than boring old Naples or Turin to Donizetti.
Rob
There is now a 1995 broadcast of Holst's powerful 1911 dramatic scena Hecuba's Lament (intended as a companion-piece to the wonderful Hymn to Dionysus) in BMB, together with two substantial scores by Geoffrey Bush (Folder 5).
Many thanks to Dylan for providing these. :)
Martin Eastick has very kindly sent me his collection of tape cassettes containing broadcasts of British music. I have started to work on these and the first selection is now available in Folder 5. These recordings comprise Balfe's overtly operatic Concert Overture in C, the overture to the 1834 opera Hermann by Scottish composer John Thomson, a lyrical concertante violin piece by Battison Haynes, Arthur Somervell's 1912 symphony Thalassa (with an elegiac slow movement in memory of Captain Scott), Charles Wood's most significant orchestral work (the 1899 Patrick Sarsfield Variations), Landon Ronald's hugely entertaining Suite de Ballet (1900) and the ebullient overture The Kentish Downs by Susan Spain-Dunk.
Many thanks to Martin for providing these - there are many more delights to follow presently! ;)
well, there are some names I can honestly (if oddly) say were on my mind lately- Susan Spain-Dunk, Battison Haynes, Charles Wood et al. Comes of doing so much lurking around Sibley and other related websites... (Spain-Dunk's violin sonata is there, e.g., ...)
Heartfelt thanks, John, are due once again to you and Martin. This thread is such a treasure - literally!
Indded, thanks to you, John - and Martin.
I've spent the morning doing some house-keeping at BMB. To simplify things from my side, I've amalgamated the 16 small folders into 5 larger ones - so some references to folder numbers earlier in the thread will no longer apply.
But don't worry - all your old favourites are still there! ;)
Thanks for all these new additions - I've been looking for Somervell's symphony for years.
John Thomson was a completely unknown name to me - prominent Scottish composer and musical administrator of the early 19th century whose extremely promising career was cut short by his early death. There is another recording of the overture on the Scottish Arts Council's website, as well three very beautiful songs for soprano and orchestra: http://www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/showcase/1000588.aspx (http://www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/showcase/1000588.aspx).
British chamber music makes its first appearance in Folder 5, with works ranging from Piano Trios by Thomson and Balfe, through imposing large-scale compositions by Mackenzie and Parry, to various Fantasies (or Phantasies) written in the early decades of the twentieth century: Cobbett prize-winning scores by Hurlstone, Benjamin Dale and Dorothy Howell. There is also a recording of Holbrooke's Alexander Prize-winning Israfel Sextet (1901) and a Quartet by Balfour Gardiner. :)
scores and/or parts of the Balfour Gardiner and Hurlstone, and in fact a recording (by Steve's Bedroom Band) of the Hurlstone too, at IMSLP, btw :) (thanks for the 1905 date for the former, all I had was a publication date of 1907.)
Folder 5 now contains a vintage performance (1943) of Hamish MacCunn's delightful suite Highland Memories (1897), together with a real treat - something I've been hoping to hear for over thirty years:
The 1864 oratorio Ruth, by Victorian music's answer to William McGonagall, George Tolhurst (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Tolhurst (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Tolhurst)). Dubbed variously "The Worst Oratorio Ever!" (Percy Scholes, The Mirror of Music) and "the oratorio folly of the century" (Howard Smithers, A History of the Oratorio) this work garnered the following plaudits from The Musical Times in February 1868 -
We know nothing of Mr. Tolhurst and should have been pleased to know nothing of his oratorio ... the choruses appear to be the work of a student groping his way in part-writing and ... are in some portions perfectly unendurable.
Nevertheless, Ruth attracted large audiences and eminent artistes agreed to perform in it. Scholes concludes that in fact
the oratorio had an enormous success de ridicule - that its eminent folly attracted derisive audiences, induced performers of importance to accept engagements to take part, prompted large sales of the score [dedicated to Queen Victoria no less], and inspired sarcastic critics - all of which phenomena the composer took seriously.
The full score having long been consigned to the purifying flames of oblivion, in 1973 Antony Hopkins presented his re-orchestration of a shortened version (the original ran to three hours) to an open-mouthed audience at the Royal Albert Hall. This performance was broadcast at the time, but did not see light of day again until Part 1 was broadcast in November 1985 - such was the 'acclaim' from listeners that Part 2 was rebroadcast in February 1986. These parts can now be reunited to form a glorious whole! ;D
Many thanks to Martin Eastick for once again providing the original cassette recordings.
A mixed, but fascinating, selection for today - early British piano sonatas by Pinto, Donaldson and Potter, Henry Pierson's brooding and eccentric Symphonic Poem Macbeth (1859), Ethel Smyth's 1887 Cello Sonata, three works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Haydn Wood's Apollo Overture and a suite of dances by Ernest Tomlinson.
Two of the Coleridge-Taylor items have slightly problematic sound: Meg Blane was recorded at a live amateur performance and suffers from some distortion in louder passages, whilst in the Five Choral Ballads the sound is very recessed (I remember that this was an inherent problem with the recording as originally broadcast) and noise-reduction is highly counterproductive. Originally heard in orchestral guise in 1905, the full score is unfortunately lost but it is well worth getting to know these very attractive and often moving settings of Longfellow's poems about slavery. A vocal score of Meg Blane can be downloaded from IMSLP (http://imslp.org/wiki/Meg_Blane,_Op.48_%28Coleridge-Taylor,_Samuel%29 (http://imslp.org/wiki/Meg_Blane,_Op.48_%28Coleridge-Taylor,_Samuel%29)) - the orchestral parts of this stormy seascape were quite literally rescued by an enthusiast when Novello's were junking their archives prior to a move of premises and leaving such material on the road-side for waste-paper collection! :o
It is great to have these rare works in BMB and many thanks again to Martin Eastick for providing the original cassette tapes. :)
Latest addition:
Dylan has very kindly sent Vernon Handley's recording of A Berkshire Idyll (1913) by Balfour Gardiner - this has been added to Folder 5. :)
Some more of Martin's tape recordings have now been transferred to BMB - Parry's Piano Trio No.2 (1884), the Overture and Ballet Music from Stanford's first opera The Veiled Prophet (1881) and a very early Symphonic Poem by Delius, On the Mountains (1890-92). These can all be found in Folder 4.
Upgrades:
Two of Martin's recordings (Stanford's Ballata and Ballabile and the Overture to The Canterbury Pilgrims) are markedly superior to mine - these replacements have now been effected in Folder 1. :)
Another BIG thanks to you all for this treasure trove of rare music.
I suppose it would be greedy to ask if anyone has the wherewithall to start a German Broadcast Music thread or French or Polish or ???
I wish we could start a U S thread but I don't know what would be included. Certainly not much unsung. I have several nice performances by the Mn Orch which are not available commercially, but things like Brahms 4 and Bruckner 7. I guess not exactly our cup of tea (or coffee).....
Jerry
Hi Jerry, that would be a splendid idea! I'm sure that there are many enthusiasts out there with great collections of otherwise unrecorded French, Italian, Russian, Scandinavian (etc.) broadcasts (and not restricted to Radio 3).
I'd take the job on, but I've got my hands full grappling with the Brits! ;)
*attempts to interpret "certainly not much unsung" American music and falls flat on his face failing* - huh? not many broadcast recordings of unsung American Romantic music? that's my best guess as to what you mean... and there's still enough, I think (not all of them made in the US, I'd think, though when conductors go abroad they tend to take Copland rather than Chadwick, I suppose. Still, I am thinking that's a "tend to". Or even if BBC Radio 3 was specifically meant, they have, I think, broadcast some lesser-known American Romantic works as well in broadcast performances in the past... awhile back true. Apparently according to Cadensa, for instance, Arthur H. Bird's serenade for winds - a recording, not a live performance, but rather little-known stuff by someone I would not know of I think if not for IMSLP - was broadcast on Radio 3 in a program on October 1988...)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Sunday 20 March 2011, 18:20
not many broadcast recordings of unsung American Romantic music
That's how I interpreted it - I'd love the opportunity to hear more Horatio Parker or John Knowles Paine!
Sorry I wasn't clear enough. Certainly there's a ton ofunsung American music- I have a large list of "want". And occasionally some of it may be played and even broadcast. But it's a big place and unless it's broadcast nationally (and that would mostly be National Public Radio - which our culturally friendly Republican House of Representatives is going to cut federal funding for), most of us would not have the opportunity to hear or record itl
Sorry for the political reference but it's a sad fact that a high percentage of politicians here of ALL persuasions do not heartily support public funding of any of the arts. It's a minor miracle that NPR and CPB (the television equivalent) have been funded as well as they have for so many years.
Jerry
... ... only if our Senate and President quite fold... but anyway. right. Erm. Away, these thoughts, to seriously paraphrase Beethoven in the finale of the 9th... actually re Parker, apparently at one point BBC Radio3 broadcast a 78 containing an excerpt from one of his operas, "Fairyland". (that would make a good start for the American Music Broadcasts folders ... if anyone has it!) Ah, public radio stations- radio stations!- were more often like that in the US once too, I know from
perusing old radio listings. Both have worsened... apologies. Getting way offtopic, and I am very sorry.
Botstein and his American Symphony Orchestra appear to be a little 'oasis in the desert' - how secure are they? ???
hrm. actually, John Denman included a clarinet sonata by Daniel Gregory Mason together with one by York Bowen in a BBC broadcast some years ago, it seems -not- consisting of pre-recorded CDs/LPs/78s I think anyway?...( February 25 1987 broadcast, according to iLink-Cadensa (http://cadensa.bl.uk) .) Haven't I think heard Mason, but have heard about, including his use of a theme by John Powell (that John Powell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Powell_(musician))) in a string quartet.
Eric
Yet another late night thanks to this wonderful thread. Never thought Pinto would be posted, but I am rather glad it was.
If there are any other 3rd rate hack pianists on here apart from me, there is a modern Typerset score of the sonata posted today on the Werner Site:
http://icking-music-archive.org/ByComposer/Pinto.php (http://icking-music-archive.org/ByComposer/Pinto.php)
Pleasant music within reach of the amateur.
Thal
In concluding the broadcasts from Martin Eastick's tape collection, the following recordings are now available: Mackenzie's 1888 Saltarello for violin and piano, Parry's The Lotos-Eaters (1892) conducted by David Willcocks in 1986 and the gorgeous symphonic poem The Passing of Beatrice (also 1892) by William Wallace (in a different recording to the one released shortly afterwards on Hyperion). Many thanks to Martin for allowing us to access the results of his diligence (well over 30 items)!
Additionally, I've taken the opportunity to upgrade a couple of recordings - for the files of Benedict's Symphony No.2 and the extracts from Mackenzie's The Rose of Sharon I've replaced my recordings with those from Martin's cassettes, with a noticeable improvement in sound quality.
Also today, Dylan has sent files of the six-movement suite from Parry's 1883 incidental music to The Birds - many will be familiar with the Bridal March, but the other items are just as attractive! All of the above can be found in Folder 4 :)
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 20 March 2011, 14:20
A mixed, but fascinating, selection for today - early British piano sonatas by Pinto, Donaldson and Potter, Henry Pierson's brooding and eccentric Symphonic Poem Macbeth (1859), Ethel Smyth's 1887 Cello Sonata, three works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Haydn Wood's Apollo Overture and a suite of dances by Ernest Tomlinson.
Two of the Coleridge-Taylor items have slightly problematic sound: Meg Blane was recorded at a live amateur performance and suffers from some distortion in louder passages, whilst in the Five Choral Ballads the sound is very recessed (I remember that this was an inherent problem with the recording as originally broadcast) and noise-reduction is highly counterproductive. Originally heard in orchestral guise in 1905, the full score is unfortunately lost but it is well worth getting to know these very attractive and often moving settings of Longfellow's poems about slavery. A vocal score of Meg Blane can be downloaded from IMSLP (http://imslp.org/wiki/Meg_Blane,_Op.48_%28Coleridge-Taylor,_Samuel%29 (http://imslp.org/wiki/Meg_Blane,_Op.48_%28Coleridge-Taylor,_Samuel%29)) - the orchestral parts of this stormy seascape were quite literally rescued by an enthusiast when Novello's were junking their archives prior to a move of premises and leaving such material on the road-side for waste-paper collection! :o
It is great to have these rare works in BMB and many thanks again to Martin Eastick for providing the original cassette tapes. :)
Latest addition:
Dylan has very kindly sent Vernon Handley's recording of A Berkshire Idyll (1913) by Balfour Gardiner - this has been added to Folder 5. :)
I wasn't aware of the wonderful rescue of the band parts of Meg Blane. Seemingly not content with treating Coleridge-Tayor shamefully in his lifetime, Novellos continued to disrespect him after his death. And what of the orchestral score of the Choral Ballads -- has anyone a clue as to where the manuscript or the band parts might be tucked away? Patrick Meadows and I are always on the lookout for worthwhile projects and, after the ten months of our lives we devoted to producing our edition of Thelma, the Choral Ballads would be a 'stroll in the park'!
Thank you for all the other wonderful things you have been uploading (and to those who have supplied the tapes, of course). As a result, I have been mightily distracted from editing Bomtempo's 4th Piano Concerto, which is what I'm
supposed to be doing! Parry's String Quintet fair knocked my socks off - it's a masterpiece.
The vocal scores of the Choral Ballads, Op.54 were published by Breitkopf & Hartel initially as two volumes (1-3 and 4-5), but the orchestral parts were always in manuscript. Unfortunately, like so many works issued like this, perhaps two or three sets were copied at the most - two world wars, careless publishers and general indifference have wreaked their havoc!
I think that (even in the muted piano version) these constitute one of Coleridge-Taylor's most attractive creations (alongside A Tale of Old Japan, the Symphonic Variations on an African Air, the Incidental music to Nero and Scenes from an Everyday Romance).
PS. The Parry Quintet is quite a stunner! The A flat Piano Quartet (on Meridian, perhaps deleted now) is certainly at the same level of excellence. ;D
erf, I need to find that tape I believe I have of Parry's 3rd string quartet (also a BBC broadcast, I think- though cadensa.bl.uk doesn't list this, which surprises me a little though not completely; they list Raff's quartet op.192 as having been broadcast but I know the BBC broadcast other Raff quartets too from having read microfilms - yes, I am a dork+ - of back issues of the Times , if memory serves - in which broadcasts of Raff's quartet no.1 , and other works were also mentioned, that don't seem to show up in cadensa/iLink, etc. .... So, unsurprisingly, hardly complete :) or, also likely, they've lost the tape and it's just a catalog of what they still own - in which case- kind of depressing, too.)
(Edit: I was searching for 'quartet' when I should have searched for 'quartets' or just looked under Raff. They do list the Alberni recording of the first Raff quartet on 15 July 1982. My mistake there!)
Also seems that the Parry trio could have been any time since it's from the Meridian recording and apparently they don't keep track of when pieces from CDs in their collection were broadcast- reasonable... more than unfortunate if that CD is no longer available though!!)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Tuesday 22 March 2011, 22:35Also seems that the Parry trio could have been any time since it's from the Meridian recording and apparently they don't keep track of when pieces from CDs in their collection were broadcast- reasonable... more than unfortunate if that CD is no longer available though!!)
The broadcast definitely predated the Meridian recording and it is not the same performance!
ah, sorry! cadensa only seems to list the 1993 Meridian one - but as noted in my last comment as edited I may not be casting my search range wide enough, too. hrm :)
The British Library Sound Archive is an absolute and ongoing nightmare - inconsistent, badly catalogued and just plain inadequate. I'm sure that once they have a commercial recording safely in their hands, they junk any clapped-out old broadcasts of the same work! :o
it seems Cadensa has three recordings, one of them commercial, of Raff's first violin sonata in their archive- maybe they don't consider Turban's recording to be a good one then? :):):) erm- anyway- back to topic. apologies.
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 22 March 2011, 21:25
The vocal scores of the Choral Ballads, Op.54 were published by Breitkopf & Hartel initially as two volumes (1-3 and 4-5), but the orchestral parts were always in manuscript. Unfortunately, like so many works issued like this, perhaps two or three sets were copied at the most - two world wars, careless publishers and general indifference have wreaked their havoc!
I think that (even in the muted piano version) these constitute one of Coleridge-Taylor's most attractive creations (alongside A Tale of Old Japan, the Symphonic Variations on an African Air, the Incidental music to Nero and Scenes from an Everyday Romance).
PS. The Parry Quintet is quite a stunner! The A flat Piano Quartet (on Meridian, perhaps deleted now) is certainly at the same level of excellence. ;D
I know I am getting more than slightly off the point but I had to confirm my wholehearted agreement with your opinions, especially in regard to the Symphonic Variations (the most beautiful set of variations of the whole romantic era, IMHO, constructed with utmost subtlety) and A Tale of Old Japan, which I think is Coleridge-Taylor's finest achievement, the Hiawatha trilogy notwithstanding (although I cannot help blubbing
every time I hear Onaway! Awake, Beloved!)
BMB advances further into the hinterland of British repertoire with music from the twentieth century: orchestral and vocal works from the four countries - England (Elizabeth Maconchy, Gordon Jacob, Norman Hay, Alan Bush, Peter Racine Fricker and John McCabe), Ireland (John Kinsella), Wales (Grace Williams, Daniel Jones and Alun Hoddinott) and Scotland (Thomas Wilson and Iain Hamilton).
Many thanks to Dylan for providing the recordings.
Despite the usual researches, I'm struggling to complete the broadcast details for several of these quite recent performances - any filling-in of the gaps would be greatly appreciated! :)
Many, many, many thanks to Dylan (and Albion) for the latest tranche of downloads!
Sadly, there's not a great deal more to come from my vaults; because over the years I've managed to lose a whole load of (not always very good) tapes from the 80's or thereabouts. I only hope others can fill some of the gaps; in particular I'd be very interested in hearing again lost recordings of music by Wilfred Josephs (esp his 5th symphony - "Summer?" - which was broadcast a number of times) and Derek Bourgeois (once had several of his on tape); aswell as premieres of Arthur Butterworth - also fairly regularly broadcast in the 70's and 80's - plus William Wordsworth and the other much derided "Cheltenham" symphonists. How about the first broadcast of Parry's Piano Concerto - which I recall as being good deal fierier than the subsequent recording? And I wonder if anyone taped the Ian Hamilton operas when they were performed; "Royal Hunt of the Sun" was particularly striking. (Though "Anna Karenina" was a bit of a drag. As for why - as an admirer of both Benjamin Frankel and John Whiting - I didn't record "Marching Song" when it was broadcast, I simply can't imagine. Just simple stupidity, I suppose?) Anyone else out there got (like me) an old box of tapes under the bed...?
As it happens, I have a number of broadcast performances of Wordsworth symphonies, as well as his concertos for cello and for violin. I'm uploading them now and will send them to Albion for posting.
The broadcasts of music by William Wordsworth (1908-1988)
(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2009/Jan09/wordsworth_portrait.jpg)
are now in BMB Folder 7. To complement Symphonies 2 and 3 (available on Lyrita), the archive now contains numbers 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8 together with the concertos for violin and cello. I've also taken the opportunity to move the two performances of the 1946 Piano Concerto into Folder 6.
Again, if anybody can help to fill in some of the missing artist and broadcast details, please don't hesitate!
Many thanks, dafrieze. ;D
The files in each folder are now arranged alphabetically by composer surname, which should hopefully make locating specific items more straightforward. In the next few days I will move together works by the same composer that are at present spread across multiple folders.
As always, if anybody spots glaring errors or inconsistencies, or can augment the broadcast information, please feel free to alert me to these! :)
Another broadcast has been added to the Parry section in Folder 3 - the first modern performance of the Piano Concerto in F sharp, broadcast in 1995 (the centenary year of the revised version). Conductor Charles Peebles gets things going immediately and maintains noticeably more momentum throughout the piece than does Martyn Brabbins on the subsequent Hyperion recording.
Many thanks to hammyplay for this latest addition to the archive. :)
In amongst the most recent additions to BMB, I've been especially struck by the works of Norman Hay, Gordon Jacob, Grace Williams and William Wordsworth. Hay was a composer completely new to me and listening to The Wind Among the Reeds makes me wonder why I've not come across his music before. Jacob's Chaconne is based on the Saraband of the Sons of God from Vaughan Williams' ballet Job and is a moving and beautiful piece in it's own right, commissioned by the BBC to celebrate the older composer's 70th birthday in 1942.
Grace Williams' first symphony (1943), based on the Glendower scene in Henry IV, Part 1, is a very strong piece indeed and the fact that it was later suppressed by the composer is extremely puzzling. The characteristic glitter of the orchestration and immediately appealing melodies ensure that it is a work which should be heard more often.
With the opportunity now to hear so many of Wordsworth's symphonies and concertos it is evident (IMHO) that here is yet another substantial figure who has largely been air-brushed out of modern musical consciousness. Never unapproachable, Wordsworth nonetheless shows in the 7th and 8th symphonies that his style was very far from being atrophied. Together with the the Lyrita disc of numbers 2 and 3 it is now possible to hear seven out of the eight - I don't think that the 6th has ever been recorded for broadcast, but if anybody has other information, please let me know! ???
Thanks to Dafrieze and Hammyplay for the latest contributions; I knew it wasn't just my imagination, and that the Hyperion recording of Parry's Piano Concerto seemed rather rhythmically lacklustre by comparison. (An occasional problem with the otherwise estimable Martyn Brabbins; though his recent Havergal Brian disc for Epoch is a cracker!) And Wordsworth is, I think, a very considerable figure who has fallen between a number of stools:I tried suggesting him when Dutton found they were "running out" of worthwhile British composers - but (seemingly) to no avail. Now, I wonder if anyone out there has any recordings of the very few broadcasts of Van Dieren ; or of Denis ApIvor - not a note of whose music I've ever managed to hear..?
Cadensa also says there's a Boult recording of Wordsworth 5- intriguing! Also, re symphony 7, musicweb (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2009/Jan09/Wordsworth_Conway.htm) says that Scottish National Orchestral conducted by Sir Alexander Gibson premiered it on 26 September 1981, with a BBC TV program soon after, that I'm ''guessing'' had the same or a similar performance, but I don't know unfortunately. Of symphony no.8 the same article gives the premiere date as 28 October 1986, BBC Scottish, Jerzy Maksymiuk, in Stirling. I have no idea though if this is the broadcast performance, despite the involvement of a BBC orchestra. OTOH, one could check photostats of the Times for dates around then perhaps (I used to do such things. They weren't always informative either- any more than radio listings for any other station anywhere- and more recently, after laws meant to prevent pre-taping for copyright reasons, erm.- never mind, never mind.)
Being totally unfamiliar with the Parry PC until I purchased the Hyperion CD (when it was pretty new, almost what, like 15 - 16 years ago?!) the piece holds up pretty well even in a relatively lackluster performance, IMHO! I always kind of preferred its companion on the CD, the Stanford PC 1. It was my introduction to Stanford.
I think Cadensa lists all of 71 tapes in their archive having to do with "ApIvor". there may be some hope. I gather he did a lot of arranging, but ...
It would be good to fill in the other 'missing' Daniel Jones symphonies (those that aren't already available from Lyrita) -
(http://www.lyrita.co.uk/covers/SRCD0326.jpg) (http://www.lyrita.co.uk/covers/SRCD0329.jpg)
I've found the broadcast dates for the others (including number 2 which I've now amended in the listing), all BBC Welsh SO under Bryden Thomson:
No.1 (br. 12/1/1990)
No.3 (br. 6/2/1991)
No.5 (br. 9/2/1990)
No.10 (br. 6/1/1993)
No.11 (br. 3/2/1993)
No.12 (br. 3/1993)
Unfortunately the 13th (1992) came too late for Thomson to set down in the studio, but a performance from the Swansea Festival (under Richard Hickox) was broadcast on 7/12/1992.
If anybody has copies of these and would be willing to share them, please don't be shy! ;)
Thanks for all the hard work that has been put into this now substantial recorded archive!
Thanks for that Alan - even if the archive is far from comprehensive, the provision of these recordings perhaps acts as a riposte to anybody who still believes that Britain before (and even during) the twentieth century was a land without music.
Even given that Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Britten and (to a lesser extent) Walton are fairly widely acknowledged as at least 'significant', it never ceases to amaze that a great wealth of British music from Samuel Wesley and Cipriani Potter, through Sullivan, Stanford, Parry and Mackenzie, to the veritable explosion of composition throughout the twentieth century has not been made commercially available in professional recordings. I think that the BBC could and should take a much more active role in this - nobody would be happier than me to see legitimate releases of these performances on CD (in which case I would cheerfully delete the relevant items from BMB).
Whilst some of the works uploaded may not be to everybody's taste (including mine) I think it is important to look beyond personal preference - after all this forum is for the open minded classical music lover - and long may it continue! ;D
The generosity of fellow-members never fails to amaze - thanks to our good friend out in Kansas jimmattt there are now several further fascinating recordings of twentieth-century repertoire added to Folders 6-8: piano concertos or concertante works with piano by Albert Coates (first movement), Gordon Jacob, Thomas Pitfield, Denis ApIvor, Stanley Bate, Ruth Gipps (first movement), Richard Hall, David Gow and Edward Cowie. There are also orchestral works by Fricker and John Veale.
The two Bate Concertos (numbers 2 and 3) feature the composer as soloist (Bate was clearly a highly talented pianist), whilst the Albert Coates Concerto excerpt is conducted by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's daughter Avril and the first movement of Ruth Gipps' Concerto is conducted by the composer herself.
After the usual preliminary research into these works and recordings I'm afraid that there are the usual lacunae of information - please could anybody supply missing composition, performance or broadcast dates to keep BMB as accurate as possible!
Many thanks for these, Jim ;D
As late additions to Folder 6, some more extremely interesting recordings from jimmattt of music by Walter Thomas Gaze Cooper (1895-1981) - Piano Concerto No.3 (played by the alluringly-named Barbara Clamp), the final movement of Piano Concerto No.4 and the suite entitled My Grandchildren.
As Cooper is a rather obscure figure, some background information might be useful - http://www.kith.org/jimmosk/barnett.html (http://www.kith.org/jimmosk/barnett.html)
Cheers, Jim ;D
Question - Did Richard Hall compose more than one piano concerto. I have a source that sez there's a Concerto in e from 1949 and another written in 1951. True or not? Thanks
Jerry
Jim has just sent another, complete recording of the same performance of Ruth Gipps' Piano Concerto. Unfortunately, this complete recording is afflicted with a persistent (but not omnipresent) digital 'click': I have split the complete mp3 track and uploaded a new file for movements 2 and 3 (movement 1 is therefore unaffected). Now the concerto can be heard (with a bit of forebearance) in it's totality - and a very attractive work it is! :)
More interesting music from jimmattt - the fourth symphony by Alan Bush (Folder 6), inspired by the paintings in the caves at Lascaux and two piano concertante works by his namesake Geoffrey (Folder 7).
The individual movement titles of the Alan Bush symphony are given in the extra information (click on Details at the top of the mediafire folder page) and this performance was the premiere conducted by Edward Downes in 1986.
The Geoffrey Bush Concertino No.1 is complete in two files (the second and third movements are elided), but the final movement of the Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Strings is, unfortunately, missing. If there is anybody who can supply this, please get in touch!
Thanks again, Jim. :)
I've just added another interesting piano concerto to Folder 7, the 1989 premiere performance of The Quest, a concerto in one movement by Patrick Piggott (1915-1990).
Piggott studied composition with Benjamin Dale and piano with Harold Craxton at the RAM and from 1965 to1969 he was head of music for the BBC in the Midlands region.
Many thanks to jimmattt for this latest addition! :)
Two exciting new additions to Folder 8, courtesy of dafrieze: Symphonies 2 (1964) and 3 (1979) by Arthur Butterworth (b.1923), thus complementing the excellent Dutton releases of numbers 1, 4 and 5 -
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41KIxlGl4jL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61jzVMkb-4L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Cheers, Dave. ;D
Another fascinating twentieth-century piano concerto has just been added to Folder 7 - one written in 1976 by Anthony Burgess (1917-1993), far better known as a novelist and playwright.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/Burgess1.jpg/240px-Burgess1.jpg)
This is a recording of the world premiere given in 1999.
Thanks to dafrieze for yet more out-of-the-ordinary repertoire! :)
Hah! Someone (Jim possibly) was asking recently whether Burgess the composer was identical with Burgess the writer. Well, here you are - and it is well past April 1st!!
Burgess was, in fact, quite prolific as a composer from the 1930s onwards - http://www.anthonyburgess.org/anthony-burgess-his-life-work/music/
(http://www.anthonyburgess.org/anthony-burgess-his-life-work/music/)
and the 1976 Piano Concerto is far from negligible! :)
Thanks! It was indeed I! And I'll get right on it! Thank you my droogies!
One thing I could never stand was to see a filthy dirty old drunky howling away at the filthy songs of his fathers and going blurp blurp in between as it might be a filthy old orchestra in his stinking rotten guts; I could never stand to see anyone like that, whatever his age might be, but more especially when he was real old like this one was - unless he's giving us Raff's Op.98.
;D
I've just added another British symphony to Folder 8 which I had completely forgotten that I had ( ::)) - John McCabe's Symphony No.3 (1978) in a great performance from 2005 conducted by Barry Wordsworth. :)
I'm absolutley astonished at the work and dedication by Albion (et al) in setting up these folders of otherwise lost British treasures and the whole endeavour is really appreciated. Just a slightly selfish plea - is there any more pre WW 1 orchestral content available that can be donated/uploaded??
yours hopefully (!)
Richard
Quote from: Richard Moss on Tuesday 05 April 2011, 17:31
is there any more pre WW 1 orchestral content available that can be donated/uploaded??
I'm always on the lookout! I would love to know if anyone has -
Hamilton Harty: The Mystic Trumpeter (1913)Brian Rayner Cook, baritone/ BBC Singers/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ John Poole (broadcast 5/8/1991)
orBelfast Philharmonic Society Choir/ Ulster Orchestra/ John Lubbock (broadcast 12/10/1994)
Alexander Mackenzie: Scottish Rhapsody No. 1, Op.21 (1879)BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/ Bryden Thomson (broadcast date unknown)
Hubert Parry: The Soul's Ransom (1906)Bach Choir/ Philharmonia Orchestra/ David Willcocks (broadcast 5/6/1986)
Ethel Smyth: Mass in D (1893)BBC Symphony Chorus/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ Meredith Davies (broadcast 6/4/1986)
Arthur Sullivan: The Golden Legend (1886)Leeds Philharmonic Chorus/ BBC Philharmonic Orchestra/ Charles Mackerras (broadcast 15/3/1986)
Joseph Holbrooke: Byron (1904)BBC Singers/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ John Poole (broadcast 6/12/1978)
Charles Villiers Stanford: Requiem (1897)BBC Singers/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ John Poole (broadcast 6/10/1978)
Charles Villiers Stanford: Phaudrig Crohoore (1896)BBC Singers/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ Ashley Lawrence (broadcast 11/6/1974)
and (post-1918)
Ina Boyle: Overture (1933-34)Ulster Orchestra/ Colman Pearce (broadcast 17/3/1992)
In the meantime, there are some more wonderful recordings of later twentieth-century repertoire in progress! :)
I've finally located and uploaded my copy of the 2000 broadcast of the mighty 1935-7 Piano Concerto by Alan Bush (Folder 6). This work, lasting nearly an hour, was consciously modelled on the Busoni Concerto with a fiendish solo part and male voices in the Finale (to a text by Randall Swingler).
There is some useful information on this remarkable composition here - http://www.musicweb-international.com/BushA/alanbush.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/BushA/alanbush.htm)
:)
That is incredible, I have never heard this.
I will have to listen to it in shifts, as it exceeds my attention span by a considerable margin.
Superb thread.
Thal
PS. Has any of Simon Waley's compositions been recorded or broadcasted??
Our great friend in BMB Dylan has just sent me a large number of recordings which I've just begun to work through.
I've just uploaded two fascinating near-contemporary operatic rarities, Malcolm Arnold's 1951 one-act opera The Dancing Master (Folder 8) and another instalment from the 1995 series Britannia at the Opera: extracts from Arthur Benjamin's A Tale of Two Cities (1950) - Benjamin has been conscripted into BMB (Folder 6) on account of his long residence in this country, the commissioning of his opera for the Festival of Britain and the sheer enjoyability of his music! :)
Over the coming days I will endeavour to research, convert, edit and upload the many other excellent items from this latest haul. :o
Delighted to read of your response, Thal, to the Bush concerto. I've been itching to hear it for a good number of years. We've been fortunate in having had several pretty excellent recordings of the Busoni starting with John Ogden, and I wish some of those who've risked breaking their fingers on Busoni would turn their attention to Bush instead.
I suppose the problem here is that 'everyone' has heard of Busoni, but few know much of Bush. It is one of those many scandals that he is so unrepresented. I was lucky to hear a semi-professional performance of the 1st symphony in Manchester some 20 or more years ago - and I walked back home because I couldn't tolerate the sound of a train disturbing the memory of what I'd just heard! (Younger in those days!).
Both the 1st and 2nd symphonies (from 1940 and 1949) have been recorded by the RNCM / Douglas Bostock (that man is a hero!) on a Classico CD - hopefully that is still available, and is certainly worth seeking out.
The 2nd, incidentally, is subtitled 'The Nottingham', and was written for the celebrations that took place to mark the 500th anniversary of the town being granted its Royal Charter of Freedom. There's an amusing account of its performance by Bush's wife, Nancy, on the excellent Alan Bush website. It seemed a very grand affair with the Mayor and all the top brass present in their full regalia - and a right proper nosh was held afterwards! The Mayor seemed to enjoy it....as did many inhabitants of Nottingham, for the symphony was repeated and nearly all tickets sold - probably wouldn't happen these days!
Neither the 3rd (the 'Byron') of 1959, nor the 4th (the 'Lascaux' - named after the caves in France) have ever been recorded. I'm hoping that one day someone (Dutton is the obvious one) will wake up to the fact that Bush is a British composer of real stature and has had very few recordings indeed.
From the works of Bush that I've heard (which must be approximately one tenth of his total worklist - for it numbers just over 100 plus 4 operas) I have little hesitation in placing him firmly on the same platform as, for example, Tippett, Rawsthorne, and Rubbra to name just a few. Obviously such a categorisation is a trifle daft since there are very clear differences between all 4 composers. But rely on Bush for a very tight control of his musical materials, and a well-worked out and satisfying development and resolution of ideas. That is especially true of the fairly early 'Dialectic for String Quartet' of 1929. That's a hugely rewarding work, and it was recorded by the Medici on a Claudio CD, where it is c/w the Violin Concerto performed by Manoug Parikian, BBC SO / Norman Del Mar.
Maybe to some extent Bush shot himself in the foot through his own political preferences. The text contained within the Piano Concerto apparently offended the BBC establishment, and his music was rarely broadcast again. Don't know whether it is true, but there's a lovely story of a performance conducted by Boult who, immediately after the PC, insisted on playing the National Anthem!!! That side of Bush's reputation is thoroughly silly, of course, for quite a few significant British composers got up to tricks that had a greater potential for upsetting the worthies.
Back to the keyboard and Thal in particular. Bush's Op. 2 is the single movement Piano Sonata written when Bush was 20. Not in the same league as that stunning young man's sonata by Benjamin Dale, but nonetheless quite a gem. There is a Mark Bebbington performance on a CD where it is coupled with Karg-Elert's transcription of Elgar's E flat major symphony (but I have to confess I found the latter a dull affair. Poor old Karg-Elert, eh?!!)
The following are now in BMB:
Daniel Jones: Symphony No.12 (1985) - Folder 7
Alun Hoddinott: Symphony No.10, Op.172 (1999) - Folder 7
Robert Still: Concerto for Strings (1964) - Folder 6
Benjamin Dale: The Flowing Tide (1924-43) - Folder 5
Christopher Steel: Cello Concerto and Symphony No.5, Romantic (1986) - Folder 7
John McCabe: Double Concerto (1987-8) - Folder 7
:)
Morning additions to Folder 7:
Panorama (1949) by John Veale, the Clarinet Concerto (1959) by Graham Whettam and Nicholas Simpson's Symphony No.2.
:)
I remember hearing that CD with Bush symphonies 1 and 2 some years ago. I found them rather difficult going. The 1st was especially tough gristle, with a lot of 12-tone and craggy passages. The 2nd was somewhat easier to fathom, although not exactly inviting. I'm not sure I would consider them in the romantic idiom.
I did not rush right out to buy that CD. I might find it more accessible these days, as my tolerance for dissonance and atonality has increased over the years.
I am interested to hear the concerto. I'm hoping it will be less acerbic. Otherwise, I might not last through to the end.
Two more additions today - two attractive dances from the 1940 ballet Puck Fair by Elizabeth Maconchy (Folder 6) and Thomas Wilson's String Quartet No.4 written for the Edinburgh Quartet in 1978 (Folder 7).
Again, many thanks to Dylan for these recent contributions. :)
The Bush Piano Concerto was once described by Sorabji as the greatest piano concerto ever composed by an Englishman (which might not be saying so very much, but a compliment was indeed intended - and this from one who knew York Bowen's contributions to the medium well before most other people besides Bowen himself did). The Swingler doggerel is really a piece of penny-dreadful writing and it is one of the more unusual virtues of this concerto that Bush somehow manages to ensure that the music does not suffer as a consequence. I've only ever heard it played by Rolf Hind in a performance that sounded rather under-rehearsed and which followed Tippett's Second Symphony (arguably one of his finest works of all); the Bush could have done with more attention, really, but it still sounded profoundly impressive. Bush himself was the soloist in the première and the Boult/National Anthem story probably is correct(!); I wish that I could have heard this but I am unaware that it was ever recorded.
Sorabji gave me my copy of the score of the Bush concerto many years after he had published an enthusiatic review of it when it first emerged; he urged me to get to know it by practising its solo part (what did he think I was - a pianist?!)...
Best,
Alistair
At BMB recordings and files come in, get researched and processed and then go out again (uploaded). Over the last couple of evenings I've taken time to actually listen to and absorb some more of this wonderful music.
Recent stand-out highlights for me have been Malcolm Arnold's witty and vivacious opera The Dancing Master and the music of John Veale from the series of 2006 broadcasts conducted by David Porcelijn (many thanks to Dylan and jimmattt for these). Here was a fascinating composer that I'd never encountered before, so I was please to discover that there is a website devoted to him - http://www.johnvealecomposer.co.uk/index.asp (http://www.johnvealecomposer.co.uk/index.asp).
More music by Veale would be very welcome indeed, especially the 3rd Symphony performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra under Barry Wordsworth (broadcast in November 2006). :)
More BRAVOs to Albion and contributors, what wonderful new additions to an already incredible treasure. I will need to find more about Nicolas Simpson, am loving that Symphony No. 2. And may I request anyone who has more orchestral music by Elizabeth Maconchy would you please submit it, especially anything with piano and orchestra, I believe there is at least a concertino, not sure. And for that matter, how about anything by Elizabeth Lutyens. If you don't ask, you don't get...Thanks again, Maestro Albion.
Nicholas Simpson has his own blog here - http://www.nicholassimpson.com/ (http://www.nicholassimpson.com/) and here is some biographical information from another site -
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ds-9V94_XHI/SY__liCPk6I/AAAAAAAAAAM/T5Opay0mxC4/S220/mugshot6.jpg)
Nicholas Simpson was born in Manchester and read law at Nottingham University . For ten years he played in rock bands, making a small but still faintly detectable impact on 1980's pop, before studying composition and conducting at Trinity College of Music in London. At Trinity he had lessons for four years with John Tavener, winning the Chappell Prize for composition and the Ricordi Prize for conducting (twice). In 1987 he was a finalist in the national Yehudi Menuhin and Royal Overseas League competitions and, whilst still a student, his first string quartet was given by the Roth Quartet at the Purcell Room.
In the 1990s Simpson earned a living as a criminal lawyer, composing in his spare time, but quit to be a professional musician on moving back to Manchester in 1998. His music has been played in Europe and the USA by artists as diverse as the Composers' Ensemble, the B.B.C. Symphony Orchestra and the English String Quartet. He has written music in a wide variety of genres, including two symphonies and many chamber pieces, and is one of a small (and undistinguished) number of people whose work has been played both on Radio 1 and Radio 3. He has led courses for the Sound Inventors composition in education team which won a Royal Philharmonic Society award.
In 2005 his Symphony No. 2 was recorded by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and broadcast on Radio 3. His piece for the Fell Clarinet Quartet, Mardale Changes, has been performed at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester and in Scotland. He is now working on a 3rd symphony. Scheduled for 2007 were two performances of his oratorio Recreation, recently nominated for the British Composer awards. He is Conductor of the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra, Manchester and the Halifax Symphony Orchestra in West Yorkshire . He has also conducted the Amaretti Chamber Orchestra, Chelsea Symphony Orchestra, Salford Symphony Orchestra and the Manchester Beethoven Orchestra.
Nick Simpson is married and has three children.
Another conscript into BMB on account of his close associations with this country - Bernard van Dieren (1887-1936).
The Elegy for Cello and Orchestra (1908) and the Chinese Symphony (1914) are now in Folder 6. Many thanks to dafrieze for these recordings.
:)
A friend from outside the forum recently sent me four compact discs containing a wealth of important broadcasts - Ruth Gipps' Symphony No.4 (1972), Arthur Butterworth's Violin Concerto (1978) and a wonderful collection of cello concertos by Lennox Berkeley (1939), Arnold Cooke (1972-3), Daniel Jones (1986), David Gow (1990), Robert Simpson (1991) and David Blake (1992) - mostly world premiere performances.
Now that I have ascertained all the broadcasting dates, the concertos by Berkeley and Cooke can be found in Folder 6, whilst all the other items are in Folder 7. There is a very slight digital click in the concluding minutes of the Ruth Gipps Symphony, but nothing that will hinder enjoyment of this wide-ranging and ambitious work.
There is plenty of music here that ought really to be better known - happy listening! ;D
What a treasure trove! Links for folders 1-7 are laid out in Albion's initial post, but I'm unclear as to we access folders 8 and up. Could someone enlighten me, please?
Hi, all the broadcasts and other recordings mentioned throughout this thread are available in Folders 1-7 (which are listed in the initial posting).
A couple of weeks ago I did some rearranging which meant that everything in the smaller Folders 8-16 was moved into the larger Folders 1-7.
Hope you find what you're looking for - the listing for Folders 1-5 is a bit random at the moment, but I've arranged 6 and 7 in composer-chronology order!
:)
Great! Thanks, Albion.
Another great friend of BMB, jimmattt, has sent vintage performances of the Piano Concertos by Gordon Jacob (the first written in 1927, the second in 1957).
These can now be found along with the other Jacob recordings in Folder 6.
Many thanks for these, Jim. :)
Two more substantial scores by Grace Williams are now in Folder 6 - the Sinfonia Concertante (1941) and the Violin Concerto (1950). These are from the 2006 Composer of the Week series and so are good modern performances.
In Folder 7 there is a Concertante for Piano and Strings by Pamela Harrison (1915-1990) - another very welcome addition to female representation in British music.
Many thanks to jimmattt for these great new items. :)
BMB has got a new home in this section of the forum - indeed here is where it should really have been all along -
many thanks to Mark for arranging the seamless transfer!
The entire archive is now in composer-chronology order - apologies to anybody trying to download material this evening whilst cutting, pasting and file-moving was taking place!
:)
I've just added the trilogy of Northern Ballads by Arnold Bax to Folder 5.
Rarely heard (even individually), Vernon Handley programmed them together as a sequence in a concert with the BBC Philharmonic which was broadcast live on 19th December 2006.
:)
There are now two significant and otherwise-unavailable works by Gordon Crosse (b. 1937) in Folder 8 - Elegy (1959) and Symphony No.1 (1976).
Many thanks to Dylan for providing these and further expanding the range of repertoire in BMB. :)
There is now a vintage recording of York Bowen's Symphony No.3, Op.137 in Folder 5.
It is not clear as to whether or not the score for this work is still extant. If not, then this performance represents a very valuable historical document.
Many thanks to dafrieze for providing this fascinating addition to BMB. :)
Two more broadcasts of substantial scores by Iain Hamilton are now in Folder 8 - the Piano Concertos from 1949 (revised 1967) and 1960 (revised 1987) played respectively by Margaret Kitchen under Edward Downes in 1970 and by David Horne under Jerzy Maksymiuk in 1991.
Many thanks to our friend jimmattt for these latest recordings. :)
In October 2001 the BBC celebrated the 80th birthday of Malcolm Arnold with broadcasts of all nine symphonies: Folder 8 now contains specially recorded live performances of Symphonies 1-6 performed by the BBC Philharmonic under Rumon Gamba (thus complementing the Chandos recordings of 7-9).
These are exceptional interpretations, with numbers 5 and 6 benefitting from being played in the presence of the composer. :)
Re the McCabe performance of Pinto's fantasia and sonata in C minor- is this the same work as Pinto's sonata in C minor, or something different? Cadensa notes a broadcast of the latter in 1984 ("198483"- March 3?).
The Mackenzie piano quartet (op11 in the same key?) was broadcast at least once (is the "unknown" because of ambiguity?) - one I can find is in 1974, with John Tunnll(?) on violin, Charles Tunnell cello, Susan Tunnell piano, Brian Hawkins viola. Other broadcasts of CDs (at least two of those) etc. listed in Cadensa also but at least that one studio broadcast too, maybe others I can't find... also, don't know if this is the work you're talking about (I should go find out and I will.)]
they also list another rec. of Bowen sym. 3 (this has prob. already been mentioned?...sorry) with Charles Groves conducting the Bournemouth symphony in the collection of York Bowen Tapes lent by the RAM, though no date is provided there either apparently...
Pinto's Grand Sonata in C minor (c.1803) is a different work from the posthumous Fantasia and Sonata. At least one of the sonatas (E flat minor) was broadcast on 14th December 1995 as part of a series entitled Brief Lives which looked at short-lived eighteenth-century British composers. The recording I was transcribing, however, came with a cut-out from the Radio Times which showed that the McCabe broadcasts were not part of such a series.
Mackenzie's 1873 Piano Quartet is indeed his Op.11 - this was left off in oversight, but is now corrected. The performers on the broadcast recording are definitely the Naxos Quartet as the tape came with another relevant snippet from the Radio Times.
Thanks for the reference to the Charles Groves recording of Bowen's Symphony No.3. I came across the RAM York Bowen tapes on cadensa some time ago but didn't examine every entry in detail - as most of them give no additional information as to what the tapes actually contain. ::)
This further recording may prove valuable if the opportunity for reconstruction ever arises! :)
Recent additions to the archive include nla recordings and broadcasts of Holst, Bliss and Malcolm Arnold. :)
Jumping on the bandwagon of commercial plugging, BMB brings you an alternative Specialist Classical Chart of transfers and downloads for the week ending round about now (or thereabouts) - aka Who's Hot and Who's Not:
1. York Bowen - Symphony No.3
2. Bernard van Dieren - Chinese Symphony
3. Alan Bush - Piano Concerto
4. Gordon Jacob - Piano Concerto No.1
5. Grace Williams - Violin Concerto
6. Gordon Jacob - Piano Concerto No.2
7. Ruth Gipps - Symphony No.4
8. Arthur Butterworth - Violin Concerto
9. Grace Williams - Sinfonia Concertante
10. Benjamin Dale - The Flowing Tide
No André Rieu here! Can anybody topple York Bowen from prime position!! Is Van Dieren's Chinese Symphony on the take-away menu!!! ;)
Quote from: Albion on Thursday 05 May 2011, 08:09
No André Rieu here!
We lovers of serious music may occasionally laugh at André Rieu, but we must realize that he has promoted – in his own way – classical music worldwide already for many, many years.
Indeed, I rail not at Rieu (although some of his 'special arrangements' do scant justice and occasionally no little injury to the originals) but at the broadcasting of commercial puffery surreptitiously masquerading as honest populism. :)
Many thanks to all responsible for posting the Sullvan Te Deum. I was a singer on that recording, an extra drafted in from Ron Corp's BBC Club Choir to augment the London Choral Society. I remember thinking at the time that it was probably the worst piece of music ever written, and time hasn't removed it from that peak of my estimation. The whole piece cries out for quotation, but the bit (almost exactly 30' in) where a military band makes an entry playing a perky little tune which, amazingly, fits exactly against the hymn-tune St Anne which has been pressed into service along the way, ranks among the most hilarious. The piece was written to celebrate the Prince of Wales's recovery from his appendix op, and the story goes that when he heard it he began to wonder whether recovery had been the wisest option - or perhaps I just made that up. Anyway, listening again reminded me what fun we all had recording it. Haven't laughed so much for a long time.
DF
HRH was probably pretty relieved to recover from the typhoid that had killed his father eleven years previously - a relief also felt by the general public in an age which cared about such things.
Sullivan's was a predictably populist response and his contribution to the festivities was very warmly received:
Of this new work by our young countryman we are glad to be able to speak in terms of unqualified praise. It is not only, in our opinion, the most finished composition for which we are indebted to his pen, but an honour to English art. It is written for soprano solo, chorus, orchestra, organ, and military band. The military band is not an absolute necessity, but may be employed ad libitum; its effect, however, as introduced in the last chorus, is so bright and uncommon that it would be a pity to present the work without it.
The "Te Deum" comprises seven numbers. The first begins with a slow and majestic prelude for orchestra, in which a fragment of Dr. Croft's church tune known as "St Ann's," bearing a strong affinity to the theme of one of the most famous of J. S. Bach's organ fugues, is introduced. The chorus (C major) is in the same strain, and the words, "All the earth doth worship Thee," are set to a short "fugato." At the repetition of "We praise Thee," &c., full choral harmony is resumed; and "To Thee all angels cry aloud" becomes the text for a well-developed fugue, which, but for certain episodical passages, might almost be called Handelian in style.
Still better is the second number – "To Thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry" (E flat) – for soprano solo, with chorus. The setting of the words, "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabaoth," in which the chorus is alternately accompanied by orchestra and left alone, is singularly impressive, and there is a Rossinian touch in the charming triplet melody allotted to the solo (sung to perfection by Mdlle. Titiens).
The interest of the work increases as it goes on. The third number – a grand chorus – "The glorious company of the Apostles praise Thee" – is one of the most striking and original in the "Te Deum." In this is interpolated the first Gregorian tone (G), harmonized with great ingenuity, especially in one place, where, the tune being preserved intact, the harmony takes it into a different key. The words, "Thou art the King of Glory," are set to what musicians technically term a canon, "four in one," and this, with a characteristic accompaniment for the orchestra, is developed so skilfully as to justify us, without entering into further detail, in proclaiming Mr. Sullivan a thorough master of contrapuntal device.
The fourth number is an air for soprano (B minor), "When Thou tookest on Thee to deliver man" – a strain of continuous melody as beautiful as it is pathetic. This was exquisitely sung by Mdlle. Titiens, and accompanied by the orchestra with a delicacy beyond praise.
No. 5, chorus, "We believe that Thou shalt come to be our Judge" (B major), is less original, if not less meritorious in a purely artistic sense, than the pieces which precede and follow it. What with the style of its melody, and its triplet orchestral accompaniment, we are too frequently reminded of Mendelssohn, and especially of certain passages in St. Paul. But, in other respects there is no room for criticism.
No. 6, soprano solo, with chorus (G) – "O Lord, save Thy people" – has much worthy notice, more, in fact, than we can find time to dwell upon. The second part, "Day by day we magnify Thee," begins with a very tuneful choral quartet, the theme led off by the tenors, answered by the basses and echoed by the sopranos, though not further developed, as might have been anticipated, in the strict form of a "round" or "canon." In this number we have a fresh reference to the Gregorian tone, already mentioned, where the words, "O Lord, save Thy people," occur – than which nothing could be more appropriate.
No.7 – "Vouchsafe, O Lord" (C) – the final chorus, and concluding portion of the "Te Deum," is a worthy climax. In this Mr. Sullivan has put forth all his strength, and with eminent success. The orchestral prelude is identical with that with which the work commences, and, the key being also identical, we have that homogeneity sometimes absent even from compositions far more ambitious in design and character. Here, again, the stately tune of Dr. Croft ("St. Ann's") is used with striking effect, both in the opening and elsewhere. The words, "O Lord, let Thy mercy lighten upon us," are wedded to a masterly fugue, from which, though here and there slightly reminded of St. Paul, we cannot withhold admiration.
The introduction of the military band, near the close, the reappearance of the "St. Ann's" tune, now made the theme of the "Domine salvam fac Reginam" ("O Lord save the Queen") for voices in unison, and the ultimate working up merit all eulogy. It is agreeable to have to describe in such terms the work of a native musician composed for so important an occasion. (The Times, 2nd May, 1872)
For anybody wishing to find out more about this composition, there is an interesting commentary here - http://www.sullivan-forschung.de/html/f1-analysen-teDeum.html (http://www.sullivan-forschung.de/html/f1-analysen-teDeum.html)
In spite of the confident (though not spectacular) fugal writing, the use of plainsong melody in the third movement, and the clever juxtaposition of sacred and secular in the last, I don't really think that Sullivan intended the work to be listened to as anything other than what it was - a fun pièce d'occasion. ;)
Greetings, pop pickers - this week we've got some toe-tapping new entries from Iain Hamilton and Gordon Crosse and rocketing up the charts is new talent Malcolm Arnold Bax, but York Bowen's still the best thing since knicker elastic ...
1. York Bowen - Symphony No.3
2. Iain Hamilton - Piano Concerto No.2
3. Iain Hamilton - Piano Concerto No.1
4. Arnold Bax - Northern Ballad No.1
5. Gordon Crosse - Symphony No.1
6. Malcolm Arnold - Symphony No.1
7. Arnold Bax - Northern Ballad No.2
8. Bernard van Dieren - Chinese Symphony
9. Gordon Jacob - Piano Concerto No.2
10. Malcolm Arnold - Symphony No.2
FAQs
Is the BMB Specialist Classical Chart linked in any way to commercial sponsorship?
The BMB Specialist Classical Chart is brought to you in association with the bargain wine section at Tesco.
How accurate is your statistical data?
Statistics are 100% accurate based on our ability to focus on the computer screen - see above.
Re the Sullivan Te Deum - yes, I was confusing the Prince of Wales's illnesses - the appendix operation came much later in his life, when he was no longer Prince of Wales but King Edward, and after Sullivan's death.
Interesting article, thank you, from the Deutsche Sullivan Gesellschaft, although I find the parallel that it tries to draw with the use of "popular" elements in the finale of Beethoven 9 a bit suspect. I would agree with the footnote that one lays oneself open to a charge of hypocrisy if one accepts Beethoven's decision to incorporate such elements (the Turkish march) but not Sullivan's (the military band) - yes, I wouldn't want to restrict any composer's freedom to make decisions, but perhaps how they're implemented counts for something as well. I'm not sure that Sullivan's merry tune quite scales the heights of Beethoven's cosmic rejoicing (or, to take another example, the lah-lahing episode in the finale of the Gothic).
I see as well that Sullivan's Boer War Te Deum is available on a commercial recording, conducted once again by Ron Corp. I must have a listen.
DF
Just a word of thanks for the music. The suite by Edward German (The Seasons) was an especially lovely discovery...
ok, now I am a little confused- I was already aware of the newish recording of the Boer War Te Deum (which received two interesting Fanfare magazine reviews at the time, not atypically, I think; and there is also Wikipedia article about the work)... is this indeed an earlier 1870s work or another recording of the later one?
Eric
Quote from: eschiss1 on Monday 16 May 2011, 05:55
ok, now I am a little confused
There are three settings of the Te Deum by Arthur Sullivan:
Te Deum (D major) for choir and organ (1866), recorded on Priory PRCD 691
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/617TVMKE9CL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Festival Te Deum (1872), BBC broadcast recording in BMB
'Boer War' Te Deum (1900), recorded on Hyperion CDA 67423
(http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/034571174235.png)
The discussion above relates to the 1872 setting, but DaveF also referred in passing to the Hyperion release of the 'Boer War' Te Deum.
The Boer War Te Deum is amongst Sullivan's last works and it's well worth searching out. IIRC it's only about a quarter of an hour long, but it has some lovely choral writing, is - for Sullivan - quite deeply felt and restrained, and makes very effective use of his hymn tune "Onward Christian Soldiers". One of my favourite Sullivan works.
Mark, you do recall correctly - although those who find Sullivan's treatment of St Anne dubious are not likely to be impressed by St Gertrude! ;)
Oh, I love a good strong tune! Actually, again IIRC, the tune itself isn't given whole to any voice or instrument but just emerges from the musical texture. Hardly a unique device, but an effective one nonetheless.
hrm. would that be related (even very, very, very vaguely :) ) to hocket or pointillism?
Quote from: eschiss1 on Wednesday 25 May 2011, 15:26
hrm. would that be related (even very, very, very vaguely :) ) to hocket or pointillism?
Hocket, possibly (if only by accident); pointillism, I very much doubt it!
The HRH-inspired flurry of interest in Parry has reminded me that a few years ago there seemed to be several broadcasts of Parry's The Chivalry of The Sea. For one reason or another I managed not to record any of them. I know there's now a commercial recording, but if anyone has one of those pioneering broadcasts, commentators write highly of the piece and I'd be very interested to hear it...?
Vassily Sinaisky's Proms performance of Parry's 5th Symphony (depicted in the recent BBC documentary) is now in Folder 2.
Many thanks to Mark for supplying the files! :)
In anticipation of the forthcoming Proms extravaganza, last December's landmark performance of Havergal Brian's Gothic Symphony in Brisbane (very recently broadcast on Australian 4MBS radio) can now be found in Folder 4.
Many thanks to Johan for making access to this transmission possible. :)
An incredible improvement over the Naxos performance! Thanks to johan for sharing this with us all!
I'm going to admit that I'm just not very familiar with most of these British composers. I am particularly ignorant about choral music, since I've never really listened to it much and didn't grow up with it in school or church. I know some works by Russian composers and the more famous operas, but really have no clue about what to expect here.
So, please help me get going.
1. What are the best 2 or 3 choral pieces in this entire British broadcasts collection? The pieces I really must hear.
2. I've got several versions of Brian's Gothic, but have listened only to Boult's. The audio is not so good. It's such a long piece -- I am curious which other version you like best. Would your second choice be the one in this collection, or some other recording?
2. I'm also going to ask you to go out on a limb and tell me which orchestral and concertante works you think are especially good. I've listened to Cliffe's VC and Parry's 5th symphony. I'm also quite familiar with Bantock's music. What should be at the top of my queue for further listening.
Basically, I'm concerned that I could be wallowing about in this large collection aimlessly for quite a long time. I'd like some "highlights" to help me remain focused.
Quote from: Dylan on Sunday 29 May 2011, 13:11
The HRH-inspired flurry of interest in Parry has reminded me that a few years ago there seemed to be several broadcasts of Parry's The Chivalry of The Sea. For one reason or another I managed not to record any of them. I know there's now a commercial recording, but if anyone has one of those pioneering broadcasts, commentators write highly of the piece and I'd be very interested to hear it...?
I could offer a 2001 BBC concert broadcast (BBC Concert Orchestra, Guildford Choral Society, Hilary Davan Wetton). I recorded it from Dutch Radio 4 (Euroclassic Notturno) some years ago. Sound quality is not very good due to my then mediocre sound card. I am not sure where to post it. Albion has collected all British works in his folders and I would gladly place it there if possible.
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 05 April 2011, 19:11
I'm always on the lookout! I would love to know if anyone has -
Hamilton Harty: The Mystic Trumpeter (1913)
Brian Rayner Cook, baritone/ BBC Singers/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ John Poole (broadcast 5/8/1991) or
Belfast Philharmonic Society Choir/ Ulster Orchestra/ John Lubbock (broadcast 12/10/1994)
Alexander Mackenzie: Scottish Rhapsody No. 1, Op.21 (1879)
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/ Bryden Thomson (broadcast date unknown)
Hubert Parry: The Soul's Ransom (1906)
Bach Choir/ Philharmonia Orchestra/ David Willcocks (broadcast 5/6/1986)
Ethel Smyth: Mass in D (1893)
BBC Symphony Chorus/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ Meredith Davies (broadcast 6/4/1986)
Arthur Sullivan: The Golden Legend (1886)
Leeds Philharmonic Chorus/ BBC Philharmonic Orchestra/ Charles Mackerras (broadcast 15/3/1986)
Joseph Holbrooke: Byron (1904)
BBC Singers/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ John Poole (broadcast 6/12/1978)
Charles Villiers Stanford: Requiem (1897)
BBC Singers/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ John Poole (broadcast 6/10/1978)
Charles Villiers Stanford: Phaudrig Crohoore (1896)
BBC Singers/ BBC Concert Orchestra/ Ashley Lawrence (broadcast 11/6/1974)
and (post-1918)
Ina Boyle: Overture (1933-34)
Ulster Orchestra/ Colman Pearce (broadcast 17/3/1992)
In the meantime, there are some more wonderful recordings of later twentieth-century repertoire in progress! :)
Albion, I can offer a recording of the Harty:
Hamilton Harty – The Mystic Trumpeter (1913)
James Rutherford, Hallé Orchestra and Choir, Sir Mark Elder
It's a recording of a BBC live-broadcast. The quality - as with all my BBC recordings - is rather shabby due to my bad internet connection at that time.
I will upload it and the Parry Ode to mediafire and send you the links. If you like you can download and publish it in your folders.
In 2007 the BBC broadcast the complete Elgar Starlight Express music as a sort of radio play. The story had been shortened and the whole thing ran for about 95 minutes. Have any of you recorded this performance? I did so but the quality of my recording is so bad that I cannot enjoy it. Why hasn't it been released? Chandos would have been the obvious candidate; they did The Crown of India. The performers (BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth) would probably have suggested a Dutton release.
Re the 4MBS recording of the Havergal Brian Gothic Symphony from Johan.
I hate to say this but unless my ears are playing me tricks, the left and right channels are reversed. I have only downloaded Part 1 from Folder 4, but this MP3 does appear to be reversed. At the concert, the 3 harps were hard left with the horns and the brass/tubas were hard right.
Anyone downloading may wish to convert to WAV and reverse the channels for best playback.
Thanks for that startling information, Mike. I hadn't noticed at all... The recording was made over the internet by a friend, who kindly sent it to me after my connection was lost during the Te Deum, leaving my recording incomplete... I uploaded it later again to Mediafire for those interested, fellow member Albion among them.
When I have the time, I'll feed the files into Audacity and see if I can 'redress the balance'...
--Johan
P.S. I just checked. In the Vivace (third movement) I can hear the tuba coming from the left. The great xylophone solo comes from the right...
Wonderful collection, thank you! It has been my welcome at Unsung Composers, a wonderful source of musical delights.
God save british music!
Quote from: dafrieze on Tuesday 28 June 2011, 15:24
Here's a copy of Holst's Songs of the West, as performed by Gavin Sutherland and the BBC Concert Orchestra, and broadcast on June 27, 2011
Thanks very much for this, Dave - I wasn't able to catch the broadcast at the time so this is very welcome indeed! I've put a copy into Folder 3 of BMB. :)
Our friend Dylan has very kindly supplied a copy of the 1965 BBC radio production of The Starlight Express, a play by Algernon Blackwood with incidental music by Edward Elgar (Op.78, 1915). The original performing material was lost in a bombing raid at the Kingsway Theatre (September 1940), but luckily the autograph manuscript was held by the publisher Elkin.
For years this invaluable full score (with also contained many emendations in Elgar's hand relating to the original production) lay forgotten in their archives until Lionel Salter's research led to its rediscovery in 1965 and subsequently to this (to all intents) complete production, which was re-broadcast in 2004. I have added the two files to Folder 2, together with a cast-list and other relevant details.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Starlight_Express_1916_cover.jpg/250px-Starlight_Express_1916_cover.jpg)
The following is taken from notes by Kevin Jones -
Elgar needed little persuasion when approached in 1915 to compose music for The Starlight Express, an adaptation for the stage of Algernon Blackwood's fantasy novel, A Prisoner in Fairyland. The storyline and its author's sympathies – an identification with childhood, reverence for patterns and processes in the natural environment, and a sense of otherworldly mysticism – immediately struck a chord with the 58-year-old composer. Happily diverted from the depressing bleakness of wartime London, Elgar threw himself heart-and-soul into the project, the closest he came to writing an opera.
In the mountains and forests of neutral Switzerland the children of a close-knit family form themselves into a secret 'Star Society', where each child identifies with a familiar constellation: Jane Anne with the Pleiades, Jimbo the Pole Star, Monkey the Great and Little Bear, and Cousin Henry Orion. They realise that adults have become 'wumbled' – a Lewis Carroll-like conflation of the words 'worried' and 'jumbled' suggesting disorientation and confusion – owing to a lack of 'sympathy', or 'understanding the feelings and needs of others'.
At night the children play among the stars, collecting stardust – in effect grains of sympathy – to sprinkle on the adults to release them from their sorry state. The children are helped by a group of 'sprites' who travel on the eponymous Starlight Express, a 'train' of thought, which serves as a portal into the star world. The Lamplighter lights up hope, the Tramp personifies instinctive simplicity, the Laugher laughs troubles into fun, the Gardener makes things grow, the Sweep sweeps the blues away, the Dustman brings the stardust of sympathy and the Woman-of-the-Haystack, mother of them all, is borne on the winds. An additional character, the Organ-Grinder, introduces and comments on the action. Following a successful 'un-wumbling' of the adults, the stage version adds a seasonal twist, not in Blackwood's original story, where the Christmas star extends a promise of universal harmony, neatly echoed by Elgar's working of the carol 'The First Nowell' into the musical texture of the Finale.
Lena Ashwell, the producer who commissioned Elgar to write the music, was a great believer in the power of music, 'the straightest road to the unseen world of spiritual beauty'. She told Elgar of 'a great mystic quality in the play which I am sure will help people to bear the sorrows of the war'. Elgar later said that he had 'been waiting a generation for just such a story to set'. He and Algernon Blackwood would enjoy a profound partnership, sharing juvenile japes and erudite philosophising in a bond that lasted many years. The inaccurate image handed down to us of Elgar the stuffy country squire belies the fun-loving rascal revealed in the accounts of those close to him. His was no mawkish nostalgia for a lost childhood, but a vibrant preservation of a childlike sense of wonder: at the height of his fame he would pop into the local Woolworths store to purchase children's novelty toys for his own amusement.
Fired up with enthusiasm, Elgar recalled that as a youngster he wrote a musical play in which children ostensibly redeem befuddled adults after crossing into a magic world. Although a fortuitous resemblance to The Starlight Express scenario may have been overstated, many key motifs in this late work are recycled from Elgar's winsome childhood sketches, which he had arranged eight years earlier into two orchestral suites known as The Wand of Youth. Elgar's instinctive identification with the narrative inspired a sustained outpouring of much imaginatively original material. The music's subtle charm and evocative tone-painting become immediately apparent in the Organ-Grinder's opening song, 'O children, open your arms to me'.
The other aspect of the tale that appealed to Elgar was Blackwood's overt nature mysticism. Elgar, too, was a child of nature. At one with his local landscape he literally immersed himself in its rhythms when composing – in a tent outside, surrounded by rustling breezes in the trees. He marvelled at the patterns revealed in his chemistry lab, and under his microscopes, and also at those in the heavens, declaring that music was 'written on the sky'. He went stargazing with his daughter Carice, in one letter exclaiming, 'I seem to miss a star out of the constellation of Orion: do you know anything of it?' Elgar spoke with awesome reverence of the beauty in these natural symmetries – which, when echoed in his music, seem to beguile the listener into a transcendental engagement with the soul of the universe.
A serious interest in kite-flying and the Aeolian harp, or wind harp, exemplified Elgar's particular fascination with the musical effects of the wind. The breath of the wind as it blew across these taut strings produced haunting utterances that many Victorians believed were the voices of ethereal spirits, an effect emulated in the Starlight Express music, for example, in the solo violin cadenzas. Blackwood described the rails supporting the Starlight Express as a network of 'filmy lines' joining the mountain tops and trees, 'threading the starlight ... they would twang with delicate music if the wind swept its hand more rapidly across them'.
Audiences gave enthusiastic support to the play, and the music was well received, but the story was dismissed by critics as 'preachy and pretentious', a 'delicate fancy' turned into a 'heavy sermon'. After just 40 performances the play mysteriously closed ahead of schedule. The Starlight Express was more than wartime escapism and its thinly disguised pacifist message would have been deeply unsettling for the Establishment. By contrast, its main rival in wartime escapist children's theatre, Peter Pan, enjoyed a long and successful run. Its comforting dualistic theme, where the swashbuckling heroes' excusable violence firmly trounces the 'baddies', struck a more appropriate triumphalist tone.
Though loyally patriotic, Elgar was distressed by the war and doubted its purpose. By including cowbells, a wind machine and organ in his instrumentation for The Starlight Express, as used by Strauss in An Alpine Symphony, was Elgar subtly empathising with his German friend and admirer? Elgar's pioneering recording of The Starlight Express in 1916 provided balm for the forces. An officer wrote to Elgar that among even the roughest of the soldiers, 'all care for your music ... the whole thing is unreal, and music is all that we have to help us carry on'. It was a sad irony that the talented young baritone who played the Organ-Grinder, Charles Mott, died of battle wounds in 1918 after returning to the front.
Woefully neglected for many years, the sentiments of The Starlight Express were prophetic in urging selfless understanding between peoples and a harmonious reverence for the natural environment. The work is ripe for a new generation raised on stories of children who plunge through magic portals and ride magical trains in a quest to save the world (the parallels with Harry Potter are unmistakable). Elgar's richly apposite music deserves to find a place among his greatest works, as well as in the realms of incidental music and of music for children. Its universal message is a potent parable for our time.
:)
What a wonderful collection!
Can't thank you enough for posting it!
Quote from: gpdlt2010 on Tuesday 19 July 2011, 13:42
What a wonderful collection!
Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of (otherwise-unavailable) British music. I'm really glad that you are (hopefully) finding new things to explore!
I've started going through this collection as well -- well at least the stereo recordings (about 53 hours or so).
For those hardy souls who wish to explore another rendition of Havergal Brian's mighty Gothic Symphony, there are now files of the performance conducted by Ole Schmidt in Folder 4. This was originally broadcast live from the Royal Albert Hall on 25th June 1980 and was re-broadcast on 14th May 1995 (the present recording). The full line-up of artistes was as follows -
Jane Manning, sop; Shirley Minty, alto; John Mitchinson, ten; David Thomas, bass/ London Symphony Chorus, London Philharmonic Choir, BBC Singers, BBC Club Choir, Hampstead Choral Society, Bach Choir, English Chamber Choir; members of: BBC Symphony Chorus, Royal Choral Society, Goldsmith's Choral Union, Highgate Choral Society/ Orpheus Girls' Choir/ Colfe's School Choir/ LSO/ Ole Schmidt
and there are some enlightening notices of the concert here -
http://www.havergalbrian.org/sym1_2.htm (http://www.havergalbrian.org/sym1_2.htm)
http://www.havergalbrian.org/sym1_4.htm (http://www.havergalbrian.org/sym1_4.htm)
http://www.havergalbrian.org/sym1_5.htm (http://www.havergalbrian.org/sym1_5.htm)
:)
David Brown, writing in 1980: "If one knew nothing of the work, had not attended the concert, and read only the critics in the biggest-circulation papers afterwards, one might imagine that here was a white elephant delivered to a decent burial. The audience reaction was of course the perfect answer to that notion"...
Quote from: MikeInOz on Tuesday 21 June 2011, 23:47
Re the 4MBS recording of the Havergal Brian Gothic Symphony from Johan.
I hate to say this but unless my ears are playing me tricks, the left and right channels are reversed. I have only downloaded Part 1 from Folder 4, but this MP3 does appear to be reversed. At the concert, the 3 harps were hard left with the horns and the brass/tubas were hard right.
Anyone downloading may wish to convert to WAV and reverse the channels for best playback.
Hi Mike,
that's the way the Internet stream came off the 4MBS website – the reversal of channels was not something consciously effected by me.
In any case, it wasn't likely to be something I would be prone to notice – the harps were on my right and low brass/tubas on my left in the concert — i.e. from back row of the chorus!
Cheers, Philip
Welcome, Philip.
For your delectation, I here have a link to my Brisbane Gothic folder, with a better-quality recording. Got it from the tooth-fairy. I think it is John Curro who comes closest yet in reproducing the white heat of Brian's inspiration. Which is not to say everything is perfect. But this is a very compelling reading, especially when you hear the enhanced sound... Could you replace the recording with this new one, Albion?
http://www.mediafire.com/?km7z6cl54mpyv (http://www.mediafire.com/?km7z6cl54mpyv)
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Sunday 24 July 2011, 13:22Could you replace the recording with this new one, Albion?
No problem - thanks very much Johan!
:)
Quote from: pml on Sunday 24 July 2011, 04:36Quote from: MikeInOz on Tuesday 21 June 2011, 23:47
Re the 4MBS recording of the Havergal Brian Gothic Symphony from Johan.
I hate to say this but unless my ears are playing me tricks, the left and right channels are reversed. I have only downloaded Part 1 from Folder 4, but this MP3 does appear to be reversed. At the concert, the 3 harps were hard left with the horns and the brass/tubas were hard right.
Anyone downloading may wish to convert to WAV and reverse the channels for best playback.
Hi Mike,
that's the way the Internet stream came off the 4MBS website – the reversal of channels was not something consciously effected by me.
In any case, it wasn't likely to be something I would be prone to notice – the harps were on my right and low brass/tubas on my left in the concert — i.e. from back row of the chorus!
Cheers, Philip
Maybe the pick-ups were at the back of the stage.
there is a tape of the Phaudrig Crohoore broadcast in the national sound archive
see http://cadensa.bl.uk/uhtbin/cgisirsi/?ps=qev1jWvLjM/WORKS-FILE/256220052/9
Quote from: jfp.co on Wednesday 24 August 2011, 19:16there is a tape of the Phaudrig Crohoore broadcast in the national sound archive
There are so many things held in the National Sound Archive that ought to be 'liberated'!
;)
My apologies if this has already been answered, but can anyone tell me where I might find the librettos for Alan Bush's The Winter Journey and Fogg's beautiful The Seasons?
As Swingler died in 1967, I don't know if the former would be available online; probably not... it might be in some published sources, though. Will see about...
Quote from: semloh on Friday 26 August 2011, 11:02
My apologies if this has already been answered, but can anyone tell me where I might find the librettos for Alan Bush's The Winter Journey and Fogg's beautiful The Seasons?
I typed up the text of Eric Fogg's
The Seasons (poems by William Blake) as a Word document - you can find it together with the recording in Folder 6. Sorry I can't help with
The Winter Journey, but here is some information which may be useful to you from the Alan Bush Music Trust:
'The Winter Journey' - Cantata for Soprano and Baritone Soli, Mixed Chorus (SATB) with accompaniment for String Quintet and Harp or Piano, Op. 29 (1946)
1. The City
2. The Journey
3. The Sleepers in the City
4. Mary's Song - Chorale
'The Winter Journey', written in 1946, is an attempt to place the Christmas story in the atmosphere of the world after World War II. The text is by Randall Swingler.
The journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem symbolises man's journey through the six years of war. The city at which their arrive is the post-war world. Mary and Joseph tell us of the ordeal of their journey to Bethlehem and ask the question of the threatening city:
"Are you afraid of the life that we have brought you
Is it your fear that shuts the door."
Here there is nothing picturesque, and such parts of the poem as are narrative are austerely set as though their only purpose was to explain the main theme, the crisis caused by the Incarnation.
The music for all its austerity always sufficient and often beautiful. The five numbers are bound together internally by polyphony and externally by subtle repetitions and modifications of harmony and phrase. The listener is aware that the work hangs together but the Composer is not at pains to show him how this is achieved.
After an adagio introduction, containing themes given out in passionate cantabile the first chorus describes the busy city with its welcome for all except those who 'bring nothing but a burden of trouble'. The accompaniment is mainly in the staccato quavers suggested by the opening words "the city rustles like a rookery at evening", the same phrase welcoming with 'come in' all who bring in money and business, is used with irony for the greeting of Mary and Joseph - 'No room'.
The second number is Joseph's description of their journey and the faith which made them go on. This is a long piece of declamation whose beautiful moments stand in widely spaced relief in arid surroundings.
The third number is a short and hushed and highly imaginative chorus describing the sleepers in the City uneasily stirring; this is a splendid piece of writing that cannot fail. There follows an expressive appeal by Mary, who asks what shall be the future of the child, which represents the eternal hope of peace and harmony among mankind. This leads to a final chorale, in which the semi-chorus and chorus together point out the moral in austerely beautiful harmony, and concludes:
"Winter it may be in the streets of time,
And all in vain, and all in vain,
We made that journey through the waste and wild,
Unless we find some place to lay the child
That will be born, that will be born,
The Christmas in the season of the heart".
:)
Thanks eschiss 1 and Albion - and for setting me off on a developing relationship with Alan Bush and his music.
re William Wordsworth- forget if I asked this, but do you know if sym. 7 has received performances since Gibson premiered it?... (see (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classRev/2009/Jan09/Wordsworth_Conway.htm) for those who don't know the premiere I'm speaking of.)
Also re Wordsworth - symphony 1 movement headings according to Wright- 1. Allegro maestoso; 2. Adagio ma non troppo ; 3. Allegro con brio ; 4. (introduction) - Allegro.
(source: Wright Music PDF (http://www.wrightmusic.net/pdfs/william-wordsworth.pdf).
Symphony no.4 op.54 (1953)- one movement, Poco adagio-Allegro (basically).
Quote from: eschiss1 on Thursday 01 September 2011, 20:02
re William Wordsworth- forget if I asked this, but do you know if sym. 7 has received performances since Gibson premiered it?... (see (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classRev/2009/Jan09/Wordsworth_Conway.htm) for those who don't know the premiere I'm speaking of.)
If the recording in the BMB archive
isn't the first performance,
Cosmos must have been played again but I can't find reference to further airings. Like so much else, this symphony was more-or-less destined for the shelf from the moment the applause had died down and Gibson had closed the score.
::)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Sunday 04 September 2011, 05:56
Also re Wordsworth - symphony 1 movement headings according to Wright- 1. Allegro maestoso; 2. Adagio ma non troppo ; 3. Allegro con brio ; 4. (introduction) - Allegro.
(source: Wright Music PDF (http://www.wrightmusic.net/pdfs/william-wordsworth.pdf).
Symphony no.4 op.54 (1953)- one movement, Poco adagio-Allegro (basically).
Thanks very much for these details - Wright is useful for some things: when he likes a composer he gives detailed and interesting information - but when he doesn't ...
;)
Discovering all this is like having the most marvellous dream....except that one is not going to wake up to a colder reality :)
How absolutely wonderful :) :) SO many treasures-all but one of Wordsworth's eight symphonies, the Simpson Cello Concerto, Fricker's 3rd, the Hoddinott 10th, McCabe's 3rd, Alan Bush's 4th and Piano Concerto....oh, WOW!!
Thank you a hundred times ;D
Wordsworth- all but one of the 8? I missed several and assumed 2 and 3 weren't posted because they're already recorded- must look again... listened to the first and fourth so far and enjoyed them very much, may have been my first exposure to his music instead of just articles about it and etc. ... (and no, not confusing him with the poet of the name...)
Re Sterndale Bennett- ah, I knew he wrote at least 2 symphonies in G minor, trying to remember if his opus 43 (1863-4) has been recorded at all, it's clearly not that one (the full score of opus 43 is at IMSLP- at least, the openings are quite different, that of the earlier symphony reminding me just a bit of Schubert's early string quartet in the same key, which I doubt was published until much much later. Not to say that the Schubert work itself doesn't have precedents, that's just what it reminds me of most closely.
Some (a lot of) terrific stuff in this folder, I do agree (if I haven't said)... the Fricker 3rd I'll have to download too as I've been curious about it for awhile (skimmed the score a bit some while back. Have heard the LP of his 2nd, coupled with RWL Simpson's 1st, a number of times...)
It would be nice if anyone could post Liza Lehmann's vocal cycle "In a Persian Garden".
I'm crossing my fingers...
also- listened very belatedly, finally, to one of Potter's symphonies, thanks to these uploads. Came well-recommended, and now I hear why. Terrific stuff though unwise to say after only one listen... the F major symphony, one of the earliest of the symphonies uploaded by him,'s slow movement especially has very many qualities I look for in a piece worth listening to many times again, if I make sense, and the rest of the work as much so. The D minor (1st) Charles Wesley keyboard concerto also striking. If I may make a mild suggestion, the files are more "portable" if they have fewer "."s before the final ".mp3" because some computers- even Macintoshes under 10.7, unfortunately - get a little confused about what kind of file it is and what program should open them if there's a . in the wrong place, I think...likewise it seems that the fewer "nonstandard unicode" (nonASCII?) characters in the filename anyway, the easier on my computer, anyway -- odd things seem to happen with the files sometimes on my machine anyway otherwise (though I always happily add all the Unicode, diacritics of French and German and Czech and ... ... ... ... ... names e.g. ... into the information once I upload the file to iTunes and just leave it out of the sort keys. But that's me being terribly American English-centric probably. :( Sorry about the digression... )
Again though, (though I admit I am finding this true of much in these folders - but I also admit my interest in English music, and some of this stuff in this folder I used to have and no longer do :) so especially...!)- great and thanks!
Prout 4 in D (1886) movement headings according to a contemporary review of a performance- first two of 4 movements may be an Allegro and a Largo (unless those were being used, as sometimes, as generic terms for certain times of movement speeds/characters.)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Tuesday 06 September 2011, 03:34
Wordsworth- all but one of the 8? I missed several and assumed 2 and 3 weren't posted because they're already recorded- must look again... listened to the first and fourth so far and enjoyed them very much, may have been my first exposure to his music instead of just articles about it and etc. ... (and no, not confusing him with the poet of the name...)
Re Sterndale Bennett- ah, I knew he wrote at least 2 symphonies in G minor, trying to remember if his opus 43 (1863-4) has been recorded at all, it's clearly not that one (the full score of opus 43 is at IMSLP- at least, the openings are quite different, that of the earlier symphony reminding me just a bit of Schubert's early string quartet in the same key, which I doubt was published until much much later. Not to say that the Schubert work itself doesn't have precedents, that's just what it reminds me of most closely.
Some (a lot of) terrific stuff in this folder, I do agree (if I haven't said)... the Fricker 3rd I'll have to download too as I've been curious about it for awhile (skimmed the score a bit some while back. Have heard the LP of his 2nd, coupled with RWL Simpson's 1st, a number of times...)
Sorry...what I meant about the Wordsworth symphonies was that seven out of the eight are now available for lovers of British music to enjoy. Nos. 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8 as downloads here and Nos. 2 and 3 on the Lyrita disc.
Sad that we shall probably never hear Symphony No.6 "Elegiaca" composed in memory of the composer's son.
I have reel-to-reel tapes containing the following British symphonic, orchestral and choral music-
Sir Richard Rodney Bennett: Symphony No.2
Double Bass Concerto
Concerto for Orchestra
"Actaeon" for horn and orchestra
Sir Lennox Berkeley: Nocturne for orchestra
Windsor Variations for chamber orchestra
"Signs in the Dark" for chorus and strings
Four Ronsard Sonnets for tenor and orchestra
Magnificat for chorus and orchestra, op.71
Stabat Mater for voices and instruments
Derek Bourgeois: Symphony No.2
Tuba Concerto
Symphonic Variations
Dance Variations for orchestra
"The Globe"-Orchestral Fantasy
Alan Bush: Symphony No.3 "Byron" for baritone, chorus and orchestra
Variations, Nocturne and Finale on an English Sea Song for piano and orchestra
Dance Overture
Arthur Butterworth: Organ Concerto
"Italian Journey" for orchestra
Francis Chagrin: Symphony No.1
Arnold Cooke: Symphony No.4
Symphony No.5
Violin Concerto
Oboe Concerto
Gordon Crosse: Symphony No.2
Violin Concerto No.2
Ceremony for cello and orchestra
"Play Ground" for orchestra
"For the unfallen" for tenor, horn and strings
Christian Darnton: Concerto for Orchestra
Cedric Thorpe Davie: Symphony
Cantata "By the River"
David Ellis: Symphony No.1
Elegy for orchestra
Peter Racine Fricker: Symphony No.4
Symphony No.5 for organ and orchestra
Piano Concerto
Viola Concerto
Toccata for piano and orchestra
"Laudi contertante" for organ and orchestra
Concertante No.1 for cor anglais and strings
Concertante No.4 for flute, oboe, violin and strings
Three Scenes for orchestra
Prelude, Elegy and Finale for strings
Introitus for orchestra
Oratorio "The Vision of Judgment"
"Musick's Empire" for chorus and small orchestra
"O longs desirs" for soprano and orchestra
John Maxwell Geddes: Symphony
Iain Hamilton: Symphonic Variations
Scottish Dances
Overture "Bartholomew Fair"
Overture "1912"
Anthony Hedges: Symphony
Variations on a theme of Rameau for orchestra
Alun Hoddinott: Piano Concerto No. 3
Organ Concerto
Folk Song Suite
Night Music for orchestra
"The Hawk is set free" for orchestra
Donald Hunt: Te Deum
Maurice Jacobson: Cantata "The Hound of Heaven"
Daniel Jones: Symphony No.3
Symphony No.10
Violin Concerto
Tone Poem "Cloud Messenger"
Suite "Salute to Dylan Thomas"
Dance Fantasy for orchestra
Concert Overture
Overture "Ieunctid"
Oratorio "St. Peter"
Cantata "Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard"
Wilfred Josephs: Symphony No.1
Symphony No.3
Symphony No.5 "Pastoral Symphony"
Symphony No.7 "Winter"
Aelian Dances for orchestra
Kenneth Leighton: Piano Concerto No.1
Piano Concerto No.2
Concerto for viola, harp, timpani and strings
Passacaglia, Chorale and Fugue for orchestra
Dance Overture
Malcolm Lipkin: Violin Concerto No.2
Mosaics for chamber orchestra
Elizabeth Maconchy: "Genesis" for orchestra
"Ariadne" for soprano and orchestra
Three settings of Gerard Manley Hopkins for soprano and chamber orchestra
William Mathias: Piano Concerto No.2
Concerto for harpsichord, strings and percussion
Serenade for small orchestra
Nicholas Maw: Sinfonia fopr small orchestra
John McCabe: Violin Concerto No.2
Variations on a theme of K.A. Hartmann for orchestra
Harpsichord Concertante
George McIlwham: Symphonic Poem "Cir Mhor"
Anthony Milner: Symphony No.2
Oratorio "The Water and the Fire"
Cantata "Midway"
David Morgan: Sinfonia da Requiem
Robin Orr: Symphony No.2
Symphony No.3
Ian Parrott: Cello Concerto
Alan Rawsthorne: "Carmen Vitali" for soprano, chorus and orchestra
Franz Reizenstein: Piano Concerto No.2
Cantata "Voices of the Night"
Francis Routh: Cello Concerto
Gerard Schurmann: Piano Concerto
Phyllis Tate: Secular Requiem "The Phoenix and the Turtle"
Ian Whyte: Tone Poem "Edinburgh"
Thomas Wilson: Symphony No.2
Concerto for orchestra
Variations for orchestra
Threnody for orchestra
"Touchstone" for orchestra
"Sequentiae Passionis" for choir and ensemble
Carmina Sacra for voice, harp and strings
Ralph W. Wood: Symphony No.3
William Wordsworth: Overture "Conflicts"
I very much hope over the next few months to be able to digitise as much as possible of this music ;D
If/when I can I shall certainly add it to the archive here :)
Re William B Wordsworth's symphony no.6, is there a reason why not? Scottish Music Centre (http://www.scottishmusiccentre.com/members/william_wordsworth/works/w12618/) doesn't seem to provide a clue why ?!?...
Quote from: eschiss1 on Wednesday 07 September 2011, 17:51
Re William B Wordsworth's symphony no.6, is there a reason why not? Scottish Music Centre (http://www.scottishmusiccentre.com/members/william_wordsworth/works/w12618/) doesn't seem to provide a clue why ?!?...
There is no reason why Wordsworth's 6th could not be performed but it strikes me as unlikely now that with apparently interest in Wordsworth's music that a choral work of this kind that has lain unperformed for 34 years will be given an airing now.
I would love to be proved wrong.
Dundonnell - what an amazing treasure trove, and thank you for that detailed listing. I'm in a similar position, but have a far less impressive selection (ex-BBC Radio3). Digitizing will be a problem for me, but one day.....
QuoteI have reel-to-reel tapes containing the following British symphonic, orchestral and choral music... I very much hope over the next few months to be able to digitise as much as possible of this music. If/when I can I shall certainly add it to the archive here
Bless you! There are many enticing items on your list and I eagerly await whatever you are able to do.
Amazing, Duddonell, I have been enjoying all the other countries' lists of offered works very much, but have to say the British list has a big part of my heart, so I hope there will be more, and good luck on the huge task you have set for yourself, wish I could do it for you!
Just in case anyone thinks that I came on here and disappeared again my "Guest" status appears to be because I had to re-register for some reason.
Sincere apologies, Dundonnell, mea culpa. I shall now go and sit in a corner covered in ashes for a few hours...
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Friday 09 September 2011, 08:10
Sincere apologies, Dundonnell, mea culpa. I shall now go and sit in a corner covered in ashes for a few hours...
All is forgiven ;D
Liza Lehmann's vocal cycle "In a Persian Garden"; someone asked for this, which reminded me that I have it somewhere: will upload it when I've a) found it b) mastered mediafire. So don't hold your breath...!
Quite a while ago, Amphissa asked for an indication of some highlights in this collection of British music in order to focus on particular pieces and avoid being swamped with downloads - sorry, I've just seen the post!
The following is a very personal choice of favourites:
Choral/ Vocal:
Bantock - Omar Khayyam; Sea-Wanderers
Bush - The Winter Journey
Dyson - St. Paul's Voyage to Melita
Hay - The Wind Among the Reeds
Holbrooke - The Bells
Holst - Hecuba's Lament
Mackenzie - The Rose of Sharon
Parry - The Lotos-Eaters
Stanford - Fairy-Day
Samuel Wesley - Confitebor tibi, Domine
Orchestral/ Concertos:
Bantock - Celtic Symphony
Boughton - Symphony No.2
Bowen - Symphony No.3
Boyle - Violin Concerto
Brian - Symphony No.5; Symphony No.27
Bush - Piano Concerto [with choral finale]
Delius - On the Mountains
Foulds - Cello Concerto
German - The Seasons
Gipps - Symphony No.4
Hoddinott - Symphony No.7
Jacob - Chaconne; Variations
Jones - Symphony No.2; Symphony No.7
Mackenzie - Scottish Concerto
Potter - Symphonies
Charles Wesley - Keyboard Concertos
Whitlock - Organ Symphony
Williams - Symphony No.1
Wordsworth - Symphony No.1; Symphony No.4; Symphony No.5
Opera:
Bliss - The Olympians
Scott - The Alchemist
Stanford - The Travelling Companion
:)
I hadn't downloaded the Boyle Violin Concerto.....but I shall now ;D
Had never heard of HER :o (Orginally I read as "Ian")
...........oh My Goodness, it IS beautiful :)
Ina Boyle has been briefly discussed in this thread - http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,872.msg11445.html#msg11445 (http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,872.msg11445.html#msg11445)
The Violin Concerto is a beautiful rhapsodic piece, very much indebted to the modal style of her teacher Vaughan Williams.
:)
Since RVW is my favourite composer and his modal style is so exceedingly to my taste it is therefore no surprise that I am being bowled over by the Boyle ;D
Back in Ithaca, looking forward to downloading some of the recently-uploaded material now I'm at my own computer and can do so :)
About the Prout organ concerto no.1 opus 5, MPH has a study score and preface posted here (http://www.musikmph.de/musical_scores/vorworte/905.html) (composed 1870, premiered 1872, published 1886).
Alun Hoddinott's Violin Concerto No.2 'Mistral' (1995), in a BBC radio broadcast from 2005 played by Olivier Charlier with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Douglas Bostock, has been added to the British Music Downloads section.
Shamokin- thanks for uploading the Stanford quartets, looking forward to hearing them. So far I've only heard the 3rd quartet (Steve's Bedroom Band version and years before that my own poor excuse of a MIDI; the readthrough you mention would be good to hear too!)- not yet heard the 1st and 2nd on Hyperion...
Christopher Steel- I think his 5th symphony according to CADENSA (The British Library Sound Archive) is from a program "Recent British Music" broadcast on August 23 1987. (Cadensa seems to list only a Graham Treacher-conducted recording of Butterworth's symphony 2 but (1) it's not complete (2) may not be searching right- the right entry may lack the full word "Arthur" for instance...
I see from the Gipps Wikipedia article that Gipps' opus 34 concerto was recorded - not the archive recording, but a CD - on Cameo Classics this year 2011. Well, good. :) I know only her Leviathan, I think , for contrabassoon and strings, but will listen happily to the rest...)
Gipps sym.4 movement headings- not exactly sure how these subdivide to 3 movements- Moderato - Allegro molto -- Adagio -- Scherzo. Allegretto -- Finale. Andante.
Re William B. Wordsworth: the violin concerto in A is I think opus 60- opus 84 is the violin sonata (unless what's uploaded is an arrangement of the sonata?) Haven't found many tempo indications for his works except in Conway's (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classRev/2009/Jan09/Wordsworth_Conway.htm) article, so far.
About Grace Williams, don't know about all the conflicting articles, indications and whatnot and need to listen to see if there's an explanation before the music starts of course; Wright claims that she scrapped the first symphony except for its scherzo, while others seem to claim that it's the same work titled Symphonic Sketches / Glyn op Dyr (do I have that about right...) - or I could be misreading and perhaps what is being claimed is that it was indeed the same work, she scrapped it, and it has been found and performed... *walks off dizzily*
For Fricker symphony 1: movement listings from Schott:
I Alla breve
II Adagio con molto passione
III Tableau and Danse
IV Finale
... oh. and for the London String Quartet performance of Stanford's 8th quartet, Cadensa gives this notation which I hope someone understands and which may relate to its broadcast date-
BBC Radio 3 196832
Eric
erm- also. 1917-29 for the Tigers? That sounds more like the dates for the Gothic and other works combined. I think W Havergal Brian's opera The Tigers has the dates 1916-18, more or less...???? I think...
Ah!! "Composed 1917-19, orchestrated 1921-22 (six orchestral movements - see also Derived works below) and 1928-29." Ok.
Eric
btw also re the Hurlstone 1905 phantasy, I look forward to comparing the broadcast with the more recent version at IMSLP by Steve's band (which takes a minute longer, just about).
I have no difficulty with my link to the Hoddinott Violin Concerto No.2 being copied into the extended list initially posted by Albion. It makes much more sense if all the British music continues to be listed chronologically by composer. I shall then delete my post and the link.
I've transferred copies of the Hoddinott Violin Concerto No.2 and the two Stanford String Quartets into the main BMB listing - many thanks to
Dundonnell and
shamokin88 for these - there is no harm in keeping the initial postings in the thread as well!
Quote from: eschiss1 on Monday 26 September 2011, 20:53
... oh. and for the London String Quartet performance of Stanford's 8th quartet, Cadensa gives this notation which I hope someone understands and which may relate to its broadcast date-
BBC Radio 3 196832
Eric
This means a broadcast on 2nd March 1968
Quote from: eschiss1 on Sunday 25 September 2011, 19:32
Re William B. Wordsworth: the violin concerto in A is I think opus 60- opus 84 is the violin sonata (unless what's uploaded is an arrangement of the sonata?) Haven't found many tempo indications for his works except in Conway's (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classRev/2009/Jan09/Wordsworth_Conway.htm) article, so far.
This has always been listed as Op.60
Quote from: eschiss1 on Sunday 25 September 2011, 19:32About Grace Williams, don't know about all the conflicting articles, indications and whatnot and need to listen to see if there's an explanation before the music starts of course; Wright claims that she scrapped the first symphony except for its scherzo, while others seem to claim that it's the same work titled Symphonic Sketches / Glyn op Dyr (do I have that about right...) - or I could be misreading and perhaps what is being claimed is that it was indeed the same work, she scrapped it, and it has been found and performed... *walks off dizzily*
There is an excellent monograph on Grace Williams by Malcolm Boyd (University of Wales Press, 1980). Regarding 'Symphony No.1' -
Its full title, on one of the surviving manuscripts at least, is
Symphony no.1 in the form of Symphonic Impressions of the Glendower Scene in 'Henry IV Part 1': the composer usually referred to it simply as
Symphonic Impressions. The first three of its four movements are musical portrayals of the character Owen Glendower in Act III scene 1 of Shakespeare's play, each one illustrating a different facet of his character. The first [shows] Glendower as a mighty warrior [, ... the] second movement depicts Glendower the dreamer [, ...the] third movement, entitled 'Scherzo barbaro e segreto', is an impression of Glendower the magician [and] the work ends with an epilogue. Here the composer puts aside Shakespeare's characterization and attempts, in her own words, 'a retrospective impression of Owain Glendwr, great figure of Welsh history'.
:)
Just in case those who were looking forward to the release of my collection of tapes of otherwise unavailable British music are wondering what has happened to them ;D.....
I have recovered all of the required tapes and have managed to get my old reel-to-reel machine working again(long story ;D). The tapes seem in good working order. So far I have not been able to connect the machine to my amplifier-although I have the required connector now-but even through the tape machine's own internal speakers the sound quality is amazing :)
All of the music was taped from BBC Radio between 1973 and 1981.
I have been listening to Daniel Jones Symphonies Nos. 3 and 10 and to Havergal Brian's Opera "Agamemnon"(the 1974 performance by Richard Armstrong). Arnold Cooke up next :)
It is a quite extraordinary experience listening again to music recorded over 30 years ago and which has lain hidden away in my attic for all these years.
And immensely pleasing to think that I can-at long last-share it with others soon :)
Christmas will come early, Colin!
Quote from: Dundonnell on Saturday 01 October 2011, 23:08
Just in case those who were looking forward to the release of my collection of tapes of otherwise unavailable British music are wondering what has happened to them ;D.....
I have recovered all of the required tapes and have managed to get my old reel-to-reel machine working again(long story ;D). The tapes seem in good working order. So far I have not been able to connect the machine to my amplifier-although I have the required connector now-but even through the tape machine's own internal speakers the sound quality is amazing :)
All of the music was taped from BBC Radio between 1973 and 1981.
I have been listening to Daniel Jones Symphonies Nos. 3 and 10 and to Havergal Brian's Opera "Agamemnon"(the 1974 performance by Richard Armstrong). Arnold Cooke up next :)
It is a quite extraordinary experience listening again to music recorded over 30 years ago and which has lain hidden away in my attic for all these years.
And immensely pleasing to think that I can-at long last-share it with others soon :)
I'm soooooo envious! Great news for British music - all power to your transcribing elbow.
;D
I should perhaps add that....very sensibly, now in retrospect...in most cases I recorded the BBC announcer's introduction to the work so that solves the issue of identifying the performers.
I also keep on finding other works like Arthur Benjamin's Concerto quasi una fantasia for piano and orchestra and oddities from the 19th century too-Liszt's "The Bells of Strasbourg Cathedral"(??) and Webern's orchestration of Schubert's Six German Dances :D :D
Our grateful arms will accept anything recherché from your archives!
;)
The Liszt appears to be a rare Cantata.
Anyone know any more?
Quote from: Dundonnell on Sunday 02 October 2011, 00:13
The Liszt appears to be a rare Cantata.
Anyone know any more?
It is
Die Glocken des Strassburger Münsters (1874), based on Longfellow's
The Golden Legend, the same text set twelve years later with such phenomenal success by Arthur Sullivan. There is a score over at IMSLP -
http://imslp.org/wiki/Die_Glocken_des_Strassburger_M%C3%BCnsters,_S.6_(Liszt,_Franz) (http://imslp.org/wiki/Die_Glocken_des_Strassburger_M%C3%BCnsters,_S.6_(Liszt,_Franz))
- and an interesting comparison by Richard Silverman of the two settings here -
http://www.sullivan-forschung.de/html/f1-analysen-longfellow.html (http://www.sullivan-forschung.de/html/f1-analysen-longfellow.html)
:)
Quote from: Albion on Saturday 01 October 2011, 10:33
Quote from: eschiss1 on Sunday 25 September 2011, 19:32
Re William B. Wordsworth: the violin concerto in A is I think opus 60- opus 84 is the violin sonata (unless what's uploaded is an arrangement of the sonata?) Haven't found many tempo indications for his works except in Conway's (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classRev/2009/Jan09/Wordsworth_Conway.htm) article, so far.
This has always been listed as Op.60
I suppose Eric meant that the ID3-tag for the Wordsworth VC differs from the file-name: the tag says opus 84 while the file-name gives the correct opus-number.
Very possible - the file was transferred lock-stock-and-barrel from one mediafire account to another - my intervention limited itself to bringing the file-name into line in terms of opus number, format, etc.
On a more general point These ID tags can be extremely bizarre: my recent download of the Bliss Cello Concerto disc from Naxos ascribes the second (but not the first) of the Two Studies to "Paddington Bear - Bedtime Classics".
;D
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 02 October 2011, 11:13
On a more general point These ID tags can be extremely bizarre: my recent download of the Bliss Cello Concerto disc from Naxos ascribes the second (but not the first) of the Two Studies to "Paddington Bear - Bedtime Classics".
;D
Lovely - British light music is always welcome! Thanks very much for checking the Guild catalogue to avoid treading on their toes - despite their obvious intention to issue just about everything there are clearly some gaps which can still be filled.
;D
I have a BBC recording of York Bowen's Symphonic Fantasia Op. 16 (1905) by Vernon Handley and the BBC Concerto Orchestra but I couldn't trace a CD of that performance? Is it going to be released sometime or may I upload it?
If it's off-air, then upload away...
Okay, I was just wondering why it wasn't already there. It was aired in February this year I think.
Suppose any British members recorded the piece in better sound quality feel free to post and I will remove mine.
Quote from: britishcomposer on Monday 03 October 2011, 11:57
I have a BBC recording of York Bowen's Symphonic Fantasia Op. 16 (1905) by Vernon Handley and the BBC Concerto Orchestra but I couldn't trace a CD of that performance? Is it going to be released sometime or may I upload it?
It is pretty certain that this was in fact a broadcast taken directly from the Dutton disc of Piano Concertos 2 and 3 -
(http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/prodimages/7187.gif)
http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDLX7187 (http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDLX7187)
- so, as it is still very much available commercially I would hesitate.
Thank you very much, Albion! Most of my Bowen recordings are off air, therefore I wasn't quite up to date about the commercial releases.
I searched amazon.de and found nothing. No wonder: look how user-friendly they made this
http://www.amazon.de/York-Bowen-Concerto-Symphonic-Fantasia/dp/B000ROAQZI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317642982&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.de/York-Bowen-Concerto-Symphonic-Fantasia/dp/B000ROAQZI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317642982&sr=8-1)
I should have double checked with jpc or amazon.co.uk.
No problem - it's very easy to overlook releases from smaller companies, especially given the sometimes chaotic listings on amazon (in whatever country), but this is pretty spectacular -
Con Pno 2/3
:o
This is a great disc and I would recommend it highly. It's good to make contact with another Bowenite!
:)
Quote from: Albion on Monday 03 October 2011, 09:10
Lovely - British light music is always welcome! Thanks very much for checking the Guild catalogue to avoid treading on their toes - despite their obvious intention to issue just about everything there are clearly some gaps which can still be filled.
I love light music big time, and wish the Guild series would be put up on eClassical.com so I could goto town DLing tons of stereo stuff...
Of course, even if one does 'tread' on Guild's toes, I do believe everything they issue is technically PD in Europe (and much of it NOT PD in the US....which always makes me wonder why Naxos has the restrictions but other companies don't), and thus legality actually wouldn't nessesarily be an issue here, to a point.
Are you referring to the pieces or the recordings? The 1922/1923 rule is not the only thing governing US copyright law to my (lack of) knowledge - it gets pretty complicated so near/far as I can tell from both IMSLP and Wikipedia - as to recordings, I now know that I know nothing, which is a start.
The cantata Come, my way, my truth, my life by Daniel Jones (as performed under Charles Groves at the 1987 Swansea Festival) is now in Folder 7.
:)
Here are some useful listening notes about this substantial piece from the BBC Radio 3 website -
DANIEL JONES - COME MY WAY, MY TRUTH, MY LIFE
In Memory of John Aeron-Thomas
This work was commissioned by Mrs. Margaret Aeron-Thomas. The text is by George Herbert (1593-1633).
George Herbert was born in Montgomery Castle, the sea of a noble family; younger brother of a famous diplomat and philosopher, and with an exceptionally brilliant academic career behind him, he seemed certain of rapid advancement at court but, after some years, he suddenly chose to be ordained and became Vicar of Bemerton, a small village near Salisbury. This renunciation of worldly 'success' could hardly have been the result of simple frustrated ambition.
No doubt Herbert felt a growing disappointment, not with the failure of his career, but with life at court. At the same time there took place within him a significant process of change, a conflict that resolved itself finally into the certain conviction that he was called to the priesthood. As with some of the most deeply devout, his belief was strengthened by the struggles that shaped it. Herbert never concealed the hardships of the 'Way', he displayed them side by side with proclamations of joy in his only sacred publication, The Temple. Indeed, he himself called this book "a picture of the many spiritual conflicts that have passed between God and my soul, before I could subject mine to the will of Jesus my Master, in whose service I have now found perfect freedom."
The seven movements of the Cantata are arranged to follow the spiritual progress of George Herbert's belief.
1) The Call. This movement is introductory. The outstanding characteristic of Herbert's belief was its tenderness; the love of Christ is constantly emphasized in his poetry.
2) Choler. Here Herbert angrily rejects his belief and rebels against its retraining power. In the middle section he laments his loss of freedom and regrets his renunciation of courtly pleasures; these include literary fame ('Have I no bays to crown it?"). His anger rises again but, at the end, one word of Christ recalls him.
(3) Antiphon (i). A hymn of praise, more tender than exultant. Once again, the word 'love' is underlined; 'Praise be the God of Love'.
(4) Fantasia: 'Whither, O whither art thou fled??' This is the first line of a poem in which Herbert falls to the nadir of his spiritual life; he searches but God is nowhere to be found. His despair is more terrible than the anger of the rebel (in no. 2), who at least acknowledges the presence from which he flees. The movement is for orchestra only, but its main theme could be sung to the first words of the poem. To this is added a pattern of chords already heard in the middle section of No.2; it recurs not inappropriately, because at that point in No.2 the poet refers to his godless past.
(5) The Echo. Herbert plays the part of an innocent, learning by question and answer. It appears that the source of the answers is natural, an echo, repeating the last word or syllable of the question. Only at the end the truth is revealed; the music of the answer here is very slightly different from the music at the end of the question.
(6) Dialogue. Christian defies Death, and Death replies with menaces, Christian consigns Death to nothingness, and Death is annihilated with a final casual chord.
(7) Antiphon (ii). An exultant hymn of praise; Herbert invites the world to share his joy.
The structure of the Cantata is, broadly, a pattern of two groups of three movements on each side of a central movement, and to some extent the members of these groups correspond, 1 with 5, 2 with 6, 3 with 7. The orthodox arrangement of chorus and orchestra is limited to two movements (1 and 2). The first Antiphon (no.3) is for double chorus and orchestra, the sections alternating until they come to a final unison; the second (No.7) contrasts the women's section with the men's but with a refrain in which all join. No.4 is for orchestra only, No. 5 for chorus only, with a detached choral section "offstage". No. 6 is for tenor solo, chorus and orchestra. The device of reference to music previously heard is not much used. In No. 4 there is a chordal pattern from No. 2, and in No. 6 between the tenor's "Do they worst" and "I shall be one day better than before" the first five bars of the Cantata are played again by the orchestra. In No.7, sopranos and altos sing "But above all, the heart must bear the greatest part" to the main theme of the first movement.
The work is written in memory of John Aeron-Thomas. He was a true Christian, and can be imagined joining himself in this music, and in the person of a Christian defying and dismissing Death.
:)
Many thanks to Holger for very kindly providing a broadcast of Ruth Gipps' Symphony No.5 (1982) - I've put a copy of this file into the main BMB archive (Folder 8).
:)
Excellent to see more Gipps. Thanks, Holger
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 05 October 2011, 16:41
Many thanks to Holger for very kindly providing a broadcast of Ruth Gipps' Symphony No.5 (1982) - I've put a copy of this file into the main BMB archive (Folder 8).
:)
There is some quite severe pitch-wobble for the first five minutes or so - but bear with it as things improve thereafter!
:)
There is a very interesting note, particularly with regard to the fourth movement, about Ruth Gipps' 5th Symphony in (of all things) The Catholic Herald (14th March 1986), under the heading -
Reconciling the Mass with the Orchestra
This work was completed in October 1982 and is dedicated to Sir William Walton (and bears resemblances to his style in such work as his Overture Portsmouth Point). It is written for large orchestra which besides the usual amalgam has piccolo, three oboes, E flat and bass clarinets, three bassoons, six horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, celesta, two harps and quite a full percussion section including vibraphone, xylophone, gong and castanets.
The first movement comes alive with a horn pipe theme running into a lyrical tune accompanied by lively, rhythmic bursts on woodwind. The recapitulation, after a short development, is long and [ends] with a slow vagueness reminiscent of Holst. The second movement in 5/4 time flows well but I feel its the least successful part of the work. The solo violin over the last three bars is similar in spirit to Vaughan Williams' Serenade to Music. The third movement is [a] Scherzo and Trio. A very "foggy" start. There follows a hornpipe theme on trumpets.
Now the intriguing fourth movement. "Mass for Orchestra" (no words) headed Missa Brevis although this form is a Mass without Creed and though a very short idea of Creed occurs, Missa Brevis would still on a wide view hold. Kyrie, Christe, Gloria and the parts of the Gloria illustrative of the sufferings of Christ are very effective. Hosanna in excelsis with horn and trumpet interjections is effective, Agnus dei and Dona nobis pacem rather conventional, and coda in the spirit of Mozart's Coronation Mass with trumpets and a heavy scoring, followed by quiet fade out on the idea of peace is strangely "give up the struggle" in spirit. Not my idea of peace or Christ's peace which is essential of the Mass, surely — "Lamb of God who takes away . . . . grant us peace".
Fr Tom Carroll SDB
:)
Anyone interested in a recording of the world premiere of Ronald Stevenson's 'In praise of Ben Dorain' (2007)?
First, thanks for posting these notes on Gipps' Symphony No. 5, Albion. Getting background information is always appreciated. Some time ago there was an interesting article about Ruth Gipps on MusicWeb International which also provided some more insights but it has been removed.
An upload of Ronald Stevenson's "In praise of Ben Dorain" would be fine, britishcomposer. Admittedly I had to do some research first to find out some basic facts about which kind of piece this is but it really seems to be interesting.
Quote from: britishcomposer on Wednesday 05 October 2011, 21:15Anyone interested in a recording of the world premiere of Ronald Stevenson's 'In praise of Ben Dorain' (2007)?
Yes, please!In praise of Ben Dorain: Symphony for full chorus, chamber chorus, symphony orchestra and chamber orchestra, Gaelic text by Duncan Ban MacIntyre and translation by Hugh MacDiarmid (1962–2007)
I presume it is the following performance -
Scottish Opera Chorus / BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra / James Grossmith
recorded at City Halls, Glasgow 19 January 2008
:)
Yes, Albion, that's right! I don't quite remember in what kind of quality my recording is but I hope it's good enough to get at least an impression of the virtues.
Too late for me now but I will try to get it ready tomorrow! :D
Quote from: Holger on Wednesday 05 October 2011, 21:35
First, thanks for posting these notes on Gipps' Symphony No. 5, Albion. Getting background information is always appreciated. Some time ago there was an interesting article about Ruth Gipps on MusicWeb International which also provided some more insights but it has been removed.
It was probably this one by the idiosyncratic (to say the least) David C.F. Wright - the Gipps article is certainly one of his better efforts and steers clear of the usual vitriolic, homophobic character assassinations -
http://www.wrightmusic.net/pdfs/ruth-gipps.pdf (http://www.wrightmusic.net/pdfs/ruth-gipps.pdf)
:)
Stevenson (Ben Dorain) and McCabe (Songline) should be in the downloads section shortly.
I have to say that both recordings are in mono only. I didn't know how to handle audacity properly at that time. Sorry for that.
Moreover there are a few occasional skips due to my then very bad internet connection. Feel free to replace my recordings in case anyone should offer a better one, Albion! :D
Quote from: britishcomposer on Thursday 06 October 2011, 12:41
Stevenson (Ben Dorain) and McCabe (Songline) should be in the downloads section shortly.
I have to say that both recordings are in mono only. I didn't know how to handle audacity properly at that time. Sorry for that.
Moreover there are a few occasional skips due to my then very bad internet connection. Feel free to replace my recordings in case anyone should offer a better one, Albion! :D
I am having difficulties with the Stevenson Zip File. The McCabe Cello Concerto opens perfectly as per normal but the message I am getting with the Stevenson is that "the zip file is invalid".
Oh, I am sorry! I just tried to open it myself and it worked quite well. Perhaps the download process has been irritated somehow?
I will wait if others have the same problem, then create a new zip-file and upload it again.
Sorry to be a nuisance!
I open all the Zip Files I download using Windows Explorer. The McCabe Cello Concerto-opened with no problem, van Gilse's 4th Symphony just this moment-no problem. I have downloaded the Stevenson three times but get the same message each time. This is the first time that I have a a problem with a Zip File.
:(
You are right, I downloaded it myself and it couldn't be opened. Am just about uploading a new file. Please, would you tell me if the same problem still occurs?
Gipps symphony 5:
-if- it was the premiere, which I am suspecting it was, then according to Halstead's "Ruth Gipps: anti-modernism, nationalism and difference in English music", page 38 (previewed by Google Books), the date (of the premiere, not of the broadcast) was 6 March 1983. In 1986 she was made to retire from the LRO (compulsory retirement), so if the recording isn't the premiere, it's "sometime between 6 March 1983 and 1986" but I am still guessing the former - still, the London Repertory Orchestra may have a list of their 1980s concerts somewhere (if not necessarily online), or stored with a library.
Eric
Quote from: britishcomposer on Thursday 06 October 2011, 15:31
You are right, I downloaded it myself and it couldn't be opened. Am just about uploading a new file. Please, would you tell me if the same problem still occurs?
Problem solved :)
Thank you very much for the download and your swift response in fixing the problem :)
Ah, glad that it works now! Enjoy listening! :D
Cooper:
can anyone turn up anything about pianist Barbara Clamp? Musicsack.com, viaf, google searches turn up nothing about her (well, Google turns up about 4 things about her- which mostly point toward other references to this very same item sometimes on different sites, I'd like independent verification of name etc.. I don't count that- understandably or no?) Is there information about her in an undigitized source? :) I will go look soon, I'm just still a bit under the weather (excuses, excuses.)
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 04 October 2011, 18:57
The cantata Come, my way, my truth, my life by Daniel Jones (as performed under Charles Groves at the 1987 Swansea Festival) is now in Folder 7.
:)
This is a choral work which I had never heard of before.
I knew that Jones had written the Cantata "The Country Beyond the Stars"(1958) (available on a Lyrita cd, coupled with the Sixth and Ninth Symphonies), the Oratorio "St. Peter"(1962) and the Cantata "Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard"(1977)-both of these I have on tape- plus another choral work from 1971 called "The Witnesses" for chorus and orchestra but this was a new one on me ;D
Thanks for the upload :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 06 October 2011, 16:57
I knew that Jones had written [...] the Oratorio "St. Peter"(1962) and the Cantata "Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard"(1977)-both of these I have on tape- plus another choral work from 1971 called "The Witnesses" for chorus and orchestra but this was a new one on me ;D
Would it be possible for you to upload these pieces at some point? I am quite a Jones fan and I do have recordings of all his 13 symphonies (I don't know whether anybody plans to upload the remaining ones that were not released commercially – if not I can certainly provide them) but not these pieces, which would interest me a lot.
Quote from: Holger on Thursday 06 October 2011, 17:26
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 06 October 2011, 16:57
I knew that Jones had written [...] the Oratorio "St. Peter"(1962) and the Cantata "Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard"(1977)-both of these I have on tape- plus another choral work from 1971 called "The Witnesses" for chorus and orchestra but this was a new one on me ;D
Would it be possible for you to upload these pieces at some point? I am quite a Jones fan and I do have recordings of all his 13 symphonies (I don't know whether anybody plans to upload the remaining ones that were not released commercially – if not I can certainly provide them) but not these pieces, which would interest me a lot.
I'm sure they'll appear in due course!
;)
Would be very happy to hear some more Jones symphonies, Holger, I am missing 1-3, 5, and everything after 9! Thanks.
Quote from: Holger on Thursday 06 October 2011, 17:26I do have recordings of all his 13 symphonies (I don't know whether anybody plans to upload the remaining ones that were not released commercially – if not I can certainly provide them)
Great news that you have other Daniel Jones symphonies - 2 and 12 are already in the BMB archive; 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are commercially available and I think that Dundonnell has numbers 3 and 10 and intends to upload them shortly, so it would be wonderful if you could possibly supply numbers
1, 5, 11 and 13. This collaborative effort would at last make a complete cycle available.
;D
OK, I will upload the four Jones symphonies in question in the next days. I think I should get round to this until the weekend (as I am currently doing some work on my CD collection anyway).
Quote from: Holger on Thursday 06 October 2011, 17:26
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 06 October 2011, 16:57
I knew that Jones had written [...] the Oratorio "St. Peter"(1962) and the Cantata "Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard"(1977)-both of these I have on tape- plus another choral work from 1971 called "The Witnesses" for chorus and orchestra but this was a new one on me ;D
Would it be possible for you to upload these pieces at some point? I am quite a Jones fan and I do have recordings of all his 13 symphonies (I don't know whether anybody plans to upload the remaining ones that were not released commercially – if not I can certainly provide them) but not these pieces, which would interest me a lot.
It is certainly my intention to upload 'St. Peter' and 'Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard' plus a very great deal more British music as soon as I can digitise it all ;D
I am currently going through all my taped British music to check that tapes I have not been able to listen to for 30 years are still ok. So far 99% are ;D ;D
These works should be uploaded next month some time :)
You have ALL 13 Jones symphonies :) :) :)
Oh JOY :) Albion has already commented and I join in his and others' excitement :) ;D
Great news in Jones Country!
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Thursday 06 October 2011, 19:11
Great news in Jones Country!
Not to be confused with Jonestown, one hopes!
Cooper violin sonata- performance before (or in) 1964 (because violinist Milan Yovanovitch Bratza's dates are 1904-64. He is also mentioned in association with Cooper's violin concerto, I think I saw...) Good to know something about the provenance of the recording- if only that much!
No idea still who Barbara Clamp is or was (unknown pianist under assumed name? Or maybe just a misspelling? or...). I wonder if the Joyce Hatto/Michael Maxwell performance (apparently yes, that recording that's been mentioned in her otherwise almost entirely false performance record/discography, really was Hatto?) of the Cooper 3rd concerto was recorded and survives though?
In one single push of labour, I managed to upload the four Jones symphonies mentioned above already this morning, links should appear in the Downloads section soon. As a bonus, I added two further pieces by Jones: his Sinfonietta No. 1 plus the "Ieunectid" Overture. I also have his Violin Concerto but I remember having read somebody else intends to upload it anyway.
Sound quality varies, for example in case of No. 13 the actual recording was rather quiet, which makes noise a more substantial feature alas. No. 1 is the longest Jones symphony (almost 50 minutes duration), No. 5 is a very powerful piece (with Jones himself conducting!) and Nos. 11&13 show Jones' late mastery, both of them are pieces of commemoration as indicated in the titles.
The more I got to know by Jones the more I am convinced he was a truly great composer, it's hard to understand why there is no commercial recording of the whole cycle of his symphonies.
Quote from: Holger on Friday 07 October 2011, 11:45In one single push of labour, I managed to upload the four Jones symphonies mentioned above already this morning, links should appear in the Downloads section soon. As a bonus, I added two further pieces by Jones: his Sinfonietta No. 1 plus the "Ieunectid" Overture. I also have his Violin Concerto but I remember having read somebody else intends to upload it anyway.
Great - thank you for a very generous contribution!
;D
Having started a thread about Daniel Jones on another forum back in January 2009 (a thread which is still running ;D) in which I lamented the fact that Chandos had not followed their set of the Jones String Quartets with a symphonic cycle and in which I and others grumbled and moaned about the absence of these symphonies......... ;D ;D
For me personally, a month ago there were the five on cd(Nos. 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9), then I found this site which had made two more available (Nos. 2 and 12), then I found my own old tape collection (which includes Nos. 3 and 10) and now, today, Nos. 1, 5, 11 and '13' :)
Thank you for your great generosity :) :)
I think that it would be worth bearing in mind that it will probably take me another two to three weeks before I am in a position to upload the additional orchestral and choral works in my collection and that there is no guarantee that the quality of my recordings is equal, let alone, superior to yours.
It may yet prove better to have your recordings rather than mine of Symphonies Nos. 3 and 10... but we can see about that in due course :)
I should add that the other works by Daniel Jones which I have on tape are:
Violin Concerto
Tone Poem "Cloud Messenger"
Suite "Salute to Dylan Thomas"
Dance Fantasy
Concert Overture
Oratorio "St. Peter"
Cantata "Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard"
You are welcome, I have benefitted myself a lot from all the generous uploads here on this platform!
Of course, I also have the Chandos set of Jones' String Quartets – though it's rather annoying it is already out of print! Indeed, it would have been great if they had also brought out the symphonies.
Dundonnell, whenever you find time to upload the other Jones pieces it will be fine. Collecting music also means learning to have patience, therefore two or three weeks are actually almost nothing. A friend of mine is collecting Soviet symphonies, he has now been hunting for the rarest LPs for nearly 15 years!
We will see about your copies of Jones' Symphonies Nos. 3&10. I have two versions of the Third (Thomson, Hughes) anyway. Regarding the other works you have, I have the Violin Concerto and the Dance Fantasy (which has even appeared on a Lyrita CD) but not the others. In fact, they would all interest me a lot. :)
Many thanks to Holger for these symphony files - at long last we are within sight of a complete Daniel Jones symphony cycle being available. I've placed copies of the new files in the BMB archive (Folder 7) and added some broadcasting dates - strictly speaking it was still the BBC Welsh SO until 1993!
;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 07 October 2011, 14:34other works by Daniel Jones which I have on tape are:
Violin Concerto
Tone Poem "Cloud Messenger"
Suite "Salute to Dylan Thomas"
Dance Fantasy
Concert Overture
Oratorio "St. Peter"
Cantata "Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard"
Super, greatly looking forward to these!
;D ;D
Quote from: Albion on Friday 07 October 2011, 16:01
Many thanks to Holger for these symphony files - at long last we are within sight of a complete Daniel Jones symphony cycle being available. I've placed copies of the new files in the BMB archive (Folder 7) and added some broadcasting dates - strictly speaking it was still the BBC Welsh SO until 1993!
;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 07 October 2011, 14:34other works by Daniel Jones which I have on tape are:
Violin Concerto
Tone Poem "Cloud Messenger"
Suite "Salute to Dylan Thomas"
Dance Fantasy
Concert Overture
Oratorio "St. Peter"
Cantata "Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard"
Super, greatly looking forward to these!
;D ;D
Well, as Holger correctly pointed out, the Dance Fantasy is on a Lyrita cd-which I have but had overlooked-so it can probably be skipped. The other six works, together with Symphonies Nos. 3 and 10 will go up though :)
(Always, though, counting on quality of recording...I am trying to listen to Derek Bourgeois's Tuba Concerto just now but the recording is really pretty dreadful, I am afraid :()
Again, never believed such a treasure as all of Daniel Jones' symphonies would come my way, thanks to this wonderful forum, but especially to Holger. Now just to be able to have time to listen to them all!
Quote from: Arbuckle on Friday 07 October 2011, 16:29never believed such a treasure [...] would come my way
It's better than the lottery, any day!"
;)
Absolutely!
BTW, for Jones beginners (like me), which of his symphonies would you rate most highly?
I can add a Dobra Niva orchestral suite by Daniel Jones. Shamokin88.
Quote from: Alan Howe on Friday 07 October 2011, 16:48
BTW, for Jones beginners (like me), which of his symphonies would you rate most highly?
Rather difficult question. Jones was eager not to repeat himself and always tried to find new concepts. For example, main keys of his Symphonies Nos. 1-12 run through the whole chromatic scale: No. 1 in E, No. 2 in A, No. 3 in B, No. 4 in G sharp, No. 5 in C sharp, No. 6 in D, No. 7 in F sharp, No. 8 in F, No. 9 in C, No. 10 in B flat, No. 11 in E flat and No. 12 finally reaches G. I also think it's no wonder the John Fussell Symphony, i.e. No. 13, is in C Sharp: the Fifth (in other words, his original Symphony in C Sharp) is the only symphony which partly leaves this scheme as it finally moves to D Major.
Critics often praise Jones' Fourth and it is definitely a strong piece, written in memory of his friend Dylan Thomas and very concentrated, dense and powerful. However it's commercially available and thus not to be found among our uploads. Maybe I might recommend No. 2 instead. The reason is that in this piece Jones has definitely found an own voice, e.g. you will find his typical juggling rhythms in this symphony, it's also fine because of its mood of drama (when the main theme of the first movement is rushed through the orchestra near the end of the finale that's really enthralling!). It's a longer than most of Jones' later symphonies, however (none of Nos. 6-13 take longer than half an hour). Basically, I think any Jones symphony is worth a listen. The only symphony I would maybe not recommend to start with is the First, just because it is a slightly earlier piece and probably not as typical of his ripe language as the later ones.
Shamokin88, the Dobra Niva Suite is certainly of interest as well and I'd be grateful for an upload for sure!
Thanks very much for the full reply. Very helpful!
Quote from: Alan Howe on Friday 07 October 2011, 18:56
Thanks very much for the full reply. Very helpful!
Ditto. Daniel Jones' music has taken me a little while to get into, but now I'm attuned to it I also regard it very highly indeed - and No.2 is one of my favourites.
This issue of having to 'spend time' with a composer really does point out the vital necessity for recordings that can be played, played and played again. When these symphonies (and so many other works by so many other composers) were first heard, unless they got second and third performances and you were fortunate enough to attend them all, there would be minimal chance for a listener to even begin to appreciate and enjoy (let alone understand) what the composer had striven to give to the world.
With a symphonic cycle of such stature (whose technical 'solidity' and serious import often reminds me of Rubbra), I think that Jones is revealed as one of the truly significant British composers of the twentieth-century.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Friday 07 October 2011, 22:50
Quote from: Alan Howe on Friday 07 October 2011, 18:56
Thanks very much for the full reply. Very helpful!
Ditto. Daniel Jones' music has taken me a little while to get into, but now I'm attuned to it I also regard it very highly indeed - and No.2 is one of my favourites.
This issue of having to 'spend time' with a composer really does point out the vital necessity for recordings that can be played, played and played again. When these symphonies (and so many other works by so many other composers) were first heard, unless they got second and third performances and you were fortunate enough to attend them all, there would be minimal chance for a listener to even begin to appreciate and enjoy (let alone understand) what the composer had striven to give to the world.
With a symphonic cycle of such stature (whose technical 'solidity' and serious import often reminds me of Rubbra), I think that Jones is revealed as one of the truly significant British composers of the twentieth-century.
:)
Couldn't agree more-particularly with the last sentence :)
It was my earnest hope that Chandos would get Richard Hickox to record a Jones cycle with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales but, tragically, such a possibility was denied :( Hickox was exactly the conductor to do it, as he demonstrated with his Rubbra symphonic cycle for that label. An earlier possibility was the late Bryden Thomson...but, again, alas... :(
But at least we are moving here to having all the symphonies and a substantial quantity of the orchestral and choral music available for download :)
Incidentally, I have argued elsewhere that the European composer of whom I am most reminded when listening to Daniel Jones is the wonderful Danish symphonist Vagn Holmboe. Holmboe, coincidentally, also wrote thirteen symphonies but both composers share, it seems to me, a genuine sense of symphonic development, not simply within each symphony but throughout the entire corpus. There is with both a single-minded sense of real purpose, a seriousness, an unflinching determination to go their own way quite regardless of musical fashion and a paring down of their expression towards shorter and tauter symphonies over time.
It is no accident that Jones largely avoided London or the wider musical scene in favour of remaining in South Wales where he had grown up or that he appears to have remarkably little interest in the work of other composers.
Just to add my voice to the choir of grateful members. Splendid job, Holger! And yes - I'd recommend Symphony No. 2 also - it's a great piece, which manages to be both serious and magical.
Quote from: Holger on Friday 07 October 2011, 11:34All taken from the radio, again no dates of broadcasting available however.
Dates for the recordings are almost certainly as follows -
Symphony No.1 in E minor - BBC Welsh SO/ Bryden Thomson (br. 12/1/1990)
Symphony No.5 - BBC SO/ Daniel Jones (Proms performance, 27/7/1959)
Sinfonietta No.1 - BBC Welsh SO/ Bryden Thomson (Proms performance, 3/9/1982)
Symphony No.11, In memoriam George Froom Tyler - BBC Welsh SO/ Charles Groves (br. 2/1/1984)
Symphony in memory of John Fussell [Symphony No.13] - BBC Welsh SO/ Richard Hickox (br. 7/12/1992)- still trying to track down a likely candidate for
Ieuenctid!
:)
Quote from: Albion on Saturday 08 October 2011, 12:20
Quote from: Holger on Friday 07 October 2011, 11:34All taken from the radio, again no dates of broadcasting available however.
Dates for the recordings are almost certainly as follows -
Symphony No.1 in E minor - BBC Welsh SO/ Bryden Thomson (br. 12/1/1990)
Symphony No.5 - BBC SO/ Daniel Jones (Proms performance, 27/7/1959)
Sinfonietta No.1 - BBC Welsh SO/ Bryden Thomson (Proms performance, 3/9/1982)
Symphony No.11, In memoriam George Froom Tyler - BBC Welsh SO/ Charles Groves (br. 2/1/1984)
Symphony in memory of John Fussell [Symphony No.13] - BBC Welsh SO/ Richard Hickox (br. 7/12/1992)
- still trying to track down a likely candidate for Ieuenctid!
:)
Thanks, Albion!
I should add that these are copies I got from other collectors in various exchanges. I haven't recorded them myself - no wonder, as even in case of the latest broadcast (Symphony No. 13) I was just six years old!
The Ieuenctid Overture seems to have been broadcasted together with Alan Rawsthorne's Hallé Overture which is on the same cassette, alas I don't have performers for the latter either so I am not sure whether this helps.
Re Gaze Cooper's piano concerto no.3 op.71 - would someone who has seen the score of this work at some point (there is no hurry) maybe confirm that the music represented as being this, is this? This sounds to me like it could be a somewhat badly recorded (though otherwise nice to listen to in my honest opinion) chamber work for piano and strings (and I see he did write a piano quartet). While Cadensa doesn't seem to provide any information on recordings of those by Cooper either, it might still be marginally easier to find a broadcasting date if the work's identity is known surely...
Quote from: eschiss1 on Monday 10 October 2011, 08:01Re Gaze Cooper's piano concerto no.3 op.71 - would someone who has seen the score of this work at some point (there is no hurry) maybe confirm that the music represented as being this, is this? This sounds to me like it could be a somewhat badly recorded (though otherwise nice to listen to in my honest opinion) chamber work for piano and strings (and I see he did write a piano quartet).
I can't confirm either way - the title of the file as it was sent to me is Piano Concerto No.3. To me it sounds as though the intention (not always perfectly realised on the recording) is to present a work for piano and string orchestra - there is clearly more than one player on each string line. In addition, the piano is very much the key player to an extent that perhaps belies the idea of it as chamber music
per se. Perhaps more of a chamber concerto for piano and strings?
???
Quote from: Albion on Monday 10 October 2011, 09:19
Quote from: eschiss1 on Monday 10 October 2011, 08:01Re Gaze Cooper's piano concerto no.3 op.71 - would someone who has seen the score of this work at some point (there is no hurry) maybe confirm that the music represented as being this, is this? This sounds to me like it could be a somewhat badly recorded (though otherwise nice to listen to in my honest opinion) chamber work for piano and strings (and I see he did write a piano quartet).
I can't confirm either way - the title of the file as it was sent to me is Piano Concerto No.3. To me it sounds as though the intention (not always perfectly realised on the recording) is to present a work for piano and string orchestra - there is clearly more than one player on each string line. In addition, the piano is very much the key player to an extent that perhaps belies the idea of it as chamber music per se. Perhaps more of a chamber concerto for piano and strings?
???
Indeed it is - I've just found this useful information (written by Rob Barnett): The third concerto (piano and strings, Opp. 47 or 71) was given by Joyce Hatto with conductor, Martin Fogell at the Wigmore Hall, Kensington in 1954. It was repeated by the same artists, at Nottingham's Queen's Hall on 6 February 1955. The NSO were the orchestra on that occasion. This concerto was written on a train journey from London to Nottingham and was completed in ten days.
The recording doesn't sound like a public performance, so perhaps it was a trial run through with a local pianist, or (most likely) a private recording made for the composer.
;D
A propos Barbara Clamp - I tracked down a Dr. Clamp who grew up in Nottingham, and currently runs a medical practice there, and asked her if she knew who said pianist might be. I thought it was unlikely that there would be many "Clamps" based in Nottingham so was quite hopeful, but no luck. She had never heard of a Barbara Clamp. Worth a try though!
If it was a pseudonym one would have to wonder why... the commonest reason for using a pseudonym on records used to be to avoid a potential contractual problem. If it wasn't a pseudonym it is odd that she can not be traced....
Quote from: semloh on Monday 10 October 2011, 10:51it was unlikely that there would be many "Clamps" based in Nottingham
Alas, the only clamps to be found where I live in Nottingham are those self-applied by car-owners to prevent their wheels being stolen.
:o
It's a pity that Barbara couldn't have got together with Nora Clench -
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Nora_Clench.jpg/220px-Nora_Clench.jpg)
"Clamp and Clench" has a certain (perhaps unpleasantly medical) ring to it.
;D
Quote from: Albion on Monday 10 October 2011, 11:46
Quote from: semloh on Monday 10 October 2011, 10:51it was unlikely that there would be many "Clamps" based in Nottingham
Alas, the only clamps to be found where I live in Nottingham are those self-applied by car-owners to prevent their wheels being stolen.
:o
It's a pity that Barbara couldn't have got together with Nora Clench -
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Nora_Clench.jpg/220px-Nora_Clench.jpg)
"Clamp and Clench" has a certain (perhaps unpleasantly medical) ring to it.
;D
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Could be the start of a challenging new thread....
Looks more like Hinge & Bracket to me!
Very good! ;D
Partly at least in continuing gratitude for the quite amazing quantity of music I have been able to access for the first time from this forum..........
I have now listened to around three-quarters of my own collection of taped British music. I have-I hope-all the necessary technology now to digitise the collection and should be able to start around the middle of next week.
It would be my intention to make it available in phases rather than wait longer to have the lot coming up here en masse. We are-after all-talking about in excess of 115 pieces of British orchestral and choral music not otherwise available ;D ;D.
I also plan to get the music up first and then to play around with the Audacity programme I have downloaded to try to improve the sound quality of particular works.
Currently listening to Havergal Brian's Symphony No.20 played by the New Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Vernon Handley, recorded in 1976 :)
You lucky man! I wonder how his reading differs from the one on Marco Polo/Naxos...
Not too long to wait ;D
The recording is not of the best.....but it should do(I hope!) and it CAN be improved :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 12 October 2011, 19:48I have now listened to around three-quarters of my own collection of taped British music. I have-I hope-all the necessary technology now to digitise the collection and should be able to start around the middle of next week. [...] We are-after all-talking about in excess of 115 pieces of British orchestral and choral music not otherwise available ;D ;D.
What a truly fabulous prospect - many thanks, Colin!
In the meantime,
Dylan has very kindly sent a lovely performance of Liza Lehmann's exotic song-cycle for SATB soloists and piano
In A Persian Garden (1896). It was recorded at Aldeburgh in 1997 - I have added all the necessary details and this recording can now be found in
Folder 3 of BMB.
;D
Some SONGS at last!!! Thank you, both! :D
Though I am VERY interested in British Art Song I have not yet explored Liza Lehmann's works.
BTW, I am looking for songs by C. W. Orr. (A few have been recorded by hyperion and the cycle of seven Housman songs by an obscure label, the Morrison Music Trust.)
Someone told me that Ph. Langridge had recorded some but as far as I know they have only been released on LP.
Orr's reputation rests on just 35 songs and it's a shame that they haven't been recorded completely so far. What about hyperion?! They have done so many fine British song CDs. (Ireland, Bliss, Bridge, RVW, Warlock, Finzi, Gurney, etc...) Naxos English Song Series would be another candidate.
And then, what about Thomas Dunhill's 'The Wind Among the Reeds'? It was broadcast in 2004 by BBC Radio 3 and I missed it. :(
(Vernon Handley/Ulster Orchestra)
Has anyone of you recorded it?
Quote from: britishcomposer on Wednesday 12 October 2011, 22:30And then, what about Thomas Dunhill's 'The Wind Among the Reeds'? It was broadcast in 2004 by BBC Radio 3 and I missed it. :(
(Vernon Handley/Ulster Orchestra)
Has anyone of you recorded it?
Sorry, I've not come across this recording - can you make do with Norman Hay's
The Wind Among the Reeds (BMB
Folder 5)? It's a truly wonderful piece!
;)
Great stuff. Thank you!
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 12 October 2011, 22:39
Sorry, I've not come across this recording - can you make do with Norman Hay's The Wind Among the Reeds (BMB Folder 5)? It's a truly wonderful piece!
;)
Yes, I know! Haven't listened yet but will do so shortly. It would have made a fine comparison. If known at all Dunhill is best remembered for 'Cloths of Heaven', surely one of the finest songs ever written. It's hard to understand why no one has considered to record the complete cycle so far! Well, there IS this BBC broadcast and I will wait patiently... ;)
I regret to say that I thought that Dunhill's Symphony in A minor (released by Dutton) was lacking in much interest :(
Due to file-incompatibility ( ::)), I have re-loaded In a Persian Garden as two separate files - the first contains the bulk of the cycle, and a further one contains the final quartet.
Hopefully, it is now complete!
:)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 12 October 2011, 23:04
I regret to say that I thought that Dunhill's Symphony in A minor (released by Dutton) was lacking in much interest :(
I haven't heard that recording but you are not the only person who thinks so.
Well, I don't mind! :)
Gurney wasn't an accomplished orchestral composer either but his songs demonstrate a feeling for words which is unsurpassed. Who needs a Gurney Symphony when we have the five Elizas! ;) :D
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/033-Earth-could-not-answer-nor-the-Seas-that-mourn-q75-829x1159.jpg/200px-033-Earth-could-not-answer-nor-the-Seas-that-mourn-q75-829x1159.jpg)
It is fascinating to compare Liza Lehmann's intimate setting of verses from The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam with Bantock's more expansive treatment. Both equally valid, of course.
:)
Hrm. A Dunhill "triptych- three impressions for viola and orchestra" op.99 published by OUP in 1945 (ok, apparently composed ca.1941-2- for Tertis?). Erm... anyone know anything about this, asks this (horrible.) ex-violist? (premiered 19/8/1942 at a Prom by Tertis- conducted by Boult... no recording mentioned at Cadensa I think though. Hrm. Anyway. Sorry.)
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 12 October 2011, 22:12
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 12 October 2011, 19:48I have now listened to around three-quarters of my own collection of taped British music. I have-I hope-all the necessary technology now to digitise the collection and should be able to start around the middle of next week. [...] We are-after all-talking about in excess of 115 pieces of British orchestral and choral music not otherwise available ;D ;D.
What a truly fabulous prospect - many thanks, Colin!
In the meantime, Dylan has very kindly sent a lovely performance of Liza Lehmann's exotic song-cycle for SATB soloists and piano In A Persian Garden (1896). It was recorded at Aldeburgh in 1997 - I have added all the necessary details and this recording can now be found in Folder 3 of BMB.
;D
Mention of Liza Lehmann recalls the fact that she was the grandmother of the composer
David Bedford who sadly died on 1st October. David was also the brother of the conductor Steuart Bedford.
There have been lengthy obituaries in the quality British newspapers but little comment online that I at least have seen. Bedford was an astonishing character.
I am not going to precis what is an admirably full and detailed Wikipedia article about the composer but simply to commend it to you. My own first encounter with him was his orchestrations of the famous Mike Oldfield albums of the early to mid 1970s, including "Tubular Bells".
Whatever one thought of his music there is no denying his sterling efforts to bring music to as wide a cross-section of the population as possible, and particularly the young for whom he composed an amazing quantity of music, often for the most extraordinary 'instruments'.
R.I.P.
How sad to hear of the death of David Bedford. :(
He was very creative. His Stars End (1974) had quite an impact when it was first broadcast, and I rather prefer it to his The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1975). I don't have anything else by him though....
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 12 October 2011, 22:12In the meantime, Dylan has very kindly sent a lovely performance of Liza Lehmann's exotic song-cycle for SATB soloists and piano In A Persian Garden (1896). It was recorded at Aldeburgh in 1997 - I have added all the necessary details and this recording can now be found in Folder 3 of BMB.
This has been joined by another recording with Elizabeth Harwood, Bernadette Greevy, Philip Langridge and Forbes Robinson accompanied by John Constable - the performance, which was formerly available on a long-deleted Argo LP, has also been kindly supplied by
Dylan.
:)
If Bowen Orchestral Works (Hurst) and Bowen Orchestral Works (Susskind) are supposed to be part of the same album (i notice they have consecutive track numbers, 2 and 3), they won't be treated as such by iTunes- they'll be treated as separate albums (different album names, yes...) with one item each- instead use the same album name and separate by different artist :) - then (unless the recipient chooses otherwise and changes the items) they will be played consecutively.
Re the Foulds cello concerto- I expect the notes to the apparently upcoming Dutton Vocalion recording will make all clear, but according to BMIC notes here (http://www.bluntinstrument.org.uk/foulds/research/bmic.htm) it was composed in 1909, not 1911?
Dylan has very kindly supplied the first representation of Kenneth Leighton in the archive - Dance Suite No.3, written in 1983 for the 21st anniversary of the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra. I've added the usual details and put it into Folder 8.
:)
Thanks to recently-joined member calico, there has been an increase in the repertoire of songs available in the archive: selections by Herbert Howells and Charles Wilfred Orr, as recorded by Philip Langridge and Bruce Ogston for Unicorn in 1977. These are now in Folder 5.
:)
HUGE THANKS for the new song uploads, esp. Orr!!! :D :D :D
Another contribution from Dylan, Alec Rowley's charming Miniature Concerto for Piano and Orchestra (1947) is also now to be found in Folder 5.
:)
Excerpts from the following British operas are now in the archive -
Folder 2
Arthur Goring Thomas: Esmeralda (1883)
Charles Villiers Stanford: Much Ado About Nothing (1901)
Frederic Cowen: Pauline (1876)
Frederick Corder: Nordisa (1887)
Folder 3
Ethel Smyth: The Boatswain's Mate (1916)
Edward Naylor: The Angelus (1909)
Frederic d'Erlanger: Tess (1906)
Gustav Holst: Sita (1900-06)
Here is the review of the original LP set from Gramophone (August 1985) -
BRITISH OPERA. Various artists with Opera Viva Orchestra / Leslie Head. Opera Viva digital ® OV101/2 (two records, nas). Notes included. Limited edition. Recorded at a public concert in 1983.
Holst (ed. C. Matthews): SITA—closing scene from Act 3. MacCunn: JEANIE DEANS—Effies cradle song. Naylor: THE ANGELUS—duet from Act 2. Smyth: THE BOATSWAINS MATE— Suppose you mean to do a given thing. What if I were young again. d'Erianger: TESS—Angel Clare's aria. Corder: NORDISA—Minna's song. Delius: IRMELIN—closing scene. Boughton: THE IMMORTAL HOUR—closing scene. Stanford: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING—ensemble from Act 1. A. G. Thomas: ESMERALDA - All is yet tranquil. . .What would I do for my Queen. Cowen: PAULINE—Dear Prince, Thy ring shall ever be.
This is an enterprising recording; everyone interested in British music should wish it well, for its proceeds will go to support future Opera Viva productions, threatened by chill economic winds. Opera Viva have given performances of many rare works and provide opportunities for young singers at that perilous stage between leaving college and obtaining a footing in a professional company. In these performances, recorded at a public concert in 1983, there are voices of whose future success one feels reasonably sure: the soprano Jeanette Wilson, for example, the mezzo Jenny Miller and the tenor David Skewes. As for the conductor, Leslie Head, his indefatigability in the cause of neglected British music is heroic.
The total rarity is the closing scene from Holst's Sita, composed in 1906 and placed third in a Ricordi competition. Two years later he composed the innovatory masterpiece Savitri but there's no hint of that kind of genius in Sita, even though the music is not without its attractions. The judges preferred Edward Naylor's The Angelus, and a duet from it gives us enough reason to revise their adjudication.
The ensemble from Stanford's Much Ado confirms the high estimate of this work held by the composer's pressure group, and what a charmer is the baritone aria from Goring Thomas's Esmeralda, persuasively sung by Mark Hoffman. For sheer professional craftsmanship in its command of pastiche, nothing on these LPs excels the aria from d'Erlanger's Tess. It's a long way from Hardy, but it explains why Zenatello sang it at Covent Garden in 1909, with Destinn as the heroine. The Ethel Smyth extract from The Boatswain's Mate has expertise too, but much more interesting, with its strange dark harmonies in the orchestra, is the song from MacCunn's Jeanie Deans. Now that there is a complete Irmelin on record (reviewed on page 268), it is good to have an alternative performance of the last scene, with Janine Osborne and David Skewes an appealing pair of lovers. Very likeable, too, is the elegant music from the 24-year-old Cowen's Pauline, rather Frenchified and written with a deft touch.
If the Delius, MacCunn and Stanford extracts are the only examples that make one eager to see the whole work staged, there is nothing here that does not refute that "land without music" gibe. The recordings are clear and, allowing for the conditions of public performance, well balanced.
:)
I don't suppose anyone has an uploadable copy of Havergal Brian's 7th Symphony? It's the one missing from my collection. Otherwise, it seems I would need to purchase the double EMI set..... ??? It would be very greatly appreciated :) :) :)
I see that it was always a neglected work: http://www.havergalbrian.org/sym7_3.htm >:(
This review of it's first public performance by Mackerras and the RLPO in 1987 says that "the Havergal Brian Deprecation Society staged a very noticeable walkout", but "Happily, what transpired was a radiant performance of what is probably the most luminous of his symphonies." :)
Just the EMI in my case, sorry - wonderful disc though in my opinion (the 31st put me onto that composer.)
I can't recall how the sound might be but I have the Harry Newstone premiere from June of 1966.
Love the Orr songs. Made my night.
Did anybody happen to record a mini-series of four Radio 3 afternoon broadcasts back in 2010 of choral songs by Rutland Boughton and Cecil Armstrong Gibbs? The performers were the BBC Singers under Paul Brough -
27/9/2010
Boughton - Burglar Bill
Gibbs - Come, Sleep
28/9/2010
Boughton - The City
Gibbs - Old Age
29/9/2010
Boughton - Early One Morning
Gibbs - The Stranger
1/10/2010
Boughton - Pan
Gibbs - To Music
???
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 16 October 2011, 08:39
Did anybody happen to record a mini-series of four Radio 3 afternoon broadcasts back in 2010 of choral songs by Rutland Boughton and Cecil Armstrong Gibbs? The performers were the BBC Singers under Paul Brough -
27/9/2010
Boughton - Burglar Bill
Gibbs - Come, Sleep
28/9/2010
Boughton - The City
Gibbs - Old Age
29/9/2010
Boughton - Early One Morning
Gibbs - The Stranger
1/10/2010
Boughton - Pan
Gibbs - To Music
???
Yes, Sir, I did! :D
How would you like me to upload the files?
It would be easiest to put them all into one zip-file but I suppose you want to put each composer in a different folder?
Quote from: britishcomposer on Sunday 16 October 2011, 16:29Yes, Sir, I did! :D
How would you like me to upload the files?
Many thanks for the response - however, I've just checked and these items were sent by Dylan earlier today. These should be available (along with several other interesting items) later this evening.
:)
These partsongs are now in the archive, the Boughton in Folder 4 and the Gibbs in Folder 5 -
Boughton - Burglar Bill
Boughton - The City
Boughton - Early One Morning
Boughton - Pan
Gibbs - Come, Sleep
Gibbs - Old Age
Gibbs - The Stranger
Gibbs - To Music
There are also two performances by the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Adrian Leaper -
Holbrooke's tone poem Ulalume (1901-03) - Folder 4
Moeran's Farrago Suite (1932), a work which the composer subsequently withdrew and quarried for his Serenade (1948) - Folder 5
Many thanks to Dylan for sending these files.
:)
Gosh, Moeran's Farrago does exist - has survived?! :D :D :D
Seems I am not quite up-to-date concerning Moeran! ;D
I just listened to the incipits; movements I-IV sound like the Serenade, however V is 'new'.
Has anybody further information about the Suite?
Moereover, a new biography by Barry Marsh has been announced since the mid-90s I think. Don't know anything about it.
BTW, glad you took Dylan's recording of the Boughton-Gibbs part-songs. Sound quality is much better than mine! :D
Another important addition this evening - the opera
Menna (1950-51) by Arwel Hughes (1909-1988), a composer who was recently the subject of an orchestral disc from Bis. This is a 2009 broadcast performance conducted by the composer's son Owain Arwel Hughes. Two files (Act I and Acts II/ III) can be found in
Folder 7 and I've added relevant performance details in the archive listing.
Many thanks to Dylan for an opportunity to get to know this Welsh opera.
:)
Quote from: britishcomposer on Sunday 16 October 2011, 22:42Has anybody further information about the Suite?
There doesn't seem to be very much information available regarding Moeran's
Farrago Suite - I'll have a dig around.
;)
You may be interested to hear that I have just discovered a taped version of Arwel Hughes's Symphony(1971) ;D
I had no idea that I had this. Will add it to the list for uploading :)
Hrm. Moeran Farrago suite- ah. was going to ask if it is mentioned in Self's book (which I received over a decade ago in the mail confusingly briefly and agreed to send to its actual intended recipient, but was glad to have for as long as I did :) ...), but a review (http://homepage.mac.com/davidtall/journals/files/journal90.pdf) of Self's book online (Delius Society Journal PDF. page 19.) answers that question -- in part --- and interestingly...
Nicholas Maw's Spring Music (1982-83) is now in Folder 8 - the 1987 performance is given by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under Sir John Pritchard.
Many thanks to Dylan for this file.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 16 October 2011, 23:42Another important addition this evening - the opera Menna (1950-51) by Arwel Hughes (1909-1988), a composer who was recently the subject of an orchestral disc from Bis. This is a 2009 broadcast performance conducted by the composer's son Owain Arwel Hughes. Two files (Act I and Acts II/ III) can be found in Folder 7 and I've added relevant performance details in the archive listing.
This morning I have re-edited the files so that each of the three acts is now separate. I have also spliced-in the introductory and interval discussions between Penny Gore and Owain Arwel Hughes which give fascinating background to the opera.
:)
Will try (well, trying) to upload a zip file (or maybe the individual mp3s) of Simpson 4 conducted by Nicholas Kok some years back (BBC Symphony Orch, (May 2001??); revised version) on Radio 3 The zip file is rather large so may have to upload it track by track anycase - will try to make it movable to the main BMB folder after that if all works out.
I HAD a tape recording of the premiere of Simpson's 4th Symphony given by the Halle Orchestra under James Loughran. I preferred the original to Simpson's revised version.
Incredibly stupidly I taped a recording of the revised version(B.B.C. Symphony Orchestra/Sir Andrew Davis) over the original >:(
(Which reminds me of how I taped something or other over the first two movements- especially painfully the sprightly scherzo - of a tape of the LP of Golubev's memorable 5th symphony - ... erm. Anyway. :( )
I'm afraid that I've committed similar wanton acts, one of the more grievous being the transplanting of a TDK90 of Mackerras' 1986 Leeds centenary Golden Legend from the shelf to the bin when Hyperion's recording came out.
::)
Quote from: Albion on Monday 17 October 2011, 09:13
Nicholas Maw's Spring Music (1982-83) is now in Folder 8 - the 1987 performance is given by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under Sir John Pritchard.
Many thanks to Dylan for this file.
:)
Maw was a tragic figure :(
Quote from the 'The Daily Telegraph' Obituary:
"The Grove Dictionary of Music described Maw's music as "an attempt to reconnect with the Romantic tradition that was broken with the onset of Modernism". At a time when Boulez and Stockhausen were in the ascendant, and the sort of big Romantic pieces Maw was writing were deeply unfashionable, he refused to change or abandon his idiom. Critical opinion remained sharply divided. One notice dismissed Maw's oeuvre as "pastiche music, echoing every late-twentieth-century tonalist you care to name"; but others praised the Straussian exuberance of his orchestration and his "Brittenesque" melodic writing. "
Very interesting, Colin - thanks for this quotation. I don't know very much Maw at all, but I'm willing to have a listen to what's available!
:)
Quote from: britishcomposer on Thursday 06 October 2011, 12:45
Ronald Stevenson (b. 1928)
In praise of Ben Dorain (2007)
Symphony for full chorus, chamber chorus, symphony orchestra and chamber orchestra,
Gaelic text by Duncan Ban MacIntyre and translation by Hugh MacDiarmid (1962–2007)
John McCabe (b. 1939)
Cello Concerto 'Songline' (2007)
Quote from: britishcomposer on Monday 17 October 2011, 21:25
John Pickard (b. 1963)
Piano Concerto (1999-2000)
Many thanks for these files (and even more for supplying comprehensive details) - I'll put copies into the main archive later today.
;D
Re Bate's piano concerto no.2 op.28 (1947)- was it revised in 1947 or is the performance from 1947? The work itself seems to be from 1940 and to have been premiered in 1942, from the information I find so far... Thanks!
Eric, you're quite right - I'd missed this error and have got absolutely no idea where '1947' came from!
According to Michael Barlow and Rob Barnett
Bate's Second Piano Concerto Op. 28 [2-2-2-2 4-3-3-1 Perc strings, Lengnick, 22'] completed in May 1940 to a commission from Sir Henry Wood was another successful vehicle to display the virtuosity, both technical and poetic, of the 29 year old composer. The initial dedication was to Boulanger but he later substituted his wife's name. Vaughan Williams and Malcolm Sargent were fervent admirers of the concerto. Its first performance was given by the New York City Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham with the composer as soloist. The concert took place on 8 February 1942 in the Carnegie Hall and was the third concert of the orchestra's W.P.A. Music Project season. The Bate work was flanked by Haydn's Symphony No. 99 and Berlioz' Harold in Italy (William Primrose). The reviews commented on the abundant vitality of the music. The Lengnick score with the orchestral part transcribed for a second piano shows the work dedicated to Peggy Glanville-Hicks. This may later have been changed.
Ross Parmenter's review appeared in the New York Times the next morning: "... the concerto which received its world première, was by the 29 year old British composer-pianist Stanley Bate, who made his local début playing the solo part ... Mr Bate proved to be an excellent pianist ... The eighteen minute concerto suggested a chase. From the start it moved at a headlong pace, and even though the slower second movement had a pastoral quality there was still the underlying unrest of a man being pursued. In the last movement the flight was resumed. The piano was used as an integral part of the orchestra and there was original and effective use of instruments in the scoring. It showed the influence of Hindemith, under whom the composer studied, but it had the vitality of a work of individual inspiration."
Duly amended in the listing.
:)
Hrm. Interestingly as to Sterndale Bennett's symphony no.5 WoO 31 in G minor I see that it had a studio recording with Leppard - wonder if they ever rebroadcast that... I like the H Davan Wetton one in the folder. There's also listed at Cadensa a recording of his first symphony in E-flat. Starting to have to triage my iPod which I thought had lots of space :) (not necessarily a bad thing of itself, just moving things elsewhere. Again, thanks for all the gladdening music...)
Utterly fantastic to see so many little heard Scottish Composers in here!!! :D
Quote from: mahler10th on Thursday 20 October 2011, 19:19Utterly fantastic to see so many little heard Scottish Composers in here!!! :D
If all goes well with Colin's tapes, there should be further important works by Iain Hamilton, Robin Orr, Ian Whyte and Thomas Wilson coming soon.
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjfRO0A84MsDbfAAz-tza1jZ3yTLV8ipSbVWuNHE6f4-HhyHXO2Q)
:o
I intend to begin uploading my collection of British music tonight :)
There are 140 separate works-all orchestral or choral. (There are also a much lesser number of works by non-British composers).
This programme will take some time ;D Perhaps......a month?
I shall organise the uploads, as far as possible, by composer and the links will be sent to Albion in the first instance to allow him to add those dates of the BBC Radio broadcasts as far as he can.
Please remember that these recordings were all made between 1973 and 1981, sometimes in far from ideal work conditions ;D The recordings therefore vary in quality.
What I shall attempt to do after the works have all been uploaded is go back to them to seek to improve the quality where I can, for example to attempt to remove any glaring 'blips'.
I would very much appreciate any helpful suggestions or comments on what will be a major undertaking :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 21 October 2011, 17:36
I intend to begin uploading my collection of British music tonight :)
Wow! Well done, Colin! :) I'm still trying to find appropriate audio equipment, so I won't even begin on my r2r until next year. :'( But, in view of your marvellous collection, it will be a case of "after the Lord Mayor's Show' ;D
I'm really looking forward to your uploads, regardless of any quality problems, and I hope you'll give me some advice down the track, as it were.
Good luck! ;D
Well...I certainly do (at last) understand the basics of getting the music transferred into mp3 format using Audacity and uploaded to Mediafire ;D
There was a glitch last night but that has now been overcome.
I still have to learn much more about optimal re-recording of the music on the tapes and all the effects which can be used to improve sound quality.
I shall, of course, be happy to share my experiences with you :)
I should also have added that I have included the BBC announcer's often very detailed introduction to each piece.
I have added the Arnold Cooke recordings to Folder 6 - these comprise the Concertos for Oboe (1953-54) and Violin (1958), and Symphonies 4 (1974) and 5 (1978-79). As usual, you can find the performance details and broadcast dates (where known) in the BMB listing.
Many thanks to Dundonnell for this very auspicious beginning to his exciting transfer programme!
;D
By triangulation with other recordings made around the same time I think that it is virtually certain that the recordings of the
Arnold Cooke Violin Concerto dates from 1976
Arnold Cooke Oboe Concerto dates from 1973.
Not discussion per se, but finally listened to the Thalassa symphony of Somervell. Another work I can give very high marks to for both passion and good argument (the other work I wanted to single out was the Bronsart trio in another thread)- now I look forward to the upcoming recording, too.
Many thanks to 'Holger' for providing the Gipps recording - I think it is an excellent work and deserves a pristine CD recording/performance - if the quality of her other work is anything like the standard of this piece then we are missing out on something here! Thanks again..... :)
Quote from: Holger on Wednesday 05 October 2011, 13:15
While I am sure my own British collection is really much less extensive than those of some other members here, I think I can nevertheless provide some rarities for download. One of them is the following:
Ruth Gipps (1921–1999)
Symphony No. 5, Op. 64 (1982)
London Repertoire Orchestra / Ruth Gipps
http://www.mediafire.com/?9hri5algbmmukly (http://www.mediafire.com/?9hri5algbmmukly)
Taken from the radio, no idea about the day of broadcasting however.
Since Albion is away from home until tomorrow evening can I give advance notice that the following works have been sent to him and should be added to the British music folder in the next couple of days:
Peter Racine Fricker(Part I):
Symphony No.4(1966): BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra/Maurice Handford (recorded 1978)
Symphony No.5 for organ and orchestra(1976): Dame Gillian Weir(organ) and the BBC Symphony Orchestra/Sir Colin Davis (recorded 1976)
Piano Concerto(1954): David Wilde(piano) and the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra/Albert Rosen
Viola Concerto(1953): Csaba Erdelyi(viola) and the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra/Sir Edward Downes
Havergal Brian:
Symphony No.3(1932): David Wilde(piano), Ronald Stevenson(piano) and the New Philharmonia Orchestra(Stanley Pope) (recorded
18 October 1974)
Symphony No.20(1962): New Philharmonia Orchestra(Vernon Handley) (recorded 5 October 1976)
Violin Concerto(1935): Ralph Holmes(violin) and the New Philharmonia Orchestra(Stanley Pope) (originally recorded 1969)
Opera "Agamemnon"(1957): William McAlpine(tenor): Agamemnon, Milla Andrew(soprano):Clytemnestra, Ann Howard(mezzo-soprano):
Cassandra, John Dobson(tenor): Watchman, Michael Rippon(bass): Herald, Dennis Wicks(bass): Old Man, the
B.B.C. Northern Singers and the B.B.C. Northern Symphony Orchestra(Sir Richard Armstrong)
With an extended Introduction by Malcolm MacDonald (recorded 1973)
re van Dieren- his years are at least often "given" as 1887-1936 (and the 6th quartet was on an NM Classics CD, not an Olympia CD?), but as to the former, has new digging turned up something different? (MusicSack (http://musicsack.com/PersonFMTDetail.cfm?PersonPK=100002850): 27 December 1887, with 1884 a date that turns up in many sources but the compiler of MusicSack- and VIAF also- goes with Leach's "British composer profiles." in deciding on 1887 here - to 1936 April 24.
Quartet no.1 was performed (or broadcast - I think performed/recorded) April 22 1976, according to Cadensa, and was the work's premiere.
A recording of Quartet 4 (for 2 violins, viola and double bass) is listed at Cadensa (performers Neville Marriner, David Martin, Elaine Grainger, Eugene Cruft) but I am not sure if I can figure out the date from the information given ("find format NP1958W" - 1958? probably not? and from the list of players I don't think they've ever been part of the Allegri lineup- have they? even though your listing should strictly speaking give the double bass player in any case *g*!)
The following recordings have now been transferred, annotated and added to the archive:
Brian - Symphony No.3; Symphony No.20; Violin Concerto; Agamemnon - Folder 4
Fricker - Symphony No.4; Symphony No.5 for organ and orchestra; Piano Concerto; Viola Concerto - Folder 7
Many thanks to Dundonnell for his continuing generosity in allowing us access to his recordings.
:)
Thanks for uploading the Stanley Pope Brian 3 - I have some of the other early Brian broadcasts, have been glad to augment my collection, but I think this (or sym.31? - probably sym. 31 because of brevity at first, but more important reasons soon after!- but then sym. 3 before long...) was- well, among the first Brian symphonies to come my way (at the University library in the early 1990s- it was awhile before I purchased the recording) and while the Hyperion recording is quite good in my opinion (an opinion I find not generally shared :) ) I have been assured that this performance is better (still). In which case- happier still to hear it.
Quote from: eschiss1 on Monday 24 October 2011, 23:24the Hyperion recording is quite good in my opinion (an opinion I find not generally shared :) ) I have been assured that this performance is better (still).
The criticism levelled at the Hyperion disc of Brian's 3rd is not primarily concerned with the interpretation as such, rather with the recorded acoustic set down in an unsuitable venue which has an effect of deadening the performance to a marked degree. Anyway - two versions are better than one: it is excellent to now be able to easily compare and contrast.
:)
I have just sent Albion the links to five works by Daniel Jones for downloading.
These are:
Symphony No.3
Symphony No.10
Violin Concerto
Tone Poem "Cloud Messenger"
Choral Suite "Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard"
I know that Holger very kindly made Symphonies Nos. 1, 2, 5, 11, 12 and 13 available and if his recordings of Nos. 3 and 10 are superior to mine I shall happily allow mine to be replaced ;D :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Tuesday 25 October 2011, 01:34
I have just sent the links to five works by Daniel Jones for downloading.
Wonderful! ;)
Thank you for all your hard work, Colin. :)
Quote from: semloh on Tuesday 25 October 2011, 02:22
Quote from: Dundonnell on Tuesday 25 October 2011, 01:34
I have just sent the links to five works by Daniel Jones for downloading.
Wonderful! ;)
Thank you for all your hard work, Colin. :)
It is my pleasure :)
Given the immense amount of music which I never in my wildest dreams could I imagine ever being able to hear and which now, courtesy of the members of this forum, I have been able to download.............. :) :)
The following broadcasts have been processed and are now to be found in the archive -
Daniel Jones: Symphony No.3; Symphony No.10; Violin Concerto; Tone Poem, Cloud Messenger; Choral Suite, Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard
Many thanks to Dundonnell, not least for facilitating a complete Jones Symphony cycle.
:)
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING BMB FOLDERS:
In view of the fact that several folders (especially those pertaining to twentieth-century composers) are now bulging at the seams, and are likely to grow even larger, I have decided on a new course of action.
I will reorganise all the files into ALPHABETICAL folders with composers allocated according to their given surname. The annotated listing will, however, be kept in chronological order. When complete, this should make it easier to locate specific files.
I hope to have this overhaul completed today - whilst the process is ongoing, the old links will be removed and new links provided later.
Thanks for your patience and apologies to any member who may be temporarily inconvenienced.
:)
This has now been completed, with all the folder links placed at the beginning of the annotated list. An alphabetical system will give greater flexibility and remove the necessity to specify location each time new files are added.
:)
Thanks to Albion for his hard work as British Music librarian ;D
Seconded (at least).
Indeed - what a wonderful resource these folders are. Thanks, Albion!
The following repertoire has just been added to the archive -
Wilfred Josephs (1927-1997): Symphony No.1; Aelian Dances; Symphony No.3, Philadelphia; Symphony No.5, Pastoral; Symphony No.7, Winter
As usual, full details can be found in the annotated list.
Very little of Josephs' music (and, I believe, none of the larger orchestral works) has been commercially recorded, so this is a great opportunity to discover a very approachable composer. Many thanks to Dundonnell for these latest broadcasts.
:)
Also today, Dylan has very kindly provided the following broadcasts -
Herbert Howells: In nomine (1922) recorded at the 1992 Three Choirs Festival
Bernard Stevens: Sinfonietta for Strings (1948)
Many thanks!
:)
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 26 October 2011, 10:51
The following repertoire has just been added to the archive -
Wilfred Josephs (1927-1997): Symphony No.1; Aelian Dances; Symphony No.3, Philadelphia; Symphony No.5, Pastoral; Symphony No.7, Winter
As usual, full details can be found in the annotated list.
Very little of Josephs' music (and, I believe, none of the larger orchestral works) has been commercially recorded, so this is a great opportunity to discover a very approachable composer. Many thanks to Dundonnell for these latest broadcasts.
:)
My profound apologies that I messed up the recording of the last few bars or so of the Josephs Symphony No.3. The final 30 seconds approximately are missing :( These things happened when I was trying to record mid-afternoon in the 1970s whilst at work :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 26 October 2011, 14:02My profound apologies that I messed up the recording of the last few bars or so of the Josephs Symphony No.3. The final 30 seconds approximately are missing :( These things happened when I was trying to record mid-afternoon in the 1970s whilst at work :)
No problem at all - we've all done it. At least it wasn't the other way round and you'd only managed to capture 30 seconds out of the symphony!
We're very lucky that collectors/ enthusiasts bothered to tape anything (let alone seemingly virtually everything of interest that the BBC broadcast) and even luckier that today there is a means of letting others hear the recordings.
;D
Thank you for your understanding :) I hope that others will be equally indulgent regarding my deficiencies ;D
I am more than aware that some of these recordings are deficient...either in the original recording or in my transfer to mp3 format. The latter I shall attempt to improve over time once I have got more of the hang of the opportunities Audacity has to offer.
At present I am working on the basic assumption that people would rather hear this music-which has never made it to disc(the exceptions so far being the Havergal Brian Symphonies Nos. 3 and 20 and the Violin Concerto) than not hear it at all.
I know that I personally would rather hear any recording than remain in total ignorance of a particular work ;D
Speaking of Fricker, Cadensa also lists a German? broadcast of his toccata opus 33 conducted by Erich Schmid and the Beromünster orchestra. I don't think this was a commercial recording... anyone know about this work, have the recording? :) (I need to cut down on the request, my iPod is accusing me of -- "don't finish that sentence.")
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 26 October 2011, 15:01At present I am working on the basic assumption that people would rather hear this music-which has never made it to disc [...] than not hear it at all.
Your assumption is most sagacious.
;)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Wednesday 26 October 2011, 15:46
Speaking of Fricker, Cadensa also lists a German? broadcast of his toccata opus 33 conducted by Erich Schmid and the Beromünster orchestra. I don't think this was a commercial recording... anyone know about this work, have the recording? :) (I need to cut down on the request, my iPod is accusing me of -- "don't finish that sentence.")
The Toccata is coming shortly.....although in a different performance ;D
I want to add my thanks to Dundonnell for his ongoing uploads - the Daniel Jones works, especially, are a great boon, since I've been looking in vain for so many of them. At the risk of biting the hand that feeds me - is it possible, when transferring your tapes to digital format, to transfer them at a slightly higher volume? I've been boosting the sound a bit via Audacity, which helps; and if it's not possible for you to do so, then please forget I ever said anything. But thank you again for the additions to the Unsung collection!
Dundonnell- not attached to the performance, just was noticing the possibility in their archives of a performance :) (as I like doing at times). And adding to the general thanks!
Quote from: dafrieze on Wednesday 26 October 2011, 16:04
I want to add my thanks to Dundonnell for his ongoing uploads - the Daniel Jones works, especially, are a great boon, since I've been looking in vain for so many of them. At the risk of biting the hand that feeds me - is it possible, when transferring your tapes to digital format, to transfer them at a slightly higher volume? I've been boosting the sound a bit via Audacity, which helps; and if it's not possible for you to do so, then please forget I ever said anything. But thank you again for the additions to the Unsung collection!
Your point about the volume is very helpful........thanks :) I shall see what I can do ;D
Quote from: shamokin88 on Monday 24 October 2011, 21:50Cyril Rootham: Sonata in G for Violin & Piano [1925]: Barry Wilde [pfte]/Alan Fearon [pfte]
Cyril Rootham: Septet [1930]: Catherine Lucas [flt]/Roger Winfield [ob]/George MacDonald [cln]/Steven Ray [bsn]/Hugh Potts [hn]/Andrew Williams [vla]/Jillian Tingay [hp]
Joseph Holbrooke: Quintet for Bassoon & Strings "Eleanore" op.124 [1941]: Aeolian Qt/Gwydion Brooke [bsn]
Please forgive my not responding to these generous contributions until now. Many thanks - the files have been incorporated into the main listing/ archive. Rootham and Holbrooke are always welcome at BMB!
:)
Many thanks to Colin for his sterling efforts! This place is fast becoming the biggest repository of British music in the galaxy.
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Wednesday 26 October 2011, 22:30
Many thanks to Colin for his sterling efforts! This place is fast becoming the biggest repository of British music in the galaxy.
I suspect the BBC Music Library could be bigger, you know ;D
IF..and it may indeed be a big if...the tapes of all that they broadcast are still in existence just imagine what a store of music lies gathering dust somewhere and how happy the beeb could make people if they were able to release it :)
(I know there are all manner of legal issues involved ;D)
I know that I am "flooding the market" at the present time with uploads of taped British music ;D
I also fully appreciate that personal recommendations may have little value considering the diverse tastes of listeners. My own tastes may perhaps lie rather too much towards the grim, the stern, the downright gloomy ;D
I shall forego making any recommendations of individual works by either Peter Racine Fricker or Alun Hoddinott. The music of these two composers lie at the outer edges of (but within ;D) the limits of what I can myself enjoy in more modern music. I understand that some will find these composers too hard-going :)
I would however like to recommend from amongst my uploads of music which has not yet made it to cd-
Havergal Brian's marvellous Opera "Agamemnon" with its very illuminating introductory talk by Malcolm MacDonald
Arnold Cooke's two clean, sparkling, lean symphonies-Nos. 4 and 5
Daniel Jones's Symphonies Nos. 3 and 10
Wilfred Joseph's Symphonies Nos. 5 "Pastoral" and 7 "Winter
and two symphonies which are about to be added-
Francis Chagrin's 1st and David Morgan's Sinfonia da Requiem.
Chagrin was a Rumanian who studied in Zurich and then Paris(with Dukas and Nadia Boulanger) and lived in Great Britain from 1936 until his death in 1972 at the age of 67. He wrote music for film and for tv but also a body of more serious compositions, including two symphonies.
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2009/Jan09/Chagrin_Scowcroft.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2009/Jan09/Chagrin_Scowcroft.htm)
David Morgan is a somewhat mysterious character about whom little seems to be known. He composed comparatively little. There is a Violin Concerto which Lyrita recorded many years ago and which elicited very favourable comment. Morgan spent time studying in Prague and his Sinfonia da Requiem is a reaction to the Soviet invasion in 1968. It is a work which quite a few people on the net have expressed a desire to hear. I think that it is quite a powerful and impressive piece with its sarcastic quotation of Shostakovich's Leningrad Symphony.
Morgan later emigrated to Canada and died there in 1988.
http://landofllostcontent.blogspot.com/2010/03/david-morgan-violin-concerto.html (http://landofllostcontent.blogspot.com/2010/03/david-morgan-violin-concerto.html)
http://www.musiccentre.ca/apps/index.cfm?fuseaction=composer.FA_dsp_biography&authpeopleid=176&by=M (http://www.musiccentre.ca/apps/index.cfm?fuseaction=composer.FA_dsp_biography&authpeopleid=176&by=M)
Perhaps these comments may be of some help? :)
Dundonnell - as far as I'm concerned, there can't be too much Fricker and Hoddinott (or Jones or Josephs, for that matter). That whole group of neglected composers of the mid-twentieth century, whose music isn't as tonal as some might like it but isn't as dodecaphonic as some might fear it, needs to be brought into the light of day. I believe music gets rusty when it's not performed.
Quote from: dafrieze on Thursday 27 October 2011, 00:43
Dundonnell - as far as I'm concerned, there can't be too much Fricker and Hoddinott (or Jones or Josephs, for that matter). That whole group of neglected composers of the mid-twentieth century, whose music isn't as tonal as some might like it but isn't as dodecaphonic as some might fear it, needs to be brought into the light of day. I believe music gets rusty when it's not performed.
Oh...I do agree with you :)
But having largely migrated from a music forum on which I had a reputation as a champion of "old-fashioned, tonal composers" and got some stick from time to time from the fans of Xenakis, Ligeti and Stockhausen to a forum with a different ethos I want to be 'judicious' in my recommendations ;D ;D
At least though, with the Fricker Symphony No.2 on cd and Symphonies Nos. 1 and 3 already available in the Downloads section, the addition of Nos. 4 and 5 means that all five of Fricker's symphonies can now be heard :)
And while the LP (now CD) of Fricker 2 (I have the Fricker 2/Simpson 1 LP that that part of that CD came from) are really good performances as far as I know , it's good to have Handley's recording of Simpson 1 too and one can hope for another recording of Fricker 2 too (well, not expect, but hope.)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Thursday 27 October 2011, 02:33
And while the LP (now CD) of Fricker 2 (I have the Fricker 2/Simpson 1 LP that that part of that CD came from) are really good performances as far as I know , it's good to have Handley's recording of Simpson 1 too and one can hope for another recording of Fricker 2 too (well, not expect, but hope.)
We live in hope....but I doubt, sadly, not in expectation :(
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 27 October 2011, 00:27
David Morgan is a somewhat mysterious character about whom little seems to be known. He composed comparatively little.
:)
Thanks for the web links, Colin. :) I have Morgan's
Partita on r2r tape, from an old Radio 3 broadcast by the BBC Concert Orch, cond. Lockhart, and have tried several times to find out who "Morgan" is/was without success. ::)
Problem solved! ;)
You mentioned Chagrin .... I have
The Girl With Hiccups on cassette, ex-radio, attributed to Chagrin, and I assume it's the same person (?). I have no idea of the provenance or performers, but will do some sleuthing... ;D
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Wednesday 26 October 2011, 22:30This place is fast becoming the biggest repository of British music in the galaxy.
Surely the cosmos?
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1q6ATEFqs30/St56Y8T8FZI/AAAAAAAAACY/ufH-vrM5Z9M/s320/203902main_image_968_800-600.jpg)
To bulk out the somewhat meagre contents of the archive, the following have just been added -
Francis Chagrin (1905-1972) - Symphony No.1
Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - Piano Concerto No.3; Organ Concerto; Landscapes for orchestra
David Morgan (1933-1988) - Sinfonia da RequiemMany thanks to Dundonnell - he's clearly not giving up.
;D
Quote from: dafrieze on Thursday 27 October 2011, 00:43I believe music gets rusty when it's not performed.
Indeed it does - here is the piano specially reserved at Maida Vale for the performance of British concertos -
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F6zeQ4EWWuI/SVFp8aATYPI/AAAAAAAAAS4/WEg8sURQKUw/s400/Abandoned_House_Piano_10_by_Falln_Stock.jpg)
Quote from: Albion on Thursday 27 October 2011, 09:00
- here is the piano specially reserved at Maida Vale for the performance of British concertos -
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F6zeQ4EWWuI/SVFp8aATYPI/AAAAAAAAAS4/WEg8sURQKUw/s400/Abandoned_House_Piano_10_by_Falln_Stock.jpg)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D - priceless, Albion!
I have now uploaded Iain Hamilton's Symphony No. 3, which is a lighter piece. The link is only waiting for approval. While I lack information about the date of broadcast again I could more or less find out the movement titles when reading the following article:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/Hamilton/index.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/Hamilton/index.htm)
There is also an article about Hamilton by David C F Wright but I clearly prefer the Conway one. Actually, when I recommended Wright's Gipps essay a while ago I did not know anything else by this author, which has changed in the meantime - with the result that I now perfectly understand Albion's statement about him (though in case of Hamilton, he is even in favour of him).
Thanks so much for the Hamilton Third, Holger :)
Yes, Paul Conway is a more reliable writer than David Wright. Wright is certainly immensely knowledgable and informative but his prejudices seriously let him down.
When he is writing about composers whose music he admires he can be an excellent source but one has to trudge past vicious invective directed at his usual targets(Elgar and Britten, for example) :(
Many thanks to Holger for Hamilton's Symphony No.3 - a copy has been put into the archive.
:)
Meanwhile, more files have been kindly sent by Dundonnell -
George Lloyd (1913-1998): Symphony No.6
Kenneth Leighton (1929-1988): Concerto for Viola, Harp, Timpani and Strings; Passacaglia, Chorale and Fugue for orchestra; Piano Concerto No.2; Dance Overture
As usual, more complete details can now be found in the listing.
;D
Thanks to Dundonnell (and Albion) for the upload of George Lloyd's Sixth. Another gap nicely filled. Does anybody have shareable recordings of Nos.2,3,7,9 & 10 by any chance?
btw re Hoddinott piano concerto no.3, Cadensa claims August 2, not June 2, 1974. A check of the radio listings from those months in 1974 (even available here on Microfiches of back issues of the Times) (unless the broadcast was listed but delayed as happens) should confirm... (of course the tape may announce the date on it- will have to check...)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Thursday 27 October 2011, 18:21btw re Hoddinott piano concerto no.3, Cadensa claims August 2, not June 2, 1974.
Thanks, Eric, duly amended provisionally! The National Sound Archive cataloguers were having a laugh (to put it charitably) when they decided to catalogue by year-month-day without any punctuation. For example
1979122 could mean
22nd January or
2nd December. Bloody fools!
>:(
I've spent the last few days researching and checking the long list of forthcoming items from Dundonnell - composer dates, composition dates, opus numbers, performers, broadcast dates ....
... some with more luck than others - unfortunately things may occasionally go astray!
::)
None of this would be necessary if I had kept a note of the dates of each recording :(
Unfortunately, it never entered my mind that this would matter. I was in my late 20s at the time and thought that I was simply recording my own private collection.
It obviously never occurred to me that one day I could be sharing it with people all over the world :)
Actually...that is such a nice thought....... :) :)
by the way, mightn't the Cooke violin concerto be the 1966 one listed on Cadensa with Maurice Handford conducting the same orchestra with the same soloist? Did Handley conduct the BBC Northern Symphony much before 1982 when it changed its name?
Quote from: eschiss1 on Friday 28 October 2011, 04:32mightn't the Cooke violin concerto be the 1966 one listed on Cadensa with Maurice Handford conducting the same orchestra with the same soloist?
Possibly yes, then again probably no - I believe that Dundonnell knows his Handford from his Handley.
;)
Now would that be 12th January or 2nd November 1966?
:o
Quote from: eschiss1 on Friday 28 October 2011, 04:32Did Handley conduct the BBC Northern Symphony much before 1982 when it changed its name?
Yes, during the 1960s and 1970s he was a regular guest conductor, also of the BBC Welsh and BBC Scottish.
:)
Colin- I've downloaded Lloyd's 6th (my favourite with the 4th) but it's so quiet, I can hardly hear it. :'(
I am reluctant to say anything becuase I know how much effort you are putting into sharing your files, but if you can possibly increase the volume it would be greatly appreciated. :)
Are you using an amplifier between the tape-recorder and the computer? And, which input sockets are you using on the computer? It maybe just a simple technical issue to resolve.
Gosh, I do love that symphony! :) :)
Quote from: semloh on Friday 28 October 2011, 07:48Colin- I've downloaded Lloyd's 6th (my favourite with the 4th) but it's so quiet, I can hardly hear it. :'(
I've been experimenting with audacity, have managed to amplify the file and have replaced the one in the archive.
:)
As it has taken quite a while to do this, hopefully Colin can sort the other files out at source.
;D
Re Josephs' symphonies, some useful and hopefully accurate information here (http://www.musicweb-international.com/josephs/works1.htm) - no movement listings there, though. (Symphony 5's LP recording on Unicorn, released 1983, may have had a movement list on its cover but I don't know.)
I shall do what I can do ;D
I do have to say however that the transfer process is taking a huge amount of time. Very large parts of each day and the night are being taken up converting the music in realtime into mp3 format which also involves cutting and trimming the recordings to get rid of surplus silent time. The biggest problem over the past week has been the quite inordinate quantity of time it has taken to upload to Mediafire. Sizeable files could not be uploaded at peak times-essentially the evenings. I have therefore had to upload in the early afternoon when I could or after 1am in the morning. This has meant getting to bed around 3 or 4am ;D
I have checked each mp3 file before uploading it to check that the transfer has actually worked and that the music can be heard. I listened to the George Lloyd and I could hear it ok. What I shall now do though is to download it from Mediafire and compare the downloaded copy with my original mp3 transfer. If the downloaded version is significantly quieter then that will give me an answer. I will then increase the amplification overall.
The original intention was to get the music up, wait for comments/criticism and then sort out the problems/issues. If I tried to do this in advance, so to speak, on a work by work basis then the whole process would take months; there are around 130/140 pieces of music after all ;D
Ok...well...that certainly didn't help ::)
I had forgotten that Albion very kindly had sorted out the George Lloyd ;D
I shall try a different piece instead :)
More files are now in the archive -
Iain Hamilton: Overture, Bartholomew Fair; Symphonic Variations; Scottish Dances; Overture, 1912Many thanks to Dundonnell for these latest additions.
;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 28 October 2011, 14:13I shall try a different piece instead :)
I think that the Cooke Violin Concerto has come out at quite a low volume.
???
Ok...I shall download the Cooke and check it out :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 28 October 2011, 14:39
Ok...I shall download the Cooke and check it out :)
Right...well now I am completely confused :o
I downloaded the Cooke Violin Concerto from Mediafire. This is the mp3 file I had made. I played it back through the speakers on my pc and it sounded fine(as have the other mp3 transfers).
As an experiment I copied the file onto an mp3 player, connected that to my amplifier and the sound was indeed
far too low-as reported!
There are programs such as Power Sound File Editor (freeware) that you can use to solve this problem. Just run the file through the program and "normalize" the overall sound level to an appropriate setting, and in less than minute your file is at an appropriate level.
I pretty sure that it's simply a case of tweaking the audacity settings in some way prior to recording. I've amplified the Cooke and sent Colin a copy to compare with the original file in the archive.
It will get sorted one way or another.
;D
This might be useful -
http://wiki.audacityteam.org/index.php?title=Recording_levels (http://wiki.audacityteam.org/index.php?title=Recording_levels)
when I played the original files back through my audacity, the green and red bars on the meter toolbar were registering as very low.
:)
The downloaded (revised) version of the Cooke Violin Concerto is certainly louder. I had to turn down the speakers on my pc ;D
My personal travails must be thoroughly boring other members by now :(
I need to go away and think all this advice over and then come back to it and experiment when I am fresher.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 28 October 2011, 15:47My personal travails must be thoroughly boring other members by now :(
Not at all. It's better that teething troubles are ironed out early on, rather than after uploading over a hundred items - it's incredible that in such a short space of time your material has got from reel to internet in whatever form.
I'll replace the four Hamilton files and the Cooke VC with 'amplified' copies.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Friday 28 October 2011, 16:15I'll replace the four Hamilton files and the Cooke VC with 'amplified' copies.
:)
I've amplified these files and duly replaced them.
:)
I have amplified all the Leighton files, plus the Morgan and Chagrin but I have to go out to a rehearsal this evening (in about 5 minutes), so I will upload the new versions later tonight, and will work through the Hoddinott, Cooke, Brian, Fricker and Jones files over the weekend (time permitting).
:)
Now I feel absolutely rotten :( :(
Albion didn't ask to do this, doesn't have to do it..........
It is unbelievably kind of him but my stupidity has led to this ridiculous extra workload :(
Colin, please don't feel bad about it - I made plenty of mistakes when I first began uploading!
:o
Anyway, it keeps me out of mischief (in theory).
;)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 28 October 2011, 18:33
Now I feel absolutely rotten :( :(
Albion didn't ask to do this, doesn't have to do it..........
It is unbelievably kind of him but my stupidity has led to this ridiculous extra workload :(
Please, please, Colin, don't feel bad about it. :) :)
You have a wonderful resource there, and we are grateful for your generosity in sharing it. I think we all understand how much effort it takes.... ánd some initial teething problems are inevitable. I'll face all the same problems in the new year, when I start to do the same thing, and I'm hoping to capitalize on your experience - sneaky, eh! ;D ;D
Very kind of you both :) :)
I THINK that I have got the hang of amplification.......
...and I have redone the Cooke Symphony No.4, No.5 and Oboe Concerto and will send the links in the next minute or two.
Please check these to see if there is an improvement in sound :)
Moreover, there are lots of easy ways for any user to amplify files himself if it should be necessary.
My recommendation is mp3-gain: you can put all files in at once and make them as loud as you like! :D
The Chagrin, Morgan and Leighton files have now been replaced.
Colin, I'll PM you about the other files you've been working on this evening.
;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 28 October 2011, 22:45...and I have redone the Cooke Symphony No.4, No.5 and Oboe Concerto and will send the links in the next minute or two.
These are all now fine and I've replaced the files in the archive.
:)
I've amplified and replaced the Wilfred Josephs files, and Colin has done the Havergal Brian and Hoddinott items.
Tomorrow, all the remaining files (Fricker and Jones) will also be replaced and some new repertoire will be added.
;D
(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS2yE-ccdnYD7hE9O_5s5rSUOnihqlU3uhoqJdVj2q1xYzidLFcXw)
The British Music Emporium
Normal service is resumed
I've upgraded the Peter Racine Fricker files and Colin has done the same for the Daniel Jones - thus completing the restoration project.
In addition, the following 'new' repertoire is now available for perusal -
Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989): Windsor Variations for Chamber Orchestra
William Wordsworth (1908-1988): Overture, Conflict
John McCabe (b.1939): Variations on a theme of Karl Amadeus Hartmann; Concertante for Harpsichord and Chamber Ensemble;
Violin Concerto No.2
:)
My warmest thanks to Albion for his enormous help and encouragement in getting well over twenty separate recordings back up here in their revised and amplified versions :) :)
My profound apologies to any members who have been seriously inconvenienced by having to download pieces afresh.
If-in any way-there are still serious problems with these recordings or with forthcoming uploads please let us know ;D
There are more works by Lennox Berkeley to be added to the Windsor Variations.....but the next work to go up (to celebrate the successful resumption of business ;D) will be a major British choral composition which has, sadly, never been commercially recorded-
Alan Rawsthorne's Carmen Vitale of 1963 in a recording of its performance at the Leeds Festival of 1973.
Grateful thanks to britishcomposer for the recent additions of Peter Maxwell Davies's Symphony No.7 and John McCabe's Symphony 'Labyrinth'(Symphony No.7)-two British symphonies I have wanted to hear for some time :)
Hrm, happily a good number (could be more, we editors there will just have to look for them or upload them if we have the scores! ... ) of works in the folder (and other folders) have scores or reductions available on IMSLP (noticed Stanford's Fairy Day there, for example.)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Saturday 29 October 2011, 12:59
My warmest thanks to Albion for his enormous help and encouragement in getting well over twenty separate recordings back up here in their revised and amplified versions :) :)
Brilliant work! ;) ;)
Thank you, both :) :) :)
Quote from: semloh on Saturday 29 October 2011, 14:07
Quote from: Dundonnell on Saturday 29 October 2011, 12:59
My warmest thanks to Albion for his enormous help and encouragement in getting well over twenty separate recordings back up here in their revised and amplified versions :) :)
Brilliant work! ;) ;)
Thank you, both :) :) :)
I sat in front of my pc working on the recordings from around mid day yesterday until 2.00am ;D But it was worth it IF the recordings are now acceptable.
Please, please let us know if there are still serious problems :)
Somewhere (about a third of the way through if I recall correctly) in the recording of the McCabe Violin Concerto No.2 there is a very brief outbreak of police radio :o One policeman says something and another replies....but it only lasts for a few seconds. I can try to get rid of this unwarranted intrusion later ;D ;D ;D
This British-music lover is beginning to hyperventilate from the plethora of goodies rushing onto this site. Thanks to all - and especially to whoever uploaded Maxwell Davies's seventh symphony, the only one of his symphonies I didn't have and the one that I had most despaired of ever hearing! I am now going to have to find a few free days and lock myself into my apartment like a hermit so that I can listen to it all . . .
Quote from: dafrieze on Saturday 29 October 2011, 15:15
This British-music lover is beginning to hyperventilate from the plethora of goodies rushing onto this site. Thanks to all - and especially to whoever uploaded Maxwell Davies's seventh symphony, the only one of his symphonies I didn't have and the one that I had most despaired of ever hearing! I am now going to have to find a few free days and lock myself into my apartment like a hermit so that I can listen to it all . . .
This gives me the opportunity to excuse for a short gap near the end of Max's 7. I don't know why this happened; it's already on my cassette tape and I decided not to 'edit' it.
Quote from: dafrieze on Saturday 29 October 2011, 15:15
This British-music lover is beginning to hyperventilate from the plethora of goodies rushing onto this site. Thanks to all - and especially to whoever uploaded Maxwell Davies's seventh symphony, the only one of his symphonies I didn't have and the one that I had most despaired of ever hearing! I am now going to have to find a few free days and lock myself into my apartment like a hermit so that I can listen to it all . . .
I know that you were one of the members who commented-perfectly properly- about the low volume of my uploads.
The volume levels on ALL my uploads have now been enhanced and I would be most interested to hear back from you if it has made the recordings acceptable :)
Dundonnell - Yes, the amplification seems to have worked perfectly and the sound levels are now much more than acceptable. (I did myself amplify a few of the pieces I'd already downloaded. Audacity is a wonderful thing - the program, if not the personality trait.) Thanks very much - and thanks VERY much for the seemingly endless array of pieces I've been hoping to hear for a few decades. One of the disadvantages to being an American Anglophile is that, until the invention of the internet, I never got to hear and record the BBC and - at least in its glory days, which seem to alter depending on the age of the person to whom you're speaking - its regular broadcasts of British works.
I am delighted to hear that things have improved significantly :)
Responses such as yours are what encourages me to keep on with this work :) :)
These uploads are a real treasure trove - as we knew they would be - and the amplification has worked a treat. ;)
The Daniel Jones selection is splendid, and as I listen I'm reminded why I was so careful to keep my tapes of his work safe and sound, even though he's at the outer limit of my musical tastes.
Listening to all this wonderful music is going to be a source of great pleasure. 8) 8)
Thanks again, to Colin and Albion!
Two recording have just been added, one completely new and one (well, you'll see) ...
Firstly, Alan Rawsthorne's large-scale choral work Carmen Vitale (1963), performed under Donald Hunt at the 1973 Leeds Festival. Now largely remembered for his purely orchestral scores, this is a great opportunity to experience another aspect of the composer's output.
Many thanks to Dundonnell for allowing us to have such an opportunity.
Secondly, an alternative mp3 of the Havergal Brian Violin Concerto played by Ralph Holmes. I understand that a colleague on another forum has undertaken remedial work on the audio file: I have decided to include this as an alternative to rather than a replacement for Colin's original.
:)
I've just added the following four new items:
Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989): Nocturne; Signs in the Dark; Magnificat; Dialogue
further details, as usual, are in the listing - many thanks to Dundonnell for this varied selection from Berkeley's catalogue.
;D
Also, there are now 'cleaned-up' files of Brian's Symphonies 3 and 20 (again, I have included these as alternatives rather than replacements).
:)
Holger has very kindly sent a recording of an alternative performance of Daniel Jones' Symphony No.3, again with the BBC Welsh SO but this time under the baton of Bryden Thomson (broadcast in 1991).
This has now been added to the archive, allowing an interesting comparison with the interpretation by Owain Arwel Hughes.
:)
The following files from Dundonnell's tapes have just been uploaded -
Peter Racine Fricker - Prelude, Elegy and Finale for String Orchestra; Concertante No.1 for Cor Anglais and Strings; Musick's Empire; Toccata for Piano and Orchestra; Concertante No.4 for Flute, Oboe, Violin and Strings; Introitus
A fantastic cross-section of music by this overlooked composer, many of the broadcasts are taken from the Radio 3 celebration of Fricker's 60th birthday in 1980. Many thanks.
As usual, I have added details to the annotated BMB list.
:)
At last, thanks to patmos.beje, we have the 1995 Vernon Handley broadcast of Holst's complete opera The Perfect Fool. Many thanks.
I've converted the 8 separate files from m4a and merged them into a single mp3 file for ease of use.
A full cast list can also be found in the BMB listing.
;D ;D ;D
Thanks for the Mathias concerto. Probably the same year as the 1971 premiere, seems to be the same performers more or less (I don't know who played percussion in the premiere, the percussionist in the BBC recording is Charles Fulbrook; Wright claims the premiere was on 26 June 1971. Another PDF I downloaded, author not named, has interesting information on quite a few works by Mathias and less sheer opinion than the other, but does not mention tempo designations so often. (And since I'm using Google in a sort of advanced mode, figuring out its URL is difficult... but the search terms would be ""william mathias" harpsichord concerto allegro 1971" and it's the 2nd link that comes up for me- after the Wright PDF. (Allegro is a guess I use to encourage the others (the British policy in the 1770s? 1800s?, memory serves, though often believed to be the French same- anyway.) - I mean, to encourage the document to contain some tempo indication this time, dropped if it's the wrong encouragement :) ... balance, balance...
Eric
Thanks to patmos.beje we now have some rare chamber music by John Blackwood McEwen (1868-1948) in the archive -
Violin Sonata No.4 (1917)
Suite of Old National Dances (1924)
Under Northern Skies (1939)
Viola Sonata (1941)
There is no information on the performers and despite my best efforts I cannot come up with anything definitive, so they must unfortunately remain anonymous.
I have converted the files from m4a and merged each work as a single mp3.
Many thanks!
:)
Quintet under Northern Skies is mentioned at least once in Cadensa (not definitive, but it's a possibility?) - March 4 1968, with George MacIlwham, flute, Gabriel Hay, oboe, Andrew Brockett, clarinet, Joanna Graham, bassoon, James Dowling, horn. Haven't listened to the upload to hear if it's a wind quintet though or other arrangement... will do soon- sorry!
Might be, might not be - I've considered the possibilities. Without concrete information I'm loath to specify performers.
???
At last - some music by Learmont Drysdale (1866-1909).
The Love Duet from his 1894 cantata The Kelpie is now in the archive thanks to patmos.beje.
Hopefully, Chandos will get round to a disc (at least) of his orchestral works as Sir Andrew Davis has expressed an interest in the Scottish Romantics.
;D
There has been a CD recording of Under Northern Skies - movement headings are Starlight (2'52" according to the ensemble's MySpace page :) , which has a sample track for comparison - http://www.myspace.com/camarillaensemble (http://www.myspace.com/camarillaensemble) ), Looking Westward, Ballad of the Isles, and Finale ; performers were the Camarilla Ensemble. Label was "CD Baby" (CD Universe listing (http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7870248). 2009, already NLA. Not sure what the lesson is here, if any).
In close alphabetical proximity, the following files are now available -
Alan Bush (1900-1995) - Dance Overture; Symphony No.3, Byron; Variations, Nocturne and Finale on an Old English Sea Song
Arthur Butterworth (b.1923) - Organ Concerto; Italian Journey
As usual, fuller details can be found in the BMB listing.
Many thanks, as ever, to Dundonnell for his generosity and enterprise in sharing these important broadcasts.
;D
I feel that I ought to apologise in advance for two aspects of this latest batch of uploads.
Firstly, the murky recording of the Bush Byron Symphony.
Secondly, as evidenced in the lengthy introduction to the Bush Variations, Nocturne and Finale on an Old English Sea Song, the apparent deterioration in the ability of BBC announcers to read a sentence without swallowing some of their words. The introduction is in fact nothing to do with the BBC.
The recording was taken from an old (and long-deleted LP) and the introduction was read by a much, much younger incarnation of my good self ;D ;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Tuesday 01 November 2011, 23:04the murky recording of the Bush Byron Symphony.
If it's the only chance of hearing the piece within our lifetime (and it might well be), I'm sure that interested listeners are more than willing to grope their way through the murk.
;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Tuesday 01 November 2011, 23:04the lengthy introduction to the Bush Variations, Nocturne and Finale on an Old English Sea Song [...] was read by a much, much younger incarnation of my good self
Worth downloading for that reason alone.
;)
I-obviously-agree with your first point :)
As far as your second point is concerned........... :o ::)
whereas I (inspired by the idea of "voiceposts" on the blogging site LiveJournal where one got to hear, as well as read, one's online acquaintances) rather like the idea of at least a brief narration by those who choose to do so. (I have a whole CD of myself and family members talking and singing from around half my lifetime or more (20-25 years...) ago - ok, maybe something rather more recent now that I have a computer with a working microphone as I did not years ago. But yes, it does take one far away from the purpose of the fora. Maybe not from the purpose of the mediafire accounts , though!... ) Anyhow.
Another rare work by Holst has been added - a transcription of the 1974 recording by St Paul's Girls' School Choir and Orchestra of The Vision of Dame Christian.
Written in 1909 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of St Paul's (Boys') School, this incidental music (or 'Masque') was first performed on 22nd July conducted by the composer: the choir consisted of Holst's pupils at the school, whilst the orchestra consisted of his students from Morley College.
Writing of the work in a letter to Edwin Evans in 1911, Holst commented that
I value this very highly - all the performers were my own pupils (choir and orchestra of about 120) and the music is quite elaborate - not a bit the ordinary school girl stuff. Finally it contains my best tune - a solemn dance.
Many thanks to Hattoff for providing the audio file.
:)
Also just added is
William Mathias (1934-1992) - Reflections on a Theme of Tomkins for chamber orchestra including harpsichord and organ.
Many thanks to Eric (eschiss1) for providing this broadcast recording.
:)
There are now more broadcasts of works by Thomas Wilson (1927-2001) in BMB -
Variations for Orchestra; Symphony No.2; Concerto for Orchestra; Threnody, The Charcoal Burner
The first minute or so is missing from the Variations, but nothing more drastic than that. Many thanks to Dundonnell for increasing the representation of this significant Scottish (born USA) composer in our archive.
:)
I've added another work by Wilfred Josephs (1927-1997), supplementing Colin's generous contribution -
the 1971 world premiere of the Cello Concerto, Cantus natalis (1962) played by Thomas Igloi.
:)
Holger - many thanks for the Arnold Cooke and William Mathias broadcasts: I've put copies of the files into the BMB folders and annotated the list.
The conductor of the Cooke Piano Concerto was Brian Priestman and your Dufay Variations performers are spot-on.
:D
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 02 November 2011, 17:39
Holger - many thanks for the Arnold Cooke and William Mathias broadcasts: I've put copies of the files into the BMB folders and annotated the list.
The conductor of the Cooke Piano Concerto was Brian Priestman and your Dufay Variations performers are spot-on.
:D
Fine to have the perfomers information on the Cooke Piano Concerto complete now - so sharing even has some additional benefits in terms of catalogical completeness! ;)
If I remember correctly, I got the Dufay Variations without performers information but later on tried to find out the details myself. I'm glad I succeded!
I am finding it hard to keep up with the recent additions ;D
Many thanks to Hattoff for the Holst, Eric for the Mathias Reflections on a Theme of Tomkins, Holger for the Mathias In Arcadia, the Cooke Dufay Variations, and, especially, the Cooke Piano Concerto....oh, and Albion for the Josephs Cello Concerto :) :)
I was speaking recently about this deluge of British music to Malcolm MacDonald and he saidsomething along the lines of ".....how wonderful, but when do you find the time to listen to all of it?"
It's a fair point.....but at the moment not quite the point ;D ;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 02 November 2011, 18:42I was speaking recently about this deluge of British music to Malcolm MacDonald and he said something along the lines of ".....how wonderful, but when do you find the time to listen to all of it?"
I don't think that we should really worry too much: burn it to CDR and store it away for a rainy day.
;)
As a matter of principle, I listen to everyrthing that comes into the BMB archive, sometimes (believe it or not) more than once!
:o
Knowing that it
is there is (at the least) a great comfort, given that no other institution (if I can address UC in those terms) seems to value this material very much at all.
::) ;D
I entirely agree.....as you would probably expect me to :D ;D ;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 02 November 2011, 18:42
Many thanks to Hattoff for the Holst, Eric for the Mathias Reflections on a Theme of Tomkins, Holger for the Mathias In Arcadia, the Cooke Dufay Variations, and, especially, the Cooke Piano Concerto....oh, and Albion for the Josephs Cello Concerto :) :)
Yes, indeed! Thank you, it's marvellous to have these. :) :)
Another important broadcast has just been added to BMB for preservation purposes -
Arnold Cooke (1906-2005) - Concerto for Orchestra
This was an anonymous donation to the archive, for which much thanks.
:)
I keep on turning up works that I had completely forgotten that I had taped.
The latest is Patric Standford's Symphony No.1 "The Seasons" :)
Just wanted to add my thanks for the Holst, and for the Josephs. The first music of Josephs I ever heard was his theme music for the programme "The Voyage of Charles Darwin". Years later and his symphonies (especially the 5th) are now among my favorites...
I would like to give advance notice that I shall be uploading three works by Anthony Milner later today.
Milner has almost completely disappeared from current British musical consciousness. This is, in my opinion, an immense pity. Milner was a very fine composer, particularly of religious choral music(he was a devout Roman Catholic). His music is tonal, albeit at the outer edges of tonality. It is not necessarily 'easy music', any more than is that of composers like Fricker or, the better known, Michael Tippett but it is worth patient study.
http://www.chesternovello.com/default.aspx?TabId=2431&State_2905=2&ComposerId_2905=1057 (http://www.chesternovello.com/default.aspx?TabId=2431&State_2905=2&ComposerId_2905=1057)
Milner's First Symphony and Variations for orchestra appeared in the mid 1980s on a Hyperion LP and reappeared on a Claudio cd:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2001/Oct01/Milner.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2001/Oct01/Milner.htm)
Both the Chester Novello site and the Musicweb review mention Milner's Symphony No.2, a large-scale choral symphony composed for and premiered at the 1978 Liverpool Festival of Sacred Music. This sincere and impressive work disappeared thereafter but my taped recording of that performance is one of the uploads going up for members here. I shall also be uploading the huge Oratorio "The Water and the Fire" of 1961 in a performance conducted by Meredith Davies.
The following have just been added -
Arwel Hughes (1909-1988): Symphony
Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008): Concerto Grosso No.1; Folk Song Suite; The Hawk is Set Free
Many thanks to Dundonnell for continuing to increase Cambrian representation in the archive.
;D
FYI.
I just tried several of the URL's at the top of the first page and was presented with a blurb for mediafire instead of a download list.
The URL's in question are C, E, G, ST-SU, T, WA-WH
Albion: the browser briefly flashes "No files to display" and then reverts to my own account at MediaFire.
I'm on the case!
:o
It's ok for me :)
All should be OK now!
;D
As with much of the internet, sometimes things do go temporarily t**s up, and sometimes they right themselves without intervention, sometimes not. In this case I've simply created new folders, transferred files over and generated new URLs.
Thanks for the alert - please could members accessing (or trying to access) BMB let me know of any problems as they arise.
:)
Rather than update the info in my BMB entry for Simpson 4 conducted by Nicholas Kok-
will put this here- it's clear from the first file (in which something from 1979 is described by an introducing speaker for the BBC as exactly 30 years ago) that this is the rebroadcast from 2009, not as I wrote the original broadcast of the performance (which I think was, without the talk, first broadcast before the British Composer Week in 2009- which 20-minute track I misdescribe as being a talk by Simpson, rather like the concluding track of the Hyperion 9th symphony recording (briefer) is ; not so... includes portions by Simpson but is mostly by other people - family members, friends, musicologists who knew him less well, etc., plus, in both cases, music excerpts by Simpson and other composers (more of them in this talk) - I need to listen more carefully and relisten before labeling things. Good track to hear occasionally - though yes, I prefer the symphony by a wide margin, and find the performance conducted by Kok quite good. Glad to have that and the Handley, and sorry about the mistakes.)
Many thanks to Dundonnell for some more fascinating broadcasts - the first representation of a composer that I've been particularly interested to hear -
Anthony Milner (1925-2002): The Water and the Fire; Midway; Symphony No.2
I've provided further performance details in the annotated BMB list, and Colin has provided some useful links in his post above.
;D
Having listened to these works again as I digitised them I was particularly impressed by the 1961 Oratorio "The Water and the Fire" which is a splendid example of a Three Choirs commissioned choral composition of very large scale :)
After a fortnight of steady conversion of reel-to-reel tapes to mp3 and uploading of the files I reckon that i am probably about half way through my collection of British music which is not currently available on cd. There is, of course, a great deal more which is on cd but in alternative versions :)
Just as a summary I have to date uploaded and Albion has kindly added to the British Music section the following symphonies, concertos and major choral compositions:
Sir Lennox Berkeley:
Magnificat, op. 71
Havergal Brian:
Symphony No.3 (Pope) Violin Concerto (Holmes)
Symphony No.20 (Handley) Opera "Agamemnon"
Alan Bush:
Symphony No.3 "The Byron Symphony"
Arthur Butterworth:
Organ Concerto
Francis Chagrin:
Symphony No.1
Arnold Cooke:
Symphony No.4 Violin Concerto
Symphony No.5 Oboe Concerto
Peter Racine Fricker:
Symphony No.4 Piano Concerto
Symphony No.5 Viola Concerto
Alun Hoddinott:
Piano Concerto No.3 Organ Concerto
Arwel Hughes:
Symphony
Daniel Jones:
Symphony No.3 Violin Concerto
Symphony No.10
Wilfred Josephs:
Symphony No.1 Symphony No.5 "Pastoral"
Symphony No.3 "Philadelphia" Symphony No.7 "Winter"
Kenneth Leighton:
Piano Concerto No.2 Concerto for Viola and Harp
George Lloyd:
Symphony No.6
John McCabe:
Violin Concerto No.2
Anthony Milner:
Symphony No.2 Oratorio "The Water and the Fire"
David Morgan:
Sinfonia da Requiem
Alan Rawsthorne:
Carmen Vitale
Thomas Wilson:
Symphony No.2
btw, the Dufay variations by Cooke I'm guessing would be no earlier performed than the Proms world premiere (also Groves-conducted) 25 July 1969 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/archive/search/performance_find.shtml?composer_id=29538&all=1&tab=search&sub_tab=composer (http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/archive/search/performance_find.shtml?composer_id=29538&all=1&tab=search&sub_tab=composer)) and could conceivably be the same performance or near to, I suppose. (From the same link, the cello concerto was given its public premiere in 1975 with Igloi/Groves but that's been mentioned already I notice...)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 04 November 2011, 00:22Just as a summary I have to date uploaded [...] the following symphonies, concertos and major choral compositions ...
Thanks, Colin - this summary list is extremely useful: with a large quantity of material being added in a relatively short time-frame, it's easy to lose track and forget about or even be totally unaware of what's actually there!
:o
Quote from: Albion on Friday 04 November 2011, 06:35
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 04 November 2011, 00:22Just as a summary I have to date uploaded [...] the following symphonies, concertos and major choral compositions ...
Thanks, Colin - this summary list is extremely useful: with a large quantity of material being added in a relatively short time-frame, it's easy to lose track and forget about or even be totally unaware of what's actually there!
:o
That was the motivation/purpose :)
Latest additions:
Arthur Benjamin (1893-1960) - Concerto quasi una fantasia; Harmonica Concerto
Graham Whettam (1927-2007) - Sinfonia contra timore; Sinfonietta stravagante
Many thanks to Dundonnell for these broadcast recordings.
:)
Even later addition:
Patric Standford (b.1939) - Symphony No.1, The Seasons
Thanks again to Dundonnell for this first representation of the composer in BMB.
:)
I advanced the Benjamin pieces up the batting order for those who invested in the recent Dutton cd containing the Violin and Viola Concertos and might be interested in hearing more Benjamin....and the Whettam in response to Albion's request ;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 04 November 2011, 17:08and the Whettam in response to Albion's request ;D
8)
Muchas gracias ...
;D
I have just discovered that I have a tape recording of a BBC broadcast of Hamish MacCunn's huge Cantata " The Lay of the Last Minstrel" if anyone is interested ;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 04 November 2011, 19:13
I have just discovered that I have a tape recording of a BBC broadcast of Hamish MacCunn's huge Cantata " The Lay of the Last Minstrel" if anyone is interested ;D
You dare to ask?! ;D
BTW, today, 4th November, we celebrate Arnold Cooke's 105th birthday. Thanks to many contributors we can now celebrate him in
sound, not just words. :D
Quote from: britishcomposer on Friday 04 November 2011, 21:13
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 04 November 2011, 19:13
I have just discovered that I have a tape recording of a BBC broadcast of Hamish MacCunn's huge Cantata " The Lay of the Last Minstrel" if anyone is interested ;D
You dare to ask?! ;D
BTW, today, 4th November, we celebrate Arnold Cooke's 105th birthday. Thanks to many contributors we can now celebrate him in sound, not just words. :D
Ok.........converting to mp3 now ;D ;D
...and I have added a post to the Arnold Cooke thread too :)
Some late-night (at least in Europe) treats for the insomniacs amongst us -
from Colin:
Robin Orr (1909-2006) - Overture, The Prospect of Whitby; Symphony No.2; Symphony No.3
Anthony Hedges (b.1931) - Variations on a Theme of Rameau; Symphony No.1
from Eric:
John McCabe (b.1939) - Horn Concerto, Rainforest IV
fuller detail, as usual, can be found in the listing.
Many thanks to both!
:)
Again, advance notice-
Anyone who has purchased the recent Dutton cd containing Franz Reizenstein's Piano Concerto No.2 or who has downloaded Reizenstein's Violin Concerto from this site will perhaps be interested to know that I am currently converting the composer's Cantata "Voices of Night"(1951) to mp3 prior to uploading :)
Some excellent additions this evening:
Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) - Suite of Ancient Dances; Shamus O'Brien, Overture; Phaudrig Crohoore
Hamish MacCunn (1868-1916) - The Lay of the Last Minstrel
more details can be found, as usual, in the listing.
Two substantial Victorian choral works and some intriguing orchestral rarities, all courtesy of Dundonnell. Many thanks!
;D
Also tonight, no less than three 'new' Hoddinott concertos, courtesy of britishcomposer -
Trumpet Concerto, The Shining Pyramid; Euphonium Concerto, The Sunne Rising, The King Will Ride; Trombone Concerto
Thanks for these - more details can be found in the download thread.
;D
Thanks very much indeed for both the Stanford and the MacCunn, both of you!
Colin's reel-to-reels - the gift that keeps on giving. Many thanks for the additions to my Orr knowledge!
I have just added the following broadcasts from both the BBC and CBC -
David Morgan (1933-1988) -Three Tudor Lyrics; Partita; Concerto for Wind Orchestra; Interludes and Canzonas; Sonata for Chamber Orchestra
:)
About Alan Bush's piano concerto by the way- hope this information isn't totally redundant- there's an article by Paul Conway here (http://www.musicweb-international.com/BushA/alanbush.htm) providing movement indications and other things. (The movement indications are, according to Conway,
#Con moto moderato ma deciso
#Con vivicata, ma non troppo allegro (ed. note- that looks like it should be Con vivacità give or take a few diacritics? Edit: better sources still give "vivicato" for this word. Autograph facsimile has been published, around 1956- years after composition- so can in principle be perused somewhere. )
#Grave
#Allegro vigoroso ma non troppo )
(Vivicata sounds like the way the word "pizzicato" is enunciated (at least, in Atherton's recording; an unforgettable moment to me *g*) in one of the songs of Pierrot lunaire (Schoenberg's) .. .so who knows... )
Hey, reply 599... *waves to reply 600 coming up!*
This information is probably also available at The Alan Bush Music Trust (http://www.alanbushtrust.org.uk/), come to think... which has a movement list for the Byron Symphony for example.
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Sunday 06 November 2011, 09:07Thanks very much indeed for both the Stanford and the MacCunn, both of you!
After following
The Lay of the Last Minstrel with my vocal score, it should be noted that one number is cut from this 1977 performance, viz. No.8 in Part II (
For this fair prize), a scene for Lord Cranston, Lady Buccleuch and Margaret (accompanied by the chorus) in which Cranston reveals his true identity (he fought incognito for the wounded Deloraine), claims Margaret and obtains Lady Buccleugh's blessing on the union.
This is a puzzling omission, given that it is the climax of the plot and precipitates the closing celebratory chorus, but at this late stage I don't suspect that anybody would be around to furnish an explanation!
;D
eep. Liszt (claimed that) when he made cuts he made cuts that made sense... :(
Hrm. (Followup on Bush piano concerto - Bush Trust (http://www.alanbushtrust.org.uk/music/compositions/CC.asp?room=Music#57) and the "Alan Bush source book" have Vivicato, Conway has Vivicata, I think it should be vivacita... vivicato it is then.
I think vivicato is right. Vivacita is probably Spanish, not Italian.
Vivacità, I think, is agility in Italian, but I admit I'm not positive... what "Vivicato" is - (not many- the first few. not sure if the rest are more reassuring though- and only 70 aren't considered duplicates) "270" Google hits refer to the Bush piano concerto in some way I think which is rarely a good sign for a word? - I'm not sure...
as to sym. 4- according to the Trust this is a recording of the premiere (or at least the same day), and the movements are
1. The Wild
2. The Children
3. Ice Age Remembered
4. Mankind Emergent
(Re symphony 4 - "Daniel Asia: works"? I remember reviews of that CD though haven't heard it. Odd to see Asia's name in the tracking fields of the Bush, puns not intended.)
Additions this evening -
Ralph Walter Wood (1902-1987) - Symphony No.3 (1966)
Mátyás Seiber (1905-1960) - Fantasia Concertante for Violin and String Orchestra(1943-44)
Franz Reizenstein (1911-1968) - Voices of Night (1951)
Ruth Gipps (1921-1999) - Leviathan, for Contra-bassoon and Chamber Orchestra, Op.59 (1969)
It is good to see another work by Ruth Gipps in the archive, along with a symphony by a now-completely-unfamiliar composer, Ralph Wood. Also music by two émigré composers who made Britain their home (Reizenstein from 1934 and Seiber from 1935). Many thanks to Dundonnell for these four important broadcasts.
With Colin's approval I have decided to replace his file of David Morgan's Sinfonia da Requiem with an alternative recording captured in slightly clearer sound, although still with a degree of distortion. This can now be found, along with all the files listed above, in the usual location.
;D
Advance notice that my next two uploads will be-
Donald Hunt's Te Deum of 1971. Hunt was the organist of Worcester Cathedral and the Director of the Leeds Festival.
and
Maurice Jacobson's Cantata "The Hound of Heaven" (1953)
If you are a regular visitor to Musicweb you will be aware that the estimable Rob Barnett frequently writes that the two big British choral compositions he would love to hear again are the Jacobson and Fricker's "Vision of Judgment". Well you will be getting the Jacobson within the next twenty-four hours......and the Fricker will follow ;D
Something after midnight -
Charles Villiers Stanford (1952-1924) - Becket, Incidental Music, Op.48 (1892) - Funeral March
Many thanks to Mark Thomas for this 1977 broadcast recording.
:)
As Dundonnell promised, the following broadcast works are now in the archive -
Maurice Jacobson (1896-1976) - The Hound of Heaven (1953)
Donald Hunt (b.1930) - Te Deum (1971)
Many thanks, Colin!
There is some useful background information on Maurice Jacobson (and this work in particular) at the following locations -
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2005/Dec05/jacobson.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2005/Dec05/jacobson.htm)
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2007/Sept07/Maurice_Jacobson_Music.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2007/Sept07/Maurice_Jacobson_Music.htm)
:)
Additionally, A.S. has suggested transferring his file of Reizenstein's Violin Concerto, Op.31 from the German thread to BMB - I have now done this.
:)
Members accessing BMB are gently reminded that there are several important notices at the head of the main listing - having dealt with a couple of minor problems that have arisen recently, I have clarified and expanded a few of these notices: please take a moment to read, mark and inwardly digest ...
:)
Hello Albion, Thanks to quick reply. And big thank you for your effort ;)
I strongly recommend Maurice Jacobson's large Cantata "The Hound of Heaven"-a very fine work indeed. As is Franz Reizenstein's "Voices of Night" :)
Anyone attunded to the choral compositions of Vaughan Williams should find both works appealing, I think :)
Enthusiasm seconded! The Hound of Heaven is an outstanding piece - just finished listening to it, with Voices of Night lined up next (that is, after at least one of the Graham Whettam discs which duly arrived from Francis Routh at Redcliffe Recordings this morning).
;D
Quote from: Albion on Monday 07 November 2011, 15:25
Enthusiasm seconded! The Hound of Heaven is an outstanding piece - just finished listening to it, with Voices of Night lined up next (that is, after at least one of the Graham Whettam discs which duly arrived from Francis Routh at Redcliffe Recordings this morning).
;D
Glad you liked it :)
Funny you should mention Francis Routh.....his Cello Concerto will be uploaded in the next couple of days(after some Rubbra!)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 07 November 2011, 15:38Funny you should mention Francis Routh.....his Cello Concerto will be uploaded in the next couple of days
I'm not sure if Francis does all the admin himself, as he's 84 now, but he's certainly the driving force behind this great little label!
:o
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 07 November 2011, 15:38(after some Rubbra!)
;D
I have quite a lot of Rubbra but am missing quite a lot too and look forward with interest, even if it means cycling other things off my iPod and moving some things onto DVDs due to space problems :D (eep.)
I HAD hoped to be able to upload Rubbra's Choral Suite "In die nocte et canticum" but I find that the recording is disfigured by outbreaks of loud static :(
One day-using the magic of Audacity-it may be possible to sort this but I am not uploading it as it is.
I can provide two short Rubbra pieces though-the Mass in Three Voices and the brass Canzona for St.Cecilia.
I shall add Christian Darnton's Concerto for Orchestra. Darnton was one of those very strange characters, notorious in his lifetime as a Communist sympathiser and for other unattractive personal traits, who suffered badly at the hands of the BBC and has now virtually disappeared from musical consciousness but of whom a few people speak very highly.
A very informative article-
http://www.musicweb-international.com/darnton/darnton.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/darnton/darnton.htm)
... if I'm willing to listen to Hessenberg (I admit at this distance in time finding out his politics, as opposed to other things, is a bit difficult) , Weismann (likewise) (and Max Trapp I'm interested in hearing) - and when it comes to unattractive personal traits (selfishness, using other people as means to ends, and kicking people who'd helped him in his autobiography ... a long list...) it's seemed to me that it's hard to beat Wagner really... whose music, however, I am glad to... well, anyhow, please do.
(Butting, who's mentioned, also has interested me for awhile now- have been tempted to request one of his string quartets or symphonies, a few of which I've seen in score. Most assuredly not to be confused with Buttner.)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Monday 07 November 2011, 17:18
... if I'm willing to listen to Hessenberg (I admit at this distance in time finding out his politics, as opposed to other things, is a bit difficult) , Weismann (likewise) (and Max Trapp I'm interested in hearing) - and when it comes to unattractive personal traits (selfishness, using other people as means to ends, and kicking people who'd helped him in his autobiography ... a long list...) it's seemed to me that it's hard to beat Wagner really... whose music, however, I am glad to... well, anyhow, please do.
(Butting, who's mentioned, also has interested me for awhile now- have been tempted to request one of his string quartets or symphonies, a few of which I've seen in score. Most assuredly not to be confused with Buttner.)
Oh...the list is endless, Eric ;D
A large number of composers are definitely not the sort of people one would invite to dinner or want to spend much time in their company ;D ;D
There seems to be a (hopefully) temporary glitch in the BMB listing in that it has decided to abort everything chronologically after David Morgan (i.e. composers born 1934 onwards). I didn't think they were that bad, myself.
;)
If you notice that something is missing, please let me know!
;D
Just noticed the absence of 'my' Pickard PC! ;)
Thanks, will rectify!
;D
Gordon Crosse-Symphony No.1
Nicholas Maw- Spring Music
Thanks, Colin - Crosse duly sorted.
:)
I now have no record of the performers or broadcast date for the Maw. Did anybody happen to jot it down on the back of a shopping list?
???
Quote from: Albion on Monday 07 November 2011, 18:02
Thanks, Colin - Crosse duly sorted.
:)
I now have no record of the performers or broadcast date for the Maw. Did anybody happen to jot it down on the back of a shopping list?
???
BBC Symphony Orchestra(Sir John Pritchard); broadcast in 1987.........according to my Catalogue of Recent Downloads ;D ;D ;D
Brilliant, thanks Colin!
;D
I've saved the entire listing (format codes and all) as a Word doc and emailed it to myself, just in case!
:o
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 07 November 2011, 17:09
.....Christian Darnton was one of those very strange characters, notorious in his lifetime as a Communist sympathiser and for other unattractive personal traits,
Thanks for the link to that fascinating bio., Colin. Politics aside :-X although important in terms of his music - I can't wait to hear the Concerto. :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 07 November 2011, 17:31
......A large number of composers are definitely not the sort of people one would invite to dinner or want to spend much time in their company ;D ;D
Apologies for going off topic here, but talking about unpleasant composers I can't resist reporting that I watched Stephen Fry's
Wagner and Me on TV the other night. Fry says he can set aside everything because he loves the music with such passion. It's
the music that counts. And yet, he ends the 90 minute prog. with the conclusion that Wagner was on the side of good -
a claim about the man! ???
In addition to a general British Music thread, there is now a new thread which exclusively contains the complete BMB catalogue.
The following broadcasts have just been added -
Christian Darnton (1905-1981) - Concerto for Orchestra (1974)
Nicholas Maw - Sinfonia for Chamber Orchestra (1966)
Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986) - Missa à 3 (Missa brevis), Op.98 (1958); Canzona for St Cecilia, Op.158 (1981)
Gerard Schurmann (b.1924) - Piano Concerto (1973)
All the above can now be found in the appropriate folders.
Many thanks to Dundonnell for these!
;D
Thanks!!
also, re Daniel (Jenkyn) Jones, symphony 11's movements/sections are: 1.Intensivo; 2.Capriccioso; 3.Elegiaco; 4.Risoluto . (source: http://soundandmusic.org/thecollection/node/40574 (http://soundandmusic.org/thecollection/node/40574). )
Symphony 12 from the same site has "1.Tranquillo-Agitato; 2.Giocoso; 3.Serioso; 4.Risoluto."
Symphony 13 (or [13]) has "1.Solemne; 2.Capriccioso; 3.Lento; 4.Agitato-Tranquillo."
(Hrm, Raff's orchestration of Bach's chaconne is on now...)
To clarify the situation as it stands - there are now two threads in the members-only Downloads section, one entitled British Music Broadcasts and the other entitled British Music.
The British Music Broadcasts thread is now exclusively given over to the ever-expanding BMB catalogue and should not include other posts.
The British Music thread is the general one for contributors to post their independent links to recordings of British music (unless, of course, they prefer to send these to me in a PM).
All new material will continue to be announced in British music broadcasts on the open Downloads Discussion board in an effort to try and keep members informed of the latest additions.
:)
Forgive my pedantry....but John Pickard spells his name with a 'k' ;D ;D
Not pedantry, at all (Heaven forfend!) - thanks!
;D
Thanks for the clarification, Albion. Just to reiterate, in order to maximise the value of the already vast BMB collection, the easy navigation of which is enhanced by its consistent presentation, I shall move any posts in that thread other than Albion's over to the British Music thread in the Downloads Board.
John, I do not quite understand yet: will you take the pieces which will be posted in the new British Music thread into your BMB folders? Or will you include just those which will be emailed to you before? If this should be so I will adopt this procedure, if you allow. I think your BMB is one of the finest things in the internet and I am glad having been able to contribute a few pieces. :)
Those are remarkably kind comments - many thanks!
I will happily accept contributions to the archive either through PMs or (with the permission of the contributor) by simply transferring them from the general thread. It's entirely up to each contributor as to whether they wish to post their files on the general board or send them directly to me - I'm sure that they will probably find their way into the archive somehow or other.
;)
The latest additions are as follows -
Hans Gál (1890-1987) - Concertino for Cello and String Orchestra (1965)
Ian Parrott (b.1916) - Cello Concerto (1961)
Francis Routh (b.1927) - Cello Concerto (1973)
Malcolm Lipkin (b.1932) - Mosaics for Chamber Orchestra (1966); Violin Concerto No.2 (1962)
Fuller broadcast details are given in the catalogue.
Many thanks to Dundonnell for continuing to fill so many gaps in our knowledge of Britain's rich (and multi-cultural) musical heritage.
:)
To satisfy an earlier request, Dundonnell has very kindly sent some significant broadcasts of music by three Irish composers new to BMB -
Frederick May (1911-1985) - Scherzo (1933)
Brian Boydell (1917-2000) - Symphonic Inscapes (1969)
Gerard Victory (1921-1995) - Piano Concerto No.2 (1972); Sailing to Byzantium (1975)
The files can be found in the relevant folders and performance details can be found in the catalogue.
Many thanks for these, Colin!
:)
I created an Irish music folder for the Boydell and the Victory but I don't mind you move my post to the british folder
Many thanks to Holger for his uploads of three works by William Mathias :)
Lots of uploads to the archive today -
from Dundonnell:
Cedric Thorpe Davie (1913-1983) - Symphony in C major (1945); By the River (1951); March, Royal Mile (1953)
David Ellis (b.1933) - Elegy (1966); Symphony No.1 (1973)
Colin has supplied the interesting information that Davie's Symphony came second in a Daily Express 'Victory Symphony' competition in which Bernard Stevens' Symphony of Liberation won first prize
from Holger:
William Mathias (1934-1992) - Concerto for Orchestra, Op.27 (1964); Organ Concerto, Op.91 (1984); Flute Concerto (1992)
from Sicmu:
Brian Boydell (1917-2000) - Symphonic Inscapes (1969)
Gerald Victory (1921-1995) - Jonathan Swift, A Symphonic Portrait (1970)
The Boydell is an alternative recording to that already in the archive.
Many thanks to all our contributors.
:)
Thanks for the extra Irish items, Colin. I will try to add these later.
The Irish works uploaded by Dundonnell mentioned at the end of the last post are -
Arthur Duff (1899-1956) - Irish Suite for Strings (1940)
Frederick May (1911-1985) - Sunlight and Shadow (1955)
Brian Boydell (1917-2000) - Elegy and Capriccio for Clarinet and Strings(1955)
Seoirse Bodley (b. 1933) - Music for Strings(1952)
Many thanks.
:)
Sicmu,
Thanks very much for the upload of Christian Darnton's Symphony No.4. I shall listen to it with great interest :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 10 November 2011, 14:27
Sicmu,
Thanks very much for the upload of Christian Darnton's Symphony No.4. I shall listen to it with great interest :)
Yes, thank you for allowing us to hear a further work by Darnton, a composer whose career seemed to be over following severe injuries during World War II but who painstakingly began to write again in the 1960s. The Symphony has joined the
Concerto for Orchestra in the main folders and catalogue.
:)
The latest additions from
Dundonnell's own collection are -
Arthur Benjamin (1893-1960) - Concertino for Piano and Orchestra (1928)
Eugene Goossens (1893-1962) - By the Tarn (1919)
Thomas Wilson (1927-2001) - Carmina Sacra (1964); Touchstone, A Portrait for Orchestra (1967); Sequentiae Passionis (1971)Thanks for continuing to 'mine the archives'!
;D
1919? ... By the Tarn as in the first of the 2 sketches opus 15 of 1916 (Goossens)? I think it was orchestrated and published in that form in 1919... (it was published in string quartet form in 1916, the year I think of its composition also)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Thursday 10 November 2011, 23:02
1919? ... By the Tarn as in the first of the 2 sketches opus 15 of 1916 (Goossens)? I think it was orchestrated and published in that form in 1919... (it was published in string quartet form in 1916, the year I think of its composition also)
Indeed - String Quartet version 1916, but String Orchestra arrangement 1919. The latter date stands.
:)
Some of you may be aware of the English composer Stephen Dodgson from a recent Dutton cd of his Essays for Orchestra.
I shall be uploading his Magnificat, the Bassoon Concerto and the Guitar Concerto No.2 later today :)
I would love to add the Guitar Concerto No.1 too...but it is the version on cd :( The cd can still be found apparently; it retails for $95 on Amazon :(
(Can I sell my tape-recording for that amount, please.......... ;D ;D ;D)
Future Releases
Although it will take me another week to complete uploading the British music which has never made it to cd from my taped collection, I have been in discussion with Albion about uploading historic performances I recorded in the 1970s of works which have been commercially recorded but by other performers.
It was with tremendous excitement that I discovered that amongst these is the BBC Symphony Orchestra performance of Malcolm Arnold's Symphony No.7 conducted by the composer. In his Chandos recording Rumon Gamba takes 31 minutes for this symphony, Vernon Handley clocks in at 38 minutes on his Conifer recording. Arnold took almost an hour for the symphony :o....essentially turning it into a different work. I had no idea that I actually possessed this historic and important recording :)
It may interest members to know that I can also upload-
Sir Andrew Davis conducting Robert Simpson's 4th and 5th Symphonies
Charles Dutoit conducting the premiere of John McCabe's 3rd Symphony
Sir Charles Groves conducting Bax's 7th Symphony, Lennox Berkeley's 4th Symphony(first performance), Rubbra's 9th Symphony and Robert Simpson's 6th Symphony(fp).
Daniel Jones conducting is own 8th and 9th Symphonies
Bryden Thomson conducting Malcolm Arnold's 4th and 6th Symphonies.
and concerto performances by Hugh Bean(Bax Violin Concerto), Jack Brymer(Finzi Clarinet Concerto), Christian Ferras(Walton Violin Concerto), Colin Horsley(Ireland Piano Concerto), Julian Lloyd Webber(Bliss Cello Concerto), Gervase de Peyer(Rawsthorne Clarinet Concerto), Franz Reizenstein(his own 2nd Piano Concerto) and Paul Tortelier(Britten Cello Symphony).
Hope this whets a few appetites ;D
QuoteHope this whets a few appetites
It does indeed! I look forward to any portion of the above you're able to provide!
Would an Arnold 6th conducted by the composer also be of interest to you? Also with the BBC SO, live.
Oh.......hopefully, all of it- unless some recordings prove to be in hopeless sound(as did the first British performance of the Arnold 8th symphony unfortunately :()
Given that Arnold was a fine conductor I am sure that any performance conducted by him would be of value :)
Notification of the latest additions -
Adrian Cruft (1921-1987) - Overture, Tamburlaine (1962)
Stephen Dodgson (b.1924) - Bassoon Concerto (1969); Guitar Concerto No.2 (1972); Magnificat (1975)
John Purser (b.1942) - Intrada for Strings, Op.17 (1966)
Many thanks, Dundonnell.
:)
The Dodgson Magnificat is a particularly lovely work, in my opinion :)
Next up....
Peter Racine Fricker's Oratorio "The Vision of Judgment" :)
Albion has persuaded me to upload Daniel Jones's huge and important Oratorio "St. Peter" of 1962.
It is a beautiful, moving and very accessible work in the great British choral tradition, lasting just over an hour I reckon.
There is however a problem ::) Something went wrong with the recording or the tape all those years ago back in 1980. The last ten minutes of the work are missing(well, actually, they are there but cannot be heard).
I am deeply apologetic about this :( All I can say is that I hope that those of you who choose to listen to what there is will forgive me and enjoy the bulk at least of what I think is a very fine piece.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 11 November 2011, 22:52Albion has persuaded me to upload Daniel Jones's huge and important Oratorio "St. Peter" of 1962.
Members can probably guess my arguments for not jettisoning this almost-complete (rather than incomplete) recording.
;D
"St. Peter" is 57 minutes long. My recording has the first 47 minutes.
The following additions are now in BMB, with performance details in the catalogue:
Peter Racine Fricker (1920-1990) - Oratorio, The Vision of Judgement, Op.29 (1957-58); Song-cycle, O longs désirs, Op.39 (1963); Laudi Concertati for Organ and Orchestra, Op.80 (1979)
Many thanks to Dundonnell for these broadcast recordings, especially The Vision of Judgement, a key work in Fricker's early career.
There are now 16 important scores by this composer in the broadcast archive, illustrating the enormous gulf that exists between the privately-recorded and the commercially-recorded.
:)
Having finished listening (twice) to Fricker's The Vision of Judgement, a work hitherto only available in the form of enthusiastic commentary, this seems to me to be a rather wonderful addition to mid-twentieth century British choral music, just the kind of piece that Richard Hickox would have done so well for Chandos, perhaps.
:(
Although the latter part of the broadcast has a degree of unavoidable interference, I would (as always) urge members to listen through this and experience the work for themselves. Thanks, Colin - a real discovery!
:)
Almost 50 years ago(sic) I was given the Penguin Guide to Choral Music(unfortunately currently wedged unattainably behind a large bookcase :().
Not only do I vividly remember Deryck Cooke's description of the Havergal Brian Gothic (which I read aloud to the young Mr. MacDonald) but the lengthy section on Fricker's 'The Vision of Judgment' which had been first performed only a few years before.
The writer lauded the piece as an outstanding modern example of British choral music, fully worthy to follow in the steps of Walton's 'Belshazzar's Feast'. Yet, over the next half century, it simply disappeared.
Now you can judge for yourselves :)
QuoteAlmost 50 years ago(sic) I was given the Penguin Guide to Choral Music
Ah, those Penguin Guides were wonderful, weren't they? I owned and enjoyed that choral music volume at one time, but the one I still own and treasure is Robert Simpson's 2-volume guide to the Symphony. Speaking of Havergal Brian, this was the first time Brian came within my radar, and I was amazed that he devoted an entire chapter to Brian, a composer I had then barely ever heard of! Anyway, his writing whetted my appetite, and when bits of Brian's music began to make their way across the pond, I was ready and eager to hear it, thanks to Simpson!
BTW according to Cadensa Pritchard recorded Maw's Spring Music on January 17 1987 (1987.01.17) - the recording location was in Greenvale, Long Island, NY - 6 minutes (by car) from where I used to live.
(And to add to the description of the Hans Gal cello concertino op.87, there's info about it here (http://www.hansgal.com/works/op87.html). :) Molto moderato - quasi allegro, Adagio, Allegretto ritenuto assai . )
More welcome representation of the distaff side:
Elizabeth Poston (1905-1987) - Requiem for a Dog: Blackberry Fold (1973)
Elizabeth Maconchy (1907-1994) - Dramatic Monologue, Ariadne (1970); Three Poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins (1970); Genesis (1973)
Phyllis Tate (1911-1987) - Secular Requiem, The Phoenix and the Turtle (1967)
Many thanks to Dundonnell for these very rare broadcasts.
:)
As with some of the latest Fricker items, I have provisionally titled the relevant files in the folders so that each will be obvious, but the temporary mediafire character-limitation means that some of these file-names do not at present include full work titles and dates -
::)
when the problem is sorted out I will bring the affected file titles in line with the 'house-style'. As usual, though, the BMB listing can be consulted for performance information.
:)
Hrm? Mediafire allows 1000-character notes and briefer descriptions to be attached to all files so far as I know, why not add the titles and dates there and leave the filenames brief? Or are those notes only visible to the uploader? (I've attached notes to quite a few of my Mediafire items- if no one can see them then I assume the latter!)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Sunday 13 November 2011, 14:35why not add the titles and dates there and leave the filenames brief?
The character-limitation on new file titles at the moment (36) is clearly a problem that will be addressed: I will manage with interim titles and simply wait for mediafire to get their act sorted out, but ultimately maintain the consistent style already established .
:)
...
erm...
erm...
wait... where did the notes _go_? at least the descriptions, briefer though they can be, are still there...
never mind. off topic, I know.
Britishcomposer, many thanks for the broadcast of this substantial piano piece -
Alexander Mackenzie (1847-1935) - Fantasia in E flat Major, Op. 70
I have put a copy in the archive!
:)
The latest broadcasts from Dundonnell have just been added and contain several with an overtly Scottish interest -
Ian Whyte (1901-1961) - Tone Poem, Edinburgh (1945)
Daniel Jones (1912-1993) - St Peter (1962)
George McIlwham (b.1926) - Cir Mhor, A Symphonic Poem for the Island of Arran (1952)
John Maxwell Geddes (b.1941) - Symphony No.1 (1975)
It will be interesting to hear substantial works by Ian Whyte (pupil of Stanford and Vaughan Williams at the RCM, appointed first Director of Music for BBC Scotland in 1931, conductor of the BBC Scottish Orchestra between 1945 and 1960, and contributor of a Symphony to the 1947 Cheltenham Festival) and George McIlwham (former flautist with the BBC Scottish and celebrated latterly as a piper, with recordings including Maxwell Davies' An Orkney Wedding with Sunrise, a work which he also played at the Last Night of the Proms in 1992).
John Maxwell Geddes may be an unfamiliar name, so here is a link to a fairly substantial biography - http://scottishmusiccentre.com/members/john_maxwell_geddes/home/full_biography/ (http://scottishmusiccentre.com/members/john_maxwell_geddes/home/full_biography/)
Colin has asked me to repeat his caveat with regard to the recording of Daniel Jones' Oratorio St Peter - the final ten minutes or so are missing from his tape.
Whilst it would, of course, be patently preferable to have the work complete, to have access to even an unintentionally-truncated version of a major unrecorded choral work by this composer is of great value in itself: definitely a case of the cup being half- (or three-quarters- in this case) full rather than half-empty.
;D
Colin, thanks a lot for these files, I am particularly glad about the Jones and the Geddes. Even if St. Peter isn't complete this means getting 47 more minutes of music by Jones, which is highly appreciated! As for Geddes, I know several works by him, among them his substantial Symphony No. 2, a dark, powerful and somewhat heroic work dedicated to the memory of Bryden Thomson, and I have already been wondering about whether there is a way to get his Symphony No. 1 as well!
Thank you, Holger :)
I am sorry about the Daniel Jones 'St.Peter' but given that my tapes had lain unplayed for 30 years it is amazing that almost all have survived :D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 14 November 2011, 16:14
Thank you, Holger :)
I am sorry about the Daniel Jones 'St.Peter' but given that my tapes had lain unplayed for 30 years it is amazing that almost all have survived :D
Not only that, we are immensely fortunate that their owner has survived and is able and willing to go to the trouble of uploading them!
;)
On reflection...and after much careful consideration...I would probably echo the first part of your sentiment ;D ;D ;D
Seriously though........the almost indescribably fantastic pleasure I have had in being able to access, download and (in time ;D) listen to so much music I never dreamed of getting hold of through this site fully deserves reciprocation.
For several years I have kept a wish list of twentieth century symphonies, none of which had made it to cd. The numbers on that list fell slowly over time but tended to be in the order of around 160-180 with new additions often replacing symphonies which had been finally released.
Over the space of 2 short months-thanks to this site-the number has positively plummeted to a current figure of 94 with a few more promised by members here :) :)
no argument there.
Latest additions, with lots of Welsh interest -
Gordon Jacob (1895-1984) - Flute Concerto No.1 (1951); Pro Corda Suite (1977)
Daniel Jones (1912-1993) - Suite, Salute to Dylan Thomas (1978)
Gareth Walters (b.1928) - Divertimento for String Orchestra (1959); Sinfonia Breve (1964)
William Mathias (1934-1992) - Serenade for Small Orchestra, Op.18 (1961)
Many thanks to Dundonnell for these broadcasts.
:)
I cannot find Bantock's "Sea-Wanderers" among the above downloads.
Quote from: BFerrell on Tuesday 15 November 2011, 11:54
I cannot find Bantock's "Sea-Wanderers" among the above downloads.
It does seem to have disappeared ???
I am sure that Albion-the "librarian" of the British Music Collection will sort it out ;D
Quote from: BFerrell on Tuesday 15 November 2011, 11:54I cannot find Bantock's "Sea-Wanderers" among the above downloads.
Sorry about that - it must have got 'left behind' in one of the recent re-organisations. I've now uploaded it again!
:)
Belated thanks for the two Arnold Cooke Symphonies - Nos.4 & 5. Wonderful to be able to hear them. The announcer helpfully gives us the titles of the Fourth's four movements, but his later colleague, whilst characterising each of the Fifth's movements, doesn't actually give the tempo indications. Does anybody know them?
I am delighted that you are able to enjoy Arnold Cooke's Symphonies Nos. 4 and 5, Mark :)
I don't have an instant answer for you but I am about to order the British Music Society monograph on Cooke written in 1996 by Eric Wetherell-the only study of Cooke's music in existence as far as I know. When it arrives I shall, hopefully, be able to respond.
Some more repertoire has been archived -
Gordon Crosse (b.1937) - For the Unfallen, Op.9 (1963); Violin Concerto No.2, Op.26 (1969); Play Ground, Op.41 (1977)
:)
Many thanks to Dundonnell for these broadcasts.
Dundonnell wrote:
QuoteWhen it arrives I shall, hopefully, be able to respond.
Thanks in advance, Colin.
Mike, many thanks for
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) - A Tale of Old Japan, Op.76 (1911)
What a lovely work it is!
I've merged the eleven small wma files into one mp3 for ease of use and put it into the archive.
There is a copy of the vocal score here - http://imslp.org/wiki/A_Tale_of_Old_Japan,_Op.76_(Coleridge-Taylor,_Samuel) (http://imslp.org/wiki/A_Tale_of_Old_Japan,_Op.76_(Coleridge-Taylor,_Samuel))
I've got to go out now, but will do the Somervell later.
;D
mikehopf, Thanks to upload Somervell's Cantata.
I like Somervell's violin concerto very much. (Maybe my favorite violin concerto.)
I always felt beautiful melodies in his music. This cantata also fill with beautiful melodies. Thanks! :D
I have wanted to hear Coleridge-Taylor's 'A Tale of Old Japan' for many years. I look forward to listening to it later today. Many thanks.
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 16 November 2011, 08:59
Mike, many thanks for
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) - A Tale of Old Japan, Op.76 (1911)
What a lovely work it is!
Thanks from me too, Mike. I couldn't agree more with John's description of it as 'lovely'. It's a constant source of amazement to me that Coleridge-Taylor's gorgeous music is not still 'standard repertoire'. Like most other composers (apart from the truly greats) his output might be uneven but at its best, of which A Tale of Old Japan is an example, it is so very appealing. Heigh-ho. :(
For those interested (I hadn't heard of the work before last year) "A Tale of Old Japan) can be found in vocal score at Sibley Library, and at IMSLP the latter here (http://imslp.org/wiki/A_Tale_of_Old_Japan,_Op.76_(Coleridge-Taylor,_Samuel)). (Yes, the BMB thread was getting a bit long, but this might still have been posted into it :) )
Ah, will check out the Somervell cantata- have enjoyed his symphony and as I recall his concerto also. Thanks!
The final Gordon Crosse broadcast is now in the archive -
Ceremony, Op.19 (1966)
Many thanks, Colin.
I've also added -
Arthur Somervell (1863-1937) - Christmas (1926)
to the folders and listing, merging the four wma files into one mp3.
Thanks for this, Mike.
:)
Those who have already downloaded A Tale of Old Japan and listened to it closely will have noticed a problem around 46:13 in the original where there is a gap of 25 seconds and then a return to figure 55 (vocal score, second edition, p.88 figure 55).
I have worked on the original file and cut and spliced so that this gap has been removed, there is no repetition and the transition is now, hopefully, more seamless. This new version has replaced the previous file in the C folder.
;D
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 16 November 2011, 19:03
Those who have already downloaded A Tale of Old Japan and listened to it closely will have noticed a problem around 46:13 in the original where there is a gap of 25 seconds and then a return to figure 55 (vocal score, second edition, p.88 figure 55).
I have worked on the original file and cut and spliced so that this gap has been removed, there is no repetition and the transition is now, hopefully, more seamless. This new version has replaced the previous file in the C folder.
;D
Thanks very much. You are clever; ;D I thought that was something I was just going to have to live with!
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 16 November 2011, 16:07
..... Somervell .......... merging the four wma files into one mp3.
:)
Many thanks to Mike, and also to Albion for merging these and the 'Old Japan' files. :)
It's fine music indeed! :) :)
As phase one (otherwise unavailable repertoire) of Colin's epic programme nears completion, I am please to announce that the following files have just been added -
Richard Rodney Bennett (b.1936) - Aubade, In Memory of John Hollingsworth (1964); Symphony No.2 (1968); Concerto for Orchestra (1973); Actaeon (Metamorphosis I) for Horn and Orchestra (1977); Concerto for Double-Bass and Small Orchestra (1978)
Performer details are given, as usual, in the BMB listing.
Many thanks, Dundonnell.
:)
The following file is now in the archive -
C. Hubert H. Parry (1848-1918) - The Pied Piper of Hamelin (1905)
Many thanks to Mike for a rare opportunity to hear an otherwise-unavailable choral work by this composer. I have merged his four wma files into one mp3 but have not had the opportunity to check it yet - it will be my bedtime listening.
:)
This is a very exciting time for BMB with Colin's truly wonderful and comprehensive survey of mid- to later-twentieth century British music and now Mike's recordings, besides the much-valued contributions of other members. Many thanks!
;D
Truth to tell, I feel horribly out of place uploading the Richard Rodney Bennett today when all around me is discussion of and uploads of late 19th century British choral works :)
There is no use pretending that the Bennett is pleasant, easy, accessible music....it ISN'T ;D Moreover, it bears little apparent similarity to the music the composer has written over the last couple of decades.
Chandos released a disc labelled "Richard Rodney Bennett, Orchestral Works, Volume I" in 2006 containing the Partita, Reflections on a Sixteenth Century Tune for Strings, Songs before Sleep for bass-baritone and strings and Reflections on a Scottish Folk Song for cello and strings.
There has never been a "Volume II".....Mark, take note :(
The works on the Chandos disc are attractive and lyrical. The avant-garde pieces I have uploaded from the 1960s and 1970s are not. Frankly.....I don't like them :(
......but, if I didn't upload them then it is highly improbable that anyone will ever have the chance to hear them again.
So........
With the irreplacable loss of Handley and Hickox, almost all of Chandos' projects went down the drain. I think Andrew Davis and Gardner are too involved in too many other duties. Handley and Hickox were very, very rare in that they were not "careerist" but real musicians.
While hunting for your requests, I came across the following items of possible interest to collectors of British music:
PARRY: The Lotus Eaters for Soprano, Chorus & Orch.
Eton Ode ( 1891)
De Profundis for Soprano, Chorus & Orch.
Ode on St Cecilia's Day
BANTOCK: The Time Spirit for Chorus & Orch.
J. HARRISON: Mass in C
Prelude for Harp & String Quartet
A Worcestershire Suite
COLERIDGE TAYLOR: Scenes from an Imaginary Ballet Op 74
WHITTACKER: The Coelestial Spheare (sic.)
The Lyke-Wake Dirge
Norman HAY: Symphonic Poem Dunluce ( 1920)
BRENT SMITH: Elegy
P.CORDER: 9 Preludes for Piano
ROOTHAM: City in the West for Chorus & Orch.
Any interest before I put them back in their cases and continue my quests.
Details on the Parry: Pied Piper of Hamelin:
Kim Begley (t); Robert Hayward (b), Stephen Hicks ( org), BrightonOrpheus Choir; Orchestra cond. Patricia Harding
I would humbly submit that every single item you mention is of interest to lovers of English music. DO NOT put them back in their cases. PLEASE upload them as soon as you have the chance and the strength, so that we may shower you with praise and gratitude. Seriously.
Archive.org has a lot of vocal scores of Parry choral works that seem interesting and I shouldn't mind hearing some of them - the Te Deum, the 1904 Sinfonia sacra "Love that casteth out Fear", others. Pied Piper is one of the scores they have scanned also (through one of their associated libraries) - thanks!
The full score of Parry's The Pied Piper of Hamelin can be downloaded in pdf at:
http://www.cpdl.org/wiki/images/3/3a/Parry-Pied_Piper_of_Hamelin.pdf
:)
Quote from: mikehopf on Thursday 17 November 2011, 03:07Any interest before I put them back in their cases and continue my quests.
Hi Mike, yes please could you upload these works. The 1986 David Willcocks'
Lotus Eaters is already in the archive - but perhaps you have another performance?
I'd particularly like to hear -
Hubert Parry (1848-1918) - Ode on St Cecilia's Day (1889); Eton (1891); De Profundis (1891)
Granville Bantock (1868-1946) - The Time Spirit (1904)
William Gillies Whittaker (1876-1944) - The Coelestial Sphere (1923); A Lyke-Wake Dirge (1924)
Paul Corder (1879-1942) - Nine Preludes (1904)
Julius Harrison (1885-1963) - Mass in C (1936-47)
Norman Hay (1889-1943) - Dunluce (1920-21)- the other works would be very welcome too!
Harrison's
Worcester Suite and Rootham's
City in the West have, of course, been commercially recorded but it would still be good to have alternative performances available.
;D
when I see or hear full score I think "with all the orchestral parts written out" (all the parts written out) (full=vertical, complete=horizontal) - that's a vocal score (such as is also available at archive.org and now at IMSLP also though the one at CPDL is typeset and definitely cleaner - thank you. Having both the first edition and the typeset has its advantages, of course - speaking as a typesetter who doesn't trust himself much :D ) (a third term, choral score, is used for a score of just the choral parts, as I recall.)
The two 'bonus' tracks on the end of Parry's The Pied Piper (which I discovered just as I was falling asleep last night) have now been siphoned off, and the file re-uploaded as a compact 25-minute piece: another excellent and sadly unknown score, with wonderful characterisation and plenty of humour - I particularly like the Funeral March quotation which accompanies the rats' demise.
:)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Thursday 17 November 2011, 06:56
when I see or hear full score I think "with all the orchestral parts written out" (all the parts written out) (full=vertical, complete=horizontal)
Ah, quite right, Eric - my apologies for my slack terminology. ::)
Mine in turn and no worries...
Seems to have received several quite good contemporary reviews- I believe I'll agree it deserved them. Thanks!
QuoteI would humbly submit that every single item you mention is of interest to lovers of English music. DO NOT put them back in their cases. PLEASE upload them as soon as you have the chance and the strength, so that we may shower you with praise and gratitude. Seriously.
Yes, please!
The following broadcast is now available -
Frederick Delius (1862-1934) - Violin Concerto (1916) played by Hugh Bean with the RLPO under Charles Groves
Many thanks to calico for this addition to the archive.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Thursday 17 November 2011, 15:45
The following broadcast is now available -
Frederick Delius (1862-1934) - Violin Concerto (1916) played by Hugh Bean with the RLPO under Charles Groves
Many thanks to calico for this addition to the archive.
:)
Aha! One of my favourite VCs... !
I would just like you to know, Johan, that I have just counted 30 orchestral and choral works by Delius that I taped in the 1970s :) ;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 17 November 2011, 16:28
I would just like you to know, Johan, that I have just counted 30 orchestral and choral works by Delius that I taped in the 1970s :) ;D
Poor you! Lucky us! ;D
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Thursday 17 November 2011, 16:29
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 17 November 2011, 16:28
I would just like you to know, Johan, that I have just counted 30 orchestral and choral works by Delius that I taped in the 1970s :) ;D
Poor you! Lucky us! ;D
It is hard for me, at only a cursory glance, to tell how many of these are broadcasts of live performances as opposed to broadcasts of LPs(I am no Delius expert, as you know ;D) but Sir Charles Groves('Paris'), Norman Del Mar('Life's Dance') and Lawrence Foster('Arabesk') feature as conductors of some of them.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 17 November 2011, 16:37
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Thursday 17 November 2011, 16:29
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 17 November 2011, 16:28
I would just like you to know, Johan, that I have just counted 30 orchestral and choral works by Delius that I taped in the 1970s :) ;D
Poor you! Lucky us! ;D
It is hard for me, at only a cursory glance, to tell how many of these are broadcasts of live performances as opposed to broadcasts of LPs(I am no Delius expert, as you know ;D) but Sir Charles Groves('Paris'), Norman Del Mar('Life's Dance') and Lawrence Foster('Arabesk') feature as conductors of some of them.
I have an EMI cassette from the '80s, 'Groves conducts Delius', and if I'm not mistaken 'Paris' features on that (can't check, it's in storage)..
I am just about to send seven pieces by Derek Bourgeois to Albion for uploading to the British Music Collection.
These are the composer's Symphony No.2; Tuba Concerto; Concerto for Three Trombones, Strings and Percussion; Symphonic Variations; Dance Variations; Orchestral Fantasy "The Globe" and "Triumphal March" for tenor, chorus and orchestra.
Full details(where known) will be in the usual place within the BM folder. I regret that the recording of the Tuba Concerto is pretty dim and that the last 3 minutes of the 24 minute long Symphonic Variations are missing :( (Incidentally, the Tuba Concerto must be the longest tuba concerto ever written: 43 minutes ;D)
Although these are the last items of non-commercially recorded works from my British music collection they are rather important and interesting. Bourgeois has some claim to be possibly the most scandalously ignored living British composer.
http://www.derekbourgeois.com/index.htm (http://www.derekbourgeois.com/index.htm)
He has written the quite unbelievably large number of 67 Symphonies-which puts him on a par, I think, with Alan Hovhaness-with more to come no doubt ;D Yet he is virtually completely ignored outside of the Brass Music fraternity.
If you give any of his music a listen however...and I hope you will....then you will find a composer of substance, writing attractive and colourful music in a pretty accessible idiom.
I have say, thank you, thank you, for the Ina Boyle and the Dorothy Howell. I listened to Boyle's violin concerto twice last night - it's really gotten under my skin. I've long known both names from various and sundry encyclopedias, and it was nice to finally put some music in place to go with them. Next up, some more of the Maconchy. And perhaps some Cipriani Potter, if I have the time tonight.
mikehopf, all these look fascinating but I would particularly love to hear:
WHITTACKER: The Lyke-Wake Dirge
P.CORDER: 9 Preludes for Piano
Thanks for the Somervell & Coleridge-Taylor posted yesterday.
Significant additions -
Derek Bourgeois (b.1941) - Symphonic Variations, Op.19 (1964); Symphony No.2, Op.27 (1968); Orchestral Fantasy, The Globe, Op.29 (1969); Concerto for Bass Tuba and Orchestra, Op.38 (1973); Dance Variations for Small Orchestra, Op.50 (1976); Concerto for Three Trombones, Strings and Percussion, Op.56 (1977); Triumphal March, op.59 (1978)
The significance lies in the fact that it signals the end of the primary phase of Dondonnell's programme to upload his collection of otherwise-unrecorded British music (around 150 items), assiduously taped during the 1970s and early 1980s. I can, with all honesty, say that it has been a real pleasure to collaborate with him in bringing these performances to wider circulation.
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
I do agree in thanking Colin for all the musical treasures he shared with us!
I hope to find time for uploading the remaining Mathias works I promised soon. After that, I intend to add a few more pieces to the archives, for example I think I can still add some Fricker pieces and I also want to share Geddes' Symphony No. 2 which is probably a bit more accessible than the First.
Thirded. :)
Thanks :) A labour of love, I assure you............it is just fantastic that the music on these old tapes can live again through the marvels of modern technology ;D
Holger........some more Fricker, that sounds intriguing ;D And, yes, the Maxwell Geddes 1st is pretty hard going ;D
My thanks too to John(Albion) for his enormous help and continued encouragement in getting the uploads posted on here and- in the early stages- his fantastic contribution in amplifying a large number of the files :) The speed with which he was able to get the links onto the site is quite remarkable.
It might be helpful if I compiled a summary list of the major works uploaded since the midpoint review I did a fortnight ago. I shall attend to that as soon as possible.
Next up............significant recordings of other British music ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 17 November 2011, 21:02it is just fantastic that the music on these old tapes can live again through the marvels of modern technology ...
It might be helpful if I compiled a summary list of the major works
To indicate the sheer scale of this project, and to save Colin the task, here is an inventory of his contributions:
Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) - Suite of Ancient Dances, Op.58 (1895); Shamus O'Brien, Op.61 (1895) – Overture; Phaudrig Crohoore, Op.62 (1896)
Hamish MacCunn (1868-1916) - The Lay of the Last Minstrel, Op.7 (1888)
Havergal Brian (1876-1972) - Symphony No.3 in C# minor (1931-32); Violin Concerto (1935); Agamemnon (1957); Symphony No.20 (1962)
Hans Gál (1890-1987) - Concertino for Cello and String Orchestra (1965)
Arthur Benjamin (1893-1960) - Concertino for Piano and Orchestra (1928); Concerto quasi una fantasia (1949); Harmonica Concerto (1953)
Eugene Goossens (1893-1962) - By the Tarn, Op.15 No.1 (1919)
Gordon Jacob (1895-1984) - Flute Concerto No.1 (1951); Pro Corda Suite (1977)
Maurice Jacobson (1896-1976) - The Hound of Heaven (1953)
Arthur Duff (1899-1956) - Irish Suite for Strings (1940)
Alan Bush (1900-1995) - Dance Overture, Op.12 (1935); Symphony No.3, Byron, with baritone solo and mixed chorus, Op.53 (1959-60); Variations, Nocturne and Finale on an Old English Sea Song for Piano and Orchestra, Op.60 (1962)
Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986) - Missa à 3 (Missa brevis), Op.98 (1958); Canzona for St Cecilia, Op.158 (1981)
Ian Whyte (1901-1961) - Tone Poem, Edinburgh (1945)
Ralph Walter Wood (1902-1987) - Symphony No.3 (1966)
Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989) - Nocturne, Op.25 (1946); Signs in the Dark for Mixed Chorus and Strings, Op.69 (1967); Magnificat, Op. 71 (1968); Windsor Variations for Chamber Orchestra, Op.75 (1969); Dialogue for Cello and Chamber Orchestra, Op.79 (1970)
Alan Rawsthorne (1905-1971) - Carmen Vitale (1963)
Francis Chagrin (1905-1972) - Symphony No.1 (1959)
Mátyás Seiber (1905-1960) - Fantasia Concertante for Violin and String Orchestra(1943-44)
Christian Darnton (1905-1981) - Concerto for Orchestra (1970-74)
Elizabeth Poston (1905-1987) - Requiem for a Dog: Blackberry Fold (1973)
Arnold Cooke (1906-2005) - Concerto for Oboe and String Orchestra (1954); Violin Concerto (1958); Symphony No.4 in E flat (1974); Symphony No.5 in G (1978-79)
Elizabeth Maconchy (1907-1994) - Dramatic Monologue, Ariadne (1970); Three Poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins (1970); Genesis (1973)
William Wordsworth (1908-1988) - Overture, Conflict, Op.86 (1969)
Robin Orr (1909-2006) - Overture, The Prospect of Whitby (1948); Symphony No.2 (1971); Symphony No.3 (1978)
Arwel Hughes (1909-1988) - Symphony (1971)
Frederick May (1911-1985) - Scherzo (1933); Sunlight and Shadow(1955)
Franz Reizenstein (1911-1968) - Voices of Night, Op.27 (1951)
Phyllis Tate (1911-1987) - Secular Requiem, The Phoenix and the Turtle (1967)
Daniel Jones (1912-1993) - Tone Poem, Cloud Messenger (1943); Symphony No.3 (1951); St Peter (1962); Violin Concerto (1966); Choral Suite, Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard (1977); Suite, Salute to Dylan Thomas (1978); Symphony No.10 (1981)
Cedric Thorpe Davie (1913-1983) - Symphony in C major (1945); By the River (1951); March, Royal Mile (1953)
George Lloyd (1913-1998) - Symphony No.6 (1956)
Ian Parrott (b.1916) - Cello Concerto (1961)
Brian Boydell (1917-2000) - Elegy and Capriccio for Clarinet and Strings (1955); Symphonic Inscapes (1969)
Peter Racine Fricker (1920-1990) - Prelude, Elegy and Finale for String Orchestra, Op.10 (1949); Concertante No.1 for Cor Anglais and Strings, Op.13 (1950); Viola Concerto, Op.18 (1951-53); Piano Concerto, Op.19 (1952-54); Musick's Empire, Op.27 (1956); The Vision of Judgement, Op.29 (1957-58); Toccata for Piano and Orchestra, Op.33 (1959); O longs désirs, Op.39 (1963); Symphony No.4, Op.43 (1964-66); Concertante No.4 for Flute, Oboe, Violin and Strings, Op.52 (1968); Introitus, Op.66 (1972); Symphony No.5 for organ and orchestra, Op.74 (1975-76); Laudi Concertati for Organ and Orchestra, Op.80 (1979)
Adrian Cruft (1921-1987) - Overture, Tamburlaine (1962)
Gerard Victory (1921-1995) - Piano Concerto No.2 (1972); Sailing to Byzantium (1975)
Iain Hamilton (1922-2000) - Overture, Bartholomew Fair, Op.17 (1952); Symphonic Variations, Op.19 (1953); Scottish Dances, Op.32 (1956); Overture, 1912, Op.38 (1958)
Arthur Butterworth (b.1923) - Italian Journey, Op.34 (1966); Organ Concerto, Op.33 (1973)
Stephen Dodgson (b.1924) - Bassoon Concerto (1969); Guitar Concerto No.2 (1972); Magnificat (1975)
Gerard Schurmann (b.1924) - Piano Concerto (1973)
Anthony Milner (1925-2002) - The Water and the Fire, Op.16 (1961); Midway, Op.31 (1974); Symphony No.2 for soprano, tenor, chorus and orchestra, Op.35 (1977-78)
George McIlwham (b.1926) - Cir Mhor, A Symphonic Poem for the Island of Arran (1952)
Wilfred Josephs (1927-1997) - Symphony No.1, Op.9 (1955, rev. 1957-58, 1974-75); Aelian Dances, Op.35 (1961); Symphony No.3, Philadelphia, Op.59 (1967); Symphony No.5, Pastoral, Op.75 (1970-71); Symphony No.7, Winter, Op.96 (1976)
Francis Routh (b.1927) - Cello Concerto (1973)
Thomas Wilson (1927-2001) - Variations for Orchestra (1960); Carmina Sacra (1964); Symphony No.2 (1965); Concerto for Orchestra (1967); Touchstone, A Portrait for Orchestra (1967); Threnody, The Charcoal Burner (1970); Sequentiae Passionis (1971)
Graham Whettam (1927-2007) - Sinfonia contra timore (1962); Sinfonietta stravagante (1964)
Gareth Walters (b.1928) - Divertimento for String Orchestra (1959); Sinfonia Breve (1964)
Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - Folk Song Suite (1962); Concerto Grosso No.1, Op.41 (1965); Piano Concerto No.3, Op.44 (1966); Organ Concerto, Op.51 (1967); The Hawk is Set Free, Op.72 No.5 (1970); Landscapes for orchestra, Op. 86 (1975); Violin Concerto No.2, Mistral (1995)
Kenneth Leighton (1929-1988) - Concerto for Viola, Harp, Timpani and Strings, Op.15 (1952); Passacaglia, Chorale and Fugue for orchestra, Op.18 (1957); Piano Concerto No.2, Op.37 (1960); Dance Overture, Op.60 (1971)
Donald Hunt (b.1930) - Te Deum (1971)
Anthony Hedges (b.1931) - Variations on a theme of Rameau for chamber orchestra, Op.34 (1969); Symphony No.1, Op.57 (1975)
Malcolm Lipkin (b.1932) - Mosaics for Chamber Orchestra (1966); Violin Concerto No.2 (1962)
Seoirse Bodley (b. 1933) - Music for Strings(1952)
David Ellis (b.1933) - Elegy (1966); Symphony No.1 (1973)
William Mathias (1934-1992) - Serenade for Small Orchestra, Op.18 (1961)
Nicholas Maw (1935-2009) - Sinfonia for Chamber Orchestra (1966)
Richard Rodney Bennett (b.1936) - Aubade, In Memory of John Hollingsworth (1964); Symphony No.2 (1968); Concerto for Orchestra (1973); Actaeon (Metamorphosis I) for Horn and Orchestra (1977); Concerto for Double-Bass and Small Orchestra (1978)
Gordon Crosse (b.1937) - For the Unfallen, Op.9 (1963); Ceremony, Op.19 (1966); Violin Concerto No.2, Op.26 (1969); Play Ground, Op.41 (1977)
Patric Standford (b.1939) - Symphony No.1, The Seasons (1972)
John McCabe (b. 1939) - Variations on a Theme of Karl Amadeus Hartmann (1964); Concertante for Harpsichord and Chamber Ensemble (1965); Violin Concerto No.2 (1980)
Derek Bourgeois (b.1941) - Symphonic Variations, Op.19 (1964); Symphony No.2, Op.27 (1968); Orchestral Fantasy, The Globe, Op.29 (1969); Concerto for Bass Tuba and Orchestra, Op.38 (1973); Dance Variations for Small Orchestra, Op.50 (1976); Concerto for Three Trombones, Strings and Percussion, Op.56 (1977); Triumphal March, op.59 (1978)
John Maxwell Geddes (b.1941) - Symphony No.1 (1975)
John Purser (b.1942) - Intrada for Strings, Op.17 (1966) ;D
Oh.. my sainted aunt(hope that's polite enough for this forum ;D) :) :)
Many, many thanks John for compiling this list. It does indeed save me the trouble ;D
I have been uploading three cracking pieces tonight:
Richard Arnell's Symphony No.5: this is the revival performance of the work played by the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Carewe
from July 1st 1977, the Arnell expert David Wright claims that Martin Yates on Dutton "cannot hold a candle to Carewe". Unfair I think, but you can judge for yourselves.
Robert Simpson's Symphony No.2 conducted by the great Portugese conductor Alvaro Cassuto with the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, and
Robert Simpson's Symphony No.6 in its first performance by the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Sir Charles Groves from 8th April 1980.
These are performances fully worthy of preservation :) :)
Quote from: Albion on Friday 18 November 2011, 00:27
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 17 November 2011, 21:02it is just fantastic that the music on these old tapes can live again through the marvels of modern technology ...
It might be helpful if I compiled a summary list of the major works
To indicate the sheer scale of this project, and to save Colin the task, here is an inventory of his contributions: ..........
I am sure that everyone using this forum would like to express their thanks to Colin and to Albion, for their sterling effort. This has involved a lot of hard work and not a little stress, all fuelled by Colin's desire to share his recordings and spark the same passion that he obviously has for this music. As a result we have access to an amazing fund of rare recordings that money can't buy.
Thank you for your generosity, Colin.
:) :) :) :)
Speaking for myself, all I can say, apart from very many thanks for the warmth of your sentiment, is that it would have been tragic if these works(many of them of superb quality) had been lost for ever.
Very sadly it may be that some of them, perhaps even many of them, will not be heard again on disc or in live performance in the lifetime of some of us.
To be able to give this music the opportunity to be heard again and to be able to share it with others is both a pleasure and an honour to the life and achievement of so many great British composers.
John ( Albion), I'm still not 100% au fait with the Mediafire process... so, could I prevail upon you to tidy up my contributions and add them to your own file? Alternatively, I could send them directly to your file.
Thanks in advance
Mike
Just uploaded Elegy by Brent-Smith.
Here is an interesting review of the work:
Alexander Brent Smith's »Elegy«
Selected and annotated by Malcolm MacDonald
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It has been said that the Three Choirs Festival has not the same hold on the country folk as it had in the late 'eighties: this I cannot confirm but, for my part, as a musician I have an undiminished interest in the new works to be performed in September at Hereford, — Alexander Brent Smith's Elegy, for soprano and bass soli, chorus and orchestra (Novello, 2s [10p]), and George Dyson's Quo Vadis, for soprano, contralto, tenor and bass soli, chorus and orchestra (Novello, 4s [20p]).
The Elegy is a deeply felt exhibition of refined, sensitive writing. Whether the means adopted in this miniature oratorio are capable of making a collective impression can only be proved in performance. The atmosphere of a cathedral is ideal for contemplation. The words are drawn from the Psalms, the Epistle to the Corinthians, the Beatitudes, and the Revelation. If the style lacks cohesion or continuity, it is by the composer's habit of obtaining contrast by frequent antiphonal use of voices and orchestra.
Actually the music is continuous and contains many impressive pages. Apart from the gradual approach to the right mood of the finale ('For the lamb shall lead them') in the key of D major, a psychological situation suggestive of the finale of Gerontius in the same key, we are not conscious of Elgar's influence. Occasionally, as in the 'Daily terrors now assail me', we do feel the influence of the 'Manzoni' Requiem. Original nuances are 'Behold, I am Alpha and Omega', marked pianissimo at Section 31, and 'He cometh like a flower' fortissimo, 'and is cut down' pianissimo, at Section 13. The outstanding quality of the Elegy is its sincerity and sensitivity for verbal values and musical expression. It is dedicated to the memory of Elgar [1].
'On the other hand' by La main gauche, Musical opinion, June 1939, p.777.
(1) The remainder of this item, dealing with Dyson's Quo Vadis will be found in Havergal Brian on music, Vol 1. See bibliography.
I just want to underscore everyone else's thanks to Dundonnell and Albion for their huge contribution. Wonderful.
Quote from: mikehopf on Friday 18 November 2011, 03:33
John ( Albion), I'm still not 100% au fait with the Mediafire process... so, could I prevail upon you to tidy up my contributions and add them to your own file? Alternatively, I could send them directly to your file.
Thanks in advance
Mike
Mike, many thanks for the four files you uploaded this morning - I'll get them sorted and into the archive later today.
To avoid duplication between the broadcast thread and the archive you can always send me the mediafire links in a PM.
:)
John, just uploaded the brilliant Harrison Mass in C . It seemed to load O.K.
What's a PM? Personal Message? How do I do that?
BTW, can I now delete those folders & files from Mediafire that you have inserted into your British Music Folder?
More goodies tomorrow... dormez bien!
Thanks to mikehopf, the following important recordings are in the archive -
Granville Bantock (1868-1946) - The Time Spirit (1904)
Alexander Brent-Smith (1889-1950) - Elegy, In Memory of Edward Elgar (1939)
Hubert Parry (1848-1918) - Eton, An Ode (1891)
This is a live recording (1984) of one of the many enterprising programmes given by The Broadheath Singers (sadly no longer operating) under the direction of Robert Tucker which took place from 1971 onwards.
Mike, I attended a wonderful concert by the group down in Slough in 2002, when they programmed Cowen's The Dream of Edymion, Bliss' A Song of Welcome, Dyson's Four Songs for Sailors and Stanford's Merlin and the Gleam - more precise details of the concert are:
Cheryl Enever, soprano; Colin Campbell, baritone/ The Broadheath Singers/ The Windsor Sinfonia/ Garry Humphreys
St Mary's Church, Slough, 28th September 2002
If anybody is aware of a recording of this event, please could they get in touch!
Also new from Mike is -
Paul Corder (1879-1942) - Nine Preludes (1904), played by David Owen Norris
Many thanks.
;D
Quote from: mikehopf on Friday 18 November 2011, 10:53
John, just uploaded the brilliant Harrison Mass in C . It seemed to load O.K.
What's a PM? Personal Message? How do I do that?
BTW, can I now delete those folders & files from Mediafire that you have inserted into your British Music Folder?
More goodies tomorrow... dormez bien!
Thanks Mike, really looking forward to the Harrison.
To send me a Personal Message, after you've logged on just click the little speech bubble (or square) under my name next to any of my posts.
Yes, once I've put them in the archive it's safe to delete the original files from your own list
:)
Astonishing :o :o
One lives one's life with certain favourite composers and certain favourite works in recordings that are familiar, cherished and acclaimed............and then ::) ::)
I have just discovered-from an impeccable source(someone who knew Robert Simpson personally and very well)-that Simpson was extremely disappointed with some of the famous Vernon Handley readings of his symphonies as recorded for Hyperion: Nos. 1, 3, 5 and 8 in particular. They were under-rehearsed and, therefore, tentative :o
Simpson, apparently, had a far greater opinion of the readings of his symphonies as conducted by Andrew Davis.
Now, there's a turn-up for the books ::)
Anyway...if you want to compare and contrast, I shall, within the next 24 hours, upload four BBC broadcasts of Simpson symphonies: the 2nd conducted by the Braga Santos expert Alvaro Cassuto, the 4th in the first performance of the revised version, conducted by Davis, the 5th in its "blistering, white-hot premiere" conducted by Davis(1973), and the 6th in its premiere conducted by Charles Groves(1980).
Now these recordings are from mono tapes so the sound cannot compare with Hyperion stereo but, if you are more interested in performance than sound quality.............. ;D
I found Somervell's Christmas Cantata quite marvelous. I hope someone will be able to credit the performers. Is it the performance by the East Surrey Choral Society?
Fascinating about the Simpson symphonies, Colin - many of us are looking forward to hearing alternative interpretations.
:)
Some members may be struggling to discern the words sung by the Broadheath Singers in the recent uploads of their 1984 concert. I don't have the Brent-Smith, but I do have vocal scores of the Bantock and Parry.
Neither score is in IMSLP so I'm happy to type and post these texts as the music will obviously make more sense if members can follow the words. I'll start with the Bantock - give me about 10 minutes.
;)
Helen F. Bantock - The Time Spirit
Hark! the storm blast roars through the forest
And the trees are sobbing and straining
In their anguish, in their terror.
But the great wind ruthlessly onward
Rushes, and bends in its tumult
All the woodland monarchs before it.
By the black-robed sides of the mountains
It passes, rending their garments
With the keen teeth of its anger,
Rending the sentinel pine trees.
The flying clouds are its pennons,
Ragged and red with warning,
They trail on the track of the tempest,
While the rain, like a weeping woman
Bends 'neath the wrath of the strong one.
Ah! ye in the world's pleasant places
Do ye not see the symbol,
By your warm fires sitting and sleeping
While the Time-wind rushes around you?
Hear you not, in ruthless anger
Its mighty voice of warning?
Can you sit there, lie there, hearing?
Hark! the spirits of mighty men
Of the bygone ages,
To your spirits calling and crying
"Up and out in the darkness"
Fearlessly fly and follow.
Loose your curled life like a standard
Clear on the wind of battle,
Wield the sword of the spirit.
Better the flash of the sword-blade
Than its blinded sleep in the scabbard.
Oh! thou soul-guided wanderer
Fear not the flail of the Time-wind,
Like wheat it shall winnow and clean thee;
But never was good grain garnered
That bent not 'neath rain and tempest
As well as waved in the sunshine;
So, never soul was found worthy
Of the highest heaven's crowning,
That bore not the stress and striving
Of that wind of life that bloweth
From beyond the bourne of our knowledge,
To a bourne that no man knoweth.
Algernon Charles Swinburne - Eton, An Ode
set to music for the four hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of the college
Four hundred summers and fifty have shone on the meadows of Thames, and died,
Since Eton arose, in an age that was darkness, and shone at his radiant side,
As a star that the spell of a wise man's word bade live and ascend and abide.
And ever as time's flow brightened, a river more dark that the storm clothed sea,
And age upon age rose fairer,
And larger in promise of hope set free,
With England Eton her child kept pace as a fostress of men to be.
And ever as earth waxed wiser, and softer the beating of time's wide wings,
Since fate fell dark on her father,
Most hapless and gentlest of star-crossed kings,
Her praise has increased as the chant of the dawn
That the choir of the noon outsings.
Storm and cloud in the skies were loud
And lightning mocked at the blind sun's light,
War and woe on the land below
Shed heavier shadow than falls from night.
Dark was earth at her dawn of birth,
As here her record of praise is bright.
Clear and fair through her morning air
The light first laugh of the sunlit stage
Rose and rang, as a fountain that sprang from depths yet dark with a spent storm's rage.
Loud and glad as a boy's and bade the sunrise open on Shakespeare's age.
Lords of state and of war,
Whom fate found strong in battle, in counsel strong,
There, ere fate had approved them great,
Abode their season, and thought not long:
There too, first was the lark's note nursed
That filled and flooded the skies with song.
Shelley, lyric lord of England's lordliest singers, here, first heard
Ring from lips of poets crowned and dead
The Promethean word whence his soul took fire,
And power to out-soar the sun-ward soaring bird.
Still the reaches of the river,
Still the light on field and hill,
Still the memories held aloft as lamps for hope's young fire to fill,
Thine, and while the light of England lives, shall shine for England still.
When four hundred more and fifty years have risen and shone and set,
Bright with names that men remember,
Loud with names that men forget,
Haply here shall Eton's record be what England finds it yet.
Keen-eared listeners will note that at the words Loose you curled life like a standard (VS p.33, figure 15) in The Time Spirit, Bantock employs the same descending chromatic arpeggio figure which figures so prominently in the storm section of his later Hebridean Symphony (1916).
This is a work, together with Sea-Wanderers, which is fully worthy of a modern recording.
:)
There are two pages about the piece in H. Orsmond Anderton's "Granville Bantock" ;D
He describes it as "a mighty wind that sweeps through the forest of humanity, bending the great trees before it" ;D ;D
New additions -
Stanley Bate (1911-1959) - Symphony No.3, Op.29 (1940) in a recording by the BBC Scottish under Edward Gardner
and from Dundonnell -
Richard Arnell (1917-2009) - Symphony No.5, Op.77 (1955-57) conducted by John Carewe
Robert Simpson (1921-1997) - Symphony No.2 (1955-56); Symphony No.4 (1970-72); Symphony No.5 (1972); Symphony No.6 (1977)
Several of the Simpson broadcasts are records of very important occasions, being the first London performance of the 4th and the world premieres of the 5th and 6th.
Many thanks, Colin
:)
For info'....The Bate 3rd was first broadcast on 14 March 2006.
I was told that the orchestra was very impressed by the piece :)
Thanks, Colin - I'll add that that date to the catalogue. More Bate, please, Dutton!
:)
I have been working for the last hour on mikehopf's two files of
Julius Harrison (1885-1963) - Mass in C (1936-47)
I have split the two primary files into the six constituent movements of the mass (the Credo was originally divided between the two files and has been merged).
This is a stupendous work which I cannot recommend too highly. Thanks, Mike!
:)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 18 November 2011, 20:12
For info'....The Bate 3rd was first broadcast on 14 March 2006.
I was told that the orchestra was very impressed by the piece :)
Ah, not surprised - to my ears it's a very fine work. It's coupled with Chisholm and Arnell on the Dutton CD, which seems like good value at £10-12 - but £3.60 p&p to Aus puts it out of reach in the overall scheme of things, esp. as I'm still explaining to my wife about all those Naxos CDs on sale! ;D ;D
So.... special thanks for the upload. :)
Hans GAL: De Profundis... a big oratorio!
Any interest?
Yes, please......
Jerry
Thanks for this beautiful work!
Could someone inform who the performers are?
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 16 November 2011, 23:39
The following file is now in the archive -
C. Hubert H. Parry (1848-1918) - The Pied Piper of Hamelin (1905)
Many thanks to Mike for a rare opportunity to hear an otherwise-unavailable choral work by this composer. I have merged his four wma files into one mp3 but have not had the opportunity to check it yet - it will be my bedtime listening.
:)
This is a very exciting time for BMB with Colin's truly wonderful and comprehensive survey of mid- to later-twentieth century British music and now Mike's recordings, besides the much-valued contributions of other members. Many thanks!
;D
Quote from: gpdlt2010 on Saturday 19 November 2011, 09:09
Thanks for this beautiful work!
Could someone inform who the performers are?
Kim Begley, ten; Robert Hayward, bass/ Stephen Hicks, organ/ Brighton Orpheus Choir and O/ Patricia Harding
The latest recordings in the archive are:
from mikehopf -
Hubert Parry (1848-1918) - Ode on St Cecilia's Day (1889); De Profundis (1891)
William Gillies Whittaker (1876-1944) - The Coelestial Sphere (1923); A Lyke-Wake Dirge (1924)
Norman Hay (1889-1943) - Symphonic Poem, Dunluce (1920-21)
from Latvian -
Robert James Barclay-Wilson - Symphony
I have split the original file of the Whittaker into the two separate works and removed the redundant silence. These are both very impressive scores indeed.
As Latvian comments, there is very little information about Barclay-Wilson available, and even a discrepancy as to whether his name should be hyphenated or not. Since the publisher of his Symphony (Lengnick) does apply a hyphen, this has been adopted.
Many thanks to both for these exciting additions.
;D
Quote from: Albion on Saturday 19 November 2011, 10:09Robert James Barclay-Wilson - Symphony
As Latvian comments, there is very little information about Barclay-Wilson available, and even a discrepancy as to whether his name should be hyphenated or not. Since the publisher of his Symphony (Lengnick) does apply a hyphen, this has been adopted and consequently this work is in the Ba-Be folder.
This has been causing me a headache all morning. There are
more references to Robert Barclay Wilson than to Robert Barclay-Wilson, so in spite of Lengnick, he's on the move again - this time to
Wi-Wo. One source gives his birth year as 1899, but most seem to agree on 1913. On the positive side we do have details of the actual broadcast: performers and a date!
:o
Apologies for the confusion - look on it as a new take on
Where's Wally? ;D
I had a quick check of the death indexes for Robert James Barclay Wilson (no hyphen). He was born 22 Oct 1899 and died in the December quarter 1988 at Dover. Hope that, that is of some help.
Brilliant, thanks hattoff!
Off we go again - I'll duly amend the catalogue.
;D
Actually, 1899 would make more sense, as the 1979 broadcast was therefore probably a tribute in his 80th year.
:)
I've done a little more research. He was the son of William George S Wilson and Clara Barclay and he was born at Barnes in Surrey. His father died when he was just one year old and in the 1901 census he is living in the house of his grandfather Arthur J Barclay in Hammersmith. Arthur J Barclay was a coal merchant and theatrical agent and is googleable and is found managing music halls and early cinemas; he is also given credit as an author of music hall sketches.
Thanks mikehopf and Albion for the Whittaker - I've wanted to hear this setting of the Lyke-Wake Dirge for ages. I think this is the programme listing from Radio Times:
Saturday 18 August 1984 BBC Radio 3
11.15 British Music
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
leader Geoffrey Trabichoff, conducted by Norman Del Mar
Scottish Philharmonic Singers (chorus master Ian McCrorie)
Elgar Nursery Suite
W. Gillies Whittaker The Coelestial Sphere (first broadcast performance)
11.55 Interval Reading
12.0 Delius Over the Hills and Far Away
W. Gillies Whittaker The Lyke-Wake Dirge (first broadcast performance)
Bliss Prologue, Five Dances and Finale from Checkmate
BBC Scotland
Quote from: hattoff on Saturday 19 November 2011, 12:24
I've done a little more research. He was the son of William George S Wilson and Clara Barclay and he was born at Barnes in Surrey. His father died when he was just one year old and in the 1901 census he is living in the house of his grandfather Arthur J Barclay in Hammersmith. Arthur J Barclay was a coal merchant and theatrical agent and is googleable and is found managing music halls and early cinemas; he is also given credit as an author of music hall sketches.
He conducted the Houdslow Symphony Orchestra between 1954 and 1972 and I think he may have taught at the Guildhall School of Music.
He wrote
The Technique of Orchestral Conducting (Macmillan, 1937), edited Bizet's
Carmen for Cramer and composed numerous works including
Mors janua vitae for chorus and strings (1969), a Piano Sonata (1975), lots of other piano music and songs.
The Symphony is rather good -
I just wish I could find a date for it!
???
Any help gratefully received.
;)
Quote from: calico on Saturday 19 November 2011, 12:33Thanks mikehopf and Albion for the Whittaker - I've wanted to hear this setting of the Lyke-Wake Dirge for ages. I think this is the programme listing from Radio Times:
Saturday 18 August 1984 BBC Radio 3
Great - thanks, calico!
;D
Thank you so much for your prompt response & congratulations on this excellent thread!
Quote from: Albion on Saturday 19 November 2011, 10:09
The latest recordings in the archive are:
from mikehopf -
Hubert Parry (1848-1918) - Ode on St Cecilia's Day (1989); De Profundis (1891)
William Gillies Whittaker (1876-1944) - The Coelestial Sphere (1923); A Lyke-Wake Dirge (1924)
Norman Hay (1889-1943) - Symphonic Poem, Dunluce (1920-21)
from Latvian -
Robert James Barclay-Wilson - Symphony
I have split the original file of the Whittaker into the two separate works and removed the redundant silence. These are both very impressive scores indeed.
As Latvian comments, there is very little information about Barclay-Wilson available, and even a discrepancy as to whether his name should be hyphenated or not. Since the publisher of his Symphony (Lengnick) does apply a hyphen, this has been adopted and consequently this work is in the Ba-Be folder.
Many thanks to both for these exciting additions.
;D
More important archival recordings have just been added -
Daniel Jones (1913-1992) - Symphony No.8 (1972); Symphony No.9 (1974) both conducted by the composer
John McCabe (b.1939) - Piano Concerto No.2, Sinfonia Concertante (1970); Clarinet Concerto (1977); Symphony No.3, Hommages (1978) including first performances of the Clarinet Concerto and the Symphony
Many thanks to Dundonnell for these.
:)
Just to explain that what I am doing now is to upload recordings from my collection made 30 + years ago of performances of British music which I feel have some historical significance. This may be because they are performances conducted by the composer or are the first performances of a particular work: both have that additional element of authenticity and excitement which renders them worth preservation. It may well be that subsequent renderings on disc or otherwise have been more polished or even-to be honest-just plain better all round.........
but you can be the judge of that if you so choose ;D
I shall also include some concerto performances by notable soloists.
Next up will be some Edmund Rubbra....my favourite British composer :)
Many thanks, Dundonnell - important Rubbra broadcasts are always welcome!
Colin's criteria for uploading alternative performances of already-commercially-recorded works are based on sound principles: works which may still with reason be classed as 'unsung' in
world premiere performances
composer-conducted performances
performances involving particularly significant soloists (for example, the composer)
This is not intended to be proscriptive, but these are criteria which members can apply and, by using their own judgement and research, assess whether or not a recording adds materially to our knowledge of a particular work.
:)
Samuel Sebastian Wesley(1810-1876)
Not really my period....but I have found recordings of his
Sacred Song for baritone and orchestra
Anthem "In the Wilderness" for choir and orchestra
Anthem "Ascribe unto the Lord" for choir and orchestra
The performers are Brian Rayner Cook(baritone), the Choir of New College, Oxford, Choir of Winchester Cathedral, the Waynflete Singers and the Academy of the BBC/David Lumsden.
Are these of interest? The Presto website seems to indicate that very few of the current recordings of Wesley's choral music include an orchestra.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Saturday 19 November 2011, 18:37
Samuel Sebastian Wesley(1810-1876)
Sacred Song for baritone and orchestra
Anthem "In the Wildreness" for choir and orchestra
Anthem "Ascribe unto the Lord" for choir and orchestra
Are these of interest?
Short answer - yes!
Invariably, S.S. Wesley anthems are only heard with organ, whereas he actually orchestrated quite a number of them.
;D
Ah, my period, Colin. Please upload them.
Jerry
Quote from: jerfilm on Saturday 19 November 2011, 22:49
Ah, my period, Colin. Please upload them.
Jerry
I shall send the link to Albion to try to make some sense out of what I recorded from the Wesley centenary concert from Winchester Cathedral(1976). The Symphony is in there certainly and some of the choral works but I can't quite work out which.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Saturday 19 November 2011, 23:21I shall send the link to Albion to try to make some sense out of what I recorded
I'll see what I can salvage.
::) ;) ;D
I am also sending him the Sterndale Bennett 5th Symphony and the Cipriani Potter 10th.
I know that performances are already available here....so he can be the ultimate arbiter of whether they are worth keeping.
Late-night ecclesiastical delights -
Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810-1876) - The Wilderness and the Solitary Place (1832, orchestrated 1852); Ascribe unto the Lord (1851, orchestrated 1865)
An opportunity to hear two of Wesley's anthems in the composer's rarely-heard orchestral versions: The Wilderness was orchestrated especially for the 1852 Birmingham Festival and Ascribe unto the Lord for the 1865 Three Choirs Festival held at Gloucester.
Many thanks to Dundonnell.
;D
Wesley's 'The Wilderness' (orchestral version) has been performed as recently as 2007 by chorus and orchestra of the Mitteldeutsche Rundfunk (MDR) conducted by Howard Arman. Arman has promoted quite a lot of British choral music during his tenure at the MDR.
Quote from: Albion on Saturday 19 November 2011, 10:09from mikehopf -
Hubert Parry (1848-1918) - Ode on St Cecilia's Day (1889)
Here is the text - spelling and punctuation are as given in my copy of the vocal score:
Alexander Pope (1688-1744)- Ode on St Cecilia's Day
Chorus
Descend ye Nine! descend and sing;
The breathing instruments inspire,
Wake into voice each silent string,
And sweep the sounding lyre!
In a sadly-pleasing strain
Let the warbling lute complain:
Let the loud trumpet sound,
'Till the roofs all around
The shrill echo's rebound;
While in more lengthen'd notes and slow,
The deep, majestic, solemn organs blow.
Hark! the numbers, soft and clear,
Gently steal upon the ear;
Now louder, and yet louder rise,
And fill with spreading sounds the skies:
Exulting in triumph now swell the bold notes,
In broken air, trembling, the wild music floats;
Till, by degrees, remote and small,
The strains decay,
And melt away,
In a dying, dying fall.
Arioso (Baritone)
By Music, minds an equal temper know,
Nor swell too high, nor sink too low.
If in the breast tumultuous joys arise,
Music her soft, assuasive voice applies;
Or when the soul is press'd with cares,
Exalts her in enlivening airs.
Warriors she fires with animated sounds;
Pours balm into the bleeding lover's wounds:
Melancholy lifts her head,
Morpheus rouses from his bed,
Sloth unfolds her arms and wakes,
Listening Envy drops her snakes;
Intestine war no more our passions wage,
And giddy Factions hear away their rage.
Chorus
But when our Country's cause provokes to arms,
How martial music every bosom warms!
So when the first bold vessel dared the seas,
High on the stern the Thracian raised his strain,
While Argo saw her kindred trees
Descend from Pelion to the main.
Transported demi-gods stood round,
And men grew heroes at the sound,
Inflamed with glory's charms;
Each chief his sevenfold shield display'd,
And half unsheathed the shining blade:
And seas, and rocks, and skies rebound
To arms! to arms! to arms!
Solo (Soprano)
But when, through all the infernal bounds
Which flaming Phlegethon surrounds,
Love, strong as death, the Poet led
To the pale nations of the dead,
What sounds were heard,
What scenes appear'd,
O'er all the dreary coasts!
Dreadful gleams,
Dismal screams,
Fires that glow,
Shrieks of woe,
Sullen moans,
Hollow groans,
And cries of tortured ghosts!
But, hark! he strikes the golden lyre;
And see! the tortured ghosts respire,
See, shady forms advance!
Thy stone, O Sisyphus, stands still,
Ixion rests upon his wheel,
And the pale spectres dance;
The Furies sink upon their iron beds,
And snakes uncurl'd hang list'ning round their heads.
Chorus
By the streams that ever flow,
By the fragrant winds that blow
O'er the Elysian flowers;
By those happy souls who dwell
In yellow meads of asphodel,
Or amaranthine bowers;
By the heroes' armed shades,
Glittering through the gloomy glades;
By the youths that dy'd for love,
Wandering in the myrtle grove,
Restore, restore Euridice to life:
Oh take the husband, or return the wife!
Solo (Baritone)
He sung, and hell consented
To hear the poet's prayer;
Stern Proserpine relented,
And gave him back the fair.
Thus song could prevail
O'er death, and o'er hell,
A conquest how hard and how glorious!
Though fate had fast bound her
With Styx nine times round her,
Yet music and love were victorious.
Solo (soprano)
But soon, too soon, the lover turns his eyes:
Again she falls, again she dies, she dies!
How wilt thou now the fatal sisters move?
No crime was thine, if 'tis no crime to love.
Now under hanging mountains,
Beside the falls of fountains,
Or where Hebrus wanders,
Rolling in meanders,
All alone,
Unheard, unknown,
He makes his moan;
And calls her ghost,
For ever, ever, ever lost!
Now with furies surrounded,
Despairing, confounded,
He trembles, he glows,
Amidst Rhodope's snows:
See, wild as the winds, o'er the desert he flies;
Hark! Haemus resounds with the Bacchanals' cries -
— Ah see, he dies!
Yet even in death Euridice he sung,
Euridice still trembled on his tongue,
Euridice the woods,
Euridice the floods,
Euridice the rocks, and hollow mountains rung.
Solo (Baritone) and Chorus
Music the fiercest grief can charm,
And fate's severest rage disarm;
Music can soften pain to ease,
And make despair and madness please:
Our joys below it can improve,
And antedate the bliss above.
This the divine Cecilia found,
And to her Maker's praise confined the sound.
When the full organ joins the tuneful choir,
The immortal powers incline their ear;
Borne on the swelling notes our souls aspire,
While solemn airs improve the sacred fire;
And angels lean from heaven to hear.
Of Orpheus now no more let poets tell,
To bright Cecilia greater power is given;
His numbers raised a shade from hell,
Hers lift the soul to heaven.
I am sending Albion the links to the following uploads:
Edmund Rubbra
Symphony No.3: BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Steuart Bedford. Bedford is most associated these days with the music of Benjamin Britten but very interesting to hear him conduct Rubbra.
Symphony No.9 "Sinfonia Sacra": BBC Symphony Orchestra/Sir Charles Groves. A magnificent performance under the baton of the conductor who gave the work its first performance.
Symphony No.11: the premiere of the work from the Proms with the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra/Nicholas Cleobury.
Violin Concerto: with Erich Gruenberg as soloist and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Steuart Bedford.
Franz Reizenstein:
Piano Concerto No.2: this is the work recently recorded by Dutton but this is the 1964 broadcast with the composer as soloist with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Norman Del Mar.
These are recordings which should certainly be both shared and preserved.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 21 November 2011, 03:10These are recordings which should certainly be both shared and preserved.
Indeed they are: as detailed in Colin's useful summary post above, the latest additions are -
Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986) - Symphony No.3, Op.49 (1939); Violin Concerto, Op.103 (1959); Symphony No.9, Sinfonia Sacra, The Resurrection, Op.140 (1971); Symphony No.11, Op.153 (1979)
Franz Reizenstein (1911-1968) - Piano Concerto No.2, Op.37 (1959)The files are now in the folder and the catalogue has been updated.
Many thanks!
:)
QuoteI had a quick check of the death indexes for Robert James Barclay Wilson (no hyphen). He was born 22 Oct 1899 and died in the December quarter 1988 at Dover. Hope that, that is of some help.
Thank you, hattoff! Mystery solved. This has been bugging me for years!
Perhaps I could prevail upon you for an answer to another small mystery: There was a composer named Frank Turner, who was born in 1896. I have a Pye LP from the 1960s or early 1970s with a group of piano preludes by him, in addition to works by other British composers of the time. When did Turner die? I've periodically searched the Web for years and have been unable to find any mention of him other than a few listings for sheet music of his piano works. No biographical information whatsover, anywhere.
Hi Latvian,
There were around thirty Frank Turners born in 1896 who died in England or Wales in the last century, it is such a common name! We need something, anything, else to point us in the right direction.
Robert James Barclay Wilson, with all those names to go on, was relatively easy to find.
I've not heard of Frank Turner and can't find anything about him on the web, so it's all a bit difficult, sorry :(
Quote from: Latvian on Monday 21 November 2011, 13:33There was a composer named Frank Turner, who was born in 1896. I have a Pye LP from the 1960s or early 1970s with a group of piano preludes by him, in addition to works by other British composers of the time. When did Turner die? I've periodically searched the Web for years and have been unable to find any mention of him other than a few listings for sheet music of his piano works. No biographical information whatsover, anywhere.
Possibly of little use, but the
Gramophone review of this disc (October 1968) describes Turner as
Anglo-French.
:)
Musicsack just lists him as being born in 1896 - but that much you already know.
He turns up here listed with other french composers and Stravinsky:
http://research.hrc.utexas.edu:8080/hrcxtf/view?docId=ead/00298.xml
I'm afraid I have no immediate access to french records but I will look and report back if I find anything.
Quote from: Latvian on Monday 21 November 2011, 13:33
QuoteI had a quick check of the death indexes for Robert James Barclay Wilson (no hyphen). He was born 22 Oct 1899 and died in the December quarter 1988 at Dover. Hope that, that is of some help.
Thank you, hattoff! Mystery solved. This has been bugging me for years!
My searches suggest there may still be some doubt over this. ???
At the symphonies site, http://paulfkisak.tripod.com/PFKPrivate/europesymphonies.html the composer of the symphony is said to
Robert James Barclay-Wilson, born "c.1913" and died 1988. (NB with hyphen and middle name).
However,
Robert Barclay-Wilson (
usually with hyphen, but without middle name) is described elsewhere on the web as a Professor of Music at the Guildhall SoM; Conductor (?1st) of Hounslow Symphony Orchestra, September 1954 - April 1972; Compositions include songs, piano pieces (inc. a sonata), organ works, etc (the scores are listed on Amazon) – best known for "Three Short Postludes" (organ); Books include
The Technique of Orchestral Conducting. Musician's Library: Macmillan, London. Pub. @ 2/- (rev.
Musical Times, May 1937); arr./ed. of songs of Thomas Arne (1975), etc.
The only reference I found to a Barclay Wilson (
without hyphen and with middle name James), who died in 1988 and was born in 1899 - those given by Latvian - is to
Roger James Barclay Wilson. F.G.S.M. ... who studied at Winchester Cathedral Choir School, and was organist of the famous Rosslyn Hill Chapel, Hampstead, NW3 (per www.organ-biography.info/index.php?id=Ban ).
This does muddy the waters if nothing else! ;D
I came across these references too (and was dumbfounded by the organ biography duplication) and there is clearly an unusually high degree of confusion. If anything definitive can be established, especially the composition date for the symphony, I'd certainly like to know.
;D
Re: Frank Turner - he looks to be French. The French National Library has a three movement Piano Sonata by Turner, hommage à Franz Liszt, published in Paris in 1927. Full details here (http://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb422335375). There is, however a Frank Turner Harrat: the British Library has half a dozen of his, mainly religious, works published in the US between 1907 and 1924. He might be worth investigating too.
A couple of items that may be of interest:
COWEN: 2 Morceaux for Orchestra: Melodie; A l'Espagnole
DELIUS: Paa Vidderne ( Melodrama with Speaker) ... full version?
GAL: De Profundis ( Large Sscale oratorio
Yes please.
Hooray - more Cowen!
;D
- and certainly the Gal as well.
I agree, anything by Gál is very welcome. He was such a fine composer, but his career was interrupted by the Third Reich. I recently bought the disc with his First Symphony (which I actually knew before, but as I like the piece a lot I was very happy to see a modern recording coming out) and listened to it a couple of times. This music is so well invented and a real pleasure to listen to! Looking at the German music scene of the 1920s is really very rewarding. Karol Rathaus is another favourite of mine.
In any case, I shall be glad to pick up any Gál piece which is offered.
Many thanks to mikehopf for the following recording -
Frederic Cowen (1852-1935) - Deux Morceaux - Melodie; A l'espagne (1883)
I have tidied up the file and split it into the two component pieces.
:)
Hrm?? Cadensa lists "Melodie" as having been broadcast 1994.07.16 at the Proms (same conductor, etc.) Does the Sound Archive say they've lost the tape? Will check about A l'espagne, though. Actually, they list the other half as "A l'espagnole". The tape's reference code is "H3618/1".
(Search terms @ cadensa.bl.uk : "any words or numbers:" melodie , "name : " "wordsworth, barry" .)
Thanks, Eric. Duly amended!
:)
Good old NSA - I won't hear a word said against them.
:o
Christopher Parker's thesis gives the title as A l'espagne, but this could be an error ...
???
I will, their filing system seems to be a mess I readily agree, but sometimes a bit of tweaking...
As to the two pieces, A l'espagnole "sounds" more right (... I think.) but that is of course not the determining factor.
A l'espagnole translates to "in Spanish". A l'espagne translates to "in Spain". Your call.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 21 November 2011, 03:10
I am sending Albion the links to the following uploads: .............
Edmund Rubbra
Violin Concerto: with Erich Gruenberg as soloist and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Steuart Bedford.
.............
I've never heard this before - what a beautiful, glowing, transcendent work it is! :) :)
Thank you, thank you ..... ;)
Quote from: Albion on Monday 21 November 2011, 23:57Good old NSA - I won't hear a word said against them.
:o
Quote from: eschiss1 on Tuesday 22 November 2011, 04:35I will, their filing system seems to be a mess I readily agree, but sometimes a bit of tweaking...
I curse them as the sun rises and as the sun sets - as my past comments on the standard of 'cataloguing' (ahem) at NSA may indicate, the first quote above is very much tongue-in-cheek.
;D
Quote from: JimL on Tuesday 22 November 2011, 05:30A l'espagnole translates to "in Spanish". A l'espagne translates to "in Spain". Your call.
Parker seems to know his onions so, in lieu of a definitive answer from somebody in possession of a copy of the full score published by Gutmann in 1901, I'll let
A l'espagne stand for the moment.
:)
Latest additions -
Alan Bush (1900-1995) - Violin Concerto, Op.32 (1946-48); Symphony No.2, Nottingham, Op.33 (1949)
Bernard Stevens (1916-1983) - Symphony No.2, Op.35 (1964)
Peter Racine Fricker (1920-1990) - Symphony No.3, Op.36 (1960)
Gerard Schurmann (b.1924) - Violin Concerto (1975-78)
These include an alternative interpretation of Fricker's third symphony, and broadcasts of the premiere performances of works by Stevens and Schurmann.
Many thanks, Dundonnell.
:)
Thanks!!! :D
[For the Searle. I have moved this reply, wrongly posted in the Downloads board, to this board where it belongs - Mark]
I have put a copy of the following upload by dafrieze into the archive -
Humphrey Searle (1915-1982) - The Diary of a Madman, Op.35 (1958)
Many thanks, Dave.
:)
This short opera, based on Gogol, was commissioned by Hermann Scherchen for the Berlin Festival and first performed there in October 1958 - it won the first prize at UNESCO's International Rostrum of Composers in 1960.
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 22 November 2011, 07:17
Latest additions -
Alan Bush (1900-1995) - Violin Concerto, Op.32 (1946-48); Symphony No.2, Nottingham, Op.33 (1949)
Bernard Stevens (1916-1983) - Symphony No.2, Op.35 (1964)
Peter Racine Fricker (1920-1990) - Symphony No.3, Op.36 (1960)
Gerard Schurmann (b.1924) - Violin Concerto (1975-78)
These include an alternative interpretation of Fricker's third symphony, and broadcasts of the premiere performances of works by Stevens and Schurmann.
Many thanks, Dundonnell.
:)
I apologise for the odd crackle and distortion in the Bush symphony but it is probably worth preserving. The only other performance I know is the Classico cd with a student orchestra-which does manfully, it has to be said ;D
Dundonnell,
Are you familiar with the Melodiya LP of Bush's 2nd Sym, with the composer conducting the Moscow Radio Symphony Orch (I think)? If not, I can provide. It's a live performance and has never been reissued in any media, to the best of my knowledge.
Quote from: Latvian on Tuesday 22 November 2011, 18:40
Dundonnell,
Are you familiar with the Melodiya LP of Bush's 2nd Sym, with the composer conducting the Moscow Radio Symphony Orch (I think)? If not, I can provide. It's a live performance and has never been reissued in any media, to the best of my knowledge.
No, I don't know that recording although I have read that the sound quality is very poor ???
(I know that this probably sounds rich coming from someone who has uploaded so many dodgy tape recordings ;D))
Can I offer you any of the following:
Mackenzie: La Belle Dame Sans Merci
Fantasia for Piano Op.70
Haydn WOOD: Fantasy Concerto
Variations on a Humorous Theme
HOLST: King Estmere for Chorus & Orch.
Fantasy on Hampshire Folk Tunes ( 1916)
Invocation for Cello & Orch.
GARDINER: April for Chorus & Orch.
String Qt in Bb
C. WOOD: String Quartet (1912); Dear Irish Boy
FINZI: Requiem in Camera in Memory of EBF
FARRAR: Centenary Concert: Songs, Celtic Suite, Piano Music et al.
HOLBROOKE: Concerto for Clarinet , Bassoon & Orch ( Tamerlane)
FERGUSON: Amore Langueo - Cantata
BANTOCK: Atlanta in Calydon - Cantata
COWEN: Orchestral works, Songs from double RRE LPs - historical recording
FOULDS: St Joan Suite
E.ISAACS: Violin Sonata (1910)
Apologies for duplicating some of Albion's downloads or currently available recordings.
I'll get down to GAL: De Profundis over the weekend.
Oh, yes, and a couple more:
HOLST: Vision of Dame Christian
SHAPLEIGH: Cello Sonata
McEWEN: Grey Galloway; Suite for Strings
J.GUEST: Sonata Op.1
ELGAR: Movement for Piano & Orchestra
McFARREN: Shakespeare Part Songs
HOWELLS: Fantasy for Cello & Orch.
QuoteFOULDS: St Joan Suite
Mike, I will welcome most anything you mention, but the Foulds would really make my day!
Quote from: mikehopf on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 02:22
Can I offer you any of the following:
...........................
Your two lists include my favourite British composers, and works I've wanted for years to hear. They will all be awaited with great anticipation, Mike.
Thank you :)
H. Wood, Finzi, Foulds, and Bantock are always good...
Quote from: mikehopf on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 02:22
Can I offer you any of the following:
Mackenzie: La Belle Dame Sans Merci
Fantasia for Piano Op.70
Haydn WOOD: Fantasy Concerto
Variations on a Humorous Theme
HOLST: King Estmere for Chorus & Orch.
Fantasy on Hampshire Folk Tunes ( 1916)
Invocation for Cello & Orch.
GARDINER: April for Chorus & Orch.
String Qt in Bb
C. WOOD: String Quartet (1912); Dear Irish Boy
FINZI: Requiem in Camera in Memory of EBF
FARRAR: Centenary Concert: Songs, Celtic Suite, Piano Music et al.
HOLBROOKE: Concerto for Clarinet , Bassoon & Orch ( Tamerlane)
FERGUSON: Amore Langueo - Cantata
BANTOCK: Atlanta in Calydon - Cantata
COWEN: Orchestral works, Songs from double RRE LPs - historical recording
FOULDS: St Joan Suite
E.ISAACS: Violin Sonata (1910)
Quote from: mikehopf on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 02:30
Oh, yes, and a couple more:
HOLST: Vision of Dame Christian
SHAPLEIGH: Cello Sonata
McEWEN: Grey Galloway; Suite for Strings
J.GUEST: Sonata Op.1
ELGAR: Movement for Piano & Orchestra
McFARREN: Shakespeare Part Songs
HOWELLS: Fantasy for Cello & Orch.
Mike, thanks for these lists. I've marked what I would personally be especially interested in adding to the archive.
:)
Latest additions from Dundonnell -
Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) - Symphony No.4, Op.71 (1960); Double Violin Concerto, Op.77 (1962); Symphony No.6, Op.95 (1967); Symphony No.7, Op.113 (1973)
Richard Rodney Bennett (b.1936) - Violin Concerto (1976)
Arnold's Double Concerto and Symphony No.7 are conducted by the composer, Symphonies 4 and 6 by Bryden Thomson.
The Double Concerto and Symphony No.7 have a degree of intermittent electromagnetic interference and (in the latter) an occasional guest appearance from the boys in blue!
Despite these issues, these are particularly valuable recordings.
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
Quote from: Latvian on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 03:13
QuoteFOULDS: St Joan Suite
Mike, I will welcome most anything you mention, but the Foulds would really make my day!
I'll 2nd that re. Foulds - and would also like the Howells, Finzi and Elgar........oh and, the Holst and Bantock too! ::)
Wow - more Arnold - esp. the Double Violin Concerto - really looking forward to that!
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 07:51
Latest additions from Dundonnell -
Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) - Symphony No.4, Op.71 (1960); Double Violin Concerto, Op.77 (1962); Symphony No.6, Op.95 (1967); Symphony No.7, Op.113 (1973)
Richard Rodney Bennett (b.1936) - Violin Concerto (1976)
Arnold's Double Concerto and Symphony No.7 are conducted by the composer, Symphonies 4 and 6 by Bryden Thomson.
The Double Concerto and Symphony No.7 have a degree of intermittent electromagnetic interference and (in the latter) an occasional guest appearance from the boys in blue!
Despite these issues, these are particularly valuable recordings.
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
Quote from: gasman on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 08:09
Quote from: Latvian on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 03:13
QuoteFOULDS: St Joan Suite
Mike, I will welcome most anything you mention, but the Foulds would really make my day!
I'll 2nd that re. Foulds
Mike, is the Foulds
Saint Joan Suite the Luxembourg RSO/ Hager? If so, it's already available to commercially download -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/John-Foulds-Saint-Joan-Suite/dp/B001V7CVJ4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1322036419&sr=8-8 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/John-Foulds-Saint-Joan-Suite/dp/B001V7CVJ4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1322036419&sr=8-8)
Perhaps it's a different performance ...
???
Quoteis the Foulds Saint Joan Suite the Luxembourg RSO/ Hager?
I'm hoping it's not! I have the Hager CDs, and I'd like to hear an alternative performance. I like the work very much!
Gosh, Mike, I don't see anything in that list that I wouldn't like to hear.......
Thanks so much.
Jerry
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 07:51
Latest additions from Dundonnell -
Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) - Symphony No.4, Op.71 (1960); Double Violin Concerto, Op.77 (1962); Symphony No.6, Op.95 (1967); Symphony No.7, Op.113 (1973)
Richard Rodney Bennett (b.1936) - Violin Concerto (1976)
Arnold's Double Concerto and Symphony No.7 are conducted by the composer, Symphonies 4 and 6 by Bryden Thomson.
The Double Concerto and Symphony No.7 have a degree of intermittent electromagnetic interference and (in the latter) an occasional guest appearance from the boys in blue!
Despite these issues, these are particularly valuable recordings.
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
If you admire Malcolm Arnold's music
please do not not be put off by the unfortunate fact that the first minute of the announcer's introduction to the
Seventh Symphony is virtually impossible to make out through the distorting crackle.
This is an important performance of a searingly intense work. On Chandos Rumon Gamba takes 31.52 minutes for the work, Vernon Handley clocks in at a more expansive 37.43 minutes and Andrew Penney on Naxos 38.24 minutes. In this performance conducted by the composer he expands the work to 51 minutes.
Defintely therefore worth hearing :)
Thanks very much for the upload of the big Mathias piece "World's Fire", Holger :)
I hope that-in time-you can give us "Litanies" and the Dance Variations as well :)
I can add a performance-I think the first performance- of "This Worlde's Joie" conducted by the composer.
I could add the Mathias Clarinet Concerto of 1975 in performance with Michael Collins and the Polish Chamber Orchestra, Jerzy Maksymiuk conducting. Interested? ;)
Yes, Colin, there will be some more Mathias uploads in the upcoming weeks. I still intend to share the following pieces:
- "Litanies"
- Dance Variations
- "Melos"
- "Salvator Mundi"
- "Learsongs"
Your recording of "This Worlde's Joie" will be welcome, of course!
And I am certainly also interested in the Clarinet Concerto, britishcomposer!
Yes please!
Quote from: britishcomposer on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 14:29
I could add the Mathias Clarinet Concerto of 1975 in performance with Michael Collins and the Polish Chamber Orchestra, Jerzy Maksymiuk conducting. Interested? ;)
Arnold Bax
Having been in dialogue with Albion regarding my Bax Radio 3 'Composer of the Week' recordings from the period 5.2.01-9.2.01, I have been able to establish that most of them were recorded especially for the program (There wasn't much Bax available at such times!). Some of them are of unacceptable quality (so missing here), some a little dubious quality but offered so the listener can make their own mind up, others are fine. All other recordings played were either from CD by various artists or on a soon to be released (at the time) World Premier Chandos recording by BBC Philharmonic & Martyn Brabbins, so these are of course left out!
I am so glad to finally be able to offer up something as I've benefited greatly from the kind up loaders on this site :)
Subject to moderator approval (!) - I hope there is something below of interest to you fellow Bax lovers out there!
Arnold Bax: -
Summer Music
Conducted by Saatchi Fujioka & Ulster Orch
Radio 3 'Composer of the week' Broadcast 6.2.01
Romantic Overture
Conducted by Takuo Yuasa & Ulster Orch
Radio 3 'Composer of the week' Broadcast 7.2.01
Three Pieces for Small Orch - (Formerly 'Four Sketches' & '4 Irish Pieces') - Conducted by Saatchi Fujioka & Ulster Orch
Radio 3 'Composer of the week' Broadcast 7.2.01
1) 'Evening Piece' - Reasonable quality
2) 'Irish Landscape' - low 'phuts'
3) 'Dance in the Sunlight' - annoying 'phuts'
Morning Song (Maytime in Sussex)
Conducted by Takuo Yuasa & Ulster Orch
Radio 3 'Composer of the week' Broadcast 9.2.01
It's been an enjoyable morning preparing them for upload - I do hope you enjoy them!
I too shall be adding some Bax very soon-
Symphony No.7(Groves)
Violin Concerto(Hugh Bean)
Cello Concerto(Douglas Cummings)
"Winter Legends"(John McCabe)
Bax - Excellent - look forward to that. :P
NB
Havergal-Brian: - I've just realised that I've got a recording (from LP) of Havergal-Brian's complete Piano Music recorded by Peter Hill, released originally on Cameo Classics GOCLP 9019 (1982) - if someone's able to confirm to me that the Cameo release is now deleted, I shall of course upload the Peter Hill recording.
I know that Raymond Clarke has released a version but t'would be nice for people to be able to compare versions - see link to interesting article: - http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/athene/brian.htm
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 14:51
I too shall be adding some Bax very soon-
Symphony No.7(Groves)
Violin Concerto(Hugh Bean)
Cello Concerto(Douglas Cummings)
"Winter Legends"(John McCabe)
Quote from: gasman on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 15:05I've just realised that I've got a recording (from LP) of Havergal-Brian's complete Piano Music recorded by Peter Hill, released originally on Cameo Classics GOCLP 9019 (1982) - if someone's able to confirm to me that the Cameo release is now deleted, I shall of course upload the Peter Hill recording.
The Cameo recording is still available -
http://www.cameo-classics.com/home.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=77&category_id=86 (http://www.cameo-classics.com/home.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=77&category_id=86)
:)
Well..... at least it saves me a job! :o
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 16:40
Quote from: gasman on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 15:05I've just realised that I've got a recording (from LP) of Havergal-Brian's complete Piano Music recorded by Peter Hill, released originally on Cameo Classics GOCLP 9019 (1982) - if someone's able to confirm to me that the Cameo release is now deleted, I shall of course upload the Peter Hill recording.
The Cameo recording is still available -
http://www.cameo-classics.com/home.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=77&category_id=86 (http://www.cameo-classics.com/home.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=77&category_id=86)
:)
Some more Scottish items have been sent by patmos.beje -
Alexander Mackenzie (1847-1935) - Violin Concerto in C# minor, Op.32 (1884-85)
Learmont Drysdale (1866-1909) - Overture, Tam O'Shanter (1890) - excerpt
- the soloist in the Mackenzie is Mi-Kyung Lee, and the Drysdale (though unfortunately only an extract as broadcast) gives a flavour of this composer.
Many thanks.
:)
The following files have been contributed by gasman -
Arnold Bax (1883-1953) - Summer Music (1917, rev. 1932); Romantic Overture (1926); Morning Song, Maytime in Sussex (1946) - all specially recorded when Bax was Radio 3's Composer of the Week in February 2001.
Many thanks for these.
:)
There is another Bax item in the downloads thread, Three Pieces for Small Orchestra: these files have a degree of digital damage and have not been added to the archive yet.
Two more Mathias works, the first from britishcomposer, the second from Holger -
William Mathias (1934-1992) - Clarinet Concerto, Op.68 (1975); World's Fire (1989)
Many thanks.
:)
Another Scottish item from patmos.beje -
John Blackwood McEwen (1868-1948) - Suite No.3 in G for Strings (1935)
There is some distortion on this recording, but nothing to deter the intrepid listener.
Many thanks.
:)
Are there any recordings of McEwen's Symphonies other than #5 which has been around for a long time? That seems to me a major gap in your British music collection.
Jerry
Quote from: jerfilm on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 18:37Are there any recordings of McEwen's Symphonies other than #5 which has been around for a long time? That seems to me a major gap in your British music collection.
It's a gap in any collection, but as far as I'm aware
none of the earlier symphonies (including the A minor, 1892-98) has been recorded or broadcast.
:(
Alasdair Mitchell edited the A minor Symphony (along with several other works, mostly the ones he recorded for Chandos) as part of his PhD thesis in 2002.
:)
Another file from patmos.beje -
Alexander Mackenzie (1847-1935) - Suite, London Day by Day, Op.64 - No.3, Song of Thanksgiving (1902)
Another excellent addition to the Mackenzie files - many thanks.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 18:43
Quote from: jerfilm on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 18:37Are there any recordings of McEwen's Symphonies other than #5 which has been around for a long time? That seems to me a major gap in your British music collection.
It's a gap in any collection, but as far as I'm aware none of the earlier symphonies (including the A minor, 1892-98) has been recorded or broadcast.
:(
Alasdair Mitchell edited the A minor Symphony (along with several other works, mostly the ones he recorded for Chandos) as part of his PhD thesis in 2002.
:)
Alasdair is another old school friend of mine ;D
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 19:06
Another file from patmos.beje -
Alexander Mackenzie (1847-1935) - Suite, London Day by Day, Op.64 - No.3, Song of Thanksgiving (1902)
Another excellent addition to the Mackenzie files - many thanks.
:)
Is this the complete work or an extract from it?
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 20:34
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 19:06
Another file from patmos.beje -
Alexander Mackenzie (1847-1935) - Suite, London Day by Day, Op.64 - No.3, Song of Thanksgiving (1902)
Another excellent addition to the Mackenzie files - many thanks.
:)
Is this the complete work or an extract from it?
I've checked with my piano score of the Suite and it is an extract from letter F to the end.
:)
More excellent material from Dundonnell -
William Alwyn (1905-1985) - Concerto for Oboe, Harp and Strings (1943-45); Concerto Grosso No.3 (1964)
Benjamin Frankel (1906-1973) - Violin Concerto, To the Six Million, Op.24 (1951); Symphony No.5, Op.46 (1967)
Kenneth Leighton (1929-1988) - Symphony No.1, Op.42 (1964); Concerto for Organ, Strings and Timpani, Op.58 (1970)
the two Alwyn items were part of a 75th birthday concert conducted by the composer.
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
I have been working on two important broadcasts from the 1980s, donated by patmos.beje -
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) - The Golden Legend (1886)
Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989) - Nelson, Op.41 (1949-54)
Many thanks, Peter
:)
The first is the 1986 centenary revival of The Golden Legend at Leeds Town Hall, conducted by Charles Mackerras: this cantata was the triumph of the 1886 Leeds Festival (which also saw the premieres of Stanford's The Revenge, Mackenzie's The Story of Sayid and Dvorak's St Ludmilla). Unfortunately my cassette recording made at the time of the broadcast deteriorated shortly thereafter, so it is great to make the acquaintance once more of this vivid performance of a splendid piece. I have split and merged some of the files to present the work as Prologue, six separate scenes and Epilogue.
Berkeley's three-act opera Nelson was written between 1949 and 1954 (despite the announcer giving a completion date of 1953). After a rather muted reception at Sadler's Wells in 1954 (probably suffering by comparison with Britten's Billy Budd), and only nine performances, Berkeley wrote in 1965 that I should now want to rewrite so much of it if it were to be revived. I do think it has good things in it, but I'm not satisfied with it as a whole. He only revised Act 2 of the opera (for a BBC broadcast) and this 1983 performance was the first full revival since the original production: it is a vivid work and I have merged the files to present each act uninterrupted.
Another arrival, courtesy of Dylan, via A.S. -
Richard Arnell (1917-2009) - Symphony No.2, Rufus, Op.33 (1942-44)
Many thanks to both members for getting this broadcast into the archive, albeit by a circuitous route. I have unzipped the file of this 1988 Edward Downes broadcast and re-uploaded the mp3 files.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Thursday 24 November 2011, 17:04
I have been working on two important broadcasts from the 1980s, donated by patmos.beje -
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) - The Golden Legend (1886)
:)
I also have this broadcast on r2r tape, and it will be good to hear it again after many years of storage. Thank you Peter, and thank you Albion for all your technical work on the latest uploads. :)
Anything by Robin Milford friends? :)
Some further broadcasts from Dundonnell -
Arthur Bliss (1891-1975) - Cello Concerto (1970)
Ernest John Moeran (1894-1950) - Cello Concerto (1945)
Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989) - Symphony No.4, Op.94 (1978)
Michael Tippett (1905-1998) - Symphony No.4 (1976-77)
Elizabeth Maconchy (1907-1994) - Epyllion for Cello and Strings (1975)
These comprise the premieres of Berkeley's and Tippett's fourth symphonies, and vintage performances by the cellists Christopher van Kampen (1945-1997), Thomas Igloi (1947-1976) and Julian Lloyd Webber (b.1951).
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
The first, and very welcome, representation of this composer in the archive, courtesy of Steppenwolf -
Robin Milford (1903-1959) - Fishing by Moonlight, Op.96 (1949-52) - this is the 1952 version for piano and orchestra
Many thanks to our newly-joined friend and fellow British music enthusiast.
:)
Peter Maxwell Davies
A Reel of Spindrift Sky
National Youth Orchestra Iraq
Members of the German National Youth Orchestra
Conductor: Paul MacAlindin
MP3 recorded on October 1, 2011 in the Beethoven Hall Bonn by Deutsche Welle (DW)
Where does the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq go from here? The orchestra has been invited to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2012, after which performances in London and back in Iraq are planned. Nonetheless it will remain a project orchestra for the forseeable future, its members meeting during summer vacations.
Conductor Paul MacAlindin is convinced that the most recent phase of rehearsals in Iraq and the successful first performance abroad will make it easier for the youthful musicians to establish contacts and perform in their homeland. "We hope that we've been able to convince the critics with this Campus Concert," he said. "If ever a concert proved that communication is the essence of music, this one did."
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15462045,00.html
Quote from: Albion on Friday 25 November 2011, 11:26
Some further broadcasts from Dundonnell -
Arthur Bliss (1891-1975) - Cello Concerto (1970)
Ernest John Moeran (1894-1950) - Cello Concerto (1945)
Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989) - Symphony No.4, Op.94 (1978)
Michael Tippett (1905-1998) - Symphony No.4 (1976-77)
Elizabeth Maconchy (1907-1994) - Epyllion for Cello and Strings (1975)
These comprise the premieres of Berkeley's and Tippett's fourth symphonies, and vintage performances by the cellists Christopher van Kampen (1945-1997), Thomas Igloi (1947-1976) and Julian Lloyd Webber (b.1951).
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
Albion has highlighted the fact that the Bliss Cello Concerto is played in this recording by Julian Lloyd Webber(who gave the first London performance of the work in September 1972 in his professional debut) but he has also indicated that the Maconchy and the Moeran are played by cellists who, very sadly, are no longer with us.
The death of Thomas Igloi, in particular, at the extremely young age of 29 is a dreadful tragedy. Igloi had proved in his performances of a number of British cello concerti that he was well on the way to demonstrating an extraordinary affinity for this repertoire. We are all very lucky indeed that a number of these performances will be preserved here. These include the -
Arnold Cooke concerto
Wilfred Josephs concerto
Moeran concerto
...and I would still like-with Albion's agreement I hope-to upload Igloi's performance of the Frank Bridge 'Oration'.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 25 November 2011, 20:10I would still like-with Albion's agreement I hope-to upload Igloi's performance of the Frank Bridge 'Oration'.
Certainly, Igloi was a major talent with a special affinity for British music - this will assuredly not be a run-of-the-mill interpretation or a case of simply getting through the notes. From experience, I'm more than happy to trust Colin's judgement that this is a broadcast which ought to be preserved.
:)
Re Benedict's symphony in G minor- not sure if anyone's listed the movements; if not, the slow movement is an Andante con moto and the finale an Allegro con fuoco (from the Musical Times review of, I think, the manuscript premiere 22 November 1873 at the Crystal Palace, London, before its publication in 1874 by Schlesinger of Berlin. Still don't know the other two movements yet except that the other middle movement is a Scherzo. Incidentally a symphony by MacFarren - in E? - was premiered the next year and is reviewed in the same volume (1 May 1874); one becomes curious for more recordings of his orchestral works (of course, in my case)
(The first movement and scherzo of the Benedict were premiered separately apparently at the Norwich festival, according to the review, and a review of that event spoke at greater length of those movements - will seek it out. May include description etc.)
Ah, here it is.
#Moderato - Allegro appassionato
#Andante con moto (Bflat major ?)
#Scherzo
#Allegro con brio (according to Dwight's Journal of Music, 27 December 1873, page 146.) (may have been changed just before publication? or may be a mistake on someone's part. Anyhow, either con fuoco or con brio... ? )
Eric, thanks for supplying the movement details for Benedict's Symphony No.2 - there isn't a lot of readily-available information on his orchestral music, so this research is appreciated.
:)
Just added are some further broadcasts from Dundonnell -
Alan Rawsthorne (1905-1971) - Clarinet Concerto (1936-37); Violin Concerto No.1 (1948); Concertante Pastorale for Flute, Horn and Strings (1951); Symphony No.2, A Pastoral Symphony (1959)
John Joubert (b.1927) - Sinfonietta, Op.38 (1962)
Gordon Crosse (b.1937) - Symphonies for Chamber Orchestra, Op.11 (1964-65)
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
A gentle reminder and guidance for new members -
Members-only threads (for download links) on the Downloads board
Please do not post in the British Music Broadcasts Catalogue and Archive thread as this is exclusively allocated for the BMB catalogue of recordings - subsequent posts will be moved: the location for posting independent downloads is entitled British Music.
Open-access threads on the Downloads Discussion board
The place in which to post alerts and general comment is entitled British music broadcasts.
Thanks.
;D
The latest broadcasts from britishcomposer -
Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - Welsh Dances, Suite No.1, Op.15 (1958); Welsh Dances, Suite No.2, Op.64 (1969); Welsh Airs and Dances (1975); Welsh Dances, Suite No.3, Op.123 (1985)
Many thanks, Mathias.
:)
About Benedict's 2nd symphony-
first, thank you :)
later references to the symphony that I find are some of them a bit odd:
*several performances in 1873/1874 (the former from manuscript)
*performance of the Andante and Scherzo only at the 1875 Norwich Festival (or at least, reported in 1875 and referred to as extracts from his "still unfinished" 2nd symphony"- ignorance presumably?- that's the odd part really.)
*republication and/or new performances- need to check again, sorry!! - in 1903 or so (several references in that year's Musical Times).
Reminds me of a post I did or want to put up on the Requests board, at that.
Quote from: Albion on Saturday 26 November 2011, 16:16
The latest broadcasts from britishcomposer -
Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - Welsh Dances, Suite No.1, Op.15 (1958); Welsh Dances, Suite No.2, Op.64 (1969); Welsh Airs and Dances (1975); Welsh Dances, Suite No.3, Op.123 (1985)
Many thanks, Mathias.
:)
How brilliant! Thank you! ;D ;D
Latest additions -
from Sicmu
Nigel Osborne (b.1948) - Sinfonia No.1 (1982)
from mikehopf
Hans Gál (1890-1987) - De Profundis, Op.50 (1936-37)
from Steppenwolf
Robin Milford (1903-1959) - Elegy on the Death of the Duke of Monmouth, Op.50 (1939); Threne, Op.81 (1946-47); Elegiac Meditation, Op.83 (1946-47); Fishing by Moonlight, Op.96 (1949-52)
Full performance details are in the BMB catalogue.
Many thanks to all contributors.
:)
Quote from: mikehopf on Sunday 27 November 2011, 07:31You've got your work [c]ut out for you here, John!
COWEN: The Butterfly's Ball - Overture
Intermezzo: Monica's Blue Boy
The Better Land
Yellow Jasmine
Language of Flowers
Viscaia
Suite of Old English dances: Stally/Rustic/Country
Historic recordings... artists unknown from RRE LP
I certainly have!
I've split Mike's first file into eight to present -
Frederic Cowen (1852-1935) - The Better Land (1877) – band arrangement; The Language of Flowers, Suite No.1, No.5 Yellow Jasmine (1880); Four English Dances in the Olden Style – No.1 Stately Dance, No.2 Rustic Dance, No.4 Country Dance (1896); Overture, The Butterfly's Ball (1901); The Language of Flowers, Suite No.2, No.6 Viscaria (1914); Monica's Blue Boy – Intermezzo (1917)These are vintage performances which give a flavour of the music but are often cut and re-orchestrated to accommodate the limitations of the gramophone. I have researched and provided performance details in the BMB catalogue and am currently working on the file of songs.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 27 November 2011, 10:05
Latest additions -
from Sicmu
Nigel Osborne (b.1948) - Sinfonia No.1 (1982)
My tape recording of this, also with the BBCSSO under Lionel Friend, is the premiere from the Prom of 2nd August 1982. What a pity it's languishing on my r2r tapes somewhere! ::)
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to hear the work again - first time in 25 years! ;D
Quote from: mikehopf on Sunday 27 November 2011, 07:31COWEN : Songs:
We Sweep the Seas
The Better Land
The Children's Home
Onaway Awake Beloved
The Swallows
Fall In
The Promise of Life
Border Ballad
At the Midnight Hour
Historic recordings... artists unknown from RRE LP
I have split the single song file into its nine constituent parts -
Frederic Cowen (1852-1935) - The Better Land (1877); The Children's Home (1881); At the Mid Hour of Night (1892); Onaway! Awake Beloved! (1892); The Swallows (1893); The Promise of Life (1893); Border Ballad (1895); Fall In! (1914); We Sweep the Seas (1915)and provided performance information in the BMB catalogue.
These Cowen items have entailed a large amount of work, which I wouldn't have undertaken had they not been of such historical interest and had not the composer been so under-represented by modern recordings.
Thanks for the originals, Mike.
:)
When I first encountered the sheet music of Cowen's 'Onaway! Awake beloved!' I recalled what Colerdige-Taylor had written in a letter to Jaeger, who had sent the composer a copy of Cowen's setting when Hiawatha's Wedding Feast was about to be published by Novello. SC-T wrote, "Some of it I like very much; but why has he missed one beautiful section out altogether and repeated another? Evidently Onaway's lover in Mr. Cowen's conception is a very different -- and less sentimental, less languid -- person from mine". It's still well worth hearing though, and thanks to Mike and John for bringing it to us! :)
Sorry, but can it be that Mike's recording of Cowen's Butterfly's Ball is the same as this, issued by Dutton:
http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDBP9777 (http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDBP9777)
Quote from: britishcomposer on Sunday 27 November 2011, 13:44Sorry, but can it be that Mike's recording of Cowen's Butterfly's Ball is the same as this, issued by Dutton:
http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDBP9777 (http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDBP9777)
Yes it is, but that is a different transfer.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 27 November 2011, 14:11
Quote from: britishcomposer on Sunday 27 November 2011, 13:44Sorry, but can it be that Mike's recording of Cowen's Butterfly's Ball is the same as this, issued by Dutton:
http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDBP9777 (http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDBP9777)
Yes it is, but that is a different transfer.
:)
Ah, I understand. Good for us! :D
Quote from: Lionel Harrsion on Sunday 27 November 2011, 13:33When I first encountered the sheet music of Cowen's 'Onaway! Awake beloved!' I recalled what Colerdige-Taylor had written in a letter to Jaeger, who had sent the composer a copy of Cowen's setting when Hiawatha's Wedding Feast was about to be published by Novello. SC-T wrote, "Some of it I like very much; but why has he missed one beautiful section out altogether and repeated another? Evidently Onaway's lover in Mr. Cowen's conception is a very different -- and less sentimental, less languid -- person from mine". It's still well worth hearing though, and thanks to Mike and John for bringing it to us! :)
Cowen wrote around 300 songs which vary very much in quality and are never heard now. Nevertheless they
have been the subject of a PhD thesis -
Chambers, Audley C. - Frederic Hymen Cowen: Analysis and Reception of His Songs for Voice and Piano (Northwestern University, Illinois, 1997)According to Christopher Parker, Chambers' thesis is
presented in such a meticulous fashion that he (Parker) refrains from covering the songs in his own excellent research. As far as I'm aware this American study is not generally available.
I have just added the latest broadcasts from Dundonnell and annotated the BMB catalogue -
Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - Clarinet Concerto No.1, Op.3 (1950); Viola Concertino, Op.14 (1958); Sinfonietta No.2, Op.67 (1969)
Gordon Jacob (1895-1984) - Viola Concerto No.2 (1979)
Frank Bridge (1879-1941) - Oration (1929-30)
Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989) - Sinfonia Concertante for Oboe and Orchestra, Op.84 (1973)
Particular points of interest - the Jacob is a first performance and Bridge's Oration features Thomas Igloi as cellist.
Many thanks for these, Colin.
:)
Also just added are the following files from Steppenwolf -
Gerald Finzi (1901-1956) - Grand Fantasia and Toccata, Op.38 (1928, rev. 1953); Interlude for Oboe and String Quartet, Op.21 (1933-36); Prelude and Fugue for String Trio, Op.24 (1938)
William Mathias (1934-1992) - Dance Overture, Op.16 (1961)
Many thanks!
:)
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 27 November 2011, 20:40
Bridge's Oration features Thomas Igloi as cellist.
And a fine performance it is, too. I just listened to it. Colin's treasure trove is the gift that keeps on giving.
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Sunday 27 November 2011, 21:28
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 27 November 2011, 20:40
Bridge's Oration features Thomas Igloi as cellist.
And a fine performance it is, too. I just listened to it. Colin's treasure trove is the gift that keeps on giving.
Sadly.....my "treasure trove"-certainly of British music- is almost now exhausted :( Only one major batch of uploads to come, I think.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Sunday 27 November 2011, 21:56Sadly.....my "treasure trove"-certainly of British music- is almost now exhausted :( Only one major batch of uploads to come, I think.
It may be approaching the end of the project, but you can rest assured that through your efforts many listeners will have been able to access a vast amount of otherwise-moribund music - the extent of their silent gratitude can only be imagined.
;D
That is very nice of you to say so, Albion :)
I do appreciate the sentiment immensely :)
I suppose, in retrospect, that it was the discovery of this site 2 or 3 months ago and, in particular, the discovery of almost all the William Wordsworth symphonies, the Alun Hoddinott 7th and 10th and the Robert Simpson Cello Concerto which acted as the inspiration for all of my uploads.
I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined that within a matter of weeks others would , for example, make all the Daniel Jones symphonies available :) :)
My gratitude to other members for their uploads of so much music which-so sadly-stands little chance of commercial recording can hardly be expressed adequately.
That is why I have been so determined to bring back to life all of this British music from 30+ years ago ;D
I do have a not inconsiderable amount of non-British music still to upload of course.....and I do keep finding more works which may be worth preserving as I explore my catalogue ;D ;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Sunday 27 November 2011, 22:35My gratitude to other members for their uploads of so much music which-so sadly-stands little chance of commercial recording can hardly be expressed adequately.
That is why I have been so determined to bring back to life all of this British music from 30+ years ago ;D
I do have a not inconsiderable amount of non-British music still to upload of course.....and I do keep finding more works which may be worth preserving as I explore my catalogue ;D ;D
Yes, I can just imagine what 'a not inconsiderable amount' might signify!
:o
You can be sure that there will be broadcasts of importance here that nobody else even knew existed.
;)
Helping to get Colin's collection of British music out into the wider world has been a real pleasure for me in many ways:
firstly, it has, of course, meant that I have personally been able to listen to many (especially mid- to later-twentieth century) composers and works that were previously just names to me, and sometimes not even that;
secondly, the sheer volume of material has required a streamlining of the cataloguing process so that I can (hopefully) now get important contributions sorted and into the archive more speedily, and has prompted me to continually modify the presentation of the archive to a point where I think it begins to 'work' from both sides of the counter;
thirdly, it has been a very harmonious partnership and I'm pleased to call Dundonnell a friend. Ed: That's quite enough emotive gushing, thankyou ...
;D
Semloh has pointed out a problem to me - as the BMB Catalogue is effectively a 'closed' thread (i.e. not open to general posts) it would gradually disappear from view down the thread-list, thus going the way of p**r o*d G****y ...
:'(
As members may notice, Mark has now very kindly (under-) pinned it so as to prevent further slippage.
;D
Yes, thank you for the sticky. It was getting quite annoying.
Listened finally to the Whitlock organ symphony and there is what seems an interesting article (with movement headings - Allegro sostenuto, Elegy, Scherzo, Toccata and Fugue) here (http://www.musicweb-international.com/whitlock/organsymphony.htm). I t also explains my confusion re Parry's concertstueck - I had forgotten indeed Stanford's concertstueck with organ. Shame on me for confusing... anyhow, good, interesting piece, the Whitlock. Reminds me of Ravel's Tombeau here and there (which fact I like- and which piece I love.)
I have just added -
Arnold Bax (1883-1953) - Sinfonia Concertante, Winter Legends (1930); Violin Concerto (1939); Symphony No.7 (1939)
William Mathias (1934-1992) - This Worlde's Joie, Op.67 (1974)
John McCabe and Hugh Bean are the soloists in the two Bax concertante works and the Symphony is under the direction of Charles Groves. Mathias' large-scale cantata is conducted by the composer.
These performances represent the final substantial selection of broadcasts sent by Dundonnell: he has contributed files for 212 orchestral and choral items to the archive - incredible!
Colin, sincere thanks for these and all your previous contributions.
;D
Three more files from mikehopf -
Alexander Mackenzie (1847-1935) - La Belle Dame Sans Merci, Op.29 (1883)
Haydn Wood (1882-1959) - Variations on a Once Popular Humorous Song (1927); Fantasy Concerto for Strings (1949)
One of the most significant and attractive of Mackenzie's earlier orchestral works, it will be interesting to compare this 1984 performance by the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra with that on a forthcoming Cameo release.
For those who may not be aware, the 'Once Popular Humorous Song' used by Haydn Wood is If You Want to Know the Time, Ask a Policeman. The origins of the Fantasy Concerto lie in Wood's Phantasie in F minor for String Quartet (1905) originally written for the Cobbett Chamber Music Competition.
Many thanks, Mike.
:)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 28 November 2011, 22:28
I think that you will find that Albion has already moved Williamson at least into the British section ;D
Now I am wondering about my possible Panufnik uploads ;D
(Repeated apologies....this should be elsewhere :-[)
This is a very interesting issue and it is right to raise it.
Without opening the floodgates, Commonwealth and émigré composers will certainly be
considered on an individual basis for inclusion in BMB on condition that they became British by adoption or very substantial periods of their careers were spent in Britain to the extent that it became effectively their home: Kelly, Benjamin, Williamson, Gál and Reizenstein all qualify on this score - as would Panufnik, who became a British citizen in 1961 and gained a knighthood in 1991.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 29 November 2011, 05:32
These performances represent the final substantial selection of broadcasts sent by Dundonnell: he has contributed files for 212 orchestral and choral items to the archive - incredible!
Colin, sincere thanks for these and all your previous contributions.
;D
Hear hear!!
In some of the places in your list of broadcasts where there are no dates I think I may be able to add them when looking at my own list of recordings, and just checking that we are dealing with the same performance or broadcast.
Alwyn
Oboe Concerto 7.11.80
Arnold
Symphony No 4 [Thomson] Blackburn 13.2.74 b/c 20.2.74
Symphony No 6 [Thomson] 21.8.81
Bantock
The Time Spirit [Tucker] 15.9.84
Bax
Winter Legends [McCabe, Leppard] 6.10.78
Symphony No 7 [RLPO, Groves] 3.6.74
Benjamin
Concerto quasi fantasia [Jones, BBC Welsh SO, Thomson] 8.4.80
Brent-Smith
Elegy to Elgar 15.9.84
Alan Bush
Violin Concerto [cond. Keeffe] 28.3.82
Symphony No 2 2.3.81
Cooke
Concerto for Orchestra fp Dec '87 (also b/c with same performers 14.5.90)
Delius
Violin Concerto [Bean, Groves] 2.11.70
Dyson
St. Paul's Journey [Joly] 16.4.00
Holbrooke
Ulalume [Leaper] 9.1.95
Jacobson
Hound of Heaven RCM 20.11.75 b/c 2.1.76
Jones
Symphony No 9 [Jones] f b/c 7.10.76
Mathias
This World's Joie [Mathias] 1.7.87 b/c 24.8.87
Organ Concerto fp 12.9.84
In Arcadia fp 30.5.92
McCabe
Violin Concerto No 2 fp 20.3.80 b/c 19.5.80
Moeran
Farrago 20.12.84 re-b/c 14.3.95
Cello Concerto [Igloi] 22.4.74
Parry
Piano Trio No 2 12.10.85
Ode to St Cecilia's Day [Tucker] 14.10.78
Eton [Tucker] 15.9.84
Prout
Symphony No 4 [Joly] 9.10.87
Symphony No 3 – Intermezzo BBC CO, Leaper July '89 b/c 30.9.89
Rawsthorne
Clarinet Concerto + Concertante Pastorale 26.4.74 [Rawsthorne memorial concert]
Carmen Vitale Leeds Nov. 1971 b/c 27.5 73
Rubbra
Symphony No 3 [Bedford] 22.12.81 b/c 10.6.83
Somervell
Christmas possibly - soloists, New SO, de Rivera 21.12.83 ?
Spain-Dunk
The Kentish Downs 6.2.02
Stanford
Suite of Ancient Dances 30.11.77
Much Ado About Nothing – excerpts 12.2.83 [and other operatic excerpts by Smyth and others from the same Leslie Head concert]
Steel
Symphony No 5 23.8.87
I hope these dates are helpful.
Quote from: secondfiddle on Tuesday 29 November 2011, 13:49In some of the places in your list of broadcasts where there are no dates I think I may be able to add them when looking at my own list of recordings, and just checking that we are dealing with the same performance or broadcast [...] I hope these dates are helpful.
This is enormously helpful, and just the sort of thing that I hoped members might be able to assist me with!
Thanks
very much for going to the trouble of finding all these extra dates and filling some of the gaps in performer details - I've added them into the catalogue.
;D
Immensely helpful, indeed ;D
As several of these are my original uploads they do help to place the recordings in my own "historical context" ;D
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 29 November 2011, 05:32
I have just added -
Arnold Bax (1883-1953) - Sinfonia Concertante, Winter Legends (1930); Violin Concerto (1939); Symphony No.7 (1939)
William Mathias (1934-1992) - This Worlde's Joie, Op.67 (1974)
John McCabe and Hugh Bean are the soloists in the two Bax concertante works and the Symphony is under the direction of Charles Groves. Mathias' large-scale cantata is conducted by the composer.
These performances represent the final substantial selection of broadcasts sent by Dundonnell: he has contributed files for 212 orchestral and choral items to the archive - incredible!
Colin, sincere thanks for these and all your previous contributions.
;D
I am pleased to say that there are still a number of non-British works to come :) Not quite 212 (I am glad, for my own sanity, to admit ;D) but a reasonable number nevertheless. Many were taped from LPs and the music has subsequently found its way to cd-so they are, obviously, ineligible but some works have not or are in BBC broadcasts so could qualify if the performances seem worthy of preservation.
Re the much-appreciated Rubbra in BMB, I gather ? that his "missa brevis" is a later mass (opus 137) and that the only nickname attaching to opus 98 is missa a tre/à 3. Cadensa lists recordings by Redman and Martin for opus 98, of Joly and Squibb for opus 137, and of Poole for Rubbra's Mass for 4 voices, but the date of Poole's recording of the opus 98 is a mystery to me at present too.
Yes, Eric, Rubbra wrote a further setting for boys' voices only in 1969 (Op.137) which he himself styled Missa brevis.
The use of the term in relation to Op.98 is a generic description in the same sense as cantata or oratorio - I've tried to make this clearer now by swapping the italicization.
:)
Some interesting broadcasts from mikehopf -
Alexander Mackenzie (1847-1935) - Rhapsodie Ecossaise, Op.21 (1879); Burns, Second Scotch Rhapsody, Op.24 (1880)
Gustav Holst (1874-1934) - King Estmere, Op.17 (1903); Fantasia on Hampshire Folksongs (1916, originally Phantasy on British Folksongs for String Quartet, Op.36, revised and arranged for String Orchestra 1970 by Imogen Holst)
Thanks, Mike.
I have split the original files and re-uploaded them into the archive so that each work is now separate.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 30 November 2011, 16:11
Some interesting broadcasts from mikehopf -
Gustav Holst (1874-1934) - King Estmere, Op.17 (1903); Fantasia on Hampshire Folksongs (1916, originally Phantasy on British Folksongs for String Quartet, Op.36, revised and arranged for String Orchestra 1970 by Imogen Holst)[/b][/color]
:)
So, you were taping these at the same time as me, Mike! ;D There was quite a group of, us all those years ago, all doing the same thing. Your recordings are far superior to mine, though, and it's great to hear these performances again.
Thank you. :) :)
Hi Semloh
The bulk of my British recordings came to me in the 1970s & 1980s from Richard Noble who literally recorded everything from the old Third Program broadcasts. Richard lived in a large, old mansion in Godalming, Surrey, every room of which was stacked high with tapes, cassettes & LPs. He would rarely leave the house in case he missed a two minute broadcast of a rarity. Looking like Catweasel, all his spare time was spent cultivating his garden or meticulously cataloguing his collection... a Sisyphus-like task! He used to work in Discurio in Shepherd's Market and he would buy every new commercial recording he could get his hands on from Dutch electronic music to Gregorian chant. If he is still alive , he must be in his nineties now! Vale Richard!
Mike,
Richard died last year. An obituary appeared on the website of MusicWeb International. If you go to that site and search its database I am sure you will find it. I also rememember that house and collection very well.
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 29 November 2011, 08:07Commonwealth and émigré composers will certainly be considered on an individual basis for inclusion in BMB on condition that they became British by adoption or very substantial periods of their careers were spent in Britain to the extent that it became effectively their home: Kelly, Benjamin, Williamson, Gál and Reizenstein all qualify on this score - as would Panufnik, who became a British citizen in 1961 and gained a knighthood in 1991.
The following broadcasts from
Dundonnell have just been added to the archive for the reasons cited above -
Andrzej Panufnik (1914-1991) - Piano Concerto (1962, rev. 1972); Violin Concerto (1971); Symphony No.4, Sinfonia Concertante (1973); Symphony No.5, Sinfonia di Sfere (1975); Symphony No.6, Sinfonia Mistica (1977)
Malcolm Williamson (1931-2003) - Concerto for Two Pianos and String Orchestra (1972); Symphony No.5, Aquero (1979-80)The recording of Panufnik's
Sinfonia Concertante is its first performance and that of the
Sinfonia Mistica is the first broadcast performance. The Violin Concerto is performed by Colin Staveley (1942-1910) who, besides performing as a soloist at several Proms concerts, led at various times the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, the Royal Philharmonic, the BBC Welsh Orchestra, the Irish National Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Pops Orchestra and the Hong Kong Philharmonic. We have been unable to identify the orchestra, conductor or date of this recording - any clarification would be gratefully received.
Malcolm Williamson features as one of the soloists in the first broadcast performance of his Concerto for Two Pianos.
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
Quote from: mikehopf on Thursday 01 December 2011, 03:07
Hi Semloh
The bulk of my British recordings came to me in the 1970s & 1980s from Richard Noble who literally recorded everything from the old Third Program broadcasts. Richard lived in a large, old mansion in Godalming, Surrey, every room of which was stacked high with tapes, cassettes & LPs. He would rarely leave the house in case he missed a two minute broadcast of a rarity. Looking like Catweasel, all his spare time was spent cultivating his garden or meticulously cataloguing his collection... a Sisyphus-like task! He used to work in Discurio in Shepherd's Market and he would buy every new commercial recording he could get his hands on from Dutch electronic music to Gregorian chant. If he is still alive , he must be in his nineties now! Vale Richard!
At least in terms of recording virtually everything from the old Third Programme during the 1970s he does sound a bit like me ;D The rest of the description however certainly does not fit ;D ;D
I just wish that-for a variety of reasons-I had not stopped my recording programme around 1981 :(
I have just added a very-welcome first contribution from our new member paul corfield godfrey to the archive -
David Wynne (1900-1983) - Symphony No.3 (1963)
Many thanks, Paul.
:)
Wow :) :)
I have always wanted to hear some David Wynne :)
David Wright calls the Symphony No.3 "a fine work both tragic and serene" and the performance by Bryden Thomson one "wihch captures the work's formidable power".
Can't wait ;D ;D
I've just added some more files from paul corfield godfrey to the archive -
David Wynne (1900-1983) - Owain ap Urien (1967, rev. 1974); Evening Shadows (1971); String Quartet No.5 (1980); Music for Keyboards and Percussion (1980)
Malcolm Williamson (1931-2003) - The Happy Prince (1965)
It is great to have some further works by David Wynne and also to be able to hear the long-deleted Argo LP of Williamson's enchanting opera for children.
Many thanks, Paul.
:)
According to my senior ex-BBC friend the problem with the Corporation these days is that the music producers who were so familiar with British music of the post-war generation(the Cookes, Wordsworths, Bates, Hamiltons, Frickers etc etc) have all now retired or have sadly passed away. He mentioned people like Robert Simpson and Rubbra's biographer, Leo Black.
Although Roger Wright himself is certainly keen on the sort of British music many of us love, the younger music producers at the BBC have simply never heard much or indeed any of the music of these composers and are not particularly interested in exploring it :( :(
Um, the British Music Broadcasts Thread seems to have vanished: please don't tell me my life has evaporated!
Never fear Jim. It's now at the top of the Downloads board here (http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,1895.0.html).
Some excerpts from British operas have been sent by paul corfield godfrey and are now in the archive -
Julius Benedict (1804-1885) - The Lily of Killarney (1862)
Rutland Boughton (1878-1960) - Alkestis (1920-22); The Queen of Cornwall (1923-24); The Lily Maid (1933-34)
The Benedict broadcast was another programme in the excellent Britannia at the Opera series (of which several others are in the archive), whilst the Boughton extracts formed part of a centenary concert broadcast on 11th February 1978. Particularly valuable are the items from the otherwise-unrecorded Alkestis and The Lily Maid.
Many thanks for these additions, Paul.
:)
Prout's 3rd Symphony 'Intermezzo' is listed in the BMB downloads, but I can't see it in the Mediafire folder... is it hiding somewhere? :)
Quote from: semloh on Friday 02 December 2011, 22:59
Prout's 3rd Symphony 'Intermezzo' is listed in the BMB downloads, but I can't see it in the Mediafire folder... is it hiding somewhere? :)
Sorry - haven't got a clue where that one went to!
::)
I've just re-uploaded it from one of my BMB memory-sticks.
;D
Thanks, Albion. I wouldn't want to miss out on any Prout! ;D
McEwen viola sonata of 1941 - according to The Glasgow Herald of May 5 1983 (scanned online), "McEwen Memorial Concert: Naxos Piano Quartet", this was premiered (in viola form- its later violin and piano adaptation had been performed earlier) at the concert they were reviewing (presumably a few days before?) which also contained a performance of Mackenzie's piano quartet (perhaps the same one we have.)
URL (http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19830505&id=k8RAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9qUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4687,747855) (may not be permanent?).
Phew! I can't express how much that worried me! This site has changed my life. I have nothing to upload, but I am so grateful for the wonderful people who do so, as well as for the recommendations, which have led to q number of recent purchases!
A very welcome addition in response to a request -
Malcolm Williamson (1931-2003) - The Brilliant and the Dark (1966)
A wonderful cantata for female voices to a libretto by Ursula Vaughan Williams which takes for its theme the role of women throughout history. This recording brings back many happy memories for me - thanks, dafrieze.
;D
Even though he was Master of the Queen's Music, have always (well, since I first knew anything much about him- first heard of him around 1990 or so when I saw a concerto of his in score at Princeton's library, but this would have been somewhat later I think...) thought of him as Australian, so I've been scratching my head for a bit now - this has probably been explained here or elsewhere, I vaguely recall it. Not the most important matter to me, am curious.
The first instalment of a selection of broadcasts/ deleted recordings donated by paul corfield godfrey -
Wilfred Josephs (1927-1997) - Requiem, Op.39 (1962-63)
John Joubert (b.1927) - Symphony No.2, Op.68 (1970); Déploration in Memoriam Benjamin Britten, Op.92 (1978)
Many thanks, Paul.
:)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Saturday 03 December 2011, 23:54
Even though he was Master of the Queen's Music, have always (well, since I first knew anything much about him- first heard of him around 1990 or so when I saw a concerto of his in score at Princeton's library, but this would have been somewhat later I think...) thought of him as Australian, so I've been scratching my head for a bit now - this has probably been explained here or elsewhere, I vaguely recall it. Not the most important matter to me, am curious.
Eric, a couple of pages back -
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 29 November 2011, 08:07Without opening the floodgates, Commonwealth and émigré composers will certainly be considered on an individual basis for inclusion in BMB on condition that they became British by adoption or very substantial periods of their careers were spent in Britain to the extent that it became effectively their home: Kelly, Benjamin, Williamson, Gál and Reizenstein all qualify on this score - as would Panufnik, who became a British citizen in 1961 and gained a knighthood in 1991.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Saturday 03 December 2011, 23:59
Without opening the floodgates, Commonwealth and émigré composers will certainly be considered on an individual basis for inclusion in BMB on condition that they became British by adoption or very substantial periods of their careers were spent in Britain to the extent that it became effectively their home: Kelly, Benjamin, Williamson, Gál and Reizenstein all qualify on this score - as would Panufnik, who became a British citizen in 1961 and gained a knighthood in 1991.
:)
[/quote]
Although, I don't think we are using this principle generally are we? I am sure smoewhere we agreed that it was easiest to go by country of birth, since composers have tended to move around somewhat, esp. in response to facsism. Maybe I am mistaken? ???
Quote from: semloh on Sunday 04 December 2011, 00:16Although, I don't think we are using this principle generally are we?
It's up to individual contributors. I am certainly not intent on setting precedents for any other member to either follow or disregard, unless they wish to do so (BMB is in essence a personal collection).
:)
Quote from: Albion on Saturday 03 December 2011, 23:55
The first instalment of a selection of broadcasts/ deleted recordings donated by paul corfield godfrey -
Wilfred Josephs (1927-1997) - Requiem, Op.39 (1962-63)
John Joubert (b.1927) - Symphony No.2, Op.68 (1970); Déploration in Memoriam Benjamin Britten, Op.92 (1978)
Many thanks, Paul.
:)
It will be splendid to hear at last the Josephs Requiem which in 1963 won the International Composing Competition of Milan and La Scala thereby persuading Josephs to turn from dentistry to musical composition :)
Well I'm wondering about this talk about "should x br included or not" -- is it a matter of the, not being in the BCB thread, or not linked to from the site at ALL? If it's the later than perhaps the solution is to make another thread dedicated to non-British composer BBC broadcasts....if the former, well then might as well try and keep it 'pure'.
for my own part I emphasized that I was curious and not meaning to be the least bit prescriptive about what was in this thread's corresponding etc.
Additions choral and operatic from paul corfield godfrey -
Geoffrey Bush (1920-1998) - Lord Arthur Savile's Crime (1972)
Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - Welsh Folksongs (1971); The Beach of Falesà, Op.83 (1970-74) - excerpts
Full details are in the catalogue.
Excellent material - thanks, Paul.
:)
The following files from dafrieze have been incorporated from the Downloads board and are now also in BMB -
Richard Hall (1903-1982) - Symphony No.4 (1953)
Antony Hopkins (b.1921) - Riding to Canonbie (1973)
Stewart Hylton Edwards (1924-1987) - Symphony No.1 (1947)
Thea Musgrave (b.1928) - Phoenix Rising (1997)
Alexander Goehr (b.1932) - Colossos or Panic, Symphonic Fragment after Goya, Op.55 (1991-92)
John McCabe (b.1939) - Symphony No.5, Edward II (1994-97)
Judith Weir (b.1954) - Natural History (1998)
Thanks, Dave.
:)
There is material on Edwards here - http://www.musicweb-international.com/edwards/index.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/edwards/index.htm)
I have just finished working on and uploaded another exciting operatic broadcast supplied by paul corfield godfrey -
Alan Bush (1900-1995) - Joe Hill - The Man Who Never Died (1965-67)
This is the 1979 (repeated 1981) broadcast of the two-act opera presented with narration to convey the unseen action.
Many thanks, Paul.
:)
Some of the primary files had pre- and post-echo right at the very end - I have tried my best to eliminate this problem by splicing and have merged the seventeen original files to present Act 1 complete and divide the very long (128 minute) Act 2 at a reasonable musical break.
Here is an excellent 'companion' to the broadcast recording - http://www.alanbushtrust.org.uk/music/operas/jhill.asp?room=Music (http://www.alanbushtrust.org.uk/music/operas/jhill.asp?room=Music)
Thank you very much for these-and, in particular, for the John McCabe Symphony No.5 "Edward II" which was one of the rapidly diminishing number of British symphonies I had identified as still missing from either cd or this site ;D
With the Hoddinott 4th and 8th promised us by Latvian we are now down to Arnold Cooke's 2nd and 6th, Iain Hamilton's 1st and 4th , Alun Hoddinott's 1st and 9th and John McCabe's 6th ;D ;D.
I really hope that someone out there has managed to record the Hoddinott 9th "Vision of Eternity" for soprano and orchestra of 1992.
I'll second Jimfin. I never dared dream that I would get to hear all of this marvelous music. Plus, to communicate with like-minded people is a real life-changer! Also, than you for the"Edward II" Symphony and so many others. I wait impatiently for the Symphony on a Pavane. Thank you all.
Hoddinott 9 I can supply this. Shamokin88.
The Hoddinott 9th would be most gratefully received indeed :) :)
Since the McCabe 6th(Symphony on a Pavane) was not broadcast at its premiere in London and I am not aware of another performance I am not particularly hopeful about that one.....but who knows ;D The members of this forum never fail to surprise ;D
I have run out of superlatives with which to express my joy at being able to access the wonderful repertoire becomg available on here ;D ;D
I made this point a few days ago but I shall repeat it nevertheless ;D In August of this year-4 short months ago- I had a list of, I think, 164 unrecorded symphonies which I hoped to hear one day on cd but knew perfectly well I would never live long enough to be able to do so. That list has now shrunk to 83 with, I know, another 3(Hoddinott) promised from members here and another 10 coming soon(ish) from CPO(4 Kallstenius, 1 van Gilse, 1 Panufnik) and Dacapo(4 Riisager).
If someone had told me that this would be the situation within such a short space of time I would have laughed in derision :) :)
Colin,
Even though I am no longer a collector, I share your joy at the vast amount of previously "unsung" works that are now available to be heard thanks to this site. Why don't you list the remaining symphonies that you are dying to hear. I guarantee that some will be offered to you by various members of this forum, including me. It is worth a try, don't you think?
Quote from: Mykulh on Monday 05 December 2011, 21:16
Colin,
Even though I am no longer a collector, I share your joy at the vast amount of previously "unsung" works that are now available to be heard thanks to this site. Why don't you list the remaining symphonies that you are dying to hear. I guarantee that some will be offered to you by various members of this forum, including me. It is worth a try, don't you think?
That is an extremely tempting suggestion, Mike ;D
It would be the absolute epitome of covetousness but I might just take you up on that suggestion :) particularly as I approach the closing stages of my own upload programme on here.
Once I have concluded my promised complete list of Alun Hoddinott's orchestral music I shall give some serious thought to such a list ;D ;D
Many thanks to shamokin88 for -
Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - Symphony No.9, A Vision of Eternity, Op.145 (1992)
which is now on the Downloads board.
This is a broadcast (2nd January 1994) of the first performance.
As some members may possibly have trouble playing m4a files, I've put an mp3 conversion into the archive.
:)
Thankj you! Does anyone know the texts? I cannot understand a word Gwyneth Jones sings.
Hoddinott #4 & #8 have now been uploaded (pending moderator approval, of course!). Now, if only someone could come up with #1...!
An excellent day for Hoddinott fans: two further symphonies, this time courtesy of Latvian -
Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - Symphony No.4, Op.70 (1970); Symphony No.8, Op.142 (1992)
Many thanks.
:)
Quote from: Tapiola on Tuesday 06 December 2011, 11:18
Thankj you! Does anyone know the texts? I cannot understand a word Gwyneth Jones sings.
I haven't listened, but I guess Hoddinott is setting Blake? Then it could be this:
http://www.bartleby.com/235/266.html (http://www.bartleby.com/235/266.html)
Thank you. I know it's Blake and Shelley.
The score of Orr's "symphony no.2 (1970)" is at Cornell's library so I should be able to find out more about the work if at all needed... rare that the score (when not actually available online) is that close tohand (not far from me at all.)
(Cadensa lists a recording of this symphony conducted by Christopher Seaman, 6 January 1971. Maybe the announcer (just starting to listen now so i don't know if there's an announcement at the end) got it confused with the first symphony which does have a Gibson-conducted recording and made a mistake? Of course there may well be another recording from Gibson, too. (http://www.concertprogrammes.org.uk/html/search/verb/GetRecord/8133 (http://www.concertprogrammes.org.uk/html/search/verb/GetRecord/8133) - a useful site? - lists performances conducted by the composer, Seaman and Loughran but is also not necessarily complete of course. Would that it were considered polite to bring stopwatches to concerts, not because of impatience, but... just mostly joking but did one of them last about 15'26"? ... hrm. No, not expecting an answer! )
Often, the biographical and work-description announcements before the works (e.g. the Cooke violin concerto and 4th symphony and a number of other examples) are reproduced in full at the entry for the piece at the publisher's site (or at a redistributor like Schirmer or Chester-Novello). So if the announcement is cut off on the tape, you can sometimes find the whole thing there, as the broadcaster was often reading from a composer's or publisher's script. I realize most everyone knew that already, but since I either didn't or had forgotten, hope I may mention for such others as also did :)
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 06 December 2011, 16:15
An excellent day for Hoddinott fans: two further symphonies, this time courtesy of Latvian -
Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - Symphony No.4, Op.70 (1970); Symphony No.8, Op.142 (1992)
Many thanks.
:)
"An excellent day for Hoddinott fans" is putting it mildly ;D ;D
To get copies of Symphonies Nos.4 and 8(from
Latvian) and No.9 (from
shamokin) is (yet another) dream come true :) :)
To hell with modesty/decorum/potential embarrassment...I am going to follow Michael Herman's suggestion and put my remaining wishlst of unrecorded and (I think/thought unavailable) symphonies up here very soon. It can do no harm and who knows what I/we might gain from it ;D
Just added, from Latvian -
Anthony Burgess (1917-1993) - Symphony No.3 (1974-75)
Yes, this is the novelist - his Piano Concerto (1976) is also in the archive.
Many thanks.
:)
According to a Worldcat listing, the text of the Burgess symphony no.3 is something from Shakespeare and the dedicatee is "Jim Dixon, with fond regards". (Unless he wrote more than one symphony for tenor, baritone and orchestra from around the 1970s...) The University of Iowa apparently has a copy of the manuscript (well, a microfilm copy of a copy of, or something. (Rita Benton Music Rare Book Room FOLIO M1001.B895 S9 if one's there.)
And, Albion, let me thank you for the Burgess symphony. I'm a great admirer of his books and have been longing to hear some others of his works (beyond his piano concerto, which I discovered by a fluke). This is a boon!
Many thanks, Sicmu, for Lloyd's Ninth.
Another wonderful complete opera donated to the archive by paul corfield godfrey -
Alan Bush (1900-1995) - Men of Blackmoor (1954-55)
Many thanks, Paul.
Having determined the correct sequence and allocation of all the files, I have assembled them into the three separate acts for continuity. There is very slight digital damage towards the end of Act 2, Scene 1 and a momentary drop-out in the closing minute of Act 2, Scene 2, but otherwise this is an excellent recording. I cannot correct the minor faults described, but I have cleaned up the beginnings and endings of the files before merging them in order to allow the music to flow as naturally as possible.
As with Joe Hill, there is an excellent companion to the opera - http://www.alanbushtrust.org.uk/music/operas/blackmoor.asp?room=Music (http://www.alanbushtrust.org.uk/music/operas/blackmoor.asp?room=Music) and a full cast-list is in the BMB catalogue.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Thursday 08 December 2011, 21:06
Another wonderful complete opera donated to the archive by paul corfield godfrey -
Alan Bush (1900-1995) - Men of Blackmoor (1954-55)
Many thanks, Paul.
Having determined the correct sequence and allocation of all the files, I have assembled them into the three separate acts for continuity. There is very slight digital damage towards the end of Act 2, Scene 1 and a momentary drop-out in the closing minute of Act 2, Scene 2, but otherwise this is an excellent recording. I cannot correct the minor faults described, but I have cleaned up the beginnings and endings of the files before merging them in order to allow the music to flow as naturally as possible.
As with Joe Hill, there is an excellent companion to the opera - http://www.alanbushtrust.org.uk/music/operas/blackmoor.asp?room=Music (http://www.alanbushtrust.org.uk/music/operas/blackmoor.asp?room=Music) and a full cast-list is in the BMB catalogue.
:)
Wonderful! Now for the summation of Bush's stage career -
Joe Hill: The Man who Never Died. Please!...
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Thursday 08 December 2011, 07:39
Many thanks, Sicmu, for Lloyd's Ninth.
I wonder if this was the broadcast of it's premiere in 1982, from Manchester?
Haven't heard Salzedo's The Witch Boy for decades, but that Pye LP sounds familiar.
Many thanks, Latvian. :)
An addition from Dundonnell -
Margaret Lucy Wilkins (b.1939) - Hymn to Creation (1973)Many thanks, Colin.
There is some information on Wilkins here - http://www.composers21.com/compdocs/wilkinsm.htm (http://www.composers21.com/compdocs/wilkinsm.htm)
:)
Quote from: ahinton on Thursday 08 December 2011, 21:19Wonderful! Now for the summation of Bush's stage career - Joe Hill: The Man who Never Died. Please!...
Good news - this opera was added to the archive very recently -
vide about a dozen posts back.
;)
Another bit of info- Holbrooke's bassoon quintet (given the opus number 134 by CADENSA for some reason) was broadcast 9 May 1956 by the same performers (I am guessing the same recording? (1CDR0004389 BD10 NSA ; 1CDR0006475 BD8 NSA )
The latest additions contributed by paul corfield godfrey -
Alan Bush (1900-1995) - Piers Plowman's Day, Op.30 (1946-47)
William Mathias (1934-1992) - Saint Teilo, Op.21 (1962)
The sections of the Welsh-language Mathias cantata are - Part One, O save the Lord, ye who are his saints (Soloists and chorus sing of the trials of sainthood); Part Two, Behold, dearly beloved brethren (The narrator tells of the early life of St Teilo, and of the invasion of Britain by the Picts); Part Three, How lovely are thy dwellings (Teilo and David journey to the holy city of Jerusalem), Hail, holy Teilo (There Teilo is chosen to be bishop); Part Four, Be favourable, O Lord (On returning to Wales, Teilo becomes Bishop of Llandaff and encounters the plague of the Yellow Pestilence); Part Five, Arise, my soul, into thy resting place (Teilo becomes the chief bishop of the whole of the south of Britain); Epilogue, Joy, joy to join with all the saints above (The boys' choir begin the 18th century hymn 'Braint' and lead the praise of God).
Many thanks, Paul.
:)
Addenda: two further Welsh items from paul corfield godfrey -
Mervyn Burtch (b.1929) - Ceres and Persephone (1974)
Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - Roman Dream, Op.54 (1968)
Many thanks.
:)
Heavens ;D
"Saint Teilo" doesn't get a mention in most online sources that deal with William Mathias and his compositions. So this is a real rarity indeed :)
Much thanks :)
From my personal collection -
George Lloyd (1913-1998) - John Socman (1951)
Full cast details are given in the catalogue.
:)
More Welsh music from paul corfield godfrey -
William Mathias (1934-1992) - Three Partsongs, Op.12: Nos a Bore [No.1]; Y Pren ar y Bryn [No.3] (1959)
Many thanks, Paul.
:)
Quote from: mikehopf on Wednesday 23 November 2011, 02:30
Oh, yes, and a couple more:
HOLST: Vision of Dame Christian
SHAPLEIGH: Cello Sonata
McEWEN: Grey Galloway; Suite for Strings
J.GUEST: Sonata Op.1
ELGAR: Movement for Piano & Orchestra
McFARREN: Shakespeare Part Songs
HOWELLS: Fantasy for Cello & Orch.
Mike, who was this Shapleigh? The only one I could identify was Bertram, who was American.
Is this perhaps the reason why Albion didn't include him in the BMB folder?
Hrm. Is it Bertram Shapleigh's cello sonata of 1893 or is it something by Frank Shapleigh? Bertram Shapleigh settled in England in 1902 (after 1893, though. However... it does seem he spent half his life of more in Europe and much of it in the UK, if I understand, so ... why not...)
If it's Bert, he's in the wrong thread. Bertram wrote a poem for cello and orchestra, if that's any help.......DUH.... :-\
Jerry
people who settled in England for long periods of time are allowed in this category also, as I recall, and so I gather he'd qualify. Shapleigh seems to have written a number of works for cello, as to that- a sonata, a rhapsodie that still gets performed I notice, and the poem you mention, maybe others...
Just when you thought it was safe ...
... another excellent addition from Dundonnell -
Joseph Holbrooke (1878-1958) - Byron, Op.39 (1904)
Thanks very much, Colin - great to have a beautifully-paced alternative to the tentative and rather lacklustre Marco Polo reading!
:)
Established members will recall the saga of myself and Gareth Vaughan attending upon De Wolfe's London offices earlier in the year in order to ascertain the survival (or non-survival as it unfortunately turned out) of their one-time extensive holdings of York Bowen's unique unpublished autographs, including Symphony No.3, Op.137 (1951).
This work is almost certainly, to all intents and purposes, now lost - and so it is with the greatest pleasure and gratitude that I can report that another vintage broadcast recording (1954) of the score (this time conducted by Ian Whyte) has been provided, in answer to a direct request, by shamokin88 and will very shortly be available. The recorded sound is, if anything, even more detailed than that of the Tausky peformance already in the archive, which is fantastic news should any reconstruction be seriously considered in the future.
Many thanks, Edward.
:)
Great news for lovers of York Bowen's music :)
I don't happen to be one of those myself but that is of absolutely no account ;D I applaud the rediscovery/re-emergence of good music whether it happens to appeal to me or not.
I hope within the next few days to be able to transfer five more British works-admittedly of a more modern cast- from LP to upload. These will be Humphrey Searle's Symphony No.1 in the quite amazing performance by the LPO under Boult, Sir Richard Rodney Bennett's Symphony No.1, Robert Still's Elegie for baritone, chorus and orchestra, and the Elegy for Viola and small orchestra and the Chamber Cantata "Three Fragments from 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man'" by Matyas Seiber.
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 11 December 2011, 00:06
Established members will recall the saga of myself and Gareth Vaughan attending upon De Wolfe's London offices earlier in the year in order to ascertain the survival (or non-survival as it unfortunately turned out) of their one-time extensive holdings of York Bowen's unique unpublished autographs, including Symphony No.3, Op.137 (1951).
This work is almost certainly, to all intents and purposes, now lost - and so it is with the greatest pleasure and gratitude that I can report that another vintage broadcast recording (1954) of the score (this time conducted by Ian Whyte) has been provided, in answer to a direct request, by shamokin88 and will very shortly be available. The recorded sound is, if anything, even more detailed than that of the Tausky peformance already in the archive, which is fantastic news should any reconstruction be seriously considered in the future.
Many thanks, Edward.
:)
Edward's original m4a is now on the Downloads board and I have put mp3 conversions into the archive.
:)
It's really wonderful to have this recording and so grateful thanks in spades are due to Edward and John.
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Sunday 11 December 2011, 09:05
It's really wonderful to have this recording and so grateful thanks in spades are due to Edward and John.
Yes it is and yes they are! Is anyone in contact with the York Bowen estate? After the success of Andrew Davis's recordings on Chandos of the surviving 1st & 2nd Symphonies, wouldn't they be interested in commissioning some sharp-eared young turk (with perfect pitch and plenty of time) to recreate the score from this BBC recording, which is surprisingly clear for its age?
Quote from: Lionel Harrsion on Sunday 11 December 2011, 15:10Is anyone in contact with the York Bowen estate? After the success of Andrew Davis's recordings on Chandos of the surviving 1st & 2nd Symphonies, wouldn't they be interested in commissioning some sharp-eared young turk (with perfect pitch and plenty of time) to recreate the score from this BBC recording, which is surprisingly clear for its age?
Symphony No.3 is in E minor (thus, perhaps surprisingly, repeating the tonality of Symphony No.2), concluding in G major: both the Tausky and the Whyte recordings are slightly under modern concert pitch possibly due to speed-variation in the original tape transfers.
Apparently, what passes for York Bowen's Estate couldn't really care less about his music - it looks as though it is up to one of the interested record companies to take a risk and commission a reconstruction. Chandos were interested in the Symphony until it was found that there was no performing material, but Dutton might still possibly seek to add the work to their catalogue (there are more than enough surviving un-recorded orchestral works to fill out a complete disc).
There is at least one other extant broadcast: Charles Groves conducting the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (13th December 1958). I have not heard this - copies are held by the National Sound Archive and the RAM (currently in the custody of Ms Glen Ballard of the York Bowen Society).
:)
I think somebody (Charles Mackerras?) did something like that for Sullivan's Cello Concerto. That aside, with some apparently different performances of the work in the 1950s, don't you think that one of the performing bodies would at least have kept copies of the parts in an archive somewhere?
Quote from: JimL on Sunday 11 December 2011, 16:07I think somebody (Charles Mackerras?) did something like that for Sullivan's Cello Concerto.
Mackerras was confronted with a slightly different challenge - he had the benefit of his memory (having conducted the work in 1953) and a real understanding of Sullivan's idiom, plus two separate solo cello scores, but no recordings to work from.
Quote from: JimL on Sunday 11 December 2011, 16:07don't you think that one of the performing bodies would at least have kept copies of the parts in an archive somewhere?
No, the composer's holograph full score and parts (there is no evidence of there ever having been a supplementary set prepared by a copyist) were the property of De Wolfe and were hired out as and when required and then returned to them.
And what happened again? The basement where they were kept was flooded, or something? What about the plates?
Quote from: JimL on Sunday 11 December 2011, 18:45What about the plates?
There were no plates - it was never printed.
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 11 December 2011, 16:05
Quote from: Lionel Harrsion on Sunday 11 December 2011, 15:10Is anyone in contact with the York Bowen estate? After the success of Andrew Davis's recordings on Chandos of the surviving 1st & 2nd Symphonies, wouldn't they be interested in commissioning some sharp-eared young turk (with perfect pitch and plenty of time) to recreate the score from this BBC recording, which is surprisingly clear for its age?
Symphony No.3 is in E minor (thus, perhaps surprisingly, repeating the tonality of Symphony No.2), concluding in G major: both the Tausky and the Whyte recordings are slightly under modern concert pitch possibly due to speed-variation in the original tape transfers.
Apparently, what passes for York Bowen's Estate couldn't really care less about his music - it looks as though it is up to one of the interested record companies to take a risk and commission a reconstruction. Chandos were interested in the Symphony until it was found that there was no performing material, but Dutton might still possibly seek to add the work to their catalogue (there are more than enough surviving un-recorded orchestral works to fill out a complete disc).
There is at least one other extant broadcast: Charles Groves conducting the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (13th December 1958). I have not heard this - copies are held by the National Sound Archive and the RAM (currently in the custody of Ms Glen Ballard of the York Bowen Society).
:)
Talking only last week to a friend of mine who used to be Head of Music for BBC Scotland and MD of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, he made the point with some force that companies like Chandos, Hyperion, Dutton etc get sackfuls of requests for new repertoire to record on a weekly basis. What is required-and I know that others on here have had the same experience-is how to actually
convince the company that the works are worth performing.
At least two things help with this: an existing taped (probably radio) recording which actually allows the company to hear what the work sounds like and a
conductor willing to
learn the piece.
Getting an orchestra to do it is not the problem: an orchestra will play virtually anything if it is paid to do so or is under contract to make recordings and ochestral musicians these days are so extremely competent that they can sight-read their way through a score without too much trouble.
The people who really need to be convinced are the appropriate conductors. Get them on side and one is at least part of the way forward..........
...that is until the final question arises: finance ::) Can one get sponsorship from a musical trust, from a commercial company/bank? If all these can be made it fit into place ;D ;D ;D
New additions from Holger -
William Mathias (1934-1992) - Litanies, Concertante Music for Orchestra, Op.37 (1967); Dance Variations for Orchestra Op.72 (1976); Melos for Flute, Harp, String Orchestra and Percussion, Op.73 (1976)
Many thanks.
:)
Holger,
Thank you so very much for the Mathias uploads :) We very much appreciate these :) :)
A very interesting addition from Dundonnell -
Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006); Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008); Nicholas Maw (1935-2009); Daniel Jones (1912-1993); Grace Williams (1906-1977); Michael Tippett (1905-1998) - Severn Bridge Variations (1966)
A set of six variations (in composer-order as given above) on the Welsh tune Braint, there is a useful description of the work here - http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2008/Mar08/Severn_Bridge_Variations_france.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2008/Mar08/Severn_Bridge_Variations_france.htm).
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
A welcome addition from Latvian -
John Maxwell Geddes (b.1941) - Symphony No.2, In Memoriam Bryden Thomson (1992)
Many thanks.
:)
Some excellent additions from shamokin88 -
Robert Simpson (1921-1997) - Violin Concerto (1959); Flute Concerto (1989)
This is a very rare opportunity to hear Simpson's Violin Concerto played by the dedicatee, Ernest Element, as the work was later withdrawn by the composer. The Flute concerto is also played by the dedicatee, this time Susan Milan, and this broadcast is of the 1992 premiere.
I have converted the files from m4a to mp3 and increased the volume level of the Violin Concerto.
Many thanks, Edward.
:)
These are incredibly valuable and important additions to the collection :)
The Gipps 3rd Symphony further extends our knowledge of this very fine British composer. Her 2nd Symphony was recorded by Classico and we already had her 4th and 5th in the catalogue.
Hyperion did a great job in recording all the Simpson symphonies but never got round to the concertos :( The Piano Concerto was recorded a long time ago now by John Ogden, we had the Cello Concerto in the collection; now we can add the (withdrawn) Violin Concerto and the Flute Concerto.
A great day for lovers of these two composers :) :)
Many, many thanks to shamokin. :)
An opportunity to hear a substantial Ruth Gipps score, courtesy of shamokin88 -
Sinfonietta for 10 Winds and Tam-Tam, Op.73 (1989)
Many thanks once again, Edward.
:)
NB: There is very slight break at 18:02 due to the original recording being split across two files.
In the Ruth Gipps thread on this forum you referred, John, to a 1969 radio broadcast of the Symphony No.3 by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer.
Is it possible that the upload is this performance rather than one given by the Scottish National Orchestra as indicated?
Quote from: Dundonnell on Tuesday 20 December 2011, 17:39Is it possible that the upload is this performance [by the BBC SSO] rather than one given by the Scottish National Orchestra [...] ?
Entirely possible, Colin, and I have already considered this, but I can only work primarily from the information provided by contributing members.
Without confirmation that the SNO
never played the work I'm afraid that I cannot give any alternative attribution.
:)
I hate to say this, but the four mp3 files claiming to be the four movements of Ruth Gipps's Symphony #3 are in fact the four movements of Grace Williams's Symphony #2. I recognized the opening measures as soon as I heard them - I've had a recording of the latter for many years and have listened to it often
I am afraid that is true :( :(
Just confirmed by playing both........... :(
Oh, woe! I hope it was just a slip and the real one is really coming, love Gipps! Thanks for the Simpsons, and all the rest, though.
I'm distressed to learn this. Alas I do not have anything different. I will check with the friend from whom I borrowed the cassette perhaps two years back, but I cannot do that until early in the new year. I hope that this might solve the problem. I will take out the files in the meanwhile.
Quote from: dafrieze on Tuesday 20 December 2011, 23:39I hate to say this, but the four mp3 files claiming to be the four movements of Ruth Gipps's Symphony #3 are in fact the four movements of Grace Williams's Symphony #2. I recognized the opening measures as soon as I heard them - I've had a recording of the latter for many years and have listened to it often
Thanks for this alert, Dave - I hadn't got round to listening to the files.
::)
What a pity that the Gipps 3rd is still elusive!
:o
It may yet turn up, however, and in the meantime at least we have her Sinfonietta and another recording of Grace Williams' Symphony No.2 to complement the one on Lyrita. I think that the inclusion of the SNO in the original annotation of the cassette is perhaps still significant and that the performance is most probably either -
Grace Williams (1906-1977) - Symphony No.2 (1956)BBC Welsh O/ John Carewe (br. 3/1973)
or Scottish National O/ Alexander Gibson (br. 4/3/1974)
As such, even with an unconfirmed performance-attribution, it is very welcome in the archive.
:)
From mikehopf -
Joseph Holbrooke (1878-1958) - Double Concerto for Clarinet, Bassoon & Orchestra, Tamerlane, Op.119 (1939)
A surprisingly recent broadcast (1983) of the work, and a very welcome addition.
Thanks, Mike.
:)
This means that no less than four of Holbrooke's concertos are now available, supplementing his Piano Concerto No.1 (Hyperion) and the Concertos for Cello and Saxophone (both Dutton). Hopefully CPO will make it five with the orchestral version of the Violin Concerto (Grasshopper) before too long.
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 21 December 2011, 05:53
Quote from: dafrieze on Tuesday 20 December 2011, 23:39I hate to say this, but the four mp3 files claiming to be the four movements of Ruth Gipps's Symphony #3 are in fact the four movements of Grace Williams's Symphony #2. I recognized the opening measures as soon as I heard them - I've had a recording of the latter for many years and have listened to it often
Thanks for this alert, Dave - I hadn't got round to listening to the files.
::)
What a pity that the Gipps 3rd is still elusive!
:o
It may yet turn up, however, and in the meantime at least we have her Sinfonietta and another recording of Grace Williams' Symphony No.2 to complement the one on Lyrita. I think that the inclusion of the SNO in the original annotation of the cassette is perhaps still significant and that the performance is most probably either -
Grace Williams (1906-1977) - Symphony No.2 (1956)
BBC Welsh O/ John Carewe (br. 3/1973) or Scottish National O/ Alexander Gibson (br. 4/3/1974)
As such, even with an unconfirmed performance-attribution, it is very welcome in the archive.
:)
Shamokin does have the Grace Williams Symphony No.2 in his catalogue in the performance by the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra/Vernon Handley recorded in 1979 and subsequently issued by Lyrita on cd.
Is it possible that both have been misattributed, ie the Williams is in fact the Gipps and vice versa?
To add to the situation I have a recording of the Grace Williams also made by the BBC Welsh SO/Handley which was
most certainly recorded much earlier than 1979-it is on one of my earlier tapes-possibly 1973 or 1974.
I shall copy it and send the link to Albion to allow a comparison of timings in order to determine whether this is one and the same with the recording sent in yesterday or yet another version. The idea that the work was performed three times in two years(by Handley, Carewe and Gibson) is not impossible but nevertheless remarkable :(
Would someone please check on the new Farrar upload. I went to the site but the part of the screen which shows the files available seems to be blank.....
Jerry
Quote from: jerfilm on Wednesday 21 December 2011, 14:27Would someone please check on the new Farrar upload. I went to the site but the part of the screen which shows the files available seems to be blank.....
I've just downloaded them successfully and will work on splitting them ready for re-uploading later this evening.
:)
My problem, apparently, Albion. I just tried to download from BMB and got the same result. This time, tho, I waited a bit more patiently and eventually they all popped into view. So the site is slow or my DSL is slow today. Sorry to have mentioned it. Will look forward to the split files. Thanks so much for doing that....
Jerry
I have uploaded the separate items contained in mikehopf's recording of the 1985 Ernest Farrar centenary broadcast from St Wilfrid's Church, Harrogate -
Ernest Farrar (1885-1918) - Valse Caprice, Op.8; Vagabond Songs, Op.10 (1911); Celtic Suite, Op.11; O Mistress Mine; Margaritae Sorori, Op.12 (1916); To Daffodils, Op.13; It was a Lover and his Lass; Shadow Dance; Brittany, Op.21 No.1 (1914); North Country Folk Tunes, Op.28 - Bonny at Morn, The Willow Tree; Two North Country Sketches, Op.34; Two Elizabethan Lovesongs, Op.38 - Diaphenia
Harry Gill (1897-1987) - In Memoriam
Gerald Finzi (1901-1956) - Requiem da camera (1924)
Many thanks, Mike.
By dint of prior knowledge, research and educated guesswork I have identified the pieces as listed above, together with most of the performing artists (details given in the catalogue): members wishing to experience the historically-informative but otherwise generally unhelpful announcements are directed to the complete broadcast in the downloads section.
:)
QuoteWould someone please check on the new Farrar upload. I went to the site but the part of the screen which shows the files available seems to be blank.....
Happened to me this morning, too.
From mikehopf -
George Alexander Macfarren (1813-1887) - Shakespeare Songs: Hark! hark! the lark; When daisies pied; You spotted snakes; Come away, come away death; Who is Sylvia; It was a lover and his lass (1860-64)
John Blackwood McEwen (1868-1948) - Grey Galloway (1908); Suite No.3 in G for Strings (1935)
Thanks, Mike.
:)
I have not split the Macfarren file, as the programme makes a very satisfying sequence and the announcements are useful in noting the source of each text. Macfarren wrote fifteen Shakespeare (or, as originally published, Shakspere) partsongs between 1860 and 1864 and this broadcast selection ranges across various sets. Incidentally, despite his name and Wagner's oft-quoted description (repeated here by the announcer), Macfarren was not Scottish.
McEwen's 'Border Ballad' Grey Galloway is probably conducted by Ian Whyte and, whilst it is interesting to hear this broadcast, it really cannot be recommended as an interpretation - turgid and dismal were the words that sprang to my mind as it ground its weary 24-minute course (Alasdair Mitchell dispatches the work in 15).
Finally, McEwen's Suite in G - this is the same performance that was already in the archive, but in better (less distorted) sound and now identified as the BBC Scottish under Alexander Gibson.
Many thanks to Latvian for -
John Veale (1922-2006) - Symphony No.3 (1995-97, orchestrated 2003)
:)
Dundonnell's broadcast (1973 or 1974) of
Grace Williams (1906-1977) - Symphony No.2 (1956)
is now in the archive. Although Vernon Handley conducts the BBC Welsh SO, this is not the same performance as that issued by Lyrita.
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
Wishing all members
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGm-ctLvzQU/TsjYF5aU_aI/AAAAAAAAGtQ/C_fKXtrw_qM/s640/happy-christmas.jpg)
Why snooze in front of the television in an eggnog-soaked haze all afternoon
(http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/files/ImageGallery/Grocer.co.uk%20pics/man-asleep-at-christmas.jpg)
when you could treat yourself to a BMB download and really get the party swinging ...
(http://24.media.tumblr.com/1WdcmICRRmofbznjgpBBZliKo1_500.jpg)
;D
Merry Christmas, Albion(and everyone else) ! You've made this year a really special one for me! Christmas Day is almost over here in Japan, now enjoying a BRMB (Stanford's 'The Travelling Companion').
Yes, have a splendid Christmas, Albion and everyone else!
Indeed, Happy Christmas everyone!
Blessings to you all for what you've done here. You make the world a better place. Merry Christmas and thank you.
I was in two minds whether to put this into the thread entitled "Importance of this Forum" but since others have posted here with similar sentiments to my own...
In wishing all other members of this forum a Very Happy Christmas, or whichever holiday you celebrate and enjoy. can I express the almost indescribable joy I have had had since joining here in September. So many others with the same sort of tastes in music as my own, such courtesy and helpfulness from members in, for example, responding to requests, such a constant stream of wonderful, unjustly neglected music to download(particularly British Music, for me ;D).
The last few months have brought great happiness and fulfillment and that is down to the Forum. Thanks to ALL :) :)
A very happy Christmas to one and all - and many, many thanks to all who contribute to the forum...
Also I would like to say Happy Christmas and many many thanks for all members :D
Best wishes from Japan
Joyous Holidays to everyone and special thanks to those of you who have spent countless hours digitizing music for us. This is truly the most amazing forum on the web and I'm so blessed to have gotten to know you all.......
Jerry
Merry Christmas from the US East Coast (we still have a good few hours to go here). And seconding (thirding? Fourthing?) all the good things being said...I've only been here a couple of months, and I've already lost track of the number of times I've wanted to do backflips out of my chair upon seeing the latest download.
I'll probably take a crack at the Constantinescu oratorio later today, but for right now I have Christmas presents to listen to. Pepita Jiménez, anyone? :D
Well, John Veale writes music which I can understand, appreciate and, indeed, love! The upload of Symphony No.3 by Latvian - for which many, many thanks - reveals a composer with an overwhelming sense of the need to communicate in a readily comprehensible idiom. The work, though no doubt in Veale's own style (with which I am hardly familiar), seems pretty deeply indebted to his teacher, Roy Harris - but what a powerful and exciting score it is. A wonderful Xmas present for me...
A.S., nice to see someone else is here in Japan! I don't meet many people interested in unsung composers here!
Quote from: Alan Howe on Sunday 25 December 2011, 21:35
Well, John Veale writes music which I can understand, appreciate and, indeed, love! The upload of Symphony No.3 by Latvian - for which many, many thanks - reveals a composer with an overwhelming sense of the need to communicate in a readily comprehensible idiom. The work, though no doubt in Veale's own style (with which I am hardly familiar), seems pretty deeply indebted to his teacher, Roy Harris - but what a powerful and exciting score it is. A wonderful Xmas present for me...
More about the Veale 3rd:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2004/Feb04/veale_symphony3.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2004/Feb04/veale_symphony3.htm)
If you enjoy the darker music of Kenneth Leighton (as I do) I think you will thoroughly enjoy the music of William Wordsworth.
My favorite symphony is his 2nd, which is available on Lyrita CD(with the 3rd)
But of those posted for download at unsung, the 5th is by far the best. I am very grateful to the person who posted his music.
Any other music by this composer would be most welcome...
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 26 December 2011, 00:39More about the Veale 3rd:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2004/Feb04/veale_symphony3.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2004/Feb04/veale_symphony3.htm)
Its highly unfortunate that in this kink, the writer refers to the writer refers to Veales perception of the Iraq War as "An Illegal one". I wish this were omitted as it does not endear me to this composer.
That's a shame, because the music itself is powerful and life-affirning. Perhaps reading this biography (http://www.wrightmusic.net/pdfs/john-veale.pdf) of Veal might broaden our perception of the man.
Iraq? Please let's not go there. Politics and music make very, very bad bedfellows.
I quite agree: I'm sure the members on here have a variety of political views which we should keep to ourselves. A number of my favourite composers held views which I strongly disagree with (I'm not saying who, or you'll work my views out!), but I love them nevertheless, and whatever they might have thought of me, had they known me, they opened their hearts in music to me, so let's keep anything political far from this forum.
Quote from: JollyRoger on Monday 26 December 2011, 04:42Any other music by [William Wordsworth] would be most welcome...
I am hoping at some point next year to increase Wordsworth's representation in the archive with a number of significant orchestral works -
Sinfonia in A minor for Strings, Op.6 (1939)
Theme and Variations, Op.19 (1941)
Divertimento in D, Op.58 (1954)
A Highland Overture, Op.76 (1964)
Jubilation: A Festivity for Full Orchestra, Op.78 (1965)
Spring Festival Overture, Op.90 (1970)
Symposium for Violin and Orchestra, Op.94 (1972)along with several other broadcasts from the collection of a contributing member.
:)
Quote from: Tapiola on Monday 26 December 2011, 08:36
Iraq? Please let's not go there. Politics and music make very, very bad bedfellows.
We can't escape the fact that music often serves political purposes, whether or not intended by the composer. 20thC British, American, and Soviet music in particular is often quite explicit in its political purpose, whether it's a message, a comment or a rallying call. Nobody can tell me that they can meaningfully discuss Shostakovich's symphonies without reference to politics - it's unthinkable! Much early music likewise had propagandist functions, including quite explicit 'calls to arms'.
So, personally, I don't think it's a topic to be avoided, especially when it arises in connection with an unsung composer of interest! .
BUT it does call for contributions to stick to the topic of the music or the composer, and not to discuss political issues. I dare say our administrators/moderators will keep us in order! ;)
There is a difference between Shostakovich and Veale, though: the former was a composer caught up in the vicissitudes of life in a communist state whereas the latter was simply a composer who held a particular political point of view. It is impossible to discuss Shostakovich's music without reference to politics; with Veale, it is of no more than passing interest or of none at all.
Quote from: Albion on Monday 26 December 2011, 08:56
Quote from: JollyRoger on Monday 26 December 2011, 04:42Any other music by [William Wordsworth] would be most welcome...
I am hoping at some point next year to increase Wordsworth's representation in the archive with a number of significant orchestral works -
Sinfonia in A minor for Strings, Op.6 (1939)
Theme and Variations, Op.19 (1941)
Divertimento in D, Op.58 (1954)
A Highland Overture, Op.76 (1964)
Jubilation: A Festivity for Full Orchestra, Op.78 (1965)
Spring Festival Overture, Op.90 (1970)
Symposium for Violin and Orchestra, Op.94 (1972)
along with several other broadcasts from the collection of a contributing member.
:)
Those additions would be more truly amazing additions to the site :) :)
Quote from: Alan Howe on Monday 26 December 2011, 12:52
There is a difference between Shostakovich and Veale, though: the former was a composer caught up in the vicissitudes of life in a communist state whereas the latter was simply a composer who held a particular political point of view. It is impossible to discuss Shostakovich's music without reference to politics; with Veale, it is of no more than passing interest or of none at all.
The purely personal political views/opinions of a composer are of no great interest to me unless a particular piece of music composed by him was written with a direct 'political message'-as, for example. would be some of the music of the British composer Alan Bush, who was a Communist. In such-relatively rare-cases I hope that my evaluation and appreciation of the music is based on the quality of that music and is disassociated from any views I might or might not have as to the validity of the 'political opinions' being expressed.
I find myself perfectly well able to those works written by Prokofiev, Shostakovich or Khachaturian in honour of Lenin and Stalin without-necessarily-endorsing the policies or actions of those persons. I can enjoy and indeed love the music of Richard Wagner without.....etc etc.
Enough said :)
The Groves (part) Gothic :) :)
Wow ;D Thanks, Latvian :) :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 26 December 2011, 13:41
I find myself perfectly well able to those works written by Prokofiev, Shostakovich or Khachaturian in honour of Lenin and Stalin without-necessarily-endorsing the policies or actions of those persons.
Quite so. However, understanding the musico-political background to the writing of, say, Shostakovich's 5th adds greatly to one's understanding of his stylistic development after Symphony No.4. Of course, it is still perfectly possible to appreciate the 5th on its own terms. All great music transcends the circumstances of its composition...
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 26 December 2011, 17:23
The Groves (part) Gothic :) :)
Wow ;D Thanks, Latvian :) :)
SECONDED!
A lovely choral miniature, recorded yesterday by britishcomposer -
Ernest John Moeran (1894-1950) - Candlemas Eve (1949)
Many thanks, Mathias.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Monday 26 December 2011, 08:56
Quote from: JollyRoger on Monday 26 December 2011, 04:42Any other music by [William Wordsworth] would be most welcome...
I am hoping at some point next year to increase Wordsworth's representation in the archive with a number of significant orchestral works -
Sinfonia in A minor for Strings, Op.6 (1939)
Theme and Variations, Op.19 (1941)
Divertimento in D, Op.58 (1954)
A Highland Overture, Op.76 (1964)
Jubilation: A Festivity for Full Orchestra, Op.78 (1965)
Spring Festival Overture, Op.90 (1970)
Symposium for Violin and Orchestra, Op.94 (1972)
along with several other broadcasts from the collection of a contributing member.
:)
That would be wonderful..I think Wordsworth's music deserves greater exposure..there is a certain dark beauty to it that is very enticing.
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Monday 26 December 2011, 07:40
That's a shame, because the music itself is powerful and life-affirning. Perhaps reading this biography (http://www.wrightmusic.net/pdfs/john-veale.pdf) of Veal might broaden our perception of the man.
Politiks and music do not mix and I should not have poluted this wonderful site with my comment about Veale. Music has special value because it is a pleasant relief from the imperfect world in which we live. Please accept my apologies.
Quote from: JollyRoger on Monday 26 December 2011, 19:46
Quote from: Albion on Monday 26 December 2011, 08:56
Quote from: JollyRoger on Monday 26 December 2011, 04:42Any other music by [William Wordsworth] would be most welcome...
I am hoping at some point next year to increase Wordsworth's representation in the archive with a number of significant orchestral works -
Sinfonia in A minor for Strings, Op.6 (1939)
Theme and Variations, Op.19 (1941)
Divertimento in D, Op.58 (1954)
A Highland Overture, Op.76 (1964)
Jubilation: A Festivity for Full Orchestra, Op.78 (1965)
Spring Festival Overture, Op.90 (1970)
Symposium for Violin and Orchestra, Op.94 (1972)
along with several other broadcasts from the collection of a contributing member.
:)
That would be wonderful..I think Wordsworth's music deserves greater exposure..there is a certain dark beauty to it that is very enticing.
I wrote this on another forum site 4 years ago. This was before obtaining access to the quite marvellous collection of all but one(the unperformed 6th) of Wordsworth's symphonies to be found on this forum.
"There has been a good deal of comment recently on the re-emergence of the Lyrita label and the wonderful music previously available only on LP now being issued on CD. I have however been listening again to a Lyrita CD-SRCD 207-released over 15 years ago now with William Wordsworth's 2nd and 3rd Symphonies played by the LPO conducted by Nicholas Braithwaite.
Wordsworth was a direct descendant of the famous poet's brother, Christopher and studied under Sir Donald Tovey in Edinburgh. In 1961 he left his home in Surrey and moved to Invernesshire in Scotland where he remained until his death. Wordsworth helped form the Society of Scottish Composers and became its Hon. President.
Wordsworth was a prolific symphonist with eight numbered symphonies. Although Barbirolli turned the 2nd down for the Cheltenham Festival he did accept the 3rd and not only premiered it at the 1953 festival but conducted it eight times that year. The 4th symphony was premiered by Barbirolli at the 1954 Edinburgh Festival and the 5th by Boult. The 6th symphony is a choral symphony. Apparently Vaughan Williams admired Wordsworth's huge Oratorio "Dies Domini".
I don't know whether anyone else has heard the Lyrita CD but I have always been impressed by both these symphonies-especially the 2nd. There is a Nordic seriousness about the music which is somewhat Sibelian but Wordsworth also reminds me at times of Edmund Rubbra and William Alwyn. Unfortunately, it is many many years ago since I heard any other Wordsworth in BBC Scotland radio broadcasts and he appears to have been almost completely forgotten today despite the welcome revival of interest in music by composers like Richard Arnell.
Anyone who likes Rubbra or Alwyn or Arnell or who-like myself-has a lot of time for Nordic symphonies might like to seek out this disc. The symphonies do-in my opinion-well reward the listener.I should, today, rewrite the above to take account of the Wordsworth which can be downloaded from this site(with more now promised) but what I wrote then gives some indication not simply of the immense gratitude I share in having access now to more of the composer's work but of the high esteem in which I hold this very much "Unsung" British symphonist.
Quote from: Alan Howe on Monday 26 December 2011, 12:52
There is a difference between Shostakovich and Veale, though: the former was a composer caught up in the vicissitudes of life in a communist state whereas the latter was simply a composer who held a particular political point of view. It is impossible to discuss Shostakovich's music without reference to politics; with Veale, it is of no more than passing interest or of none at all.
But, of course, we wouldn't necessarily know that unless the topic had been raised! :)
While I am sure it is perfectly possible to enjoy music without "interference" from the composer's political or personal philosophy (I'm thinking of Colin's comments re Wagner et al), that shoudn't make the intersection of music and politics a taboo subject for discussion.
The uses and abuses of music, and of composers, for political ends is clearly a factor in the marginalization of some composers of interest to us, and not only in the Soviet or Nazi contexts (Boughton, for instance). And sometimes the music is
intentionally political - much music of the baroque period, for example, was aimed at reinforcing the illusion that certain monarchs, dukes, princes etc were divinely appointed and all powerful, and that the masses should obey and respect them at all costs. The music was a pure expression of a whole set of political principles! Personally, I find that the sycophantic quality of much of this writing makes its appreciation quite challenging, just as some find Elgarian patriotism discomforting! I am not - you understand - criticizing the librettists or the composers, who were mostly writing in accordance with the view which was common at the time, but the political intentions, functions and/or effects of their work simply can't be ignored.
And, I don't think one can/should distinguish these from
religious purposes. Writing music to promote communism, for example, can hardly be distinguished in principle from writing music to promote islam or christianity or any other set of beliefs. And it is these beliefs which often drive composers to compose and which inevitably shape their work, and which they would claim to be of most importance to them.... because it is, in a sense, who they are.
We are grown ups, and on those rare occasions when they pop up in the forum, we should be able to talk about sensitive issues, without giving - or unduly taking - offence. :)
I admire John Veale all the more and most great composers from the past would likely agree. Almost to a man and woman they were slightly to the left.
Dundonnell -
I share your fondness for Alwyn, Arnell and the other English composers you mentioned.
Thank you for the information and posts re William Wordsworth, they are beyond invaluable.
I would add that the works of Leighton or Holbrook come to mind when I hear Wordsworth's enchanting music.
Here is an Wordsworth article which is highly informative, sorry if it has been previously posted.
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2009/Jan09/Wordsworth_Conway.htm
Quote from: Tapiola on Monday 26 December 2011, 21:49
I admire John Veale all the more and most great composers from the past would likely agree. Almost to a man and woman they were slightly to the left.
Yes, even Vaughan Williams was relabeled as a mystic, when any reasonable person can see he was a clearly a devout Christian. I guess Bach and Superman will soon be labeled as leftys.
Quote from: JollyRoger on Tuesday 27 December 2011, 00:40
Quote from: Tapiola on Monday 26 December 2011, 21:49
I admire John Veale all the more and most great composers from the past would likely agree. Almost to a man and woman they were slightly to the left.
Yes, even Vaughan Williams was relabeled as a mystic, when any reasonable person can see he was a clearly a devout Christian. I guess Bach and Superman will soon be labeled as leftys.
Vaughan Williams was certainly not a "devout Christian". He pronounced himself an agnostic, albeit as his widow Ursula said "a cheerful agnostic" ;D
This did not, of course, prevent him using the Christian religion as a source of inspiration for some of his greatest compositions :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Tuesday 27 December 2011, 02:17
Quote from: JollyRoger on Tuesday 27 December 2011, 00:40
Quote from: Tapiola on Monday 26 December 2011, 21:49
I admire John Veale all the more and most great composers from the past would likely agree. Almost to a man and woman they were slightly to the left.
Yes, even Vaughan Williams was relabeled as a mystic, when any reasonable person can see he was a clearly a devout Christian. I guess Bach and Superman will soon be labeled as leftys.
Vaughan Williams was certainly not a "devout Christian". He pronounced himself an agnostic, albeit as his widow Ursula said "a cheerful agnostic" ;D
This did not, of course, prevent him using the Christian religion as a source of inspiration for some of his greatest compositions :)
I was also an agnostic in the past..So be it...
Many thanks to Latvian for -
Havergal Brian (1876-1972) - Symphony No.1 in D minor, The Gothic - Part One (1919-27)
William Wordsworth (1908-1988) - Symphony No.1 in F minor, Op. 23 (1944); Symphony No.3 in C, Op.48 (1950-51)
The Havergal Brian broadcast is of Charles Groves' centenary performance of Part One at the Royal Albert Hall. Norman Del Mar conducts Wordsworth's Symphony No.1, whilst Symphony No.3 is under the direction of John Barbirolli, who conducted the premiere at Cheltenham in 1953.
I have unzipped the files.
:)
Yes...Thanks indeed to Latvian, particularly for more Wordsworth :) :)
QuoteYes...Thanks indeed to Latvian, particularly for more Wordsworth
You're all very welcome, indeed! My own collection of British rarities has been vastly broadened by everyone's contributions on this forum. Fortunately, I'm able to return the favor. Since contributions to this British folder have slowed considerably from the veritable flood that we were earlier blessed with, I'm pleased to say that I have quite a few broadcasts that will fill in a few more gaps (or provide some alternative performances) in the near future. Just a matter of organizing and uploading!
I like the phrase "fill in a few more gaps" ;D ;D
Any chance of giving us any clues as to what some of these might be ??? ;D ;D
Well... at the risk of overloading this post, here is what I came up with when I did a careful perusal of my holdings. Many of the composers will undoubtedly be more modern than some members prefer, others are not really "unsung" but are represented by works that are more obscure or in alternative performances. In addition, I've got some cassettes that have not been digitized, such as a live Rubbra 4th (don't remember with whom), and various LPs that have never been reissued. So, here it is -- make of it what you will. Since there seems to be a limit to the number of characters per post, I've had to break it up into three installments. This is Part One:
Ades, T Asyla
Daniel, P Natl Youth O of GB
Ades, T But all shall be well
Stockhammer, J French RPO
Ades, T Chamber Symphony
Zehetmair, T Northern Sinfonia
Ades, T Polaris
Ades, T Concertgebouw O
Ades, T Powder Her Face : Suite
Ades, T Philharmonia O
Ades, T Studies (3) from Couperin
Ades, T Northern Sinfonia
Ades, T Tempest, The : Opening Scene
Belohlavek, J BBC SO
Ades, T Tevot
Rattle, S Berlin PO
Ades, T Violin Concerto
Marwood, A Ades, T Ch O of Europe
Agnew, E Straight to the Point
Glover, J Ulster O
Alcorn, M Mambo
Shiel, F Ulster O
Alcorn, M Synapse
Maloney, G Ulster O
Anderson, J Fantasias
Bychkov, S Natl Youth O of GB
Anderson, J Heaven is Shy of Earth
Kirchschlager, A Davis, A BBC Scot SO
Anderson, J Stations of the Sun
Knussen, O BBC SO
Arnell, R Concerto capriccioso, vn & o
? ? Columbia Univ Ens
Arnell, R Piano Concerto
Brodsky, V Herrmann, B CBS SO
Arnell, R Quartet No. 5
Hansen Quartet
Arnell, R Symphony No. 1
Herrmann, B CBS SO
Arnell, R Symphony No. 3
Del Mar, N BBC SO
Arnell, R Symphony No. 4
Arnell, R Yorkshire SO
Arnell, R Symphony No. 6
Leaper, A BBC PO
Arnold, M Symphony No. 6
Arnold, M BBC SO
Arnold, M Symphony No. 7
Arnold, M BBC SO
Arnold, M Water Music
Handley, V BBC Concert O
Bainbridge, S Diptych
Robertson, D BBC SO
Bainbridge, S Fantasia, for double orch
Malkki, S BBC SO
Bainbridge, S Music, Space, Reflection
Sound Intermedia Masson, D London Sinfonietta
Bainbridge, S Pieces (3)
Nagy, Z BBC SO
Bainbridge, S Scherzi
Daniel, P BBC SO
Baines, W Island of the Fay, The
Head, L Kensington SO
Baines, W Symphony
Kennoway, G Airedale SO
Baines, W Thoughtdrift
Head, L Kensington SO
Ball, E Festival Music, for brass
Engeset, B Eikanger Bjorsvik Mu
Ball, E Journey into Freedom
Cutt, G Foden's Band
Ball, E Resurgam
Childs, N Black Dyke Band
Barlow, D Symphony No. 2
Atzmon, M BBC Northern SO
Barry, G Day
Storgards, J BBC SO
Barry, G Wiener Blut
Gamba, R Ulster O
Bate, S Symphony No. 3
Boult, A City Birmingham SO
Bate, S Symphony No. 4
Leonard, L BBC Northern SO
Bate, S Viola Concerto
Vardi, E Bate, S ? NBC SO
Bates, D Priceless
Ballamy, I Stern, E BBC Natl O of Wales
Bax, A In memoriam Patrick Pearse
Tortelier, Y-P BBC PO
Bax, A Into the Twilight
Handley, V BBC PO
Bax, A Nympholept
Handley, V BBC PO
Bax, A Red Autumn
Handley, V BBC PO
Bax, A Spring Fire
Elder, M Halle O
Beamish, S Accordeon Concerto
Crabb, J Brabbins, M Halle O
Beamish, S Cello Concerto No. 2
Cohen, R Vanska, O Minnesota O
Beamish, S Day Dawn, The
McGegan, N BBC Scot SO
Beamish, S Kirschen
Manze, A BBC Scot SO
Beamish, S Sangsters
McGegan, N BBC Scot SO
Beamish, S Trance o nicht, for perc & o
Glennie, E Hempel, J BBC Scot SO
Beamish, S Under the Wing of the Rock, va
Thatcher, S Boyd, D St Paul Ch O
Beamish, S Viola Concerto No. 2
Power, L Walker, G Scottish Ch O
Beamish, S Violin Concerto
Marwood, A Brabbins, M BBC Scot SO
Bedford, D Requiem
Childs, R Buy as You View Band
Bedford, D Symphony No. 1
Joly, S BBC SO
Bedford, L At Three and Two
Elder, M Halle O
Bedford, L Outblaze the Sky
Knussen, O BBC SO
Bedford, L Outblaze the Sky
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Bedford, L Rode With Darkness
Benjamin, G Deutsches SO Berlin
Bendall, M Circumference of the Ocean, The
MacMillan, J BBC PO
Bennett, E Ausland
MacMillan, J BBC PO
Bennett, E Bad Disco
Shiel, F Ulster O
Berkeley, L Windsor Variations
Handley, V Ulster O
Berkeley, M Concerto for Orchestra
Hickox, R BBC Natl O of Wales
Berkeley, M Gethsemane Fragments, for str
Fischer, T BBC Natl O of Wales
Berkeley, M Organ Concerto
Goode, D Steen, J van BBC Natl O Wales
Berkeley, M Slow Dawn
Gardner, E BBC SO
Bingham, J Cruelty of the Gods, The
Shaw, J Holding, M
Bingham, J First Light
cho Jackson, S Fine Arts Brass Ens
Bingham, J Hidden City
cho Carwood, A BBC PO
Bingham, J My Heart Strangely Warmed
soloists/organ/cho Cleobury, N Onyx Brass
Bingham, J Salt in the Blood
cho Jackson, S Fine Arts Brass Ens
Bingham, J Secret Garden, The
Farrington, I/cho Jackson, S BBC SO
Bingham, J Ziggurrat Fanfare
Ridder, A de RNCM Brass et al
Birtwistle, H Carmen arcadiae mechanicae per
Atherton, D London Sinfonietta
Birtwistle, H Endless Parade, for tr & o
Schartz, P Fischer, T BBC Natl O of Wales
Birtwistle, H Imaginary Landscape, An
Jurowski, V London PO
Birtwistle, H Night's Black Bird
Welser-Most, F Bavarian RSO
Birtwistle, H Nomos
Daniel, P BBC SO
Birtwistle, H Silbury Air
Atherton, D London Sinfonietta
Birtwistle, H Sonance Severance 2000
Knussen, O BBC SO
Birtwistle, H Verses for Ensembles
Atherton, D London Sinfonietta
Birtwistle, H Violin Concerto
Tetzlaff, C Robertson, D BBC SO
Bodley, S Small White Cloud Drifts Over Ireland
Gutter, R Springfield SO
Bodley, S Symphony No. 1
Pearce, C RTE SO
Bodley, S Symphony No. 2
Muller-Kray, H RTE SO
Bodley, S Symphony No. 3
soloists/cho Pearce, C RTE SO
Bourgeois, D Blitz
Childs, N Black Dyke Band
Bowden, M Dawn Halts, The
Llewellyn, G BBC Natl O of Wales
Bowden, M Sudden Light
Steen, J van BBC SO
Bowen, Y Piano Concerto No. 4
Bowen, Y Boult, A BBC SO
Bowen, Y Rhapsody, for cello & orch
Wallfisch, R Hill, D Bournemouth SO
Bowen, Y Symphony No. 1
Sutherland, G BBC Concert O
Boydell, B Shielmartin Suite
Gutter, R Springfield SO
Brian, H Ave atque vale
Fredman, M London PO
Brian, H Cello Concerto
Igloi, T Boult, A Polyphonia O
Brian, H Concerto for Orchestra
Stones, J Leeds College SO
Brian, H English Suite No. 3
Head, L Kensington SO
Brian, H Jolly Miller, The
Fitzpatrick, R Garden State PO
Brian, H Symphony No. 15
Pope, S Royal PO
Brian, H Symphony No. 22
Fredman, M Royal PO
Brian, H Symphony No. 25
Canarina, J BBC Scot SO
Brian, H Symphony No. 30
Newstone, H New Philharmonia O
Brian, H Tinker's Wedding, The
Vandernoot, A Fulham Municipal O
Britten, B Clarinet Concerto
Collins, M Zehetmair, T Northern Sinfonia
Britten, B Double Concerto, for vn, va, o
soloists Tortelier, Y-P San Francisco SO
Britten, B Plymouth Town
Llewellyn, G BBC SO
Butler, M Fairground of Dreams
Wordsworth, B Brighton PO
Butterworth, A Trumpet Concerto "alla Venezia"
Marshall, R Childs, N Black Dyke Band
Caffrey, G Theophilus in Space
Shelley, H Ulster O
Cashian, P Tableaux
Zehetmair, T No Sinfonia of Engl
Casken, J Farness
Rozario, P Zehetmair, T Northern Sinfonia
Casken, J Orion Over Farne
Nelsons, A City Birmingham SO
Casken, J Sortilege
MacMillan, J BBC PO
Casken, J Symphony "Broken Consort"
Noseda, G BBC PO
Casken, J Violin Concerto
Hope, D MacMillan, J BBC PO
Clapperton, J Songs & Dances of Death
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Clarke, S Statue Circle
MacMillan, J BBC SO
Cleary, S Cokaygne
Altschuler, V RTE SO
Cliffe, F Symphony No. 1
Fifield, C Lambeth O
Cole, J Temporale Distante
Rundell, C BBC PO
Cutler, J Awakenings
Porcelijn, D BBC SO
Cutler, J Music for Cello & Strings
Michael, R Hazlewood, C BBC Concert O
Davies, T Falling Angel
Ades, T Birmingham CMG
Davies, T Saxophone Concerto "Iris"
Boychouk, S Mickelthwaite, A Winnipeg SO
Davies, T Spiral House, for trumpet & o
O'Keeffe, M Nagy, Z BBC Scot SO
Davies, T Tilting
Nagy, Z BBC SO
Davies, T Wild Card
Belohlavek, J BBC SO
Delius, F American Rhapsody
Hazlewood, C BBC Concert O
Delius, F Appalachia
cho Dorati, A Natl SO
Delius, F Double Concerto, vn, vc & orch
Viersen, S & Q Klas, E Netherlands RSO
Delius, F Paris
Maazel, L New Philharmonia O
Dillon, J Andromeda, for pf & orch
Kawai, N Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Dillon, J Navette, La
Brabbins, M BBC Scot SO
Dillon, J Via Sacra
MacDonald, R BBC Scot SO
Dobson, S Lyonesse
Gray, R Leyland Vehicles Ban
Dove, J Hojoki
Zazzo, L Belohlavek, J BBC SO
Dove, J Song of Joys, A
chos Belohlavek, J BBC SO
Downie, G forms 6
Llewellyn, G BBC Natl O of Wales
Duddell, J Shadowplay
Ziegler, R BBC Concert O
Duddell, J Snowblind
Currie, C Holland, B Viva
Dudley, A Northern Lights
Ziegler, R BBC Concert O
Duff, A Echoes of Georgian Dublin
Montgomery, K Ulster O
Elcock, S Hammering
MacMillan, J BBC PO
Elgar, E/Payne, A Pomp & Circumstance March #6
Davis, A BBC SO
Elias, B Doubles
Belohlavek, J BBC SO
Ellerby, M Terra Australis
King, D YBS Band
Fennessy, D Dead End
Walker, G BBC SO
Fennessy, D This Is How It Feels
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Finnissy, M Sea and Sky
Steen, J van BBC SO
Finzi, G Grand Fantasia & Toccata
McCawley, L Sinaisky, V BBC PO
Fitkin, G Cello Concerto
Yo-Yo Ma Robertson, D BBC SO
Fitkin, G Huoah
Hazlewood, C BBC Concert O
Fitkin, G PK
orch/cho Lockhart, K BBC Concert O
Fleischmann, A Prelude & Dance
Montgomery, K Ulster O
Fletcher, P Epic Symphony, An
Morrison, A Brighouse-Rastrick B
Foskett, B From Trumpet
Malkki, S BBC SO
Foulds, J April-England
Elder, M Halle O
Foulds, J Dynamic Triptych, for pf & o
Wass, A Runnicles, D BBC Scot SO
Fricker, PR Symphony No. 2
Rosen, A BBC Northern SO
Fricker, PR Symphony No. 5
Bate, J Adey, C BBC Northern SO
Fricker, PR Violin Concerto No. 2
Gruenberg, E Handford, M BBC Northern SO
Gardner, S An Sash
Antunes, C Ulster O
Gerhard, R Symphony No. 4
Davis, C BBC SO
German, E Symphony No. 2
Wilson, J BBC Concert O
Gipps, R Piano Concerto (complete)
Broster, E Gipps, R BBC SO
Gordon, MZ Oboe Concerto
Daniel, N Watkins, P Britten Sinfonia
Gorton, D Fall of Babel, The
Nagy, Z BBC SO
Gough, O Open
chos Brabbins, M BBC Scot SO
Gough, O We Turned On the Light
chos Brabbins, M BBC SO
Grange, P Eclipsing
Nelsons, A BBC PO
Greenwood, J Popcorn Superhet Receiver
Ziegler, R BBC Concert O
Gregson, E Cello Concerto
Li Wei Boyd, D Manchester Camerata
Gregson, E Clarinet Concerto
Collins, M Leaper, A BBC Scot SO
Gregson, E Dream Song
Noseda, G BBC PO
Gregson, E Saxophone Concerto
Sugawa, N Rundell, C BBC PO
Gregson, E Trombone Concerto
Moore, P Tovey, B BBC Concerto O
Gribbin, D Goliath
Currie, C Valade, P-A Ulster O
Grime, H Everyone Sang
Brabbins, M BBC Scot SO
Grime, H Virga
Knussen, O BBC SO
Oh.......you have the Fricker Violin Concerto No.2 :) :)
That would be great to get up on here ;D It is a major gap in the substantial Fricker collection.
(Yes, there is quite a lot on your list which would be rather "advanced" for my own personal tastes but John/Albion will, no doubt, have much more to say........ ;D ;D
I am very excited about the Brian items! Several of these performances are excellent - symphonies 15, 22 and 25 (I had them on tape cassette a long time ago). I'd love to hear Ave Atque Vale under Myer Fredman!
Part Two:
Hamilton, I Jazz Trumpet Concerto
Wallace, J Wright, S BBC Scot SO
Hammond, P Ersten Blumen, Die
Rose, G Ulster O
Hammond, P While the Sun Shines
Houlihan, R Ulster O
Harty, H Mystic Trumpeter, The
Rutherford, J/cho Elder, M Halle O
Harty, H Piano Concerto
Tinney, H Glover, J Ulster O
Harvey, J ...towards a pure land
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Harvey, J Body Mandala
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Harvey, J Mortuos plango, vivos voco
electronics
Harvey, J Scena, for violin & orch
Layton, E Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Harvey, J Speakings
with electronics Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Harvey, J Tombeau de Messiaen
Tiberghien, C with electronics
Hayden, S Substratum
Robertson, D BBC SO
Hayes, M Strip
Swenson, J BBC SO
Heaton, W Scherzo
Cutt, G Fodon's Band
Heaton, W Toccata
Childs, N Blake Dyke Band
Heaton, W Tricot rouge, Le
Cutt, G Fodon's Band
Hellawell, P Agricolas, for clarinet & orch
Plane, R Dworzynski, M BBC Natl O of Wales
Hellawell, P Cors de Chasse, for tr, tb & o
soloists Brabbins, M Philharmonia O
Hellawell, P Degrees of Separation
Shiel, F Ulster O
Hesketh, K Festive Overture
Morrison, A Brighouse-Rastrick B
Hesketh, K Graven Image
Petrenko, V Royal Liverpool PO
Hesketh, K Rhyme for the Season, A
Petrenko, V Royal Liverpool PO
Higgins, G Dancing at the Edge of Hell
Ridder, A de BBC SO
Hoddinott, A French Suite
Petrenko, V BBC Natl O of Wales
Hoddinott, A Serenissima
Field, H/Williams, J Steen, J van BBC Natl O of Wales
Hoddinott, A Symphony No. 2
Arwel Hughes, O BBC Natl O of Wales
Hoddinott, A Symphony No. 3
Arwel Hughes, O BBC Natl O of Wales
Hoddinott, A Symphony No. 6
Hoddinott, A BBC Natl O of Wales
Hoddinott, A Symphony No. 10
Storgards, J BBC Natl O Wales
Hoddinott, A Welsh Dances III
Llewellyn, G BBC Natl O of Wales
Holloway, R Concerto for Orchestra No. 5
Runnicles, D BBC Scot SO
Holloway, R Scenes from Schumann
Masson, D BBC Natl O of Wales
Holstead, R Time Is a Spiral
Leaper, A Ulster O
Holt, S Centauromachy
Plane, R/Schartz, P Roth, F-X BBC Natl O Wales
Holt, S Icarus Lamentations
Fischer, T BBC Natl O of Wales
Holt, S Lilith
Zehetmair, T Northern Sinfonia
Holt, S Minotaur Games
Rose, G Ulster O
Holt, S Sunrise Yellow Noise
Bonner, Y Nagy, Z BBC SO
Holt, S Syrensong
Porcelijn, D BBC SO
Holt, S Table of Noises, A
Currie, C Brabbins, M City Birmingham SO
Holt, S Troubled Light
Fischer, T BBC Natl O of Wales
Holt, S Violin Concerto
Hagner, V Nott, J BBC SO
Holt, S Witness to a Snow Miracle
Hagner, V Brabbins, M BBC SO
Hope, P Hollywood Concerto : exc
Rostal/Schaefer Geese, H Bavarian RO
Hope, P Irish Legend
Wordsworth, B BBC Concert O
Hope, P Recorder Concerto
Turner, J Wordsworth, B BBC Concert O
Horne, D Splintered Instruments
Brabbins, M Nash Ens
Horne, D Submergence
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Howard, E Magnetite
MacMillan, J BBC PO
Howarth, E Cornet Concerto
Hardenberger, H Withington, A Grimethorpe Band
Howarth, E Hunting the Hare
Childs, R Buy as you View Band
Howarth, E In memoriam R. K.
Cutt, G Foden's Band
Howell, D Lamia
Watkins, P Ulster O
Howells, H Pageantry
Gourlay, J Brighouse & Ras Band
Hughes, A Prelude for the Youth of Wales
Arwel Hughes, O BBC Natl O Wales
Hunt, J Pieces (6)
MacMillan, J BBC PO
Ingoldsby, M Herron by the Weir, The
Montgomery, K Ulster O
Irvine, B Big Daddy, Motorhead, and Prof
Montgomery, K Ulster O
Irvine, B My cow's not pretty but it's p
Hempel, J Ulster
Irvine, B Rather Unfortunate Demise of M
Irvine, B Irvine Ens
Irvine, B Secret Cinema
Tingaud, J-L Ulster O
Jacob, G Passacaglia on a Well-Known Tu
Cohn, A NY All-State Area O
Jacob, G Trombone Concerto
Tyrrell, W Braithwaite, N Adelaide SO
Jenkins, K Euphonium Concerto
Childs, D Childs, R Cory Band
Jones, D Symphony No. 12
Llewellyn, G BBC Natl O of Wales
Jones, D Symphony No. 13
Hickox, R BBC Natl O Wales
Knussen, O Music for a Puppet Court
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Knussen, O Organa (2)
Zehetmair, T Northern Sinfonia
Knussen, O Where the Wild Things Are : st
Booth, C Wigglesworth, R BBC SO
Lambert, C Merchant Seamen : Suite
Wordsworth, B BBC Concert O
Larchet, J Nocturne "By the Waters of Moyle"
Antunes, C Ulster O
Larchet, J Nocturne "By the Waters of Moyle"
Montgomery, K Ulster O
Lipkin, M Symphony No. 2
Downes, E BBC PO
Lipkin, M Symphony No. 3
Leaper, A BBC PO
Litherland, C Funferall
MacMillan, J BBC SO
Lloyd, G Symphony No. 1
Judd, J BBC Natl O of Wales
Lloyd, G Symphony No. 11
Lloyd, G BBC PO
Lloyd, J Symphony No. 4
Alsop, M Bournemouth SO
Lovatt-Cooper, P Starburst and Canyons
Childs, N Black Dyke Band
Lutyens, E Chorale
Howarth, E Royal PO
Lutyens, E Music for Orchestra II
Austin, C BBC Natl O of Wales
Lutyens, E Music for Orchestra IV
Austin, C BBC Natl O of Wales
Lutyens, E Nox, for piano & orch
Nicolls, S Austin, C BBC Natl O of Wales
Lutyens, E Rondel
Austin, C BBC Natl O of Wales
Lyons, F Unbreakable
Hempel, J Ulster
Lyons, F Unbreakable
Watkins, P Ulster O
MacCunn, H Land of the Mountain & Flood
Whyte, I Scottish Natl O
MacMillan, J Confession of Isobel Gowdie
Maksymiuk, J BBC Scot SO
MacMillan, J Deep But Dazzling Darkness, A
Juillet, C MacMillan, J BBC PO
MacMillan, J Exorcism of Rio Sampul, The
Antunes, C Netherlands Rad Ch P
MacMillan, J I, a Meditation on Iona
Walker, G Scottish Ch O
MacMillan, J Oboe Concerto
Daniel, N MacMillan, J Britten Sinfonietta
MacMillan, J Piano Concerto No. 2
MacGregor, J Britten Sinfonietta
MacMillan, J Sacrifice, The : 3 Interludes
Altrichter, P BBC Scot SO
MacMillan, J Scotch Bestiary, A
Bruno, M MacMillan, J BBC PO
MacMillan, J Seraph, for trumpet & strings
Balsom, A Morton, J Scottish Ens
MacMillan, J Symphony No. 3
MacMillan, J BBC PO
MacMillan, J Tuireadh, for cl & strings
Meyer, P Brabbins, M BBC Scot SO
MacMillan, J Violin Concerto
Repin, V/cho Gergiev, V London SO
MacMillan, J World's Ransoming, The
Callow, G MacMillan, J BBC PO
Maconchy, E Music for Strings
Morton, J Scottish Ens
MacRae, S Gaudete
Andersson, S Gardner, E BBC SO
MacRae, S Gravity
Runnicles, D BBC Scot SO
MacRae, S Sleep at the Feet of Daphne
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
MacRae, S Stirling Choruses
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
MacRae, S Violin Concerto
Tetzlaff, C Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Martland, S Beat the Retreat
Vis, L Volharding, De
Martland, S Crossing the Border
Ziegler, R BBC Concert O
Mason, C from bursting suns escaping...
MacMillan, J BBC SO
Mathias, W Anniversary Dances
Arwel Hughes, O BBC Natl O of Wales
Mathias, W Anniversary Dances
Llewellyn, G BBC Natl O of Wales
Mathias, W Anniversary Dances
Mathias, W BBC Natl O Wales
Mathias, W Celtic Dances
Hickox, R BBC Natl O of Wales
Mathias, W French Horn Concerto
Thorpe, T Walker, G BBC Natl O Wales
Mathias, W Invocation & Dance
Steen, J van BBC Natl O of Wales
Mathias, W Jubilee Dances
Bostock, D BBC Natl O of Wales
Mathias, W Organ Concerto
Goode, D Walker, G BBC Natl O Wales
Mathias, W Psalm 150
cho Partington, A BBC Natl O of Wales
Matthews, C French Horn Concerto
Watkins, R Elder, M Halle O
Matthews, C Hidden Variables
Storgards, J BBC SO
Matthews, C Pluto, the Renewer
Brabbins, M BBC Scot SO
Matthews, C Quick Start, A
Elder, M Halle O
Matthews, C Reflected Images
Adams, J BBC SO
Matthews, C Renewal
Davis, A BBC SO
Matthews, C Sonata No. 5: Landscape
Storgards, J BBC SO
Matthews, C Unfolded Order
Storgards, J BBC SO
Matthews, C Violin Concerto
Josefowicz, L Knussen, O BBC SO
Matthews, C Violin Concerto
Josefowicz, L Knussen, O City Birmingham SO
Matthews, D Cello Concerto "in Azzurro"
Isserlis, S Hickox, R BBC Natl O of Wales
Matthews, D Chaconne
Steen, J van BBC SO
Matthews, D In the Dark Time
Steen, J van BBC SO
Matthews, D Music of Dawn, The
Gamba, R BBC PO
Matthews, D Symphony No. 1
Vass, G Ulster O
Matthews, D Symphony No. 2
Porcelijn, D BBC SO
Matthews, D Symphony No. 2
Rattle, S Philharmonia O
Matthews, D Symphony No. 3
En Shao BBC PO
Matthews, D Symphony No. 4
Wigglesworth, M BBC Scot SO
Matthews, D Symphony No. 6
Steen, J van BBC Natl O of Wales
Matthews, D Symphony No. 7
Noseda, G BBC PO
Maxwell Davies, P Musica benevolens
cho Gardner, E BBC SO
Maxwell Davies, P Proverb
cho Brabbins, M BBC Scot SO
Maxwell Davies, P Roma, amor
Noseda, G BBC PO
Maxwell Davies, P Seas of Kirk Swarf, The
Butterworth, S Solyom, S BBC Scot SO
Maxwell Davies, P St Francis of Assisi
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Maxwell Davies, P Temenos with mermaids & angels
Davis, R MacMillan, J BBC PO
Maxwell Davies, P Violin Concerto No. 2
Hope, D Maxwell Davies, P Royal PO
McCabe, J Concerto for Orchestra
Solti, G Chicago SO
McCabe, J Maunsell Forts, The
Childs, R Cory Band
McCabe, J Piano Concerto No. 1
Goldstone, A Howarth, E Royal PO
McCabe, J Pilgrim, for double string o
Austin, C BBC Scot SO
McGuire, E Calgacus
Wallace, R Yuasa, T BBC Scot SO
McGuire, E Clyde Built
Braithwaite, N Ulster O
McGuire, E Hall of Memories
Solyom, S BBC Scot SO
McGuire, E Source
Titov, A BBC Scot SO
McLeod, J Fling
Highland Youth O Rundell, C BBC Scot SO
McNeff, S ConcertO Duo, for 2 perc & o
O Duo Robertson, D BBC SO
McNeff, S Echoes and Reflections
Tortelier, Y-P Bournemouth SO
McNeff, S Secret Destinations
Alsop, M Bournemouth SO
McNeff, S Weathers
cho Hill, D Bournemouth SO
McPherson, G Handguns Suite
Valade, P-A BBC Scot SO
McPherson, G New Black, The
Nagy, Z BBC Scot SO
McQueen, I Earthly Paradise
cho Davis, A BBC SO
Meechan, P Hymn for Africa
Gray, R Leyland Vehicles Ban
Meechan, P Snake Eyes
Gourlay, J RNCM Brass Ens
Meredith, A Barchan, for trombone & orch
Johnson, S Power, L BBC Scot SO
Meredith, A Four Tributes to 4 AM
Ridder, A de Sinfonia VIVA
Meredith, A froms
cho/orchs Norrington, R BBC SO
Metcalf, J Mapping Wales, for harp & orch
Wakeford, L Dollman, L BBC Natl O of Wales
Moeran, EJ Symphony
Sinaisky, V BBC PO
Morris, D Jump
Hempel, J Ulster O
Musgrave, T Aurora
McDonald, R BBC Scot SO
Musgrave, T Concerto for Orchestra
Oramo, S City Birmingham SO
Musgrave, T Lamenting With Ariadne
Yates, C/Holland, J Dean, B Birmingham Cont Mus
Musgrave, T Points of View
Kraemer, N Scottish Ch O
Musgrave, T Rainbow
Deneve, S Royal Scot SO
Musgrave, T Song of the Enchanter
Storgards, J BBC Scot SO
Musgrave, T Turbulent Landscapes
Vanska, O BBC SO
Musgrave, T Two's Company
Glennie, E/Daniel, N Belohlavek, J BBC SO
Part Three:
Naftel, F Concerto No. 2 for Orchestra
Downes, E BBC PO
Nangle, J Our Headlights Blew Softly Int
O'Leary, D Crash Ens
Newson, G Double Violin Concerto
Shave, J/Kuusisto, P Ridder, A de Britten Sinfonia
O'Regan, T Rai
Rophe, P BBC SO
O'Riada, S Nomos No. 1
Antunes, C Ulster O
Orr, B Trombone Concerto
Bousfield, I Cutt, G Fodens Band
Osborne, N East
Power, L BBC Scot SO
Osborne, N Transformations 2, for 2 va's
Dickinson, S Berridge, A
Osborne, N Zansa
Walker, G Scottish Ch O
Oswald, J Ariature
Clapperton, J Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Oswald, J Concerto for Conductor & Orch
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Oswald, J Debizet
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Pankhurst, L Heed the Word!
Houlding, C RNCM Brass Band
Parry, CHH Elegy for Brahms
Davis, A BBC SO
Patterson, P Orchestra on Parade!
Otaka, T Natl Youth O of GB
Payne, A Period of Cosmographie, The
Noseda, G BBC PO
Pickard, J Flight of Icarus, The
Wigglesworth, M San Francisco SO
Pickard, J Symphony No. 2
Martinez, O de la BBC PO
Plowman, L Stargazer, The
Staples, A Llewellyn, G BBC Natl O of Wales
Poppy, A Thirty-Two Frames
Hazlewood, C BBC Concert O
Potter, AJ Gaelic Fantasy No. 1
Houlihan, R Ulster O
Potter, AJ Overture to a Kitchen Comedy
Antunes, C Ulster O
Potter, AJ Symphony No. 2
Gutter, R Springfield SO
Powers, A Terrain
Brabbins, M BBC Natl O Wales
Pritchard, G Firmament of Time, The
Walker, G BBC SO
Puw, G ...unless I open the door
Atherton, D BBC Natl O of Wales
Puw, G Break the Stone
Walker, G BBC Natl O Wales
Puw, G Dance of the Stars
Huw Williams, J Llewellyn, G BBC Natl O of Wales
Puw, G Hologram
Llewellyn, G BBC Natl O Wales
Puw, G Oboe Concerto
Cowley, D Walker, G BBC Natl O of Wales
Rawsthorne, A Divertimento
Thomson, B BBC Northern SO
Rawsthorne, A Improvisations on Lambert Them
Shipway, F BBC Concert O
Rawsthorne, A Violin Concerto No. 1
Olof, T Boult, A New Philharmonia O
Rawsthorne, A Violin Concerto No. 2
Parikian, M Schwarz, R BBC SO
Reeves, C 186000 Miles Per Second
Rundell, C BBC PO
Roberts, S Sinfonia
Atherton, D BBC Natl O of Wales
Roxburgh, E Concerto for Orchestra
Davis, A BBC SO
Rubbra, E Soliloquy, for cello & orch
Wallfisch, R Boyd, D Manchester Camerata
Sawer, D Greatest Happiness Principle
Wigglesworth, M BBC Natl O of Wales
Scott, A Battle of Barossa
Stevenson, I Cutt, G Foden's Band
Searle, H Labyrinth
Fremaux, L City Birmingham SO
Simcock, G Point of Contact
Simcock, G Scottish Ens
Simcock, G Progressions, for piano & orch
Simcock, G Hazlewood, C BBC Concert O
Simpson, M Threads
Petrenko, V Natl Youth O of GB
Simpson, R Symphony No. 4
Kok, N BBC SO
Simpson, R Symphony No. 5
Leeuw, R de BBC SO
Simpson, R Symphony No. 6
Thomson, B BBC Natl O of Wales
Simpson, R Symphony No. 7
Llewellyn, G BBC Natl O of Wales
Simpson, R Volcano
Childs, R Buy as You View Band
Skempton, H Chorales
Steen, J van BBC SO
Skempton, H Lento
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Skempton, H Moon is Flashing, The
Gilchrist, J Llewellyn, G BBC Natl O of Wales
Skempton, H Only the Sound Remains, va & o
Yates, C Weeks, J Birmingham CMG
Smyth, E Double Concerto, hn, vn & o
Watkins, R/Little, T Solyom, S BBC Scot SO
Stanford, CV Irish Concertino, vn, vc & o
Hunt, F/Byrne, AD Fischer, T Ulster O
Stanford, CV Piano Concerto No. 2
Collins, F Montgomery, K Ulster O
Stanford, CV Symphony No. 5
Ollila-Hannikainen, Ulster O
Steadman-Allen, R Chorales & Tangents
Houlding, C RNCM Brass Band
Suckling, M Breathe
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Suckling, M Gemini, for 2 violas
Acad Cont Mus Ens
Suckling, M Moon, the Moon, The
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Swayne, G Pentecost Music
Steen, J van BBC Natl O of Wales
Swayne, G Symphony No. 1
Steen, J van BBC Natl O of Wales
Talbot, J Sneaker Wave
Llewellyn, G BBC Natl O of Wales
Talbot, J Trumpet Concerto
Balsom, A Faletta, J Royal Liverpool PO
Tavener, J Tears of the Angels
Fleming, C Hazlewood, C BBC Concert O
Tenney, J Form II
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Thomas, M Suite of Welsh Folksongs
cho Partington, A BBC Natl O of Wales
Tippett, M Midsummer Marriage : Dances
Davis, C BBC SO
Tippett, M Rose Lake, The
Davis, C London SO
Tomlinson, E Lakeside Idyll
Wordsworth, B BBC Concert O
Toovey, A Viola Concerto
Power, L Schefer, H BBC Scot SO
Trainer, F Violin Concerto
Mullova, V Brabbins, M BBC SO
Turnage, M-A Asteroids (3) : #1
Bell, S BBC PO
Turnage, M-A Chicago Remains
Haitink, B Chicago SO
Turnage, M-A Drowned Out
Rundell, C BBC PO
Turnage, M-A Five Views of a Mouth
Wiesner, D Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Turnage, M-A From All Sides
Volkov, I BBC Scot SO
Turnage, M-A From the Wreckage
Hardenberger, H Salonen, E-P Helsinki PO
Turnage, M-A Hammered Out
Robertson, D BBC SO
Turnage, M-A Kai, for cello & orch
Heinen, U Nelsons, A Birmingham Cont Mus
Turnage, M-A Momentum
Boreyko, A Winnipeg SO
Turnage, M-A Relic of Memory
chos Jurowski, V London PO
Turnage, M-A Riffs & Refrains, for cl & o
Collins, M Leeuw, R de Residentie O
Turnage, M-A Silent Cities
Rundell, C BBC PO
Turnage, M-A Texan Tenebrae
Alsop, M London PO
Turnage, M-A Your Rockaby
Robertson, M Slatkin, L BBC SO
Usher, C Rothko Monody
MacMillan, J BBC SO
Victory, G Olympic Festival Overture
Gutter, R Springfield SO
Victory, G Symphony No. 1
? ?
Victory, G Symphony No. 3
Pearce, C RTE SO
Vinter, G Triumphant Rhapsody
Johnson, J Camborne Band
Vinter, G Variations on a Ninth
Bartram, I WH Davis Band
Walker, R Stone King, The
MacMillan, J BBC PO
Watkins, H Double Concerto, va, vc & o
Dukes, P/Knight, J Steen, J van BBC Natl O of Wales
Watkins, H Violin Concerto
Ibragimova, A Gardner, E BBC SO
Weir, J Concrete
West, S/cho Brabbins, M BBC SO
Weir, J Forest
Ridder, A de BBC SO
Weir, J Heroic Strokes of the Bow
Ridder, A de Scottish Ch O
Weir, J Moon and Stars
BBC Singers Brabbins, M BBC SO
Weir, J Natural History
Komsi, A Solyom, S BBC Scot SO
Weir, J Piano Concerto
Pick, E Ridder, A de Guildhall Ch O
Weir, J Stars, Night, Music and Light
Goode, D/cho Belohlavek, J BBC SO
Weir, J Storm
chos Halsey, S City Birmingham SO
Weir, J Welcome Arrival of Rain, The
Ridder, A de BBC SO
Weir, J Winter Song
Ridder, A de BBC SO
White, I Island
Rose, G Ulster O
White, I Strata
Rophe, P Ulster O
Wiegold, P He is armoured without
Hultmark, T/brass Wiegold, P BBC PO
Wigglesworth, R Augenlieder
Booth, C Wigglesworth, R BBC SO
Wigglesworth, R Genesis of Secrecy, The
Davis, A BBC SO
Wigglesworth, R Sternenfall
Wigglesworth, R BBC SO
Wilby, P ...Dove Descending
Childs, N Blake Dyke Band
Wilby, P Euphonium Concerto : #2
Thornton, D Childs, N Black Dyke Band
Wilby, P Music for the Moving Image
King, D YBS Band
Wilby, P Red Priest
Childs, N Black Dyke Band
Williams, Adrian Cello Concerto
Wallfisch, R Llewellyn, G BBC Natl O Wales
Williams, Alan Quint
Rundell, C BBC PO
Williams, G Ave maris stella
Poole, J BBC Singers
Williams, G Ballads
Bronnimann, B BBC SO
Williams, G Elegy, for string orch
Bronnimann, B BBC SO
Williams, G Fairest of Stars
Tynan, A Judd, J BBC Natl O of Wales
Williams, G Penillion
Arwel Hughes, O BBC Natl O of Wales
Williams, G Sea Sketches, for strings
Otaka, T BBC Natl O of Wales
Williams, G Trumpet Concerto
Schartz, P Arwel Hughes, O BBC Natl O of Wales
Williams, G Violin Concerto
Neaman, Y Handley, V BBC Welsh SO
Wilson, I Rise
Hempel, J Ulster
Winters, E Serious Side of Madness, The
MacMillan, J BBC PO
Wood, G Brass Triumphant
Childs, R Cory Band
Wood, Haydn Manx Overture, A
Cotter, R Largo Community Band
Wood, Haydn Seafarer, The
Gunzek, M Trbovlje Sym Band
Wood, Hugh Symphony
Davis, A BBC SO
Woolrich, J After the Clock
Watkins, P Natl Youth O Sinf
Woolrich, J Another Staircase Overture
Shave, J Britten Sinfonietta
Woolrich, J Capriccio
Morton, J Scottish Ens
Woolrich, J Cello Concerto
Queryas, J-G Knussen, O City Birmingham SO
Woolrich, J Street of Crocodiles, The
Wigglesworth, R BBC SO
Woolrich, J Violin Concerto
Widmann, C Zehetmair, T Northern Sinfonia
Woolrich, J Whitel's Ey
Walker, G BBC Scot SO
Wordsworth, W Highland Overture, A
Schwarz, R BBC Scot SO
Wordsworth, W Sinfonia, for strings
Raybould, C BBC Northern SO
Wordsworth, W Symphonic Study, for strings
Philips, H string orch
Wordsworth, W Symphony No. 4
Pope, S Royal PO
Wordsworth, W Symphony No. 8
Maksymiuk, J BBC Scot SO
Wordsworth, W Symposium, for vn & ch o
Freedman, L Scottish Baroque Ens
Wordsworth, W Theme & Variations
Groves, C BBC Northern SO
So, there you go -- three files with my British broadcast holdings. I should note that much of what is here is a result of obsessively recording just about every contemporary work broadcast on BBC Radio 3 over the past five years or so (via Internet, since I'm in the USA). I can't even honestly state that I've listened to everything on the list, but it's nice to know it's there when I'm ready to. Nor is everything necessarily to my taste, at least currently, but taste can be a funny thing. The more you hear advanced works, the more your ear becomes attuned to them, and the more sense they make. So, I recorded them, with the exception of some really far out stuff (and some that were horrendously grating and didn't hold much promise). And of course, I recorded all the Late Romantic gems!
I'll be happy to entertain upload requests, within reason. Unfortunately, I have neither the time nor the storage space on Mediafire to do them all, but there are a number I was already planning on doing, such as the Havergal Brian works. And, I do want to get back to uploading Latvian music as well.
If something is not uploadable and I've overlooked the fact, please do let me know. In the meantime, enjoy browsing!
Any chance of you loading the Gipps, R Piano Concerto (complete)? Would be appreciated.
QuoteAny chance of you loading the Gipps, R Piano Concerto (complete)? Would be appreciated.
Certainly! I'll track it down and try to get it up in a day or two.
The Gregson & Woolrich Cello Concertos would especially please me.
What an impressive list! Where would one start?
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Thursday 29 December 2011, 00:20
I am very excited about the Brian items! Several of these performances are excellent - symphonies 15, 22 and 25 (I had them on tape cassette a long time ago). I'd love to hear Ave Atque Vale under Myer Fredman!
I don't understand ::)
Surely you knew that I had a recording of Symphony No.15 in its first performance by Stanley Pope ??? I could have uploaded it months ago. I MUST have told you.
I recorded all the Brian broadcast by the BBC in the 1970s. I will have No.25 as well :)
Oh well................. ;D It's uploaded now ;D ;D
Well...if we are in a "bidding war" ;D ;D
Seoirse Bodley: Symphonies Nos. 1, 2 and 3
Iain Hamilton: Jazz Trumpet Concerto
Alun Hoddinott: French Suite
Serenissima
Malcolm Lipkin: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 3
John Pickard: Symphony No.2
A.J.Potter: Symphony No.2
Humphrey Searle: Labyrinth
Gerard Victory: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 3
William Wordsworth: everything!!
I hope that short list is not too excessive ;D ;D (It could have been SOOOO much longer ;D ;D ;D)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 29 December 2011, 03:56
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Thursday 29 December 2011, 00:20
I am very excited about the Brian items! Several of these performances are excellent - symphonies 15, 22 and 25 (I had them on tape cassette a long time ago). I'd love to hear Ave Atque Vale under Myer Fredman!
I don't understand ::)
Surely you knew that I had a recording of Symphony No.15 in its first performance by Stanley Pope ??? I could have uploaded it months ago. I MUST have told you.
I recorded all the Brian broadcast by the BBC in the 1970s. I will have No.25 as well :)
Oh well................. ;D It's uploaded now ;D ;D
It
is strange I never asked. Perhaps because I still had my cassette player a few years ago... Thanks!
Latvian - what a wonderful catalogue. I would certainly echo the following 'requests':
Quote from: dschfan on Thursday 29 December 2011, 02:12Any chance of you loading the Gipps, R Piano Concerto (complete)? Would be appreciated.
Quote from: Greg K on Thursday 29 December 2011, 02:38
The Gregson & Woolrich Cello Concertos would especially please me.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 29 December 2011, 04:22Seoirse Bodley: Symphonies Nos. 1, 2 and 3
Iain Hamilton: Jazz Trumpet Concerto
Alun Hoddinott: French Suite
Serenissima
Malcolm Lipkin: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 3
John Pickard: Symphony No.2
A.J.Potter: Symphony No.2
Humphrey Searle: Labyrinth
Gerard Victory: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 3
William Wordsworth: [Highland Overture; Sinfonia; Symphonic Study; Symposium; Theme and Variations]
There are, unfortunately, so many names on your list about whom I am in complete ignorance, but I would hope that it might be possible to also consider:
Bedford - Symphony No.1
Butterworth - Trumpet Concerto
Casken - Symphony; Violin Concerto
Fricker - Symphony No.2; Violin Concerto No.2
Gregson - Clarinet Concerto; Dream Song; Saxophone Concerto; Trombone Concerto
Harty - The Mystic Trumpeter
Lutyens - Chorale; Music for Orchestra II; Music for Orchestra IV; Nox; Rondel
Mathias - Psalm 150
Musgrave - Aurora; Concerto for Orchestra; Rainbow; Song of the Enchanter
Swayne - Symphony No.1
:)
From Dundonnell -
Havergal Brian (1876-1972) - Symphony No.15 in A major (1960); Symphony No.25 in A minor (1965-66)
These were first performances: No.15 was recorded in 1976 and broadcast two years later (the same concert also included the premieres of Symphonies Nos.13 and 17 - both already in the archive). No.25 was also recorded in Brian's centenary year.
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
From Dundonnell -
Havergal Brian (1876-1972) - Symphony No.2 in E minor (1930-31)
The sound on this recording of Mackerras' 1979 broadcast, in spite of some tape 'woosh', has more presence and clarity than the transcription already in the archive.
:)
Many thanks for the three Brianic additions! I'm going to check No. 2 at once.
QuoteLatvian - what a wonderful catalogue. I would certainly echo the following 'requests':
Quote from: dschfan on Today at 02:12
Any chance of you loading the Gipps, R Piano Concerto (complete)? Would be appreciated.
Quote from: Greg K on Today at 02:38
The Gregson & Woolrich Cello Concertos would especially please me.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Today at 04:22
Seoirse Bodley: Symphonies Nos. 1, 2 and 3
Iain Hamilton: Jazz Trumpet Concerto
Alun Hoddinott: French Suite
Serenissima
Malcolm Lipkin: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 3
John Pickard: Symphony No.2
A.J.Potter: Symphony No.2
Humphrey Searle: Labyrinth
Gerard Victory: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 3
William Wordsworth: [Highland Overture; Sinfonia; Symphonic Study; Symposium; Theme and Variations]
There are, unfortunately, so many names on your list about whom I am in complete ignorance, but I would hope that it might be possible to also consider:
Bedford - Symphony No.1
Butterworth - Trumpet Concerto
Casken - Symphony; Violin Concerto
Fricker - Symphony No.2; Violin Concerto No.2
Gregson - Clarinet Concerto; Dream Song; Saxophone Concerto; Trombone Concerto
Harty - The Mystic Trumpeter
Lutyens - Chorale; Music for Orchestra II; Music for Orchestra IV; Nox; Rondel
Mathias - Psalm 150
Musgrave - Aurora; Concerto for Orchestra; Rainbow; Song of the Enchanter
Swayne - Symphony No.1
OK, I will endeavor to fulfill requests as time and availability permit!
Hello Latvian,
What a wonderful list :D
My hope are Symphonies by Arnell and Bate. If it is possible...
Haydn Wood is always good. Didn't any other familiar names in the 'light music' realm though.
Latvian
That's a great collection you have there. I would particularly like to hear the symphony by William Baines, if you have time to upload it.
The upload with all those Brian pieces links to the zip of the Groves conducted version of the Gothic, not all the rest of those.
QuoteThe upload with all those Brian pieces links to the zip of the Groves conducted version of the Gothic, not all the rest of those.
Thanks for letting me know. The correct URL is now there!
Update on the movements of Gipps 5- a source gives the movement headers in full (I previously had just the finale, Missa brevis for Orchestra.., maybe others had the rest too but...) -
Sym 5 (dedicated to William Walton) 1982 prem. 1983
#Allegro vivace- Maestoso
#Andante
#Scherzo
#Finale: Missa brevis for Orchestra
(from Wright's Gipps PDF, so it wasn't hard to find - that said I hope in turn that it's reliable. The first movement is a bit more complicated than Allegro vivace-- Maestoso actually and the third probably has some indication other than just Scherzo, at a guess.)
A whole lorry load of fantastic new British Music uploads in the last 24 hours ;D ;D
It is hard to know where to start in thanking those who have uploaded. John(Albion) is away for the weekend; otherwise he would be posting, quite properly, ahead of me.
Latvian has uploaded a quite marvellous collection of Havergal Brian and I know for certain one Dutch member of this site who will be absolutely ecstatic to hear some of these recordings.
I know that I am excited to hear the English Suite No.4 at last, the Fredman versions of Symphony No.22 and Ave atque vale plus the Newstone Symphony No.30 and the Igloi version of the Cello Concerto.
I should point out that Latvian has uploaded Symphony No.15(Stanley Pope)-which I uploaded a few days ago-and Symphony No.22(Heltay)-which is also already in the British Music Collection. :)
Albion will obviously want to make a decision on which are the best recorded of the duplicate versions. I am certainly perfectly happy to cede my recording of the 15th symphony if Latvian's recording is superior ;D
Also great thanks to Sicmu for the Lipkin Symphony No.2 and the Naftel-a completely new composer to me.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Sunday 01 January 2012, 15:58
Latvian has uploaded a quite marvellous collection of Havergal Brian and I know for certain one Dutch member of this site who will be absolutely ecstatic to hear some of these recordings.
I know that I am excited to hear the English Suite No.4 at last, the Fredman versions of Symphony No.22 and Ave atque vale plus the Newstone Symphony No.30 and the Igloi version of the Cello Concerto.
I should point out that Latvian has uploaded Symphony No.15(Stanley Pope)-which I uploaded a few days ago-and Symphony No.22(Heltay)-which is also already in the British Music Collection. :)
Albion will obviously want to make a decision on which are the best recorded of the duplicate versions. I am certainly perfectly happy to cede my recording of the 15th symphony if Latvian's recording is superior ;D
Did someone mention me?... Yes, I'm extremely glad to see these uploads appear in due course [Latvian:
OK, I will endeavor to fulfill requests as time and availability permit!]! Btw, John Pickard's Symphony No. 2 is a very interesting piece, too...
I have recordings from the 1970s of the following Havergal Brian Symphonies:
Nos. 4, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31 and 32
I am perfectly willing to upload in the possibility that they may be better in sound quality than the versions currently on the site.
Nos. 31 and 32 will be new additions :)
I shall not take offence if any or all are deemed inferior ;D ;D ;D
QuoteI should point out that Latvian has uploaded Symphony No.15(Stanley Pope)-which I uploaded a few days ago-and Symphony No.22(Heltay)-which is also already in the British Music Collection. :)
Albion will obviously want to make a decision on which are the best recorded of the duplicate versions. I am certainly perfectly happy to cede my recording of the 15th symphony if Latvian's recording is superior
Somehow I overlooked that these two recordings were already on the site...
If the earlier downloads are preferable to mine for the broadcast archive, I have no problem with that!
To confirm, the following are now in the archive and catalogue:
from Latvian -
Havergal Brian (1876-1972) - Psalm 23 (1901, reconstructed 1945); English Suite No.3 (1919); English Suite No.4 (1921); Comedy Overture, The Tinker's Wedding (1948); English Suite No.5 (1953); Comedy Overture, The Jolly Miller (1962); Cello Concerto (1964); Concerto for Orchestra (1964); Symphony No.22, Symphonia Brevis (1964-65); Symphony No.30 (Sinfonia in B flat minor) (1967); Ave atque vale (1968)
Many of these Havergal Brian performances are premieres, including Ave atque vale (a recording which, according to both Malcolm Macdonald and the Havergal Brian Society, was not actually broadcast);
from Sicmu -
Malcolm Lipkin (b.1932) - Symphony No.2, The Pursuit (1975-79)
Frederick Naftel (b.1956) - Concerto No.2 for Orchestra (1978-82)
Many thanks to both members.
:)
As regular members will be aware, Dundonnell recently sent his personal recording of Havergal Brian's Symphony No.15 (1960), a first performance which was part of the remarkable concert given by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under Stanley Pope on 23rd June 1976 (broadcast on 14th May 1978).
This exceptional event also contained two further world premieres, those of Symphony No.13 (1959) and Symphony No.17 (1960-61). Recordings of these latter two were already in the archive, but I have decided to also utilise Colin's alternative recordings which have less hiss and also preserve the historic announcements.
Many thanks.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Monday 02 January 2012, 14:24
As regular members will be aware, Dundonnell recently sent his personal recording of Havergal Brian's Symphony No.15 (1960), a first performance which was part of the remarkable concert given by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under Stanley Pope on 23rd June 1976 (broadcast on 14th May 1978).
This exceptional event also contained two further world premieres, those of Symphony No.13 (1959) and Symphony No.17 (1960-61). Recordings of these latter two were already in the archive, but I have decided to utilise Colin's alternative recordings which have less hiss and also preserve the historic announcements.
Many thanks.
:)
I have another
twelve Brian symphonies on tape from the 1970s which MAY be also worth considering as alternative recordings.
I shall digitise these over the next week and send them in instalments to Albion for his consideration ;D
Quote from: Albion on Monday 02 January 2012, 14:24
As regular members will be aware, Dundonnell recently sent his personal recording of Havergal Brian's Symphony No.15 (1960), a first performance which was part of the remarkable concert given by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under Stanley Pope on 23rd June 1976 (broadcast on 14th May 1978).
This exceptional event also contained two further world premieres, those of Symphony No.13 (1959) and Symphony No.17 (1960-61). Recordings of these latter two were already in the archive, but I have decided to utilise Colin's alternative recordings which have less hiss and also preserve the historic announcements.
Many thanks.
:)
Well, compare and contrast time! Thanks.
Further Havergal Brian broadcasts from Dundonnell - Symphony No.29 in E flat (1967), Symphony No.31 (1968) and Symphony No.32 in A flat (1968).
Full details can be found in the annotated catalogue.
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Monday 02 January 2012, 19:35
Further Havergal Brian broadcasts from Dundonnell - Symphony No.29 in E flat (1967), Symphony No.31 (1968) and Symphony No.32 in A flat (1968).
Full details can be found in the annotated catalogue.
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
The first broadcast performance of Symphony No.29 was by the
Philharmonia Orchestra(not the BBC Symphony Orchestra as listed in the British Music catalogue) :)
Thanks, Colin - oversight duly corrected.
;)
Wow! I see a lot of new Brian additions, and not only by Dundonnell, but those promised by Latvian, too. Many many thanks!!
P.S. Listening to Latvian's recording of Brian's English Suite No. 3, by the Kensington Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leslie Head, played on 28 January 1971, at. St John's, Smith Square, London. Not faultless, but very enthusiastic playing! It's great to be able to hear another performance.
Question: according to the HBS website, the Legend Ave Atque Vale had its first performance on 1 April 1973 in a BBC recording (London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman), which was not broadcast... So what is the performance we have here? The HBS lists only one other, public, performance, by the Orange County High School for the Arts Symphony Orchestra, conductor Christopher Russell [Meng Concert Hall, OCHSA, Orange County, California USA], on 24 Ocrober 2004...
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Monday 02 January 2012, 23:36Question: according to the HBS website, the Legend Ave Atque Vale had its first performance on 1 April 1973 in a BBC recording (London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman), which was not broadcast... So what is the performance we have here?
This was noted in reply #1012 above. It would certainly not be impossible for an unbroadcast studio recording to enter circulation by an alternative route, perhaps a transcription originally made for the conductor or requested by another individual with a view to a potential (unrealised) future performance. The recording appears to be of the right vintage and certainly seems to be played by a professional body, so I am willing to accept the attribution.
:)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1BI084_s4c/TZUKVjxcoiI/AAAAAAAABaQ/LKEqLwiXNww/s1600/first-birthday.jpg)
Seems like it's been there half my life...
Congratulations, Albion!
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 03 January 2012, 08:13
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Monday 02 January 2012, 23:36Question: according to the HBS website, the Legend Ave Atque Vale had its first performance on 1 April 1973 in a BBC recording (London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman), which was not broadcast... So what is the performance we have here?
This was noted in reply #1012 above. It would certainly not be impossible for an unbroadcast studio recording to enter circulation by an alternative route, perhaps a transcription originally made for the conductor or requested by another individual with a view to a potential (unrealised) future performance. The recording appears to be of the right vintage and certainly seems to be played by a professional body, so I am willing to accept the attribution.
:)
Ah, thank you. And sorry for not noting post #1012... But the mind tends to get a bit unfocused when you are in the throes of - pardon my neologism - a havergasm.
UC only one year old?! Congrats!
Yes, happy birthday, long may UC reign! And I shall be using the word "Havergasm"!
Many thanks for the kind comments!
On with the show: a work that divides even the Havergal Brianites - Symphony No.4, Das Siegeslied (1932-33): Dundonnell has provided his personal recording of the John Poole broadcast, which I have added to the archive.
This is an alternative to the very boomy transcription taken from the Aries LP (1621). Although there are a couple of minor imperfections (including very occasional 'rocket firework' interference) on the whole this 'new version' brings a gain in clarity and immediacy.
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
UC is waaaay older than one year. I think Albion is marking his first anniversary on the Forum. A LOT of changes have transpired this year.
Quote from: JimL on Tuesday 03 January 2012, 12:38I think Albion is marking his first anniversary on the Forum.
First anniversary of BMB (Cipriani Potter Symphonies initially uploaded 3rd January 2011).
:)
I may have missed mention of the Brian symphonies 6, 8 and 9, but I notice they are missing from BMB, enough to drive an obsessive completist addictive musicomaniac to dypsomania (more). Can someone remind me of what discussion I may have missed? Thanks, Arbuckle
Quote from: Arbuckle on Tuesday 03 January 2012, 18:47I may have missed mention of the Brian symphonies 6, 8 and 9, but I notice they are missing from BMB, enough to drive an obsessive completist addictive musicomaniac to dypsomania (more). Can someone remind me of what discussion I may have missed? Thanks, Arbuckle
They are probably missing because of the availability of the following excellent commercially-available recordings and downloads - No.6 [and No.16] (Lyrita, Fredman), No.8 (EMI, Groves and HBS, Schwarz) and No.9 (EMI, Groves and Dutton, Del Mar).
:)
Thanks!
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 03 January 2012, 10:09
Many thanks for the kind comments!
On with the show: a work that divides even the Havergal Brianites - Symphony No.4, Das Siegeslied (1932-33): Dundonnell has provided his personal recording of the John Poole broadcast, which I have added to the archive.
This replaces a very boomy transcription taken from the Aries LP (1621). Although there are a couple of minor imperfections (including very occasional 'rocket firework' interference) on the whole this 'new version' brings a gain in clarity and immediacy.
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
I can't keep up! :)
Later: yes, the recording has more clarity, there is more detail there. I don't mind the occasional interference.
Later still: I must say what a difference a performance makes -
Ave Atque Vale under Myer Fredman is a much more substantial piece than on the Toccata CD (vol. 1)... Now you can hear its kinship with symphonies 27-32 far more clearly.
Ave Atque Vale is also now available on Toccata, with various other interesting bits of orchestral music. An excellent performance with Garry Walker
Dundonnell has sent his personal recordings of two more Havergal Brian works -
Symphony No.19 in E minor (1961) and Symphony No.26 (1966)
After lengthy comparison between these and the files already in the archive (now both labelled copy 1), there are points in favour of each: given the importance of these premiere broadcasts in the history of Brian-performance I have decided to include Colin's versions as alternatives (now both labelled copy 2) rather than replacements.
Many thanks.
:)
I'll check them out later. Many thanks to you both, Albion and Colin.
The final Havergal Brian broadcasts from Dundonnell's collection have been added - Symphony No.23 (1965) and Symphony No.28 (Sinfonia in C minor) (1967), with Stokowski's controversial reading of No.28 in a good recorded sound.
These can now be found in the archive and are once again presented with the appellation copy 2.
Many thanks, Colin.
:)
Justin case it gets lost, can I call attention to the very welcome recent upload of the Symphony 2 by Malcolm Lipkin. Haven't heard any of his music for years, and what I had heard had been fairly minor pieces, so I was completely unprepared for music of such controlled vehemence and searing passion - a really gripping piece, which in a fairer world would have received much greater acclaim. But so much music, and so little time to hear....
I've just had a complete listen-through of all the Havergal Brian I can get hold of, including, of course, many many from here, and I would like to say a huge thank-you to all the uploaders for making that possible. As someone else once pointed out, even Brian himself never got to hear all of his symphonies.
Quote from: Jimfin on Friday 06 January 2012, 10:00
I've just had a complete listen-through of all the Havergal Brian I can get hold of, including, of course, many many from here, and I would like to say a huge thank-you to all the uploaders for making that possible. As someone else once pointed out, even Brian himself never got to hear all of his symphonies.
Join the (small?) club! Any works that stood out, or are you still digesting them?...
Well, many of the early symphonies are very well known to me and have been since I was a teenager. The least familiar are nos. 21-29. I really enjoyed the Stokowski 28, but it will take a long time to digest all those works. I still love nos. 3, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 31. I also really enjoyed 'The Tigers' a lot, having only known the orchestral extracts for years. Particularly the full version of the 'Kelly' variations in the Prologue. I still pray for better performances of many works: Brian absolutely needs it! The Toccata operas release makes me long to hear 'Faust', 'Turandot' and 'The Cenci' in full.
Quote from: Jimfin on Friday 06 January 2012, 10:48
Well, many of the early symphonies are very well known to me and have been since I was a teenager. The least familiar are nos. 21-29. I really enjoyed the Stokowski 28, but it will take a long time to digest all those works. I still love nos. 3, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 31. I also really enjoyed 'The Tigers' a lot, having only known the orchestral extracts for years. Particularly the full version of the 'Kelly' variations in the Prologue. I still pray for better performances of many works: Brian absolutely needs it! The Toccata operas release makes me long to hear 'Faust', 'Turandot' and 'The Cenci' in full.
From the 21-29 I'd pick 22, 24, 27 and 28 as real 'winners'. I agree - Brian needs good performances. Let's hope Marttyn Brabbins and Gary Walker get many more opportunities to show us how good Brian's music actually can sound.
I am absolutely delighted to have made my contribution to the Havergal Brian collection on this site :)
My recordings were made at the time of broadcast back in the 1970s and have not been heard by anyone(including me ;D) for around 35 long years.
That the tapes have stood the test of time is both a miracle and a testimony to the quality of the Agfa tapes of that time-not all older technology was worthless ;D
The sound quality varies from symphony to symphony depending, I suspect, on the circumstances in which they were recorded but I am very pleased that most are considered either as worthy replacements for the previous versions on this site or as at least worth keeping alongside existing versions as alternatives.
Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that these tapes would ever again see the light of day, let alone that I could share recordings made in my younger days with a worldwide community :) :)
Quote from: Dylan on Friday 06 January 2012, 09:15
Justin case it gets lost, can I call attention to the very welcome recent upload of the Symphony 2 by Malcolm Lipkin. Haven't heard any of his music for years, and what I had heard had been fairly minor pieces, so I was completely unprepared for music of such controlled vehemence and searing passion - a really gripping piece, which in a fairer world would have received much greater acclaim. But so much music, and so little time to hear....
I share your delight in being now able to hear the Lipkin Symphony No.2. Lipkin is another of those living British composers so sadly neglected.
I should also point out that I did upload Lipkin's
Violin Concerto No.2 some time ago and it is also available here.
For those interested to learn more about Lipkin and his music-
http://www.malcolmlipkin.co.uk/ (http://www.malcolmlipkin.co.uk/)
More files from paul corfield godfrey -
Alan Bush (1900-1995) - The Sugar Reapers (1962-65) - excerpts
Christopher Headington (1930-1996) - A Clouded Starre (1979)
Nicholas Maw (1935-2009) - Scenes and Arias (1962); Sinfonia for Chamber Orchestra (1966); Serenade (1973, rev.1977); The World in the Evening (1991); Romantic Variations (1995)
Richard Blackford (b. 1954) - Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (1977)
and something by the contributor himself ...
Paul Corfield Godfrey (b.1950) - Folksong Arrangements for Male Voice Choir, Op.17 - Waly Waly
As with the other valuable Alan Bush opera files (provided by Paul) in the archive, there is an excellent introduction to the work on the Bush Society site here - http://www.alanbushtrust.org.uk/music/operas/reapers.asp?room=Music (http://www.alanbushtrust.org.uk/music/operas/reapers.asp?room=Music)
Many thanks, Paul.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 10 January 2012, 20:58
More files from paul corfield godfrey -
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Thanks for this one in particular! :)
I taped it back in the 70s from the LP, which I borrowed from Brighton Public Library, and haven't heard it for at least 25 years! I always thought the magical Introduction promised rather more than was subsequently delivered but it was nonetheless enjoyable. Now I can listen once again, with an (almost) innocent ear! ;D
Further additions from paul corfield godfrey -
Ian Parrott (b.1916) - Song in a Saloon Bar (1963)
Bernard Stevens (1916-1983) - Introduction, Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Giles Farnaby, Op.47 (1972)
Malcolm Williamson (1931-2003) - Julius Caesar Jones (1965-66)
Many thanks, Paul.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 03 January 2012, 19:30
Quote from: Arbuckle on Tuesday 03 January 2012, 18:47I may have missed mention of the Brian symphonies 6, 8 and 9, but I notice they are missing from BMB, enough to drive an obsessive completist addictive musicomaniac to dypsomania (more). Can someone remind me of what discussion I may have missed? Thanks, Arbuckle
They are probably missing because of the availability of the following excellent commercially-available recordings and downloads - No.6 [and No.16] (Lyrita, Fredman), No.8 (EMI, Groves and HBS, Schwarz) and No.9 (EMI, Groves and Dutton, Del Mar).
:)
I concurr with the above request, esp for 6 and 16.
A propos Blackford's Sir Gawain, unfortunately I think we only have half the work in the downloads - perhaps just Side 1 of the LP? :( :(
The full work is over an hour in length. ::)
Albion - is there any chance of getting the rest? ;)
And, would anybody like high resolution jpgs of the front and back of the LP? They can easily be found on the web, but I'll upload them for convenience.
Quote from: semloh on Wednesday 11 January 2012, 09:43A propos Blackford's Sir Gawain, unfortunately I think we only have half the work in the downloads - perhaps just Side 1 of the LP? :( :(
The full work is over an hour in length.
Thanks - I'll get back to Paul on this matter.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 11 January 2012, 10:45
Quote from: semloh on Wednesday 11 January 2012, 09:43A propos Blackford's Sir Gawain, unfortunately I think we only have half the work in the downloads - perhaps just Side 1 of the LP? :( :(
The full work is over an hour in length.
Thanks - I'll get back to Paul on this matter.
:)
Paul has now sent a replacement file which should be complete.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 11 January 2012, 22:31
Paul has now sent a replacement file which should be complete.
:)
I am most grateful.... :) :)
Re Denis Vaughan's Benjamin Frankel 5 - at a guess but of course not certainly, maybe it was in a concert with the premiere of the same composer's 6th - same conductor, same orchestra,
BBC studio concert, Broad casting House, 23rd March, 1969?
(http://www.musicweb-international.com/frankel/works.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/frankel/works.htm))
Well if it was then it would have been a re-broadcast of the 5th only because I would have but did not record the 6th.
Further in re Benjamin Frankel - did a bit further checking and summarizing :) (since this information is since not certain, not available in the other subsubforum) ... :
Denis Vaughan performed the 5th symphony, 6th symphony and viola concerto of Frankel, 23rd March 1969 at BBC Maida Vale Studios with the New Philharmonia Orchestra. It was the premiere of the 6th and the British premiere of the 5th. According to communication with Mr. Kennaway (the composer's stepson), this was-- as far as he knows-- the only performance by Vaughan of any of these three works with any orchestra. Much of that information is also available on a few websites (Chester, Musicweb, Schirmer, etc.)
Personal opinion: of Frankel's 8 symphonies, the 5th symphony is among the more accessible but also an excellent work (to speak "technically" two movements are serial and one isn't, but the whole thing makes me think a little - general affect - of works composed several decades earlier. Maybe because the very opening makes me think of Mahler's 9th likewise, and the earlier violin concerto several better-known violin concertos ... but- that's just me... I don't think this is a connection likely to be shared. That said again, I think they're fine works worth hearing and recommend too the suite from his film score The Night of the Iguana (on cpo), compiled by the same Mr. Kennaway, and good and memorable and striking.
Eric
From britishcomposer, in direct response to a member's request -
Nicholas Maw (1935-2009) - String Sextet, Melodies from Drama (2007)
This was the European premiere of one of Maw's final works.
Many thanks.
:)
Yes, thank you very much.
Re Brian: fairly sure we should be trying to find some other performance for symphonies 10 and 21 if at all possible I think... :(
Quote from: eschiss1 on Sunday 15 January 2012, 10:50
Re Brian: fairly sure we should be trying to find some other performance for symphonies 10 and 21 if at all possible I think... :(
Brabbins has given us a new performance of No. 10 last year, on the Dutton label - an excellent CD, which also contains Symphony No. 30, the Concerto for Orchestra and English Suite No. 3. Recommended unreservedly!
http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDLX7267 (http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDLX7267)
(http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/prodimages/7267.gif)
ah right, thanks for the reminder!
Quote from: JollyRoger on Monday 16 January 2012, 04:34
I Listened to symphonies 3 and 4 of Thomas Wilson and I think it is some of the most powerful and moving music I have ever heard.
Because you were so enthusiastic I gave it a go, and listened to the 3rd symphony. Gosh, this is
not my kind of music!! :o :o For me, it was just scraping and whining, and popping and crashing - I'd rather watch paint dry! ;D ;D
I am amazed and genuinely delighted that you (and obviously others) are moved by the music, JollyRoger, and I say all this only to reinforce, again, how wonderfully diverse musical tastes are. ;)
Quote from: Albion on Monday 16 January 2012, 09:30
I have uploaded my copy of
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) - The Tempest - Incidental Music (1861-62)
This recording was made in 1955 by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra under F Charles Adler with the soprano Patricia Brinton (double-tracked in the duet Honour, riches) and issued by Unicorn on LP the following year. This copy is transcribed from a tape.
Although the choral contributions to Come unto these yellow sands and Honour, riches are omitted this is the only recording which gives the (more or less) complete score.
:)
Sorry to say that this appears to be available as a commercial CD, Albion.
See: http://gasdisc.oakapplepress.com/sullinst-adler.htm
Quote from: semloh on Monday 16 January 2012, 12:13Sorry to say that this appears to be available as a commercial CD, Albion. See: http://gasdisc.oakapplepress.com/sullinst-adler.htm
Thanks for this information about a very obscure CD release - the file has now been removed.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Monday 16 January 2012, 12:31
Quote from: semloh on Monday 16 January 2012, 12:13Sorry to say that this appears to be available as a commercial CD, Albion. See: http://gasdisc.oakapplepress.com/sullinst-adler.htm
Thanks for this information about a very obscure CD release - the file has now been removed.
:)
Yes, obscure indeed. I am always amazed at how these folk manage to obtain the rights. Interesting about it being the complete incidental music. The Sir Vivian Dunn recording of the Suite, at about 25 minutes, which I have on LP, is old and wavering but every note is music that brightens one's day! ;D
Re Crosse:
apparently Cadensa lists other recordings of For the Unfallen (listed as For the Unfellen - Hrm) and for the 2nd violin concerto - the first given as first broadcast performance, 1969, with the same vocalist, Alan Civil, horn, and Sir Charles Groves conducting. For the 2nd violin concerto no date is given but conductor Colin Davis (same violinist however) listed. Be interesting to augment the archives with these if not commercially available :)
If Cadensa is right, the performance we have of Crosse's "Play Ground" was probably recorded March 2nd 1978 in Manchester.
From mikben -
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) - Princess Ida; or, Castle Adamant (1884)
This is from the 1989 broadcast series of the complete Gilbert and Sullivan canon (with dialogue) and is Charles Mackerras' sole recording of one of Sullivan's finest theatre scores (including the often-omitted Come, Mighty Must sung by Lady Blanche).
Many thanks indeed.
;D
Delighted to make the re-acquaintance of Gawain and The Green Knight: I agree with an earlier poster that maybe it sags here and there, but nevertheless I love it, flaws and all. Indeed I've hung on to my LP for years, even though I no longer have a record deck on which to play it (!) as I just couldn't bear to part with it (Recently offered it and a couple of other LPs for transcription to members who have decks, but without interest.) Nothing else by Richard Blackford since has touched me in the same way, although he's certainly been prolific: the setting of the Coventry Carol at the end I find almost unbearably poignant!
attempting to add detail to the Joubert listings in the BMB folder, I notice that Cadensa lists a (maybe not the one we have) recording of Joubert's Déploration as having been broadcast, along with his 2nd symphony (perhaps the same recording, again) on "19892". Does that mean February 1989, unknown date?... (fwiw the broadcast "code" of the recording itself is "T3416BW".) No luck via that source it seems with the Sinfonietta - under Thomson and Sinfonietta Cadensa lists only a recording by that conductor and orchestra of one by (Gordon) Jacob, for instance...
Does anybody have the movement titles for the Foulds Cello Concerto? Are they posted somewhere in this thread, or on the downloads themselves? Also, I have a question. Are you sure it's in G? Because when I compare it with some other works in my iTunes it sounds more like it's in A-flat. Was it recorded on a R2R that was a little slow, and played back on one that was more up to speed?
I haven't been able to find the movement titles for it in several places looked, but several sources seem to agree that the Foulds is in G, I think. Have to keep looking, I guess...
Quote from: Latvian on Saturday 31 December 2011, 22:45
Havergal Brian (1876-1972)
Psalm 23 (1901, reconstructed 1945)
Paul Taylor, tenor
Brighton Festival Chorus
Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra
Laszlo Heltay, conductor
[recorded in 1974]
English Suite No. 3 (1919-21)
Ancient Village
Epithalamium
Postillions
The Stonebreaker
Merry Peasant
Kensington Symphony Orchestra
Leslie Head, conductor
[concert performance, Jan. 28, 1971]
English Suite No. 4 "Kindergarten" (c.1921)
Thank You
Where is He?
Seeing or Nothing
The Man With a Gun
Jingle
The Lame Duck
Gentle Bunny
Death of Bunny
Ashanti Battle Song
The First Orchestra of George Heriot's School
Martin Rutherford, conductor
[premiere, July 5, 1977]
The Tinker's Wedding (comedy overture, 1948)
Fulham Municipal Orchestra
Josef Vandernoot, conductor [concert performance, Feb. 12, 1972]
[i]English Suite No. 5 "Rustic Scenes"[/i] (1953)
Trotting to Market
Reverie
The Restless Stream
Village Revels
Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra
Eric Pinkett, conductor
[recorded in 1974]
Symphony No. 15 in A major (1960)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Stanley Pope, conductor
[recorded for broadcast, June 23, 1976]
The Jolly Miller (comedy overture, 1962)
Garden State Philharmonic Orchestra
Robert Fitzpatrick, conductor
[American premiere, Nov. 13, 1976]
Cello Concerto (1964)
Alla breve
Adagio con molto passione
Moderato; Allegro
Thomas Igloi, cello
Polyphonia Orchestra
Sir Adrian Boult, conductor
[premiere, July 19, 1971]
Concerto for Orchestra (1964)
City of Leeds College of Music Symphony Orchestra
Joseph Stones, conductor
[premiere, Apr. 12, 1975]
Symphony No. 22 "Symphonia brevis" (1964-65)
Maestoso e ritmico
Tempo di marcia e ritmico; Adagio Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Myer Fredman, conductor
[premiere, Mar. 28, 1971]
Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra
Laszlo Heltay, conductor
[recorded in 1974]
Symphony No. 30 in B-flat minor "Sinfonia" (1967)
Lento
Moderato commodo e leggiero
New Philharmonia Orchestra
Harry Newstone, conductor
[premiere, Sep. 24, 1976]
Ave atque vale (1968)
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Myer Fredman, conductor [premiere, Apr. 1, 1973]
http://www.mediafire.com/?g2395qcq6p9ye (http://www.mediafire.com/?g2395qcq6p9ye)
From a variety of sources -- LPs, BBC Radio 3 broadcasts, and private recordings. None ever issued or reissued commercially.
The 2 LSSO LPs - the works marked above in bold plus the 1972 coupling of symphonies 10 and 21 - have been fully restored in excellent sound and can be found at the link below. The official CD of 10/21 never sounded very good. This LP restoration is much warmer and sounds more like the LP but without the clicks . The CBS LP was always very toppy and fierce. This new transfer has sorted this out extremely well. As a former LSSO player I made my own half decent transfers from the vinyl but these pro refurbs are in a different league. The restorations now on offer are really superb.
Here's the link:
http://www.klassichaus.us/
John Foulds Cello Concerto in G major:
1. Allegretto piacevole
2. Adagio molto
3. Impetuoso
Thanks, Colin!
P.S. Perhaps the transfer from whatever the original medium was to the computer to MediaFire upped the tonality by about a half-step. Or maybe a microtone? ;)
Probably already mentioned, but the Holbrooke bassoon quintet recording was perhaps the one listed at Cadensa from 9 May 1956 (same personnel anyway, Gwydion Brooke/Aeolian Quartet).
From Latvian -
Malcolm Lipkin (b.1932) - Symphony No. 3, The Sun (1992)
Many thanks.
:)
QuoteMalcolm Lipkin (b.1932) - Symphony No. 3, The Sun (1992)
One small correction -- I just noticed that Lipkin's website lists the date of this work as 1979-86, not 1992.
Thanks, duly corrected.
:)
Indeed, Many Thanks to Latvian for the Lipkin Symphony No.3 :).......and what a fine work it is :) Any lovers of Robert Simpson, for example, would take to it I am pretty sure.
How splendid that this British composer who has been largely ignored by the record companies should be represented now on this site by two out of his three symphonies and by his Second Violin Concerto.
Lipkin has also written a Symphony No.1 "Sinfonia da Roma"(1958-65), a Piano Concerto(1957), Violin Concerto No.1(1951-52), Flute Concerto(1974), Oboe Concerto(1988-89) and Psalm 96 for choprus and orchestra(1969).
Composer's website-
http://www.malcolmlipkin.co.uk/ (http://www.malcolmlipkin.co.uk/)
Isn't it one of these odd quirks of fate that a British composer like Lipkin should be virtually ignored while a composer like David Matthews should currently be enjoying should a vast amount of attention (comparatively speaking, that is ;D). Lipkin is 80 this year so................ ???
I have a recording of Matthews' and Lipkin's piano trios- I regret to say that neither of them has grabbed me as yet, but that is how goes with me (and as yet.)
Some recent broadcasts which I specifically requested have been very kindly provided by mikehopf -
Georges Jacobi (1840-1906): excerpts from the ballets The Swans (1884), Oriella (1891) and Carmen (1879)
Jacobi, together with Leopold Wenzel (1847-1923), supplied ballet music to audiences in late-Victorian London at a time when native composers (with the exception of Arthur Sullivan) had little or no interest in the genre. Jacobi was Music Director (and chief composer for) The Alhambra Theatre of Varieties from 1871-1898, with Wenzel occupying the equivalent position at The Empire, another Variety Theatre also in Leicester Square (from 1889).
Although Wenzel was Italian and Jacobi, born in Germany, worked in Paris during the 1860s, both spent the most prominent part of their working careers writing for the London stage (with Jacobi also providing a considerable quantity of incidental music for plays at theatres including the Lyceum, where he collaborated on several occasions with Hamilton Clarke).
This largely-forgotten aspect of British musical theatre was the subject of a programme on Radio 3 on New Year's Eve, which is still available on iplayer - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018mp1j.html (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018mp1j.html)
Many thanks, Mike
:)
Quote from: Albion on Monday 23 January 2012, 09:11
Some recent broadcasts which I specifically requested have been very kindly provided by mikehopf -
Georges Jacobi (1840-1906): excerpts from the ballets The Swans (1884), Oriella (1891) and Carmen (1897)
Many thanks, Mike
:)
Hear, hear! Thank you, indeed, Mike! :) :)
Broadcast of Joubert's Deploration (together with Symphony No 2, NZSO, composer) I have as 2.9.80.
Thanks for this broadcast date.
:)
A good while after initially downloading it, I've finally found time to listen to the very welcome recording of Cyril Rootham's 2nd Symphony...
The little I know of Roothams music is down to two extant cds; the EMI/Hickox of orchestral miniatures, which includes some absolute gems, not least Adonis and the Stolen Child; inward, grave, tender pieces of great beauty. By contrast the Lyrita disc of his 1st Symphony reveals a bluff, breezy extrovert piece, somewhere on the Bax-VW-Moeran axis, all tweeds and pipe-smoke, with a particularly stirring folk-like theme churning through it like a rough wind on the Downs.. I've loved both discs ever since acquiring them, and have longed for many years to hear the 2nd Symphony. So sitting down to listen to his final work, I was not at all sure what to expect, although I had read the word "apocalyptic" in association with the piece....And having now listened to it, I'm still not at all sure what I've just heard! One or two mildly allegro moments apart, I think this may be the least overtly dramatic symphony I've ever heard; it's almost completely placid throughout, with barely a ripple on its surface. VW famously described his 3rd Symphony as being "in 4 movements, all of them slow," but by comparison with the Rootham VWs Pastoral goes like the clappers on steroids! Clearly this is not music that's going to give up its secrets easily, and with the greatest respect and gratitude to dafrieze, the original uploader, it's a shame the recording isn't a little clearer, because one really needs to listen hard to music so implacably determined not to raise its voice...So, two questions; can anyone help with the text of the brief final choral contribution? And has anyone else listened to the piece and have any thoughts on it's (to me) enigmatic mien, and meaning..?
It is a extremely odd title for the work in question, is it not ???
Knowing the same Rootham as you from disc I was not really expecting an "Apocalyptic Symphony" in any sort of Mahlerian sense but I do find the title, to put it mildly, strange ;D
Possibly Albion will be able to give some information about the chorale finale. All I can add is that it was Rootham's pupil, Patrick hadley, who, as you probably know, completed and orchestrated the work. One can hear Hadley in it.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 25 January 2012, 23:32Possibly Albion will be able to give some information about the chorale finale.
The text is adapted from the Book of Revelation and begins with the passage from Chapter 21,
[Behold] there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Then there is an adaptation from Chapter 22,
And there shall be no night; and he shall need no candle, neither the light of a star, for the time is at hand ...
:)
An additional file from
mikehopf -
Henry Walford Davies (1869-1941) - Prospice, Op.6 (1894)Many thanks, Mike.
Yes, many thanks for the Davies! I have read about this work but have not until now had the opportunity to hear it.
The article in the most recent Grove's Dictionary advises us that: "The setting of Browning's Prospice for baritone and string quartet (or, with its optional double bass part, with string orchestra) has been hailed by Banfield as an 'extraordinary work.' Its breadth of conception, its dramatic pioneering string quartet accompaniment and soaring melody give it a lasting power . . ."
"Banfield" there is Stephen Banfield the English musicologist (born 1951).
Grove's Dictionary of 1904 describes the work as "an interesting experiment," for bass voice and string quartet, written in 1895 and given by Bispham in 1896.
"Bispham" there will have been David Bispham, the American baritone, born in 1857, who sang much Wagner and premièred Brahms's Four Serious Songs in Britain.
My namesake, who was personally acquainted with the composer, lists all Davies's early works and gives the date of composition as 1894.
Some time ago I was given access to shamokin88's impressive catalogue of recordings and audaciously submitted a number of 'requests'. As a result of the first fulfilment, the following files are now in the archive:
Granville Bantock (1868-1946) - Five Ghazals of Hafiz (1905)
Thomas Dunhill (1877-1946) - Elegiac Variations in Memory of Parry (1922)
Cyril Scott (1879-1971) - Two Passacaglias on Irish Themes (1912)
Edgar Bainton (1880-1956) - The Blessed Damozel, Op.11 (1907)
Gordon Jacob (1895-1984) - Suite No.1 in F (1944); Northumbrian Overture (1960)
Alan Bush (1900-1995) - Dorian Passacaglia and Fugue, Op.52 (1959); Scherzo for Winds and Percussion, Op.68 (1969)
Richard Arnell (1917-2009) - Ode to the West Wind, Op.59 (1949)
Many thanks, Edward.
I have converted all the files from m4a to mp3 but have not had opportunity to check them yet. Please let me know if there are any problems.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Thursday 26 January 2012, 22:06
Some time ago I was given access to shamokin88's impressive catalogue of recordings and audaciously submitted a number of 'requests'. As a result of the first fulfilment, the following files are now in the archive:
......
:)
Crikey - what a great set of uploads. Thank you indeed, Edward! :) :)
Thanks indeed to Edward :)
No doubt different pieces from this batch will have a particular appeal to different people but for me the most important piece is the Alan Bush Dorian Passacaglia and Fugue which some writers consider Bush at his very best :)
Incidentally, the conductor of the Gordon Jacob Northumbrian Overture is Eric Wild and the soloist in the Arnell is Jennifer Vyvyan....just for total accuracy ;D ;D
Wow that's quite a collection of composers that I actually know of (except Arnell). I just wonder...why convert to Mp3? That reduces the quality :-(
Quote from: TerraEpon on Friday 27 January 2012, 07:00I just wonder...why convert to Mp3?
... because the m4a format is not usable for some of our members.
Dearest Albion (which is bound to signal a request! ;D), is there any chance of working a little of your magic on the BANTOCK - Five Ghazals of Hafiz upload, please? It's a beautiful piece, but so very quiet that I can hardly hear it. ;) ;)
Done.
:)
The CBS Havergal Brian recording by the LSSO, issued on LP in 1974 has been fully restored from the original vinyl and sound fabulous. This LP never appeared on CD and amateur transfers never sounded anywhere near as good as this properly prepared vinyl restoration.
http://www.klassichaus.us/Brian%3A-Symphony-No--22-Psalm-23-English-Suite-No--5---LSSO.php
John, your two recent posts about Havergal Brian recordings are essentially advertisements and, though I have no problem with that per se, they should be posted here rather than in the Downloads board, which is for freely shared non-commercial recordings
Having just acquired a copy of Ivor Guest's excellent Ballet in Leicester Square (1992), I have amended all the date entries for Jacobi's Carmen ballet: it opened at the Alhambra on 20th October 1879, not 1897 as erroneously given in another source I consulted.
::)
The download of Nicholas Maw's Serenade has a constant clicking sound two-thirds of the way through it. Can anything be done to eliminate this?
I'm afraid not - it is symptomatic of digital damage on the source file: a common cause is that some old CDRs degrade with unexpected rapidity and files ripped from them can be affected by this persistent click.
Quote from: semloh on Friday 27 January 2012, 08:13
Dearest Albion (which is bound to signal a request! ;D), is there any chance of working a little of your magic on the BANTOCK - Five Ghazals of Hafiz upload, please? It's a beautiful piece, but so very quiet that I can hardly hear it. ;) ;)
Many thanks! Much better. ;)
It's an interesting piece, which I've never heard before. Orientalism was a popular theme in the arts in the last decades of the 19thC and features in much music of the period - The Mikado, Omar Khayyam, Scheherezade, Aida, Lakme, Savitri, and so on - and a quck scan of his composition list shows that Bantock was especially affected. This piece creates the right atmosphere, although I find the reliance on a single voice - singing in a rather limited range - does become a bit wearing. What a pity there seems to be no contemporary recording. :(
(Two songs appear on a Dutton CD, but with piano accompaniment)
From Latvian, an enterprising and wide-ranging concert of Welsh music celebrating St David's Day, 2007 -
Gareth Glyn (b.1951) - Gŵyl Mabsant (Festival of a Patron Saint) (1993)
Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - La Serenissima: Images of Venice, Op.189 (2007)
William Mathias (1934-1992) - Psalm 150, Op.44 (1969)
Mansel Thomas (1909-1986) - Welsh Folksong Suite
Many thanks for these recordings, Maris.
:)
From shamokin88 -
Cyril Rootham (1875-1938) - The Lady of Shalott, Op.33 (1909)
Cecil Armstrong Gibbs (1889-1960) - La Belle Dame sans Merci, Op.64 (1929)
Norman Demuth (1898-1968) - Viola Concerto (1951); Pan's Anniversary (1952)
This is a very welcome opportunity to hear large-scale choral pieces by Rootham and Gibbs, as performed by the Broadheath Singers at one of their pioneering concerts of British music.
Norman Demuth is today remembered as a critic and musicologist, but he was also the composer of nine symphonies (1930-57), concertos for Violin (1937), Piano (1943), Piano, left hand (1947), Cello (1956) and Organ (1959), six operas, eight ballets and numerous other orchestral and choral works. None of this music is heard today and these two rare recordings are of elderly vintage.
Many thanks to Edward for this fascinating repertoire.
:)
I second John's grateful thanks to Maris and Edward for these splendid additions :) I must admit to having never heard of Norman Demuth :-[
The addition of two more works to the Alun Hoddinott and William Mathias Archives reinforces the importance of these collections on this site. What is held here are, without doubt, the most extensive collections in existence of these two very significant Welsh composers' work :)
From shamokin88 -
Daniel Jones (1912-1993) - Comedy Overture (1943); Concert Overture No.2 (1951); Suite, Dobra niva (1956); Capriccio for Flute, Harp and Strings (1965)
These vintage recordings will significantly increase our knowledge of Jones' orchestral catalogue.
Many thanks, Edward.
:)
Splendid!
More Daniel Jones: thanks Edward, and John Pickard's Symphony No.2: thanks to Latvian.
Well worth getting up very late (as per usual on a Sunday ;D))
From Latvian -
David Bedford (1937-2011) - Symphony No. 1 (1985)
John Pickard (b.1963) - Symphony No. 2 (1989)
and from HerbieG -
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) - Trial by Jury (1875)
Many thanks to both members.
:)
Latvian posted - to the corresponding thread here I think- a recording of Groves' recording of the first three movements of Brian's first symphony. Just wanted to mention again that Groves was not, as stated, the only person to take that option- there is a rehearsal, which I am fairly sure was recorded and circulates, conducted by Marc Fitzgerald, of the 'Planets for pleasure' ad hoc orchestra (15 September 1984) (I think I have this performance on tape somewhere- the timings of the tape differ quite enough from Groves' for it to be distinguishable, and the ending again is noticeably a strong cadence rather than an easing into the choral finale so it seems not likely to be just the first three movements of another performance cut off from the rest...)
Just a slight demurral :)
QuoteLatvian posted - to the corresponding thread here I think- a recording of Groves' recording of the first three movements of Brian's first symphony. Just wanted to mention again that Groves was not, as stated, the only person to take that option- there is a rehearsal, which I am fairly sure was recorded and circulates, conducted by Marc Fitzgerald, of the 'Planets for pleasure' ad hoc orchestra (15 September 1984)
You're quite correct, Eric. I had completely overlooked this rendition since it is not listed on the Brian Society website as a "performance." I'd be curious to hear it if you're able to dig out your tape!
My copy has an oddly brief scherzo(-finale ) (at 7'36") - about half the timing of the scherzo of any other version - ah. Now I see why. It's cut off because it's the last 3 tracks of a 80 minute CD - I -didn't- digitize the whole thing. That would explain it... that seems to have happened a lot (and I use a family member's equipment, not my own. Will find the tape somewhere and at some point digitize the whole thing. uploading the 2.5 movements I have digitized faute de mieux, though :( ... )
The next instalment in the 1989 BBC Savoy series -
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) - The Sorcerer (1877)
In case members are wondering why such comparatively well-known works are being added to the archive, there are two principal reasons: the excellence of the performances (by many ENO stalwarts of the 1980s) and the unusual (in terms of recordings) inclusion of dialogue. There is a slight tape-turn-over break towards the end of Act I.
Many thanks to HerbieG for providing the files ...
:)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Tuesday 31 January 2012, 01:40My copy has an oddly brief scherzo(-finale ) (at 7'36") - about half the timing of the scherzo of any other version - ah. Now I see why. It's cut off because it's the last 3 tracks of a 80 minute CD - I -didn't- digitize the whole thing. That would explain it...
As posted on another thread,
eschiss1 has sent files of Marc Fitzgerald's 1984 rendition of
Part One of Brian's Gothic Symphony.
Many thanks, Eric.
:)
... and the next one up is -
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) - H.M.S. Pinafore; or, The Lass that Loved a Sailor (1878)
Thanks, Herbie.
:)
Many thanks to Latvian for the following partsongs by Havergal Brian (1876-1972) -
Stars of a summer night (1905); Tell me, thou soul of her I love (1906); Come o'er the sea (1906); Lullaby of an infant chief (1906); In a fairy boat (1906); Fairies' song (1908); Daybreak (1910); Grace for a child (1914); Fair pledges of a fruitful tree (1919); Fear no more the heat o' the sun (1919); Tell me, where is fancy bred? (1919); Full fathom five (1921); Introit Amen (c.1925)
:)
Those are exquisite, Latvian: it's always fascinating to hear Brian away from the orchestra, as so much of his output used it.
Thanks to HerbieG for the next entry in our Savoy collection as broadcast under Mackerras et al in 1989 -
Arthur Sullivan - The Pirates of Penzance; or, The Slave of Duty (1879)
:)
The next chronologically -
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) - Patience; or, Bunthorne's Bride (1881)
The only one of the series conducted by Ashley Lawrence.
Many thanks, Herbie.
:)
Thanks, Latvian, for the Brian partsongs - I don't know them at all!
I am sorry to say I made a mistake when I uploaded Ronald Stevenson's 'In praise of Ben Dorain' in October last year. My recording of the piece was split into three files. When I processed it into Audacity to join them I messed things up. This resulted in posting just the last third of the piece. I am currently uploading the complete work and have removed the older link. Please excuse! :-[
This was one of those works which I downloaded but had not got around to actually listening to. Now I see that the file with the actual music was only 12 minutes long-so this now makes sense :)
Thanks for re-loading :)
Quote from: britishcomposer on Saturday 04 February 2012, 12:26I am sorry to say I made a mistake when I uploaded Ronald Stevenson's 'In praise of Ben Dorain' in October last year. [...] Please excuse! :-[
No worries - thanks for identifying the problem. I've unzipped your new file and re-uploaded the complete work (numbered 02 in the zip, 37 minutes) to replace the original.
Members wishing to listen to the composer in discussion can access other, related files through
britishcomposer's link on the downloads board.
:)
Apropos of nothing in particular ;D
I have just been compiling a list (surprise surprise ;D) of orchestral and choral compositions by Daniel Jones.
The only works that are missing from our BM collection on here would appear to be:
1938: Symphonic Prologue
1939: Five Pieces for Orchestra
1947: The Flute Player for orchestra
1962: Oratorio "St.Peter" (complete)
1982: Oboe Concerto
1992: Sinfonietta No.2
plus a choral piece "The Witnesses" for which I cannot find a composition date.
Mind you, this list may be incomplete because a number of works by Jones don't appear in other lists of his compositions: eg the 1956 Suite "Dobra Niva", the 1977 Choral Suite "Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard", the 1978 Suite "Salute to Dylan Thomas" or the 1987 Cantata "Come my way, my truth, my life".
Each of these is in our catalogue here but try finding out much if anything about them ::)
From Latvian -
William Wordsworth (1908-1988): Sinfonia in A minor, Op. 6 (1939); Theme and Variations, Op. 19 (1941); Symphonic Study, Op.53 (1952); A Highland Overture, Op. 76 (1964); Symposium, for violin, strings and percussion, Op. 94 (1972)
Many thanks, Maris.
:)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Sunday 05 February 2012, 00:56
Apropos of nothing in particular ;D
I have just been compiling a list (surprise surprise ;D) of orchestral and choral compositions by Daniel Jones.
The only works that are missing from our BM collection on here would appear to be:
1938: Symphonic Prologue
1939: Five Pieces for Orchestra
1947: The Flute Player for orchestra
1962: Oratorio "St.Peter" (complete)
1982: Oboe Concerto
1992: Sinfonietta No.2
plus a choral piece "The Witnesses" for which I cannot find a composition date.
Mind you, this list may be incomplete because a number of works by Jones don't appear in other lists of his compositions: eg the 1956 Suite "Dobra Niva", the 1977 Choral Suite "Hear the Voice of the Ancient Bard", the 1978 Suite "Salute to Dylan Thomas" or the 1987 Cantata "Come my way, my truth, my life".
Each of these is in our catalogue here but try finding out much if anything about them ::)
The Witnesses, for male chorus and orchestra, dates from 1971.
Also not represented are -
1969: Investiture Processional Music
1971: Prelude,
The Witnesses [independent of the choral work]
1977: Prelude for Orchestra
1987: Orchestral Fantasia,
Whither, O Whither art Thou Fled?1989: Overture,
Orpheus and Bacchusand then there are the two operas -
1961:
The Knife1967:
Orestes :)
The next entry in the Savoy series has just been added, this time conducted by Barry Wordsworth:
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) - Iolanthe; or, The Peer and the Peri (1882)
Many thanks, Herbie.
:)
... and Mackerras is back for
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) - The Mikado; or, The Town of Titipu (1885) and Ruddigore; or, The Witch's Curse (1887)
:)
Alan Bush is a British 20th Century composer, and there is an excellent website about him at:
http://www.alanbushtrust.org.uk/default.asp?room=Home (http://www.alanbushtrust.org.uk/default.asp?room=Home)
in Grove's Dictionary, 5th Edition, Colin Mason wrote: "His range is wide, the quality of his music consistently excellent. He has the intellectual concentration of Tippett, the easy command and expansiveness of Walton, the nervous intensity of Rawsthorne, the serene leisureliness of Rubbra. He meets these four contemporaries on their respective home grounds in Dialectic (for string quartet), the Violin Concerto, the Concert Piece for Cello and Piano and the Nottingham Symphony. He is surpassed, only in melody, as are all the others, by Walton, but not even by him in harmonic and orchestral richness, nor by Tippett in contrapuntal originality and the expressive power of rather austere musical thought, nor by Rawsthorne in concise, compelling utterance and telling instrumental invention, nor by Rubbra in handling large forms well...".
On the Downloads page I have posted another recording from the collection of Karl Miller.
Africa, Symphonic Movement for Piano and Orchestra, (Opus 73). This was composed in 1971 in response to South Africa's Apartheid policy and had its premiere in Halle (Handel's birthplace) on 16 October 1972.
Performer details for two Wordsworth uploads.
Sinfonia, op.6 BBC Northern SO/Clarence Raybould
Symposium for Violin & Orchestra, op.93 Scottish Baroque O/[unknown first name]/Freedman
One of Sullivan's finest scores for the theatre, conducted by Mackerras -
The Yeomen of the Guard; or, The Merryman and his Maid (1888)
Thanks, Herbie.
:)
Many thanks to recently-joined member jowcol for providing a recording of
Alan Bush (1900-1995) - Africa, Symphonic Movement for Piano and Orchestra, Op.73 (1971)
:)
Yes...fantastic to get such a splendid batch of more works by that extremely fine and disgracefully under-recorded composer William Wordsworth(thanks Maris) and the Alan Bush 'Africa'(thanks Jowcol) :)
Oh...and John..thanks for updating and augmenting my attempt at the missing Daniel Jones :) Glad to see that I hadn't missed any 'big' orchestral works off my list ;D
Quote from: shamokin88 on Sunday 05 February 2012, 20:08
Performer details for two Wordsworth uploads.
Sinfonia, op.6 BBC Northern SO/Clarence Raybould
Symposium for Violin & Orchestra, op.93 Scottish Baroque O/[unknown first name]/Freedman
Leonard Friedman :)
Sicmu has kindly provided a broadcast recording of
David Matthews (b.1943) - Symphony No.2, Op.17 (1976-79)
Many thanks.
:)
From shamokin88 -
William Wordsworth (1908-1988) - Divertimento in D, Op.58 (1954); Jubilation, A Festivity for Full Orchestra, Op.78 (1965); Spring Festival Overture, Op.90 (1970)
Many thanks, Edward.
:)
The addition over the last few days by Latvian and Shamokin of eight works by William Wordsworth means that the vast bulk of the composer's work for orchestra is now available for download from this site.
Missing are the Symphony No.6 "Elegiaca" for mezzo-soprano, baritone, chorus and orchestra(1977; never performed), the Elegy for Frieda(in the arrangement for string orchestra; 1982) and the unperformed choral works-"The Houseless Dead" for baritone, chorus and orchestra(1939) and the Oratorio "Dies Domini" for three soloists, chorus and orchestra(1942-44).
To have succeeded however in assembling such a large collection of Wordsworth's orchestral work-thanks to the generosity of members- is a major achievement indeed :) It adds to the growing importance of this collection as a major repository of British Music.
(Btw the Spring Festival Overture is actually performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra ;D)
From shamokin88 -
William Wordsworth (1908-1988) - String Quartet No.1 in D, Op.16 (1941); String Quartet No.3 in A, Op.30 (1947); String Quartet No.4 in A minor, Op.47 (1950); String Quartet No.5 in G minor, Op.63 (1957, rev. 1978); String Quartet No.6, Op.75 (1964)
A very welcome survey of this important aspect of the composer's output.
Many thanks, Edward.
:)
ah thanks much!, I didn't notice this download/upload and know I requested some of these quartets (particular performances suggested by me at that time but less to the point than the works themselves- which I don't know - well, may have skimmed one of them in score awhile back, not positive- but look forward to hearing...)- time to check :)
Thanks for the Wordsworth string quartets! (By the way, the first string quartet is played - if the announcer at the end of the recording is correct - by the Aeolian String Quartet, NOT the Alberni String Quartet.)
Wonder if anyone has that November 1953 recording by the MacGibbon quartet of Wordsworth's quartet no.3 - though as I haven't heard of the group, one is grateful for these - and for quartet 2 if it should turn up (or is that quartet missing in score as well ? No, quartet 2 in Bflat, Lengnick 1948 acc. to Worldcat, no op.no. given... and how's the piano-quintet-with-bass? :) )
Fabulous! I've wanted to hear this for longer than the number of years Baines lived!Just
[Jim: you must post replies like this in the appropriate thread in the Discussion board here, NOT in the Downloads board, which is only for posts and replies which have download links. Mark]
From Latvian -
Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986) - Symphony No.4, Op.53 (1942); Resurgam, Op.149 (1975)
From A.S. -
William Baines (1899-1922) - Symphony in C minor, Op.10 (1917)
this was the first performance of Baines' work, given at the 1991 Grassington Festival.
Many thanks to both members.
:)
From Latvian -
Brian Boydell (1917-2000) - Shielmartin Suite, Op. 47 (1958-59)
Archibald James Potter (1918-1980) - Symphony No. 2, Ireland (1976)
Gerard Victory (1921-1995) - Olympic Festival Overture (1975)
Seoirse Bodley (b.1933) - A Small White Cloud Drifts Over Ireland (1975)
From Sydney Grew -
Reginald Smith Brindle (1917-2003) - Genesis Dream (1961)
Many thanks to both members.
:)
Many thanks to Latvian for the new Irish uploads :) How astonishing to find that the first performance of the Potter Second Symphony was given in Springfield, Massachusetts. I wonder how this came about ???
It is good to have some Reginald Smith Brindle for the British collection.....although, I fear, I have no sympathy for the Smith Brindle idiom :(
Nor would I not want to get into an extended debate about the subject but to describe Dylan Thomas as a "poetaster"-one dictionary definition of which is "a writer of insignificant, meritricious or shoddy poetry" seems to be, to say the least, a pretty contentious assertion.
Ok...I can answer my own question about the Potter Symphony No.2 :)
It was commissioned by the Irish American Cultural Institute.
........and it is a magnificent symphony which thoroughly deserves to be recorded for cd :)
I've posted Canzona and Capriccio for Violin and Strings, Op. 37 by Richard Arnell
NOTE: This was originally posted as a work for Viola and strings, but the sharp ears and researchers at UC have determined it is for Violin and Strings.
Not only am I an admirer of his symphonies, but this is a lovely work.
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01394/richard_arnell_1394536f.jpg)
More on Arnell from Wikipedia:
Richard Anthony Sayer ("Tony") Arnell (15 September 1917 – 10 April 2009) was an English composer of classical music. Arnell composed in all the established genres for the concert stage, and his list of works includes six completed symphonies (a seventh was realised by Martin Yates) and six string quartets.
Biography
Arnell was born in Hampstead, London. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London from 1935 to 1939, and was taught there by John Ireland (composition) and St John Dykes (piano). He was awarded the Farrar Prize for composition during his final year at the college. At the outset of the Second World War, attending the New York World Fair, Arnell (along with other English composers, e.g. Arthur Bliss) was stranded in New York, and stayed on until 1947, thereby finding himself in the position of having an established reputation in the U.S., but remaining relatively little known in his homeland. During his American soujourn, Arnell was the Music Supervisor for the BBC in North America, and was commissioned to compose (to a text by Stephen Spender) a cantata, The War God, in celebration of the opening of the United Nations, as well as a fanfare to greet Winston Churchill's arrival in New York.
His music has been championed by Thomas Beecham, Leopold Stokowski and Bernard Herrmann, among others and most recently by Martin Yates (one of his composition students at Trinity). Between 1947 and 1987 he taught at Trinity College of Music in London, where his students included Peter Tahourdin (1949-52).[1]
Arnell composed the music for The Land (1942), a 45-minute documentary film directed by Robert J. Flaherty for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was also commissioned by the Ford Motor Company to compose a symphonic suite inspired by the workers in the factory at Dagenham. The resulting work accompanies a film entitled Opus 65. Arnell established and headed the Music Department at the London International Film School until his retirement in the late 1980s.
He established a reputation as a major composer for the ballet stage through collaborations with choreographers of the stature of George Balanchine, John Cranko and Frederick Ashton. His many ballets have been successfully staged in both New York and London. His score for Punch and the Child was recorded by Sir Thomas Beecham with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a recording which has seldom been out of the catalogue.
All seven of Arnell's numbered symphonies together with the Sinfonia Quasi Variazioni, the Piano Concerto (soloist David Owen Norris), the two Violin Concertos (soloist Lorraine MacAslan), Lord Byron: a Symphonic Portrait, Robert Flaherty Impression, Prelude The Black Mountain and the early Overture The New Age, received their world premiere recordings by conductor Martin Yates and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra between 2005 and 2008. The premiere recordings of the ballets The Angels, Harlequin in April and The Great Detective, together with Punch and the Child, were recorded by Martin Yates and the BBC Concert Orchestra in 2008-09.
Arnell had left sketches for a Seventh Symphony, dedicated to Nelson Mandela, at the time of his death, and it has since been realised and completed by Martin Yates. It was recorded in the summer of 2010 by Yates and the RSNO and was issued by Dutton Epoch. The String Quartets have recently been released on the Dutton Epoch label played by the Tippett Quartet.
Arnell is acknowledged as being one of the most masterful orchestrators of the twentieth century, Sir Thomas Beecham describing him as the best orchestrator since Berlioz.[citation needed]
And his obituary from the Times:
Richard Arnell: composer of Punch and the Child
(Hulton-Deutsch Collection / Corbis)
Arnell: he was, said Beecham, 'one of the best orchestrators since Berlioz'
In the 1940s and 50s, during his heyday, the music of Richard Arnell was as well known as that of his most prominent British contemporaries, among them Benjamin Frankel, Mátyás Seiber, Franz Reizenstein, William Alwyn, Malcolm Arnold and William Wordsworth, and enjoyed the advocacy of several distinguished conductors, including Leopold Stokowski, Bernard Herrmann and Sir Thomas Beecham. With the rise of British Modernism in the 1960s and its establishment thereafter as the lingua franca of serious composition, such music was to fall from institutional favour. But, although never of first-rate individuality, Arnell's oeuvre has in recent years — thanks to its solid craftsmanship and a number of important first recordings — enjoyed something of a revival and a cautious upward revaluation.
As it now stands, his reputation would seem to rest on six symphonies (seven if an earlier Sinfonia Quasi Variazioni is included in the canon), six string quartets, sundry concertos, the "symphonic portrait" Lord Byron, and several ballets, notably Punch and the Child, which was staged in New York by George Balanchine and soon after its premiere in 1947 recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under Beecham, who was perhaps the staunchest of his champions.
Beecham, whom he had first met in 1941 through Virgil Thomson, once described Arnell as "one of the best orchestrators since Berlioz". During the course of the association, which lasted until the conductor's death in 1961, he performed no fewer than eight of Arnell's pieces, beginning with the Sinfonia Quasi Variazione at Carnegie Hall in 1942. Later Arnell made good the debt of gratitude by writing an Ode to Beecham to mark the RPO's 40th anniversary in 1986.
Arnell has also been dubbed the English Rachmaninov, an epithet that recognises not only his penchant for orchestral colour but also an essential musical conservatism epitomised by his fondness for richly harmonised and upward-thrusting romantic melody tempered, however, by a typically British emotional reticence.
Arnell wrote prolifically, perhaps too prolifically for reflection and renewal. The First Symphony dates from 1943, the last from 1994, yet the overall style, at times redolent of Aaron Copland and Roy Harris in its New Deal optimism, remains largely unmodified. Great claims, for instance, have been made for the Fifth Symphony (1956-57), which is now available for closer scrutiny thanks to recent CD releases by Dutton of all six symphonies and various other works. Its approachability is beyond question. Whether it endures, only time will tell.
Born in Hampstead towards the end of the First World War, Richard Anthony Sayer Arnell was an only child whose grandfather had been a violinist in the Hastings Municipal Orchestra and whose builder father was the brains behind the Kingsway and Aldwych development of 1905. His mother was a keen amateur pianist and he had his first piano lessons with his governess. At University College School he made 16mm films and formed a dance band. At the Royal College of Music he studied composition with John Ireland and piano with John Dykes. In his final year he won the Ernest Farrar Prize and enjoyed a student performance of a now withdrawn violin concerto. When war broke out in 1939 the newly married father found himself stranded in New York while attending the World Fair. He stayed on, initially on the advice of the British Consulate, but in the event he remained in the United States until 1947, with a steadily growing reputation and a job as music consultant to the BBC's North American Service.
It was a busy time for the emergent composer. Following his op.1, a set of orchestral variations broadcast by the New York radio station WQXR, Arnell managed to complete nearly a quarter of an oeuvre which would reach upward of about 200 compositions, including four symphonies, a piano concerto championed by Moura Lympany, The War God, a setting of a text by Stephen Spender to celebrate the opening of the United Nations, The Land (the first of many film scores) and a Ceremonial and Flourish for brass to mark the occasion of Sir Winston Churchill's visit to Columbia University in 1946.
And although there were disappointments — the planned premiere by Beecham of the Second Symphony in 1944 failed to materialise, resulting in its postponement for nearly 50 years — his music was in general well received, catching as it did the mood of the times and preparing him well for the second Elizabethan age, with its Festival of Britain optimism, to which he contributed on his return to the United Kingdom in 1947. He continued to make transatlantic visits after his repatriation, principally during the late 1960s as a Fulbright visiting lecturer.
Soon after Arnell's return to England, he became a professor of composition at Trinity College, London, and he remained there until the 1980s. He also directed courses in film music, eventually publishing a book on the subject, The Technique of Film Music, and worked as music consultant to the London International Film School. From 1961 to 1964 he edited Composer magazine and later served as chairman and vice-president of the Composers' Guild.
Arnell's symphonies were ideally suited to the Cheltenham Festival of the 1950s. The most significant of his performances there was probably of the Third Symphony, dedicated "to the political courage of the British people" and already broadcast by the BBC Northern Symphony under Norman Del Mar in 1952. It was publically premiered at Cheltenham a year later by the Hallé Orchestra under Sir John Barbirolli, who excised 20 minutes from the 65-minute score.
From the 1960s onwards Arnell's music began to fall from favour. And although he continued to compose as prolifically as ever — one of his last pieces, written in his late eighties, was an Ode for Mandela — and was taken up by prominent British musicians such as Sir Charles Groves, John Ogden, Edward Downes and Richard Hickox, he was never to rekindle the success of the Beecham years.
He was married eight times. Four children survive him.
Malcom Arnold
Symphonic Study 'Machines' Op 30 (1951)
brass, percussion and strings
This symphonic study is a very interesting work with some very tasty brass.
Machines came from the music for a short film on the British steel industry; it is felt Arnold was looking back to Mossolov's Iron Foundry in this noisy essay for brass, percussion and strings. Posted in the downloads section, naturally.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6876772991_b0e4e1ab0f_b.jpg)
Looking forward to the Arnell :) I did not know of this work's existence ;D
I've only heard by Arnell a few of his symphonies and a couple of other works so far myself I think..
From jowcol -
Richard Arnell (1917-2009) - Canzona and Capriccio for Violin and Strings, Op.37 (1946)
Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) - Symphonic Study, Machines, Op.30 (1951)
Many thanks.
:)
I've posted Lennox Berkeley's Stabat Mater in the downloads section
( I was unable to find another version on this site...)
Stabat Mater, for 6 voices and 12 instruments, was written for Benjamin Britten's English Opera Group and was first performed in Zurich 1947, and the radio premiere was later that year.
(http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/67538658/Lennox+Berkeley+51NHbrRHTL+copy.png)
Extract form Contemporary British Music by Francis Routh (Macdonald 1972) - used without Permission
Lennox Berkeley, who was born in 1903, developed a distinctive style within the traditional idiom, and has maintained it consistently. His most characteristic features are a textural lightness and lucidity, a harmonic piquancy, an eighteenth-century galanterie, and a thematic brevity; and these intrinsic qualities are more effectively realized in the more intimate forms than in the large structures; in works of limited and precise emotional range, rather than in those of broader sweep or more profound import; in such orchestral works as the Serenade or Divertimento, rather than in the symphonies; in chamber operas, such as A Dinner Engagement, or Ruth, rather than in the more heroic, grand opera Nelson; and particularly in songs and chamber music.
Berkeley spent five years in France (1928—1933) under Nadia Boulanger, when he also met some of the French composers of this period—Poulenc, Milhaud, Honegger, Sauguet. The influence of Fauré, Ravel, Stravinsky was very strong on him; his style was firmly orientated at this time towards a French logic, precision and clarity, rather than towards an English romanticism or modalism.
Many parallels can be seen in Berkeley's music with the styles of other composers and other periods. The closest is with Mozart; the Divertimento, the Horn Trio, A Dinner Engagement, to mention just three examples, are entirely Mozartian in conception. Among French composers, he has close affinities with Faur6 and Poulenc; with Faur6 particularly in the songs, though Berkeley's harmonic style is piquant and without Fauré's subtlety; with Poulenc in his melodic and harmonic style. The second set of Ronsard Sonnets was dedicated to Poulenc's memory. Among British composers, he and Britten share many qualities. A similar receptivity to literature and the poetic image, which finds its chief outlet in song—writing; a similar interest in opera, and particularly chamber opera—Lennox Berkeley's works were performed by the English Opera Group, one of them at Aldeburgh; a similar concern for church music. Points of contrast, however, between the two composers are equally instructive. Berkeley's style has not evolved as much as Britten's has; he has written little if any Gebrauchsmusik for the less talented or amateur performer—indeed, though his work does not call for virtuoso performance, polish and refinement are essential ingredients in his musical personality; finally, unlike Britten, he is one of the oldest— established teachers in this country, and his numerous pupils at the Royal Academy have included Richard Bennett and Nicholas Maw.
His works cover every genre. Among the first of his orchestral works to win distinctive recognition were the Serenade for string orchestra, and the Divertimento for chamber orchestra; among chamber works, the Sonatine for violin and piano. His characteristically short-winded melodic style, aptly suited to such a piece as the Sinfonietta, which Berkeley wrote for Anthony Bernard's London Chamber Orchestra, is not so amenable to the more sustained development and growth of the symphonies. He has also written concertos for piano and violin, and some early piano pieces; he himself is a pianist.
Berkeley's songs include poetry from many sources, and the words, depending on their content, add a correspondingly extra dimension to his pliant style. His response to a text resembles Britten's in this respect. Berkeley's most intense and powerful expression is reserved for those texts with a religious significance: the Donne settings, or the Four Poems of St. Teresa of Avila. His strong religious sense finds expression in several sacred works, some of them liturgical. His early Stabat Mater (1946), dedicated to Britten, was for six solo voices and instruments; his later Magnificat (1968) was more in the grand manner of the older choral tradition, and was written for performance in St. Paul's Cathedral during a City of London Festival.
His first opera, as in the case of Britten, was his most successful. The librettist for A Dinner Engagement was Paul Dehn, who also co-operated in the later work, The Castaway. In the brilliant writing of Dehn's libretto, Berkeley found the perfect foil. The short—winded, ridiculous plot, and its total lack of innuendo or intricacy, ideally suited Berkeley's style; the result was a highly successful comic opera. The story of the next opera, Ruth, was biblical, with a libretto by Eric Crozier, while The Castaway was an adaptation by Paul Dehn of the Homeric story of the ship—wrecked Odysseus and the princess Nausicaa.
It appears that, just as English composers during the inter-war years responded in a mood of romantic nostalgia to the movements that occurred on the continent of Europe some twenty years previously, so the wistfulness and the elegance that characterised the music of certain French composers in the twenties, of whom we may chiefly mention Poulenc, was reflected—again some twenty years later—in the work of Berkeley.
Thank you so much for the Arnell Canzona and Capriccio, jowcol! :D
I wrote about this piece last year but I didn't know that a recording existed!
http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,1719.msg20827.html (http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,1719.msg20827.html)
Albion, you saved the piece as 'Canzona and Capriccio for Violin and Strings' in the BMB folder. It is however written for viola and strings!
I just noticed there are two threads to discuss British Music: one called 'British Music' the other 'British Music Discussion'. Is this a deliberate splitting or where should one post replies?
Quote from: britishcomposer on Wednesday 15 February 2012, 11:57Albion, you saved the piece as 'Canzona and Capriccio for Violin and Strings' in the BMB folder. It is however written for viola and strings!
See -
1. http://www.richardarnell.com/worklistr.html (http://www.richardarnell.com/worklistr.html)
2. http://www.vlncto.net/database.html?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=107&sobi2Id=10973 (http://www.vlncto.net/database.html?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=107&sobi2Id=10973)
3. http://copac.ac.uk/search?rn=1&au=arnell&ti=canzona&sort-order=ti%2C-date (http://copac.ac.uk/search?rn=1&au=arnell&ti=canzona&sort-order=ti%2C-date)
4. http://www.kalmus.com/product_detail.php?id=33679 (http://www.kalmus.com/product_detail.php?id=33679)
5. http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,1719.0.html (http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,1719.0.html) (!)
etc.
Quote from: britishcomposer on Wednesday 15 February 2012, 11:57I just noticed there are two threads to discuss British Music: one called 'British Music' the other 'British Music Discussion'. Is this a deliberate splitting or where should one post replies?
This anomaly is not of my creation.
::)
I also noted the violin / viola issue in case of the Arnell and therefore listened to the piece itself to get things sorted. The instrument which is played is definitely a violin in my view. It's not only the sound itself, but for instance at 1'00" I am pretty sure to hear an open string. But this is an e, and only the violin has an e string, the viola hasn't.
So I guess 'for viola and strings' is simply a misattribution.
Okay, okay, Albion, you have won! ;D
Yes, I should have listened first. And, after all, you were so kind to remind me of my own posting... :-[ ;D
An excellent choral addition from jowcol -
Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989) - Stabat mater, Op.28 (1946)
Many thanks.
I have added performance details to the catalogue.
:)
Ah...the Berkeley Stabat Mater ;D
Now, this is an interesting upload because the Stabat Mater exists in a number of different versions ;D
(a) The original version(1947) scored for an instrumental ensemble of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, harp, percussion and string quintet.
(b) The composer's 1954 version for the Rural Music Schools Association scored for string quartet, string orchestra and piano
(c) Christopher Headington's rearrangement for full orchestra.
(d) Michael Berkeley's expansion of the string quintet to string orchestra for the 12 May 1978 performance celebrating his father's 75th birthday.
If this is the 1965 Del Mar performance, as Albion has indicated, is it the Headington version ???
I have a taped recording of the Stabat Mater in Michael Berkeley's arrangement and the only reason why I have not yet uploaded it is that the tape is twisted and I need to work out how to untwist it ::)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 15 February 2012, 15:08(c) Christopher Headington's rearrangement for full orchestra.
Do you have a date for Headington's version - presumably a "rearrangement for full orchestra" would entail more than merely beefing up the solo strings to chamber orchestra size?
???
I don't have a date for the Headington version-none if given in Peter Dickinson's study of the composer. However the Headington version is held in the BBC Music Library, misc.sc.3102.....if that is any help to you in determining a date ???
Neither the Berkeley website nor his publisher's catalogue help at all :(
I've just posted the Piano Concerto by Huw Watkins in the British Music folder-- if it needs to go in a different folder, I trust someone will provide me guidance or an Admin can take care of it.
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/huw-watkins/images/huw-watkins_01_446.jpg)
Wikipedia Entry:
Huw Watkins (born 1976) is a British composer and pianist. Born in South Wales, he studied piano and composition at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, where he received piano lessons from Peter Lawson. He then went on to read Music at Kings College, Cambridge, where he studied composition with Robin Holloway and Alexander Goehr, and completed an MMus in composition at the Royal College of Music, where he studied with Julian Anderson. Huw Watkins was awarded the Constant and Kit Lambert Junior Fellowship at the Royal College of Music, where he is now a Professor of Composition.[1]
Career
In 1999, the Nash Ensemble premiered Watkins' Sonata for Cello and Eight Instruments, which had been commissioned by Faber Music. The review in The Times declared that "at 22, Huw Watkins is already a composer to be reckoned with". The work has since been performed by the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group in London, Paris, Copenhagen and Aldeburgh under the direction of Sakari Oramo and Peter Rundel.
In 2000, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales gave the first performance of Watkins' Sinfonietta under Grant Llewellyn, and as a result of the collaboration, a piano concerto was commissioned for the same orchestra. This was given its premiere - with Watkins at the piano - in May 2002, under Martyn Brabbins.
His works include a Nocturne for solo horn and chamber orchestra - first performed and recorded in March 2002 by David Jolley and the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra under Mischa Santora; a Cello Sonata, recorded with his brother Paul Watkins for Nimbus Records on a CD of 20th Century British cello music; String Quartet No. 3, written for the Belcea Quartet and premiered at London's Wigmore Hall in 2004.
More recent works include a London Concerto, commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra to mark their centenary in 2005; Rondo for Birmingham Contemporary Music Group; a Nash Ensemble commission celebrating their 40th Anniversary, and a Double Concerto for viola, cello and orchestra premiered at the 2005 BBC Proms. His composition Dream has been released on the Britten Sinfonia own label, on an album entitled Songs of the Sky.
Chamber music has always been central to Watkins' output: in 2001 his String Quartet No. 2 was premiered at the Cheltenham Festival by the Petersen Quartet, and the Brahms Ensemble Hamburg gave the first performance of his Variations on a Schubert Song at the Gstaad Festival. He recorded his Cello Sonata with Paul Watkins for Nimbus Records and premiered Fantasy for viola and piano with Lawrence Power in 2006. His String Quartet No. 3 was written for the Belcea Quartet, who gave its premiere at the Wigmore Hall in February 2004. Also at the same Hall, the Nash Ensemble premiered their commission Gig in 2005, and Alina Ibragimova gave the world premiere of Partita for solo violin. This was broadcast as part of BBC Radio 3's 2006 lunchtime concert series.
Song settings are another area of compositional interest. Watkins' setting for tenor and string quartet of Dylan Thomas' In My Craft or Sullen Art was premiered by Mark Padmore and the Petersen Quartet at the Wigmore Hall in May 2007. Watkins' Three Auden Songs (2009) were commissioned by Mark Padmore. The Five Larkin Songs (2010), which were premiered by Carolyn Sampson, won the Vocal category of the 2011 British Composer Awards.[2]
As a pianist, Huw Watkins is regularly heard on BBC Radio three, both as a soloist and with artists such as Alina Ibragimova, Daniel Hope, Nicholas Daniel and Alexandra Wood. He has given premieres of works by Alexander Goehr, Peter Maxwell Davies and Mark-Anthony Turnage. He has performed concertos with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra of the Swan as well as being the Britten Sinfonia's pianist. He has recorded Thomas Adès' song cycle The Lover in Winter with the countertenor Robin Blaze for EMI Classics, and his recording of contemporary British music for violin and piano with Alexandra Wood was released on Usk in 2005. His most recent recording was of the piano cycle Symmetry Disorders Reach by Alexander Goehr, for Wergo.
Watkins' Violin Concerto was premiered at The Proms on 17 August 2010, performed by Alina Ibragimova, for whom it was written.[3][4]
The Principality of Wales is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. referred to often as simply 'Britain', so there is no issue with including the Watkins in the British folder ;D
The Republic of Ireland is a separate, independent country. There is an Irish Music downloads folder but music written by composers from (southern) Ireland a is also being incorporated by Albion into the British Music Broadcasts folder, presumably on the grounds that the Republic is, geographically, part of the British Isles and, politically, was part of the United Kingdom until 1922 when it became a self-governing Dominion(like Canada or Australia within the British Commonwealth). In 1948 the Republic left the Commonwealth and became a completely separate Republic.
(Here endeth the History lesson ;D)
Also grateful thanks to Latvian for the download of the two Gerard Victory symphonies :) The 3rd was claimed as his masterpiece(or at least the work he would wish to be remembered by) by the composer himself so it will be very interesting to hear it
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 16 February 2012, 14:37
The Principality of Wales is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. referred to often as simply 'Britain', so there is no issue with including the Watkins in the British folder ;D
The Republic of Ireland is a separate, independent country. There is an Irish Music downloads folder but music written by composers from (southern) Ireland a is also being incorporated by Albion into the British Music Broadcasts folder, presumably on the grounds that the Republic is, geographically, part of the British Isles and, politically, was part of the United Kingdom until 1922 when it became a self-governing Dominion(like Canada or Australia within the British Commonwealth). In 1948 the Republic left the Commonwealth and became a completely separate Republic.
(Here endeth the History lesson ;D)
Also grateful thanks to Latvian for the download of the two Gerard Victory symphonies :) The 3rd was claimed as his masterpiece(or at least the work he would wish to be remembered by) by the composer himself so it will be very interesting to hear it
For the history lesson, I'm a little bit disappointed that you didn't touch on
Robert the Bruce, ,pre-Culloden Scotland, or for that matter, the autonomous period of Lundy when it was offering its own stamps, but I know you were trying to be brief. ;)
My confusion was between the British
Music Folder and the British
Music Broadcasts folder. If we know something is from a BBC broadcast, should it go into the latter? This may be obvious-- but I often miss the obvious.
Oh....multiple apologies if I misunderstood you :-[ :-[
I do agree about the two folders to which you refer. I think that they should be merged but that is not my business ;D
The Victory Symphony No.3 is indeed a very impressive piece on first hearing :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 16 February 2012, 15:30
Oh....multiple apologies if I misunderstood you :-[ :-[
I do agree about the two folders to which you refer. I think that they should be merged but that is not my business ;D
I owe you multiple apologies for pulling your leg! I couldn't resist teasing you. It was very considerate of you to explain, and I appreciate all of the effort you've made to help me keep my posts clear, and identify duplicates, etc. I would not want you to stop!
(Although I'm still not sure if I am over you leaving Scotland out of your historical discussion.... we'll discuss THAT later :P)
I am just about ready to start uploading some more music from my collection, this time of music digitised from LP. This is the first time I have done this(all of my previous uploads were from reel-to-reel tape). None of the music in these performances has made it to cd, obviously.
I would be grateful if I could get feedback, as before, on recording levels: ie if too quiet let me know :)
The first work will be-
Matyas Seiber's Elegy for Viola and Small Orchestra(1954): Cecil Arnowitz(viola) and the London Philharmonic Orchestra/the composer (from a 1960 Decca LP).
The Elegy was written for the 1954 Donaueschingen Festival and first performed in Britain in 1956.
Next up-
Robert Still(1910-71):
Elegie for Baritone, Chorus and Small Orchestra(1963, revised 1965) performed by John Carol Case(baritone), the Ambrosian Singers and the Jacques Orchestra/Myer Fredman
and
Concerto for strings(1964) performed by the Jacques Orchestra/Myer Fredman.
These works are from a Decca LP from 1967, the works were recorded in November 1966.
The Concerto for Strings is already in the British Collection in a modern BBC recording but the Elegie, one of Still's most important and beautiful works, is new. It is a setting of Matthew Arnold's "A Summer Night".
Followed by a gorgeous work by one of my favourite composers-
Edmund Rubbra's "Inscape" for Mixed Choir, Strings and Harp(1965), again performed by the Jacques Orchestra/Myer Fredman with the Ambrosian Singers and Renata Scheffel-Stein(harp).
Inscape was written for the 1965 Stroud Festival of Religious Art and Drama and is a setting of poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins in the form of a Sinfonietta: first movement(Allegretto)-'Pied Beauty'; slow movement(Lento)-'The Lantern out of doors'; scherzo(Allegro)-'Spring'; finale(Largo e grandioso)-'God's Grandeur'; epilogue-a fragment from 'Summa'.
Unashamedly I will assert that Rubbra's poetic sense achieves a level of spiritual glory in his choral music which I have always found both moving and exceedingly beautiful.
And lastly tonight-
Humphrey Searle(1915-82):
Symphony No.1(1952-53)
London Philharmonic Orchestra(Sir Adrian Boult)
This is from the Decca LP(1960) and is the sensational, more measured and baleful performance by Sir Adrian, a better performance in my opinion than the CPO BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Alun Francis. Boult probably did not fully empathise with what was, at the time, a pretty 'advanced' work yet he shows the same mastery of the idiom as he had in conducting Schoenberg before the war.
More uploads tomorrow ;D
Quote from: Holger on Wednesday 15 February 2012, 12:38
I also noted the violin / viola issue in case of the Arnell and therefore listened to the piece itself to get things sorted. The instrument which is played is definitely a violin in my view. It's not only the sound itself, but for instance at 1'00" I am pretty sure to hear an open string. But this is an e, and only the violin has an e string, the viola hasn't.
So I guess 'for viola and strings' is simply a misattribution.
Gentlemen--
Thanks for your research-- one of the benefits Karl has mentioned in sharing his collection is that there are more eyes,ears and memories to draw from, and I'm trying to capture all of the corrections and comments to the current descriptions. . Please don't hesitate to send me a message also, if I'm not updating the posts appropriately.
My next British contribution is Richard Rodney Bennett's Symphony No.1 of 1965 in a 1968 RCA Victor recording by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the enterprising American conductor Igor Buketoff.
To be entirely honest, this symphony, written for the London Symphony Orchestra, does not really appeal very much to me. It is an example of the earlier music of Bennett and is influenced by his studies at Darmstadt and with Pierre Boulez. Later Bennett is-at least to my ears-more attractive. Indeed, Bennett seems to be another example of a composer who in later life has-for whatever reason-totally changed his musical style to a much more approachable, tonal and tuneful idiom.
However I think that it is important that one of the most senior living British composers should be represented here. His Symphony No.3(1987) is on cd and I have been able to add the Symphony No.2(1968) from an old tape recording.
(Well, it WILL be my next contribution when Mediafire agrees to upload it. FOUR attempts have now failed >:( >:()
Since Mediafire is still obstinately refusing to upload the Richard Rodney Bennett >:( here are two British works for strings:
Kenneth Leighton's Concerto for String Orchestra(1964)
and
Adrian Cruft's Divertimento for String Orchestra(1963)
both played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra/John Snashall
(Cruft removed for repair work)
Mediafire has finally, almost grudgingly, uploaded the Richard Rodney Bennett Symphony No.1 and it should be available here soon ;D
Next upload will be John McCabe's Symphony No.1(Elegy) from 1965. This is the 1967 Pye recording with the London Philharmonic Orchestra under John Snashall.
This has never been transferred to cd. I seem vaguely to recall that there was some technical problem with the master-tape ??? I would have thought that with all the technical wizardry now available any problem can be overcome.
Colin - thank you for the marvellous recordings you've been sharing recently!
Not only the British ones (per this thread) but the others too, which would require a separate 'thank you' in each thread! ;D
I recall many of these LPs, but wasn't able to purchase them at the time. Now I can hear them as a result of your generosity. It's greatly appreciated. :)
Glad to be able to share the music :)
Thanks for your post :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 17 February 2012, 16:50
Since Mediafire is still obstinately refusing to upload the Richard Rodney Bennett >:( here are two British works for strings:
Kenneth Leighton's Concerto for String Orchestra(1964)
and
Adrian Cruft's Divertimento for String Orchestra(1963)
both played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra/John Snashall
I have-I hope only temporarily- deleted the Cruft download :(
The problem is that the needle is sticking at the very end of the piece because of a problem with the stylus arm not being able to travel into the very centre of the record. The arm needs to be adjusted; an operation which, if I recall, is not easy on my old Garrard turntable ::)
If/when I can sort the problem out the Cruft will return.
Many thanks to Latvian for his uploads of the Fricker Violin Concerto No.2 and the Searle 'Labyrinth' :)
These are two works I have wanted to hear for a long, long time. Latvian says the Searle piece was originally intended to be his Sixth Symphony and I had read that too but actually there is no mention in Searle's autobiography of of such an intention. 'Labyrinth' was written for the 1971 Royal Concert and is a rondo based on Michael Ayrton's imaginative autobiography of Daedelus. Searle notes that despite a fine first performance the piece came in for some savage criticism from the non-musical society figures present at the concert.
It is not very easy to establish just how many concertos Fricker actually wrote. There are the Violin Concerto No.1 (Concerto for Violin and small orchestra), op.11(1949-50; first performance 1951), the Viola Concerto, op.18(1952-53; first performance 1953), the Piano Concerto(Concerto for Piano and small orchestra), op.19(1952-54; first performance 1954) and the Violin Concerto No.2 (Rhapsodia Concertante) (1953-54; first performance 1954). The Violin Concerto No.1 has been recorded and the other three are all now available here. There is however also a Piano Concerto No.2 from 1989 which remains in manuscript.
Fricker also wrote a number of concertante works:
Concertante No.1 for Cor Anglais and srings, op.13(1950): available here
Concertante No.2 for three pianos, strings and timpani,op.15(1951)
Concertante No.4 for flute, oboe, violin and strings(1968): available here
Concertante No.5 for piano and string quartet(1971)
Toccata for Piano and orchestra(1958-59): available here
Laudi Concertante for Organ and orchestra, op.80(1979): available here
Rondeaux for Horn and orchestra, op.87(1982)
(There is no Concertante No.3)
(Source: http://www.library.ucsb.edu/special-collections/performing-arts/pamss17c (http://www.library.ucsb.edu/special-collections/performing-arts/pamss17c) This list was compiled by Fricker himself a few months before his death. There is no mention of an Oboe Concerto as identified by Michael Herman).
If Mediafire (or my broadband connection) permits I would hope today to upload two more British works-
Peter Racine Fricker's Symphony No.1(1949): Louisville Orchestra/Jorge Mester
and
Gordon Jacob's Concerto for Three Hands on One or Two Pianos(1969): Cyril Smith and Phyllis Sellick(piano) and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Sir Malcolm Arnold
I have made some changes to the archive:
1. in the interests of greater clarity it is now entitled British and Irish Music - Catalogue and Archive - although broadcasts still constitute the bulk of material, the increasing inclusion of LP transfers means that it is no longer strictly a repository devoted to off-air recordings;
2. after a great deal of thought (and a great deal of work) I have rearranged the entire catalogue alphabetically by composer, on the grounds that many members may be somewhat averse to committing birth-years to memory ...
;)
I adopted a chronological approach initially (and before the catalogue was as extensive as it has now become) because it assisted those members interested in a particular historical period. Hopefully this new 'edition' will be more comprehensively useful.
:)
We are all very much in John's debt for the immense of amount that has gone into his custodianship of this incredibly important Archive of British Music(quite, I would suggest, without parallel now) and for his recent changes-which are eminently sensible :)
Thank You :) :)
The alphebetizing is indeed a great relief.
Quote from: Albion on Saturday 18 February 2012, 15:09
I have made some changes to the archive:
:)
Albion - you're a gem!
Thank you. :) :)
I have always wondered why the performance of the syncopated Arnold concerto made it to CD, but the concerto by Jacob didn't. They both seemed like excellent recordings and performances, with Sir Malcolm injecting a sense of fun.
All part of the "unsung composer" syndrome, I suppose!
Yes, I guess A-Z is a little easier, although I organise my own records by birth date, so it always made perfect sense to me.
Must make it somewhat more difficult for certain early music especially though (and Josquin(s) must have gotten shuffled around a bit in the last decade or so, I gather! :D )
I did find my way, but thanks for taking all that trouble, John!
Another Savoy addition -
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) - The Gondoliers; or, The King of Barataria (1889)
conducted by Charles Mackerras.
Many thanks, Herbie.
:)
Many thanks to Holger for making available the Fricker Concertante No. 2 for three pianos, timpani and percussion :) This does indeed plug a gap in the Fricker catalogue and is therefore especially welcome :)
I could also provide recordings of the following Fricker pieces:
Rondo Scherzoso for Orchestra (1948)
Comedy Overture Op. 32 (1958)
Cantata Op. 37 (1961/62)
Three Scenes for Orchestra, Op. 45 (1966, rev. 1977)
In case nobody else intends to upload them and there is any interest I will upload them in a few days.
Adrian Cruft's Divertimento for Strings has now been successfully restored to the British Downloads section, I am delighted to report :)
Quote from: Holger on Thursday 23 February 2012, 16:07
I could also provide recordings of the following Fricker pieces:
Rondo Scherzoso for Orchestra (1948)
Comedy Overture Op. 32 (1958)
Cantata Op. 37 (1961/62)
Three Scenes for Orchestra, Op. 45 (1966, rev. 1977)
In case nobody else intends to upload them and there is any interest I will upload them in a few days.
"...there is any interest" ??? ;D Eh..........YES ;D
From
shamokin88 -
Peter Racine Fricker (1920-1990) - Comedy Overture, Op.32 (1958); Three Scenes for Orchestra, Op.45 (1966); Sinfonia for 17 Winds, Op.76 (1977)Many thanks, Edward.
:)
Quote from: Holger on Thursday 23 February 2012, 16:07I could also provide recordings of the following Fricker pieces:
Rondo Scherzoso for Orchestra (1948)
Comedy Overture Op. 32 (1958)
Cantata Op. 37 (1961/62)
Three Scenes for Orchestra, Op. 45 (1966, rev. 1977)
In case nobody else intends to upload them and there is any interest I will upload them in a few days.
Thanks, Holger - with two of these now coincidentally supplied, it would be great if you could possibly provide the Rondo and Cantata ...
:)
I've just joined this forum and I'm having a marvellous time burrowing further and further into this Aladdin's Cave. One particular pleasure has been reacquainting myself with Fricker's music, which I first came across back in 1980 when there was a series of R3 broadcasts to mark his 60th birthday (the 3rd Symphony is what turned me on to his stuff). With that in mind, I ought to mention that something is badly amiss with the file of the 4th Symphony. I was really enjoying getting back to grips with a work that I had last heard some 30-odd years ago when, at the 19:48 mark, the music turned without any warning into the second of Schoenberg's 5 Orchestral Pieces; and from thereon the music stuck remorselessly with Schoenberg to the bitter end! :o
Now, I haven't heard as much Fricker as I would have liked to, but I'm quite sure he wasn't given to quoting other composers, never mind plagiarism! So I think something went wrong with the broadcast or the tape or something. What a pity. :(
Of course, if someone else has already pointed this out, my apologies in advance.
I vaguely remember Harold Truscott (whom I know only from his writing on Havergal Brian) mentioning that some of his piano sonatas were broadcast by the BBC...would anyone happen to have recordings of them?
Quote from: Paulp on Sunday 26 February 2012, 18:12
I've just joined this forum and I'm having a marvellous time burrowing further and further into this Aladdin's Cave. One particular pleasure has been reacquainting myself with Fricker's music, which I first came across back in 1980 when there was a series of R3 broadcasts to mark his 60th birthday (the 3rd Symphony is what turned me on to his stuff). With that in mind, I ought to mention that something is badly amiss with the file of the 4th Symphony. I was really enjoying getting back to grips with a work that I had last heard some 30-odd years ago when, at the 19:48 mark, the music turned without any warning into the second of Schoenberg's 5 Orchestral Pieces; and from thereon the music stuck remorselessly with Schoenberg to the bitter end! :o
Now, I haven't heard as much Fricker as I would have liked to, but I'm quite sure he wasn't given to quoting other composers, never mind plagiarism! So I think something went wrong with the broadcast or the tape or something. What a pity. :(
Of course, if someone else has already pointed this out, my apologies in advance.
I uploaded the Fricker 4th Symphony some months ago and you are the first person to have pointed this out. I went back to the original mp3 file to check and find that, to my horror, you seem to be absolutely correct :( :(
I cannot, at present, understand what has happened. The original reel-to-reel tape has Fricker's 4th followed by Walton's Facade and THEN the Schoenberg Five Orchestral Pieces. The Fricker symphony is, according to the Schott catalogue, 34 minutes long and the uploaded file is 34 minutes long ::)
I need to return to the original tape and listen to it again. This may take some time to organise since I have returned the tapes to storage.
In the meantime please accept my sincere apologies. I am mortified and just hope that the problem is anything I can sort out ::)
Fricker 4 is currently suspended awaiting further investigation ...
;)
In the meantime, and now for something completely different -
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) - The Grand Duke; or, The Statutory Duel (1896)
- an unfairly-maligned and grossly-undervalued opera which comes up beautifully in this stylish 1989 BBC broadcast conducted by Barry Wordsworth.
Many thanks, Herbie.
:)
Utopia Limited (1893) is at present proving more elusive ...
One of my favourite Sullivan scores (and I say that as someone who likes almost everything he wrote): there's nothing quite like the opening orchestral passage of Act II, leading into that wonderful chorus. And I think this is the best recording there is of it.
mikehopf
Many thanks for, Williamson, The Violins of St Jacques. I had just one short except from it, a beautiful aria. Listening to it now it is all equally beautiful. Wonderful.
Quote from: hattoff on Wednesday 29 February 2012, 00:19
mikehopf
Many thanks for, Williamson, The Violins of St Jacques. I had just one short except from it, a beautiful aria. Listening to it now it is all equally beautiful. Wonderful.
Indeed, many thanks to Mike for -
The Violins of Saint Jacques (1966).
I have collated the numerous smaller files (several files containing the close of Act 1 had been mistakenly ascribed to Act 3), and provided a cast list with broadcast details.
:)
Many thanks to shamokin for his upload of the Robert Simpson Piano Concerto.
This is the premiere of the work given at the Cheltenham Festival in July 1967. The version which was available on the short-lived(and much regretted) BBC Classics series was recorded two months later in Bristol with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Constantin Silvestri.
This is, once again, a reminder of how British Music flourished at a time when regional orchestras in Britain were conducted by people like Rignold and Silvestri, both of whom were committed to performing music by British composers.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Sunday 26 February 2012, 23:37
Quote from: Paulp on Sunday 26 February 2012, 18:12
I've just joined this forum and I'm having a marvellous time burrowing further and further into this Aladdin's Cave. One particular pleasure has been reacquainting myself with Fricker's music, which I first came across back in 1980 when there was a series of R3 broadcasts to mark his 60th birthday (the 3rd Symphony is what turned me on to his stuff). With that in mind, I ought to mention that something is badly amiss with the file of the 4th Symphony. I was really enjoying getting back to grips with a work that I had last heard some 30-odd years ago when, at the 19:48 mark, the music turned without any warning into the second of Schoenberg's 5 Orchestral Pieces; and from thereon the music stuck remorselessly with Schoenberg to the bitter end! :o
Now, I haven't heard as much Fricker as I would have liked to, but I'm quite sure he wasn't given to quoting other composers, never mind plagiarism! So I think something went wrong with the broadcast or the tape or something. What a pity. :(
Of course, if someone else has already pointed this out, my apologies in advance.
I uploaded the Fricker 4th Symphony some months ago and you are the first person to have pointed this out. I went back to the original mp3 file to check and find that, to my horror, you seem to be absolutely correct :( :(
I cannot, at present, understand what has happened. The original reel-to-reel tape has Fricker's 4th followed by Walton's Facade and THEN the Schoenberg Five Orchestral Pieces. The Fricker symphony is, according to the Schott catalogue, 34 minutes long and the uploaded file is 34 minutes long ::)
I need to return to the original tape and listen to it again. This may take some time to organise since I have returned the tapes to storage.
In the meantime please accept my sincere apologies. I am mortified and just hope that the problem is anything I can sort out ::)
I returned to the original tape of the Fricker 4th Symphony. At some point the tape had split and had been re-joined. In the process some tape had been lost and this included a substantial segment of music including the second half of the symphony. This must have happened around 30 years ago now ::)
I can only offer my deepest apologies and regrets :(
However, the good news is that I understand that another member has a copy of the same performance of the Fricker 4th which I very much hope can be uploaded to replace my messed-up copy :)
Groves Simpson 6- thanks, I only just noticed, and I did request that :) Looking forward to hearing!
QuoteHowever, the good news is that I understand that another member has a copy of the same performance of the Fricker 4th which I very much hope can be uploaded to replace my messed-up copy.
I do, indeed, and am looking at the disc as I write this. I can't attest to the perfection or completeness of my copy, as I don't recall where it came from, and I don't really know the work, but hopefully it will resolve the problem adequately. I'll begin uploading it in a few minutes.
Many thanks for all the Frickeriana - it's wonderful stuff! Having listened now to the Cantata, I'm quite certain that the tenor soloist is Peter Pears. Nobody else's voice ever sounded like his.
Well, my Fricker upload is in the process of finishing, and after I posted it (appearance pending approval by the moderator), I discovered that Holger had already uploaded #4 earlier in the day. I'll let it stand, and Albion can decide which copy is preferable. I'll be happy to take down mine in the event Holger's is better.
However, I also uploaded the 2nd Symphony, which I noticed did not appear in the archive, presumably because the Pritchard recording is on a commercial CD release, and no one else had the Rosen broadcast. Here it is then, and it looks like we will now have all five Fricker symphonies available in the archive.
It's the London bus syndrome again ;D (you wait for one and two come along at the same time).
Thanks to both Holger and Latvian for replacing my withdrawn Fricker Symphony No.4 :) Only on this site could one find other people who could have done this ;D
Thanks to both also for the new Fricker items which further augment what has become the most comprehensive collection of Fricker's music available anywhere :)
I shall amend the Fricker catalogue on here accordingly.
(I hope that shamokin can add the Nocturne for Chamber Orchestra of 1971).
Indeed, many thanks to both Latvian and Holger for supplementing our extensive Fricker collection - I don't think that anybody could claim that this important figure is under-represented ...
;)
The catalogue and archive are now updated to reflect these additions. The performer of Dialogues could be either Janet Craxton (1967) or David Cowsill (1973) - in the absence of confirmation, I have not given any attribution.
:)
Thank you so much for the Joubert cello concerto: it's not often I really look forward to the premiere of a *new* work (as opposed to that of a neglected older one).
Quote from: Jimfin on Monday 05 March 2012, 00:32
Thank you so much for the Joubert cello concerto: it's not often I really look forward to the premiere of a *new* work (as opposed to that of a neglected older one).
You are welcome. I found the cello concerto very enjoyable.
Thanks for the Joubert Cello Concerto as well. I have just given it a listen and liked its lyricism and altogether contemplative mood, very enjoyable indeed.
In terms of accuracy: it's Joubert's Opus 171 and it was composed in 2011, cf. http://schirmer.com/default.aspx?TabId=2420&State_2874=2&workId_2874=47309 (http://schirmer.com/default.aspx?TabId=2420&State_2874=2&workId_2874=47309)
Also, thanks to Albion for adding performers details to my upload of Fricker's Cantata, and congratulations to dafrieze for his fine ear (as we now know, it's Peter Pears indeed!).
Quote from: Holger on Monday 05 March 2012, 19:05
Thanks for the Joubert Cello Concerto as well. I have just given it a listen and liked it lyricism and altogether contemplative mood, very enjoyable indeed.
In terms of accuracy: it's Joubert's Opus 171 and it was composed in 2011, cf. http://schirmer.com/default.aspx?TabId=2420&State_2874=2&workId_2874=47309 (http://schirmer.com/default.aspx?TabId=2420&State_2874=2&workId_2874=47309)
Also, thanks to Albion for adding performers details to my upload of Fricker's Cantata, and congratulations to dafrieze for his fine ear (as we now know, it's Peter Pears indeed!).
Thanks, Holger. I've modified my upload to correct the date.
I have just listened to Arthur Butterworth's 3rd Symphony 'Sinfonia Borealis'.
Does anyone know details about the quotations? RVW 5th and Sibelius 4th are obvious.
I suppose they are actually meant to be quotations; I have no intention to accuse Butterworth of plagiarism.
Impressive as the work is, these quotations make me feel a bit uneasy.
Well, the subtitle 'Borealis' may hint at some sort of homage to Sibelius; RVW's 5th is in the same line, being dedicated to Sibelius.
I believe that the quotations may well be quite deliberate. It was certainly Butterworth's intention to pay homage to both Sibelius and Vaughan Williams in this symphony :)
Once again, we are in debt to shamokin for yet more Fricker uploads, including two further performances of the First Symphony and the Nocturne for Chamber Orchestra.
:) :)
Thanks so much, David, for the Birtwistle VC. Very much appreciated!
You're very welcome. And for those into whose hearts the very name of Birtwistle strikes fear and loathing, I must say that I found this piece very beautiful and very moving.
I am a trifle perplexed ;D
After writing in a recent post that Birtwistle's music was, presumably, off-limits here (an assumption which no doubt was somewhat presumptuous of me ;D) there is a request for the Violin Concerto-from Alan no less-and then an upload and a commendation :)
Should I download and listen to it ??? I have to date been totally repelled by any Birtwistle :(
I wouldn't normally listen to Birtwistle, but his VC, while obviously written in an advanced idiom, is full of interesting and beautiful sounds. For me, an exception that proves the rule. And I'm a sucker for VCs in general; after all, the violin is an instrument that sings. In addition, I'm always fascinated when an avant-garde composer decides to take on one of the traditional forms; for example I would never have given Maxwell Davies the time of day - until he started writing symphonies.
Anyway, apologies if I'm subverting the ethos of the forum. I trust my reasons are sufficient to forgive my evident hypocrisy...
A further thought on Birtwistle's VC: it seems to me that this is where Schoenberg's VC eventually leads. I don't necessarily like either, but I can hear the connection...
Quote from: Alan Howe on Monday 12 March 2012, 08:02
I wouldn't normally listen to Birtwistle, but his VC, while obviously written in an advanced idiom, is full of interesting and beautiful sounds. For me, an exception that proves the rule. And I'm a sucker for VCs in general; after all, the violin is an instrument that sings. In addition, I'm always fascinated when an avant-garde composer decides to take on one of the traditional forms; for example I would never have given Maxwell Davies the time of day - until he started writing symphonies.
Anyway, apologies if I'm subverting the ethos of the forum. I trust my reasons are sufficient to forgive my evident hypocrisy...
Well if an Administrator can't subvert the ethos of the forum no one can ;D ;D
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 12 March 2012, 14:57
Well if an Administrator can't subvert the ethos of the forum no one can ;D ;D
It was a bit naughty, I agree. So, no more Birtwistle - until, that is, he writes a symphony ;)
Well.....you never know ;D
Who would have predicted in the sixties that Maxwell Davies would write eight ???
I think Birtwistle's discovery of stringed instruments greatly improved his music. I recently discovered his opera 'Minotaur' and was very impressed. As with Tippett, having a classical subject rather than writing his own story seems to have helped too.
Thanks to Sydney Grew for the addition of the John McCabe Symphony No.4 and the Robert Simpson Symphony No.3.
The Simpson is, as he said, the first broadcast performance and is by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra conducted by Hugo Rignold (who premiered the work). Rignold was another fine conductor who was committed to British Music. Oh....for the days when conductors like Rignold, Sir Charles Groves, Sir Edward Downes, Norman Del Mar, Bryden Thomson, Vernon Handley, Maurice Handford, Meredith Davies were either in charge of or regularly guested with British orchestras and could be heard on the radio conducting British music :(
Perhaps Albion can identify the orchestra and conductor for the McCabe ???
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 12 March 2012, 21:16Perhaps Albion can identify the orchestra and conductor for the McCabe ???
David Atherton conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
:)
Quote from: shamokin88 on Wednesday 14 March 2012, 13:54
Eugene Goosens: Variations on a Theme by Goosens
Cincinnati SO/Eugene Goosens [premiere; 23 March 1945]
http://www.mediafire.com/?cl5fyfac9eymxli (http://www.mediafire.com/?cl5fyfac9eymxli)
A word of explanation. This comes from a request. I hesitated for a while, where to put it. I was given the welcome suggestion to stow it under "American" since that is from where most of the notes come. But I decided to ignore that advice because the theme and the impetus were British. Anyway, in order, the variations come from Paul Creston, Aaron Copland, Deems Taylor, Howard Hanson, William Schuman, Walter Piston, Roy Harris, Anis Fuleihan, Bernard Rogers and Ernest Bloch, an appropriate selection from then-current American composers whose works you would have heard in our concert halls in 1945. Only the Cyprus-born Fuleihan [1900-1970] has passed from view.
From a broadcast.
I'm confused : is it Goosens or Goossens ?
Goossens.
Thank you. I have probably spelled it wrong since 1958!
Recent additions ...
from Sydney Grew - Eugene Goossens: The Eternal Rhythm, Op.5 (1913); Symphony No.1, Op.58 (1938-40); Symphony No.2, Op.62 (1943-45)
from PJ - Derek Bourgeois: Chamber of Horrors - Four Demonic Dances, Op.66 (1980)
Many thanks.
:)
Many thanks to Sydney Grew for his broadcast of
Eugene Goossens - Judith, Op.46 (1925-27)
Curiously, some sources (including the 1983 EMI Australia release of the same performance) give the opus number as 55 - but most (including Grove) agree on 46.
In any case, this grippingly dramatic and sumptuously scored one-act opera is an excellent addition to the archive. Hopefully, we will also have Goossens' larger-scale Don Juan de Mañara, op.54 shortly (courtesy of patmos.beje).
;D
An excellent addition from patmos.beje -
Goossens, Eugene (1893-1962) - Don Juan De Mañara, Op. 54 (1934-37)
This opera (originally in four acts) is performed under the composer in a 1959 BBC broadcast, here divided into three acts with two scenes in the (therefore very lengthy) first act.
Many thanks.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 11 December 2011, 00:06
Established members will recall the saga of myself and Gareth Vaughan attending upon De Wolfe's London offices earlier in the year in order to ascertain the survival (or non-survival as it unfortunately turned out) of their one-time extensive holdings of York Bowen's unique unpublished autographs, including Symphony No.3, Op.137 (1951).
This work is almost certainly, to all intents and purposes, now lost - and so it is with the greatest pleasure and gratitude that I can report that another vintage broadcast recording (1954) of the score (this time conducted by Ian Whyte) has been provided, in answer to a direct request, by shamokin88 and will very shortly be available. The recorded sound is, if anything, even more detailed than that of the Tausky peformance already in the archive, which is fantastic news should any reconstruction be seriously considered in the future.
Many thanks, Edward.
:)
How is this possible? That is just criminal! I would bet that it is not lost, but exceedingly well misplaced. I would love to have a crack at DeWolfe. There should be a penalty for losing an invaluable asset; perhaps losing contra of their entire holdings. If you can't protect them, what good are you?
Thanks to everyone for the incredible treasures contained within this thread. I have spent the last two days reading all 84 (at this point) pages of the thread, and have learned so very, very much. I will contribute from time to time, but I'm afraid that what I have is nothing compared to the resources already stored here. Really guys, being here is better than two years in conservatory.
BTW, if Chandos, Hyperion or Dutton need a conductor willing to learn recondite material, I'm motivated and available!
Many thanks to Sydney Grew and Albion for the Goossens. Music I have been wanting to hear for a long time.
Dead in Tune!! This is a real coincidence further to the previous poster. I played on this Argo LP in 1970 and managed to get a professional transfer produced only a month ago. I also made a few adjustments here and there to tidy it up. You cannot tell that it has a vinyl source. If you are allergic to puns then please stay away. If you like attractive music with a very interesting narration by Robin Ray this will be just up your street. If you are interested here it is:
http://www.klassichaus.us/LSSO.php
Other LSSO titles are also to be found here.
Two exciting LP transfers:
from dafrieze -
Frank Bridge - The Christmas Rose (1919-29)
and from mikehopf -
Eugene Goossens - The Apocalypse, Op.64 (1953)
Many thanks to Dave and Mike for these additions - full annotation is given in the catalogue.
I have tidied the beginnings and ends of the Goossens files and merged them in order to present one file for each of the original LPs.
:)
This particular recording of Frank Bridge's Christmas Rose has been transferred to CD some time ago:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2000/nov00/BridgeChristmasRose.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2000/nov00/BridgeChristmasRose.htm)
Quote from: britishcomposer on Tuesday 20 March 2012, 17:52
This particular recording of Frank Bridge's Christmas Rose has been transferred to CD some time ago:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2000/nov00/BridgeChristmasRose.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2000/nov00/BridgeChristmasRose.htm)
It has been deleted (and therefore not available for purchase from the licensed source) for years.
The LP -
(http://www.justclassical.org/db/dbpictures/080810/1255-1293-org0.jpeg)
(http://www.justclassical.org/db/dbpictures/080810/1255-1293-org1.jpeg)
:)
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 20 March 2012, 18:01
Quote from: britishcomposer on Tuesday 20 March 2012, 17:52
This particular recording of Frank Bridge's Christmas Rose has been transferred to CD some time ago:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2000/nov00/BridgeChristmasRose.htm (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2000/nov00/BridgeChristmasRose.htm)
It has been deleted (and therefore not available for purchase from the licensed source) for years.
Then I don't quite understand Mark's announcement in the downloads section which goes:
'A recording must not have appeared on CD, even on a CD which is now unavailable or which was publishd by a now-defunct label.'Can anyone explain this to me? Some time ago I wanted to upload a recording from a CD which has been deleted but I hesitated because of UC's policy not to upload CDs.
Is this perhaps the difference that the source must be the LP-version of the Bridge opera and not the CD-version - though both are the same? :-\
Quote from: britishcomposer on Tuesday 20 March 2012, 19:40
Then I don't quite understand Mark's announcement in the downloads section which goes:
'A recording must not have appeared on CD, even on a CD which is now unavailable or which was publishd by a now-defunct label.'
Can anyone explain this to me? Some time ago I wanted to upload a recording from a CD which has been deleted but I hesitated because of UC's policy not to upload CDs.
Is this perhaps the difference that the source must be the LP-version of the Bridge opera and not the CD-version - though both are the same? :-\
*laugh* maybe this does not make any sense because the whole "definition" does not make sense? Sorry, couldn't keep my mouth shut... but will now :-X
I'm sorry but the rule seems perfectly capable of interpretation by most people here and I'm not going to wast my time repeating or justifying it. As for violinconcerto's snide aside, he'll clearly only be happy when I close down the Downloads Board which, quite frankly, is sometimes a tempting prospect. Enough with the sniping!
As far as I'm concerned the situation is as follows - if you do not have the opportunity to purchase an important recording because it is no longer commercially available, you would ask a friend if he (or she) had a copy which they could bring round to your house so that you could listen to it: the download is the twenty-first-century equivalent to this formerly-much-more-gregarious practice.
Whether something has been available on LP or CD, if it is no longer commercially-obtainable from the progenitor (indicating a willingness on their part to consign it to the dustbin of musical history) it is effectively 'lost' to many listeners to the detriment of both their knowledge and enjoyment, and potentially to the composer's reputation. Certainly regarding the British music archive I have, to the best of my poor ability, tried to make it plain that downloads are provided for private listening in the absence of any other format being readily available. As far as I can ascertain, every single download on this forum has been provided for entirely altruistic reasons and with no pecuniary gain to the provider, in order both to further the cause of a particular composer and provide enjoyment for other music-loving and repertoire-adventurous individuals.
Perhaps this approach is not suited to a cynical world.
???
Sorry, I did not want to cause trouble nor hurt anybody. I was asking quite earnestly.
Thank you all for commenting!
Quote from: britishcomposer on Tuesday 20 March 2012, 21:10Sorry, I did not want to cause trouble nor hurt anybody. I was asking quite earnestly.
Thank you all for commenting!
No trouble or hurt caused (at least to this member) - your points were (and are) always pertinent.
My position is crudely laid out in the above post and is, of course, quite open to debate.
:)
Thanks so much to the uploaders both of The Apocalypse and The Christmas Rose!
There is yet another major work of Goossens which looks as though it deserves a hearing: his Silence opus 31 for chorus and orchestra, to a text of Walter de la Mare. I wonder if it has ever been performed, even?
I'm not sure that the Cowboy Fantasy opus 61 - which is in Grove but not in Mr. D's list - is as tantalizing. Perhaps it was Goossens's Battle Symphony . . .
Quote from: Sydney Grew on Tuesday 20 March 2012, 23:39
Thanks so much to the uploaders both of The Apocalypse and The Christmas Rose!
There is yet another major work of Goossens which looks as though it deserves a hearing: his Silence opus 31 for chorus and orchestra, to a text of Walter de la Mare. I wonder if it has ever been performed, even?
I'm not sure that the Cowboy Fantasy opus 61 - which is in Grove but not in Mr. D's list - is as tantalizing. Perhaps it was Goossens's Battle Symphony . . .
May I add my most grateful thanks for the upload of more works by Goossens, in particular
"The Apocalypse" which I had identified as a work which I was most anxious to hear :)
Regarding the
"Cowboy Fantasy", op.61: I had excluded it frm my list because it was named in the Boosey and Hawkes catalogue as "Film Music". Since however it does not seem to have been attached to a specific film ??? I shall happily add it to the list.
From shamokin88 -
Ruth Gipps - Symphony No.3, Op.57 (1965) ...
the real one this time (it accords with David Wright's description - http://www.wrightmusic.net/pdfs/ruth-gipps.pdf (http://www.wrightmusic.net/pdfs/ruth-gipps.pdf))!
Many thanks.
:)
Thank you very much for the 'missing' Gipps Symphony, Edward! :D
You just have to listen for a few moments to recognize her style. There is perhaps a slight stylistic resemblance to her similarly undervalued contemporary John Veale I think.
Indeed :) Fantastic to get the Ruth Gipps 3rd Symphony :)
From gabriel -
Arthur Butterworth - Symphony No.4, Op.72 (1986), a live broadcast of the first performance, conducted by Bryden Thomson
Many thanks.
:)
Yes, many thanks to Gabriel for the Butterworth 4th :)
Although this symphony is on a Dutton cd it is always good to hear an alternative version, particularly a first performance :)
Anyone who doubts that Butterworth is a symphonist of real substance should listen to this magnificent symphony. Yes, Butterworth does sound like a British North Country Sibelius......but so what ???
Dear Albion,
Maybe it´s the first performance of Butterworth´s Fourth by a professional orchestra, because I read about a premiere in the Warwick Arts Centre on 8/12/1998 (University of Warwick SO, conducted by Colin Touchin).
See http://www.musicweb-international.com/SandH/conway/butterworth.htm
Yes, Colin, AB sounds too much as Tapiola, The Tempest and other works of Sibelius, but his symphony is really very interesting...
Apologies for my mistake!
The concert of the BBC Northern Orchestra (BBC Philharmonic) conducted by Bryden Thomson was on 8 May 1986.
It was brought to my attention that yesterday's upload of the Gipps Piano Concerto was afflicted with the same digital noise in the 2nd and 3rd movements that prevented their upload by another forum member a few months ago. Sorry! I did spot-check some moments in those movements before I uploaded, but I hadn't listened to the recording in its entirity in several years and had forgotten there were problems, and the spots I checked were OK.
However... I spent some time this morning performing some digital magic on the offending files and removed much of the digital noise. While still not ideal, I believe those movements are now at least tolerably listenable. I've replaced my previous upload with the corrected files, so if you downloaded before reading this note today, you may want to go back and re-download after deleting your earlier download.
Enjoy!
Quote from: Latvian on Thursday 22 March 2012, 15:09
It was brought to my attention that yesterday's upload of the Gipps Piano Concerto was afflicted with the same digital noise in the 2nd and 3rd movements that prevented their upload by another forum member a few months ago. Sorry! I did spot-check some moments in those movements before I uploaded, but I hadn't listened to the recording in its entirity in several years and had forgotten there were problems, and the spots I checked were OK.
However... I spent some time this morning performing some digital magic on the offending files and removed much of the digital noise. While still not ideal, I believe those movements are now at least tolerably listenable. I've replaced my previous upload with the corrected files, so if you downloaded before reading this note today, you may want to go back and re-download after deleting your earlier download.
Enjoy!
I cannot download the new link. Does anyone else have this problem?
QuoteI cannot download the new link. Does anyone else have this problem?
OK, I've fixed the link. Please try again.
Thanks, Maris. It is okay now.
I have acquired and uploaded the most significant of the deleted and reconstructed items included during the interval talks broadcast in the 1989 BBC Gilbert and Sullivan series, viz.
Thespis; or, The Gods Grown Old - Little Maid of Arcadee (1871)
The Sorcerer - Happy are we in our loving frivolity [original opening to Act II] (1877)
Patience; or, Bunthorne's Bride - Though men of rank may useless seem [reconstruction of song for Duke of Dunstable] (1881)
Iolanthe; or, The Peer and the Peri - My bill has now been read/ Fold your flapping wings [deleted recit and song for Strephon] (1882)
The Yeomen of the Guard; or, The Merryman and his Maid - When jealous torments rack my soul [deleted song for Wilfred Shadbolt] (1888)
The Yeomen of the Guard; or, The Merryman and his Maid - A laughing boy but yesterday [deleted song for Sergeant Meryll] (1888)
The Yeomen of the Guard; or, The Merryman and his Maid - Is life a boon [original, discarded version] (1888)
:)
Many thanks to both Latvian and shamokin88 for their efforts on behalf of
Ruth Gipps - Piano Concerto in G minor, Op.34 (1948)
Maris's copy of the complete recording was (as indicated in previous posts) damaged but Edward's was intact, so I have adopted the latter and placed it alongside the earlier file of the first movement (which includes the introductory announcement).
:)
Goossens, Eugene (1893-1962) - Don Juan De Mañara, Op. 54 (1934-37)
Does anyone know if the sequence of events was altered for the 3 act version? Listening to the act introductions it would appear that Act 1 Scene 2 was oringinally Act 3 and Act 3 was Act 4. At least, that would fit the synopsis given in one of my opera guides (Heinz Wagner).
Quote from: BerlinExpat on Friday 23 March 2012, 21:22
Goossens, Eugene (1893-1962) - Don Juan De Mañara, Op. 54 (1934-37)
Does anyone know if the sequence of events was altered for the 3 act version? Listening to the act introductions it would appear that Act 1 Scene 2 was oringinally Act 3 and Act 3 was Act 4. At least, that would fit the synopsis given in one of my opera guides (Heinz Wagner).
Certainly, the four sections of the 1959 BBC broadcast (Act 1, Scene 1; Act 1, Scene 2; Act 2; Act 3) equate to the original four separate acts.
If what you surmise from the original synopsis is correct, viz.
Act 1 (original) = Act 1, Scene 1 (revised version)
Act 2 (original) = Act 2
Act 3 (original) = Act 1, Scene 2 (revised version)
Act 4 (original) = Act 3 (revised version)
the revision results in a less well-balanced structure with a very long first act followed by two short ones. The swapping of the middle scenes and the amalgamation were presumably done with a view to stagecraft as I can't really see that there is any musical reason
per se.
???
As there are separate audio files for each section it is easy to compare the different versions.
:)
I have at last managed to complete our 1989 Savoy series with
Arthur Sullivan - Utopia Limited; or, The Flowers of Progress (1893)
Whilst the sound quality is generally excellent, I have had to work from several sources in order to present the complete opera.
:)
gabriel - thank you so much for the recording of Butterworth's 4th Symphony - so distinctively Arthur Butterworth and yet clearly (to my ears, at least) in the tradition of Vaughan Williams. And, how wonderful that it came direct from the composer - we are privileged indeed. :) :)
Latvian! I loved the band music you kindly made available - thank you! It does make a pleasant change, and the pieces are beautifully played. :)
You did make a very big call.... "the Intermezzo from Jacob's Original Suite is one of the most beautiful pieces in all of British music, in any medium!" Wow! Well, it certainly is a lovely piece. I wonder if the Suite was intended as band music or is that an arrangement... Ah! Maybe Colin's composer list has the answer! Anyway, certainly a fine work. :)
Albion, thank you so much, I was eagerly hoping for both of those!
Quote from: semloh on Saturday 24 March 2012, 04:14
Latvian! I loved the band music you kindly made available - thank you! It does make a pleasant change, and the pieces are beautifully played. :)
You did make a very big call.... "the Intermezzo from Jacob's Original Suite is one of the most beautiful pieces in all of British music, in any medium!" Wow! Well, it certainly is a lovely piece. I wonder if the Suite was intended as band music or is that an arrangement... Ah! Maybe Colin's composer list has the answer! Anyway, certainly a fine work. :)
No..it is indeed a work written specifically for Military Band :)
QuoteQuote from: semloh on Today at 04:14
You did make a very big call.... "the Intermezzo from Jacob's Original Suite is one of the most beautiful pieces in all of British music, in any medium!" Wow! Well, it certainly is a lovely piece. I wonder if the Suite was intended as band music or is that an arrangement...
No..it is indeed a work written specifically for Military Band :)
Indeed it is. I don't believe anyone has ever arranged it for orchestra, not that it's necessary -- the writing as it stands is perfectly apt to to the music.
Interestingly, it was Gordon Jacob who orchestrated Vaughan Williams' Folk Song Suite, which was also originally written for band.
Quote from: Latvian on Saturday 24 March 2012, 14:48
QuoteQuote from: semloh on Today at 04:14
You did make a very big call.... "the Intermezzo from Jacob's Original Suite is one of the most beautiful pieces in all of British music, in any medium!" Wow! Well, it certainly is a lovely piece. I wonder if the Suite was intended as band music or is that an arrangement...
No..it is indeed a work written specifically for Military Band :)
Indeed it is. I don't believe anyone has ever arranged it for orchestra, not that it's necessary -- the writing as it stands is perfectly apt to to the music.
Interestingly, it was Gordon Jacob who orchestrated Vaughan Williams' Folk Song Suite, which was also originally written for band.
As the poor unfortunate soul who took it upon himself to try to produce a catalogue of Gordon Jacob's orchestral music ;D ;D I know only too well just how vast was his body of music for brass band and how dreadfully arbitrary were my decisions to include some "symphonic brass music" and omit most of the "military brass music" ::) ::)
Goossens, Eugene (1893-1962) - Don Juan De Mañara, Op. 54 (1934-37)
Many thanks Albion. I've rearranged the acts in the original order and the opera make wonderful listening. :)
Latvian - thanks from 'the other Colin', too, for Harty's Mystic Trumpeter. :)
I wish we heard more of Harty's music. Even his Handel arrangements seem to have fallen from favour, but (being perhaps un-PC) I enjoy them just as much as the originals....
....and Many Thanks to Latvian for the Hamilton Harty from 'this Colin' too ;D :)
'The Mystic Trumpeter' is a big Cantata and, as far as I know, the most substantial composition by Harty not to have been commercially recorded.
I have put in the British Music folder a great fun piece by Sir Malcolm Williamson written for the 1971 Last Night of the Proms:
The Stone Wall - A Cassation for Audience and Orchestra
BBC Chorus, BBC Choral Society, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Colin Davis
(from a long-out-of-print BBC cassette)
He wrote some other Cassations (see http://www.guidetomusicaltheatre.com/shows_c/cassations.htm ) - does anyone know if any have ever been recorded?
(I then thought I should also put this into the Australian Music folder, just to cover my back!)
Many thanks for the Malcolm Williamson piece :)
Great though it is to have it here one continues to regret the absence of so many others of Williamson's compositions :(
No worries Colin - I am happy to be able to make a small contribution even though it pales beside those of others here!
With regard to other Williamson works - there's a CD called "Colours" in which a number of composers were asked to write a piece after their favourite colour. Williamson wrote "Azure" and it's a great piece, I highly recommend. I can't post it up here as it's commercially available. Vic Lewis conducts The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 05 April 2012, 01:06
Many thanks for the Malcolm Williamson piece :)
Great though it is to have it here one continues to regret the absence of so many others of Williamson's compositions :(
Colin, I have a few works from LPs of Williamson's music that I will upload.
I have added
Patric Standford - Stabat mater (1972)
which was broadcast yesterday afternoon on Radio 3. This gritty unaccompanied setting forms the conclusion to the first part of his massive Christus-Requiem.
:)
Many thanks to the members concerned for all the recent contributions.
Hamilton Harty's The Mystic Trumpeter is especially welcome, filling the last significant gap in his major works. There is a slight loop-back on the recording around 06:20, resulting in the loss of half-a-bar (2 before figure 7 - luckily it is just a static bar of C major): I have removed the redundant repetition and uploaded this version to the archive.
:)
I have recorded this afternoon's broadcast of
Thomas Wilson - Saint Kentigern Suite (1986) played by the strings of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under Martyn Brabbins
and uploaded a copy to the archive.
:)
Two additions from shamokin88 -
John Gardner (1917-2011) - Cantiones Sacrae, Op.12 (1952); The Ballad of the White Horse, Op.40 (1959)
Regarding the latter -
First Performance: Dorset Guild of Singers, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Charles Groves, Winter Gardens, Bournemouth, 12th March 1959
1 The White Horse
2 The Northmen
3 The Vision of the King
4 The Gathering of the Chiefs
5 The Harp of Alfred
6 The Battle of Ethandune
7 The Baptism of Guthrum
8 The Scouring of the Horse
Chesterton wrote his Ballad in 1911. It is a long narrative poem of over five hundred verses and, in order to set it as a choral
cantata lasting about three-quarters of an hour, I have had to reduce these to less than a hundred. Not an easy task, and I would be
the first to admit that the selection might have been more aptly made.
My aim was neither to impair the story essentially nor to reduce the ubiquitous ethical slant of Chesterton to the status of a mere
occasional piece of colouring. He tells the story of King Alfred and the Danes against the background of the Uffington White Horse,
which he depicts as a kind of Dorian Gray portrait of England's morale, the weeds upon its white face being directly proportionate to
our misdeeds and misbeliefs as a nation.
Outstandingly typical of his attitude is his description of the Danes as wholesome pagans ('Great, beautiful half-witted men'),
infinitely preferable as invaders to the mean, snivelling verbose intellectuals who were to assail us in later centuries. Against these
the aged Alfred points a prophetic accusative finger: "They shall come mild as monkish clerks, With many a scroll and pen; And
backward shall ye turn and gaze, Desiring one of Alfred's days, When pagans still were men."
The poem is in the form of a Dedication and eight Books, of which I have used only five, divided into eight musical numbers,
structurally separate but sharing a certain amount of material.
The Dedication is omitted entirely, and Book Two (The Gathering of the Chiefs) reduced to a mere account of Alfred's setting out'
across the windy wastes' to round up his chiefs.
In Book Three (The Harp of Alfred) the lively exchange of minstrelsy between the incognito Alfred and the Danish chiefs has been
cut down to one heartfelt burst of song from Alfred, in which he assures the superior Guthrum that his end is near and that
Christianity will triumph.
Book Four, which tells of the Cakes episode and of the massing of the English armies against the Danes, is left out entirely, if
regretfully, and I have taken from the three books devoted by Chesterton to the Battle of Ethandune some verses from the end of the
third of these books only, which tell of the turning of the tide of battle beneath the vision of Mary' on dreadful cherubs borne " of the
surrender of Guthrum, and of his subsequent Conversion and Baptism.
Book Eight (The Scouring of the Horse) was my greatest problem. In a cantata of moderate length it would have been impossible to
include the further battles which led to Alfred's entry into London - Chesterton's final line. So I chose some verses in which the old
king enjoins Englishmen to keep the White Horse white, and warns us of our true enemies, the intellectuals who come armed with
pens rather than swords.
I decided to end the cantata on a note of pessimism, to which Chesterton himself might have taken exception, with the unforgettable
verse which describes the perpetual defacement of the White Horse by weeds. To do this seemed to me to strengthen the ethical in
pact of the poem, and it enabled me musically to link my end with my beginning. I am aware, however, that I may be accused of
taking a liberty in darkening the final effect of the Ballad.
The musical material of the work pretends to originality with one exception: the use I have made throughout of the Ave Maria canon
of Adam Gumpelzhaimer, itself based upon the plainsong hymn. It is fitting that this should occur in a work written by me for a
Dorset choir, for it was in that county that, twenty-five years ago, I first met and fell in love with the canons of this sixteenth-century
master. (John Gardner)
Two large choral works which will be completely unfamiliar to the vast majority of listeners.
Many thanks, Edward.
:)
Fantastic additions :) Two major pieces of British choral music by John Gardner :)
One again we are enormously in debt to shamokin (and to Albion) for his helpful notes) :) :)
Thanks seconded for the Gardner pieces ! Be interesting to compare his setting of The White Horse with David Bedfords from 20+ years later; bet Gardners choir don't have to inhale helium?
Apropos nothing, have been listening lately to Dunhills Elegiac Variations in Memory of Parry; a fine, trim tuneful piece which - if it doesn't match Parry's own Symphonic Variations (what does?) - would definitely merit a good modern recording. It's surprising how many sets of British Edwardian orchestral variations have made it onto record at last - Bantock, Holbrooke, Brian, Coleridge-Taylor and Hurlstone come to mind: but I wonder if there remain enough others to make up a couple more discs..?
Oh...... :(
I suspect that the performance of the Malcolm Williamson Piano Concerto No.3 played by the composer with the LPO under Leonard Dommett may well be the same one which Lyrita released on cd ???
Can that be confirmed, Colin?
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Tuesday 17 April 2012, 15:15
Can that be confirmed, Colin?
The Lyrita cd (SRCD 280) booklet notes say that the performance was recorded in February 1974 in Kingsway Hall, London. If, by some chance, the World Record Club LP version was recorded before that date then they are different performances. I have to say that I am dubious but would be delighted to be proved wrong :(
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Tuesday 17 April 2012, 15:15Can that be confirmed?
Music Heritage Society LP 3586 has an identical coupling to the 1975 Lyrita LP (SRCS79) - the Organ Concerto under Boult and the Piano Concerto No.3 under Dommett: they were effectively the same release licensed to different companies in the UK and the US, now coupled on CD with the Sonata for Two Pianos. I don't have the necessary authorisation to remove a download post, but this will have to be done by either Mark or Alan as the Lyrita disc (SRCD280) is still available.
I have removed the posting. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Frank
Thanks, Frank - no harm done.
:)
It's easy to overlook in cases like this where the same recording was originally and confusingly available simultaneously on two completely independent labels.
:o
Absolutely :)
No inconvenience at all :) Just keeping us all on "the straight and narrow" ;D ;D
Many thanks to gabriel for
Arthur Butterworth - Viola Concerto, Op.82 (1992)
As some members possibly might not be able to play .ape files (I can't) I have converted the broadcast to .mp3 as an alternative and put a copy in the archive.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 25 April 2012, 17:03
Many thanks to gabriel for
Arthur Butterworth - Viola Concerto, Op.82 (1992)
As some members possibly might not be able to play .ape files (I can't) I have converted the broadcast to .mp3 as an alternative and put a copy in the archive.
:)
Many thanks, Albion.... the download in ape format was so big that I had to give up. ;D
Quote from: semloh on Thursday 26 April 2012, 00:12Many thanks, Albion.... the download in ape format was so big that I had to give up. ;D
You're very welcome. The original file took an hour and a quarter to download on a kbps trickle ...
:o
... and then I discovered that my usual format-converter didn't handle .ape ...
::)
... so I downloaded another free one which did.
;D
I am just listening myself through the Daniel Jones uploads. Today it's the Overture 'Ieunectid', kindly uploaded by Holger. I tried to find out what 'Ieunectid' may mean and it seems that this is a spelling mistake. I suppose the piece is called 'Ieuenctid' which means 'youth'. :)
Quote from: britishcomposer on Thursday 26 April 2012, 13:26I am just listening myself through the Daniel Jones uploads. Today it's the Overture 'Ieunectid', kindly uploaded by Holger. I tried to find out what 'Ieunectid' may mean and it seems that this is a spelling mistake. I suppose the piece is called 'Ieuenctid' which means 'youth'. :)
Quite, right! The catalogue entry was correct, but the file title wasn't - this is now corrected.
:)
Quote from: semloh on Thursday 26 April 2012, 00:12
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 25 April 2012, 17:03
Many thanks to gabriel for
Arthur Butterworth - Viola Concerto, Op.82 (1992)
As some members possibly might not be able to play .ape files (I can't) I have converted the broadcast to .mp3 as an alternative and put a copy in the archive.
:)
Many thanks, Albion.... the download in ape format was so big that I had to give up. ;D
...When he gets in a scrape, he'll make his escape, with the help of his friend, a great big ape! ;D
I have added one of the highlights of last year's Proms season to the archive -
Arnold Bax - Symphony No.2 in E minor and C (1924-26)
This was the symphony's first appearance at the Proms, played by the Royal Philharmonic under Andrew Litton.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Monday 30 April 2012, 07:24
I have added one of the highlights of last year's Proms season to the archive -
Arnold Bax - Symphony No.2 in E minor and C (1924-26)
This was the symphony's first appearance at the Proms, played by the Royal Philharmonic under Andrew Litton.
:)
Albion - you surely aren't counting Bax as an "unsung composer"? ( ;D)
Quote from: semloh on Monday 30 April 2012, 08:14Albion - you surely aren't counting Bax as an "unsung composer"? ( ;D)
When one of his finest symphonies has had to wait 80 years for a Proms outing ...
:o
... I think I probably am.
;D
There are certainly degrees of "unsungness". Bax is hardly frequently programmed, even if he is fairly well represented in the recording catalogues. Only one recording of the violin concerto, I believe. Of course that's nothing to Goring Thomas or Prout. Bax certainly deserves to be far more sung than he is.
Bax is definitely 'unsung'. His symphonies are rarities in the concert hall and on R3 these days. The 2nd which finally got a Proms airing last year is a masterpiece IMO as are the 3rd & 6th. All we seem to get these days are occasional airings of Tintagel, The Garden of Fand or Mediterranean. I don't believe his chamber or piano music fairs any better.
Thanks, Albion:
Any chance that plans for a major-label recording of the Te Deum (Op. 66) are in the works, somewhere? Any other hints or words through the grapevine, on that front?
Quote from: atterberg 1974 on Wednesday 02 May 2012, 21:48
Thanks, Albion:
Any chance that plans for a major-label recording of the Te Deum (Op. 66) are in the works, somewhere? Any other hints or words through the grapevine, on that front?
Stanford's Te Deum, Op.66 was originally planned to partner the Stabat mater recording under Richard Hickox, until Chandos 'discovered' that it was too large to accommodate both works on a single disc (surprise, surprise!) ...
::)
... so they substituted the little B flat Te Deum instead.
:(
As far as I know, no other company has shown any interest in recording this splendid work (Op.66) commercially. All I can say from personal experience is that the concert (and especially the Stanford) represented by the broadcast was very well received by a large audience, although the choir did not rate Harry Christophers in this repertoire ...
;)
Yes, Stanford's non-church settings of the Latin liturgy are a lovely thing, the Requiem, the Stabat and that op. 66 Te Deum. He also set the Latin mass, I believe, which I suppose would have been in a similar vein
Many thanks to Albion (and allow me to confirm the sentiments of Jimfin: Standford's choral music is unfailingly lovely)...
...I can only hope that a major label can pull together a fleet of grand and capable forces in order to release Stanford's "large" Te Deum on CD. In the meantime, we can all live on downloads offered on this great Web site, I suppose. :)
Thanks to Holger for his upload of the William Mathias "Salvator mundi"-another welcome addition to the large Mathias collection available here :)
I've just posted four typically dramatic and colourful overtures by Litolff to the British Music thread in the Downloads board.
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Saturday 12 May 2012, 17:37
I've just posted four typically dramatic and colourful overtures by Litolff to the British Music thread in the Downloads board.
Excellent - many thanks, Mark. Litolff certainly has strong claim to be included in our British section, and it is wonderful to have access to his orchestral music beyond the
Concertos symphoniques.
;D
Litolff- according to HMB, Die Girondisten, Trauerspiel von R. Griepenkerl, Op.80 overture was published in 1852. The overture to Robespierre was published in 1850, making a composition date of 1856, again, raise interesting inferences about ... it was republished in 1856, fwiw. The dramatic overture Chant des belges -was - published in 1856. 1847/8 seems right for Die Braut von Kynast.
Thanks for the clarification of the dates, Eric. I'll alter the post and the text file accordingly.
Thanks. I'm assuming one advantage to his being his own publisher was that he probably got his own works out soon after composition in many cases - (probably, often, maybe - it does not do good to assume...
and even then even if one just wants publication dates HMB is only a good reference, not a perfect one (well, goes without saying) (actually, often for works first published in Britain that can be a problem, q.v. Sydney Smith. ... :) )
Quote from: eschiss1 on Monday 14 May 2012, 10:05
Thanks. I'm assuming one advantage to his being his own publisher was that he probably got his own works out soon after composition in many cases - (probably, often, maybe - it does not do good to assume...
Well, it sure didn't save his 1st PC!
JL: Litolff didn't even own Litolff until his marriage in 1851 (around the time he was composing his 4th concerto...) turned Meyer-Verlag into Litolff-Verlag. The 1st piano concerto predates the 2nd concerto symphonique, which was it seems composed in 1844. I don't know -when- exactly the first concerto was lost but see a problem there of about seven years size ? .
(Seven, Eric. Seven. Drop the two.)
According to Hyperion (http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/al.asp?al=CDA67210) the first concerto, in D minor like the 4th, was composed around 1839-41, (not published according to some other sources?), and yes, at some point lost.
I believe the point was in WWII, as I mentioned. There was some discussion about it on the old Raff Forum. As I recall, I wanted to know how it was so certain it was lost and I believe it was Alan who told the story about how the MS was kept in Litolff-Verlag, with no copies elsewhere and immolated during the bombing of Leipzig.
Ah, thanks for the explanation. Copying machines and digital scanners needed to be invented centuries earlier- never mind *scratches that out*
About Wordsworth symphony 7 "Cosmos" again - which is listed as having date, performers blank... - I see it was premiered in Inverness on September 26 1981 (in The Glasgow Herald, dated Tuesday September 29 1981, page 4, the date is given as "last Saturday" ) - I suppose it's possible it's received more than one performance ever but am not hopeful of that, though it -is- possible I'm guessing which is why I am also guessing it's safer to leave that section blank- but- any thoughts?
About Edward Cowie's concerto- it was premiered (http://www.edward-cowie.com/page18.html) by Howard Shelley with Sir Charles Groves and the BBCNSO conducted by Sir Charles Groves in Manchester, 1977 at the Proms. This could be the recording we have (the year is the same apparently?).
Many thanks to MVS for providing an excellent recording of
Havergal Brian - Symphony No.7 (1948)
played by the RPO under Harry Newstone in 1966 and broadcast two years later.
:)
Quote from: Albion on Tuesday 29 May 2012, 07:35
Many thanks to MVS for providing an excellent recording of
Havergal Brian - Symphony No.7 (1948)
played by the RPO under Harry Newstone in 1966 and broadcast two years later.
:)
This makes my day!
I've just added a recording of a concert performance of Arthur Hinton's 1895 Symphony No.1.
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Tuesday 29 May 2012, 10:56
I've just added a recording of a concert performance of Arthur Hinton's 1895 Symphony No.1.
By the way, before and in case anyone asks, the answer is no(!)
Wouldn't that be after anyone asks, since I think I, and others, already did awhile back :) but thanks again
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Tuesday 29 May 2012, 10:56
I've just added a recording of a concert performance of Arthur Hinton's 1895 Symphony No.1.
Thanks very much for this, Mark - fascinating!
;D
Do you know if the Dan Franklin Smith/ Lambeth Orchestra/ Christopher Fifield performance (March 2002) of the Piano Concerto was recorded as well?
???
No idea I'm afraid but you could try emailing Chris Fifield - he's a sometime member here.
Lovely stuff, the Hinton Symphony No.1. It sems to me to inhabit a musical world somewhat more luxuriant than that of Stanford - perhaps unsurprisingly so given that he was half a generation younger than CVS. What a shame that, like Cliffe's magnificent 1st Symphony, this music has been consigned to virtually complete obscurity; were it not for Chris Fifield's enthusiastic advocacy we wouldn't be able to hear it all. So thanks for this upload: a real find!
Again, many thanks to MVS, this time for
Graham Whettam - Sinfonia drammatica (1978)
:)
Breaking news: I may have located a recording of the Hinton Piano Concerto concert. Watch this space (but don't hold your breath)...
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Tuesday 29 May 2012, 21:17
Breaking news: I may have located a recording of the Hinton Piano Concerto concert. Watch this space (but don't hold your breath)...
I'm afraid I've already turned blue and passed out ...
;)
Will someone please tell Albion when he wakes up that either I or another member (who contacted me) will upload the Hinton PC performance in the next few days. You wait years for one Hinton to arrive and then...
Allison has now uploaded the Hinton PC!
Hinton concerto is described in great detail here (http://books.google.com/books?id=J8SwAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA1306). From these notes to the Boston premiere (first Boston performance, I mean- it was premiered in late 1905) in March 1908 (which also had works by Converse and MacDowell; and typically for Boston Symphony notes in those days ... sigh! ... had -very- detailed biographies and much else about each composer and the works performed. Envy, envy, envy envy. And yes, thanks to Google- not for trying to "copyright" these scans and enforce it technologically besides, but yes, for scanning these very interesting program notes and other things in the first place, for that yes thanks.)
So- briefly:
Hinton Piano Concerto Opus 24 in D minor, premiered 1905 (not published until 1920 ; composition date unknown of this writing.)
1) Allegro con spirito
2) Scherzo - (Trio : ) Tempo di valse
3) Andante con moto (in E-flat major) - attacca
4) Moderato ma con spirito
Yes, I know that three tracks were uploaded. However, every description I have read - Dan Franklin Smith's blog, these 1908 program notes, the MusicWeb review of the modern premiere that these mp3s are from (Smith/Fifield/etc.) ...agrees there are 4 movements. Maybe the third track is movements 3 and 4 together. :) Guessing so from its slow opening. Agreed- thanks, Allison, and for the Cliffe symphony too!
Can I reiterate Albion's thanks to MVS for the Graham Whettam Sinfonia Drammatica :)
This turns out to be every bit as fine a symphony as I had hoped :) Effectively Whettam's 3rd symphony, it confirms that composers could still write imposing tonal symphonies in the late 20th century(the symphony dates from 1978). Whettam's neglect and the fact that this symphony has been virtually forgotten since that first (and, presumably last, performance) when so much meretricious rubbish continues to be peddled by others is the abiding tragedy of contemporary music in Britain (and other countries) >:( :(
MVS-you have already indicated that you have works by Havergal Brian in your collection. There are threads on this forum concerning Gaps in the recorded repertoire of British symphonies and concertos. If you are able to plug any of these it would be wonderful ;D
Re Josephs' 5th symphony "Pastoral" - this work has appeared in a different recording, on CD (conducted by Measham, on Unicorn Kanchana)- that by itself should make it somewhat easier to find out the movement listings - I hope. Even though it's out of print now. (It seems to be 1970, "First performed 25 November 1971 in the Hull City Hall by the Hull Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Terence Lovett.", rather than 1971-72 as given (unless it was revised after premiere?), and published in 1975.) (I see Mr. Herman already pointed out the first part. I have the date 1970, rather than 1971, from a reference to the score, which is headed, I gather, "Pastoral symphony (1970)". That may mean begun in 1970, it's true.)
According to an ebay photo of the CD of symphony 5, 3 of the 4 movements (there are 4 according to reviews, but only 3 tracks) of symphony 5 are titled
Andante - Vivace leggero - Adagio (followed by a fast finale.)
As with a work by Wordsworth (WB Wordsworth, I mean), I wonder if Josephs' Symphony no. 6, op. 83, for chorus & orchestra with lyric soprano & baritone soli has been performed... hrm...
Eric....listen to the introduction to the recording available from this site which I uploaded last year. That introduction explains exactly the nature of each of the five movements:
Andante
Vivace leggiero
Adagio
Intermezzo notturno
Epilogue
Oh, thanks *whoops*! Though absent the score I'm still going with leggero (which I have seen as a written alternative, I think and is on the CD.) :)
Lots of interest -
from allison we have Arthur Hinton's Piano Concerto and Frederic Cliffe's Symphony No.1
and from MVS alternative copies of the Mackerras-Pope-Poole Havergal Brian Symphonies 2-4 in superior sound
Many thanks to both members.
:)
Whilst I have no difficulty in agreeing that the MVS recordings of the Brian symphonies have clearly superior sound quality to the versions previously uploaded for the members of this site and whilst, speaking personally, I have no issue with Albion removing the recordings which I previously made available, I think that there is a point which needs to be made here.
I tried to make it quite explicitly clear that if other members could provide better recordings than mine then I would gladly withdraw my originals. I know that other members have made the same point. As we "get rid" of these less well-recorded versions however we should recall the time and effort put in by those of us who digitised, struggled to improve the existing sound and finally made the recordings available.
The original Brian 3rd which I recorded back in 1974 was improved by John Whitmore and the amount of effort put into that task was considerable. It is with very considerable pleasure that I join in welcoming superior recordings which can, appropriately, replace inferior versions but let us never deter others from taking the time and putting in the effort to digitise old recordings in sound which, by modern standards, may be regarded as 'poor'.
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 30 May 2012, 16:31The original Brian 3rd which I recorded back in 1974 was improved by John Whitmore and the amount of effort put into that task was considerable. It is with very considerable pleasure that I join in welcoming superior recordings which can, appropriately, replace inferior versions but let us never deter others from taking the time and putting in the effort to digitise old recordings in sound which, by modern standards, may be regarded as 'poor'.
Absolutely! There has been an
enormous amount of work put in by many members right across the entire Downloads section of the forum, primarily to ensure that their recordings can be heard by other listeners for the ultimate benefit of the composer concerned. We all wish for this to continue quite regardless of the perceived 'quality' of any particular recording.
Personally speaking, quite a number of my own off-air recordings originally in the archive have gradually been superseded and I would welcome cleaner versions of several of the others (the Cipriani Potter symphonies, for example).
With a view to slimming down the relevant section of the archive I have removed the Aries LP transfer of No.4 and (with his permission) Johan's copy of No.2.
:)
I have been listening to the four symphonies all day. I am a very happy Brianite.
Many thanks to MVS for additional important Havergal Brian recordings -
the first performance of Symphony No.4, Das Siegeslied under Maurice Handford in 1967
the first performance of Symphony No.21 under Edward Downes in 1969 (broadcast 1970)
:)
Thank you so much! You have just decided my weekend listening for me!
One word - wow!
An unbelievable amount of thanks to MVS, I'm completely stunned.
And, thanks so much, too, to Dundonnell, Albion and John Whitmore for their work and making all this available in the first place.
Quote from: hattoff on Thursday 31 May 2012, 10:04
An unbelievable amount of thanks to MVS, I'm completely stunned.
And, thanks so much, too, to Dundonnell, Albion and John Whitmore for their work and making all this available in the first place.
Hear hear!
I have already started to revise my opinion of symphonies 2 and 4...
P.S. I am (pleasantly) surprised at how many people actually like Brian's music (and even consider him their favourite composer). I also check Twitter regularly and have discovered other music-lovers who don't find his music as impenetrable as it is often presented. A wonderful development, that bodes well for the future.
P.P.S. The recording of No. 21 is between a major second and a minor third too high, if I'm not mistaken. The drum-roll that starts the main Allegro e con Animo after the slow introduction should be a B flat. It sounds more like D flat... But John Whitmore has perfect pitch...
P.P.P.S Second movement is a minor second too high... As is the third movement... Final movement: major second too high.
Apart from these sonic nitpicks, I like Downes's performance a lot. It isn't better than the one by the LSSO, though. They are about even.
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Thursday 31 May 2012, 10:59I have already started to revise my opinion of symphonies 2 and 4...
I have always liked
Das Siegeslied, but have hitherto found No.2 an impenetrable miasma of indigestible clag ...
:P
.. but, now that I can hear far more of the orchestral detail, I am beginning to like it!
:)
Quote from: Albion on Thursday 31 May 2012, 11:42
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Thursday 31 May 2012, 10:59I have already started to revise my opinion of symphonies 2 and 4...
I have always liked Das Siegeslied, but have hitherto found No.2 an impenetrable miasma of indigestible clag ...
:P
.. but, now that I can hear far more of the orchestral detail, I am beginning to like it!
:)
Same here. :)
Wow! J.Z.H., that's a perceptive observation! I, alas, do not have perfect pitch, :( so I hadn't noticed it. I do have the score, and a tuning fork, so I'll investigate this when I get back next week. (It will be an easy fix.)
I have always loved the 2nd, but it's the two Leslie Head performances that do it for me. I really think that he had the measure of the score, even with his non-professional orchestra. I have always been disappointed with the Mackerras - esp the first two movements (way too glib, too impetuous...) - and I heard at the time that the Mackerras performance was was severely under-rehearsed because Mackerras spent so much time trying to figure out the physical positioning of the horns in the Scherzo,etc.. And, of course, the Rowe.. :P :P :P To me, Leslie Head was one of the most perceptive of all of the early Brian conductors. His version of the 32nd takes the slow movement at a tempo that reveals it to be (to me anyway) one of the most profound, and heartbreaking, movements in all of music. The Leaper and (surprisingly) the Fredman versions can't touch it. I need to suggest to the Havergal Brian Society that they do an article on Leslie Head.
Call me Johan for ease of use...
Do you have (any of) the Leslie Head performances? I remember visiting the British Music Information Centre during the 1980s. I asked for some Brian and I heard the first few minutes of the Second in a performance I could never place since then. So that was Leslie Head's...
I must say that Downes is most impressive in the closing pages of No. 21! (I have the score, too, bought it (and 8, 10 and 22) during the early 80s from Graham Hatton of Musica Viva. I don't have perfect pitch, but I noticed the music sounded a tad too bright and checked with a virtual keyboard online!)
Johan,
It just occurred to me how much easier it will be for me to use my own keyboard! :D Yes, I have the 2nd and 3rd of the Leslie Head performances on tape, and will post them next week.
Mark
Quote from: MVS on Thursday 31 May 2012, 12:49
Johan,
It just occurred to me how much easier it will be for me to use my own keyboard! :D Yes, I have the 2nd and 3rd of the Leslie Head performances on tape, and will post them next week.
Mark
Wonderful! The past few days have been blessedly Brian-centric thanks to your contributions. Just as a reminder: Martyn Brabbbins is (or has been) recording a new Dutton CD with Brian's VC, Symphony No. 13 and English Suite No. 4 as we are (were) glutting ourselves on the new/old radio recordings... There have been worse times for Havergal Brian and his admirers.
(Not quite sure where to post this ;D It could equally go into 'Download Requests' :)))
I think that it is time for an update on those mid to late 20th century British symphonies which have neither made it to cd nor have been uploaded for members of this site. The number has grown significantly smaller over the past few months due to the generosity of members :)
Arthur Butterworth: Nos. 6 and 7
Arnold Cooke: Nos. 2 and 6
Ruth Gipps: No.1
Iain Hamilton: Nos. 1 and 4
Alun Hoddinott: No.1
Wilfred Josephs: Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Malcolm Lipkin: No.1
John McCabe: No.7
Anthony Milner: No.3
John Veale: No.2
Thomas Wilson: No.5
I have not included those symphonies which-to my knowledge-have never been performed( Edgar Bainton's 1st, Stanley Bates Nos. 1 and 2, John Gardner's 2nd, Robert Still Nos. 1 and 2, Graham Whettam's Sinfonia Prometeica and William Wordsworth's 6th.)
I also hasten to add that this is not an exclusive list ;D There are other symphonies.....the Holbrooke for example(only No.4 is on disc).
Thank you so much for this, Dundonnell: it's good to keep an eye on this, and to be heartened by the shrinking of the list (and further shrinking pending, as the Butterworth and Bate symphonies have a good chance of recordings, and the Holbrooke 3rd is supposed to be in the pipeline...
Taliesin by Alun Hoddinot
National Orchestra of Wales
François-Xavier Roth, Brangwyn Hall,
Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts, 10.10.2009
BBC Broadcast
From the collection of Karl Miller
(http://www.orianapublications.co.uk/hoddinott2.jpg)
This was Hoddonot's last major opus, and was premiered posthumously at the 2009 Swansea festival, and latter broadcast by the BBC. I've pulled a few descriptions of this work and the performance which I'll share below:
BBC 3 Description:
Afternoon on 3 closes with a concert featuring the first broadcast of "Taliesin", the final work composed by Alun Hoddinott, who for over half a century was at the heart of Welsh musical life. Penny is joined by Swansea Festival director Huw Tregelles Williams, to hear about the new piece, the composer and this remarkable concert from the 2009 festival, featuring the orchestra's Associate Guest Conductor Francois-Xavier Roth.
Preview by Karen Price
IT was the last piece that eminent Welsh composer Alun Hoddinott worked on. Now, a year after his death, Taliesin is to be given its world premiere in the concert hall where he discovered a love for classical music as a young boy.
BBC National Orchestra of Wales will perform the orchestral tone poem during the Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts, which opens next week.
The concert at Brangwyn Hall, which is where Hoddinott first heard a professional orchestra, will also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the venue.
Taliesin was commissioned by BBC Now to celebrate what would have been Hoddinott's 80th birthday this year but he passed away in March 2008.
The composer's family are due to attend the concert on October 10. Hoddinott helped festival chairman Huw Tregelles Williams pull together the whole programme, which also includes Berlioz's Overture: Roman Carnival and Saint-Saens' Symphony No 3 for organ.
"He was a huge admirer of the French repertoire," says Williams. "As someone who knew Alun very well, it's obviously going to be very moving to hear his last piece of work performed."
During a pre-concert talk, Hoddinott's first published piece, Opus 1 String Trio, will be played by three members of the orchestra.
"So both his first and last opuses will be heard during the same evening."
Williams is also delighted that they are able to mark the milestone birthday of the Brangwyn Hall, which is one of several venues throughout Swansea which will host festival events.
"As a schoolboy, I was taken to concerts during the Swansea Festival," he says.
"I remember the first performance in Wales of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem. The acoustics in the hall are still fantastic today."
Review by Peter Reynolds
FEW composers and orchestras have enjoyed a continuous relationship lasting for more than 60 years.
On Saturday night, at this year's Swansea Festival in the Brangwyn Hall, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales gave the final premiere by one of Wales' most important composers, Alun Hoddinott.
Taliesin (a BBC commission) was the last music completed by Alun Hoddinott, who died in March last year.
His music was first performed by the then BBC Welsh Orchestra in May 1949 when he was just 19 years old.
Inspired by the life of the sixth century Welsh bard Taliesin, it is a finely wrought, 25-minute work evoking not so much the distant Celtic world of the bard, as his significance as the essence of Welshness.
Falling into four distinct interlinked sections, it evokes the spirit of a symphony in all but name.
The music has the energy and invention of a man half Hoddinott's age, but it also has the effortless economy and total mastery reflecting a lifetime of composition.
Every bar is permeated with the personality of its composer: glittering bejewelled textures, sections of quicksilver speed and brooding sombre brass, all framed by a compelling ticking idea heard at the outset and returning at the work's strangely luminous resolution.
No orchestra is better imbued with Hoddinott's style than the BBC National Orchestra of Wales which, conducted with terrific intensity by their associate guest conductor, François Xavier Roth, gave a passionately committed performance of this important premiere.
The concert also included a sparkling account of Berlioz's overture, Roman Carnival, Debussy's Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune and a thrilling account of Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony with the conductor's father, Daniel Roth, as soloist.
A fascinating talk by Geraint Lewis, prior to the concert, also contained an early string trio piece by Hoddinott, the manuscript of which only recently came to light.
The event, promoted by both the BBC and Welsh Music Guild, demonstrated that, even at the age of 20, Alun Hoddinott was fully in control of his craft. The work had a fine performance under three principals from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales: Lesley Hatfield, Emma Sheppard and John Senter.
The concert will be broadcast at a later date.
Review by Neil Reeve
Swansea Festival Of The Arts 2009(4) - Berlioz, Hoddinott, Debussy, Saint-Saëns: BBC National Orchestra of Wales/François-Xavier Roth, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, 10.10.2009 (NR)
This concert was notable for the première of Taliesin, the last orchestral work completed by Alun Hoddinott, who died in March 2008. It was commissioned for what would have been his 80th birthday earlier this year, and it was fitting that it should have had its first performance in Swansea, the city in whose environs he spent both his formative and his final years - and in the Brangwyn Hall, where, as Geraint Lewis remarked in a pre-concert talk, Hoddinott would have heard live orchestral music for the first time. This early-evening taster event also featured members of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales playing Hoddinott's String Trio, opus 1, so we had both the opening and the closing of his career; the trio, composed when he was 19, around the same time as his celebrated Clarinet Concerto, was similarly spiky, confident, energetically and invitingly lilting. It certainly left me hoping that someone would soon embark on a serious revaluation of Hoddinott's writing for string ensembles of all kinds.
Taliesin itself, effectively a one-movement symphony, massively unfolded from a four-note motif, rising or inverted. There were intriguing varieties of harmony and pulse, and bouts of almost Holstian merriment among more shadowy episodes. It was also a very busy work, using the full range of orchestral resources, with the percussionists in particular having virtually to run from one instrument station to another in their efforts to keep up. As with several other symphonic pieces by Hoddinott, there was a sense of the musical material being constantly redistributed between different sections of the orchestra in a kind of dialectical or argumentative pattern – appropriate perhaps to the figure of Taliesin in his mythical incarnation as a spirit of mutability. But there was also something overly restless and frustrating about this continual fading in and out of shapes and colours, something which began after a while to sound formulaic, a technical ploy rather than the result of any inner momentum or real necessity. I would like to hear the piece again to see if I'm wrong.
.
Many thanks to jowcol for
Alun Hoddinott - Taliesin (2007)
and for providing the extensive 'booklet notes' above.
:)
Just a few early thoughts on the recently-uploaded recordings of the first (broadcast) performance of Havergal Brian's Symphony No. 4, 'Das Siegeslied', from 3 July 1967, with the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maurice Handford, and the first (broadcast) performance of Brian's Symphony No. 21, with the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Edward Downes.
The sound of these latest additions isn't as good the earlier ones (2, 3, 4 and 7), but that doesn't matter, they are of huge historic interest. Many passages go rather disastrously wrong in 'Das Siegeslied', because Handford often seems to be in quite a hurry, so that the choirs can hardly keep up. It shows you how excellent Poole was in 1974 (even a flawed performance is always instructive, even there details stand out you didn't notice before). As for No. 21, the LSO play it very well, I think. Downes follows the score quite faithfully, although he completely forgets the Allargando at the end of the third movement. The way he shapes the final pages of the work as a whole are, however, masterly, and those chords ending the work are much more imposing than in the LSSO performance. But, again, the LSSO did a more than creditable job in 1972, and the performances are evenly-matched.
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Thursday 31 May 2012, 10:59
Quote from: hattoff on Thursday 31 May 2012, 10:04
An unbelievable amount of thanks to MVS, I'm completely stunned.
And, thanks so much, too, to Dundonnell, Albion and John Whitmore for their work and making all this available in the first place.
Hear hear!
I have already started to revise my opinion of symphonies 2 and 4...
P.S. I am (pleasantly) surprised at how many people actually like Brian's music (and even consider him their favourite composer). I also check Twitter regularly and have discovered other music-lovers who don't find his music as impenetrable as it is often presented. A wonderful development, that bodes well for the future.
P.P.S. The recording of No. 21 is between a major second and a minor third too high, if I'm not mistaken. The drum-roll that starts the main Allegro e con Animo after the slow introduction should be a B flat. It sounds more like D flat... But John Whitmore has perfect pitch...P.P.P.S Second movement is a minor second too high... As is the third movement... Final movement: major second too high.
Apart from these sonic nitpicks, I like Downes's performance a lot. It isn't better than the one by the LSSO, though. They are about even.
Trouble is, this is as much use as a chocolate fire guard as far as this tape of 21 is concerned. See my post on the main HB forum 10 minutes ago where I made a couple of suggestions, one of which would involve me getting hold of the cassette - assuming it's a cassette of course. On a wider point, it's great to get new improved versions and it's no criticism whatsoever of the work carried out by people including myself and especially Colin. Maybe next year the owner of a top of the range reel to reel recorder will come along with further improvements from his or her long lost collection that's been residing in the loft. Long may that continue.
Mark,
Hi! That's a great suggestion about a Leslie Head article for the Brian Society Newsletter. He was a guest at the AGM five or six years ago being interviewed by Lewis Foreman, and a video exists of the conversation which could easily be transcribed. He had some great comments about taking the Brian 2nd 'on tour'!
Now all I have to do is find the charger for my video camera...
Keep your eyes peeled!
;)
Just to make it easier, this is what John Whitmore wrote on the Brian thread of the GMG Classical Music Forum:
I've just been listening and trying to sort it out. The problem is that the tape speed changes throughout each movement. I corrected the opening of the first movement into E flat and all was well but by the middle of the movement the pitch had dropped and by the end it had dropped still further. The tape is slowing down from beginning to end. If I correct the pitch by using the last few notes as markers the opening is no longer in E flat. Is this from a cassette? I wonder if the uploader can rewind the tape a few times to free it up and then have another go at the transfer. It's not possible to pitch correct this as I did for the upload of the 10th which started in the key of B and three quarters minor and at least had the common decency to be equally inaccurate throughout the full length of the piece. It could be the tired old belt on the cassette player of course. I've got a Nakamichi that's still in great nick. If it comes to it I could try to make a transfer.
Well, since none of the other reel-to-reel transfers I've made recently are afflicted with the same problem (as far as I know- and if they are having that problem, then I'll have to switch to the Pioneer RT-701 rather than the Akai and re-do the uploads. The (reel-to-reel) Akai uses idler wheels to run so there aren't any belts to stretch), it's probably not the deck - it's my original which was purchased from a less than reliable source. It's probably a 10th-generation copy of an original anyway! If the change in speed is constant throughout the each individual movement, it should be an easy fix for a software program that allows one to plot a continuous change in speed throughout. I was shocked to discover that mine doesn't have that feature! I'll suggest that they include it in their next upgrade. I had, just like you, been able to lower the (Pope) 10th which apparently was recorded at some point on a deck running consistently slow. (My version was pitched way too sharp.)
Back in the '60's and 70's before computers and digitizing, things were a mess. There were a VERY few sources for "underground" tapes and they could turn out to be anything from great to unlistenable to totally bogus. For a couple of years, I though Brian's 7th had three movements and the last movement of the 7th was the 12th symphony because that's how they were labeled in the source's catalog and how they were sent to me - on separate tapes!
Quote from: MVS on Thursday 31 May 2012, 20:45
For a couple of years, I though Brian's 7th had three movements and the last movement of the 7th was the 12th symphony because that's how they were labeled in the source's catalog and how they were sent to me - on separate tapes!
;D
Quote from: MVS on Thursday 31 May 2012, 20:45
Well, since none of the other reel-to-reel transfers I've made recently are afflicted with the same problem (as far as I know- and if they are having that problem, then I'll have to switch to the Pioneer RT-701 rather than the Akai and re-do the uploads. The (reel-to-reel) Akai uses idler wheels to run so there aren't any belts to stretch), it's probably not the deck - it's my original which was purchased from a less than reliable source. It's probably a 10th-generation copy of an original anyway! If the change in speed is constant throughout the each individual movement, it should be an easy fix for a software program that allows one to plot a continuous change in speed throughout. I was shocked to discover that mine doesn't have that feature! I'll suggest that they include it in their next upgrade. I had, just like you, been able to lower the (Pope) 10th which apparently was recorded at some point on a deck running consistently slow. (My version was pitched way too sharp.) Back in the '60's and 70's before computers and digitizing, things were a mess. There were a VERY few sources for "underground" tapes and they could turn out to be anything from great to unlistenable to totally bogus. For a couple of years, I though Brian's 7th had three movements and the last movement of the 7th was the 12th symphony because that's how they were labeled in the source's catalog and how they were sent to me - on separate tapes!
The Pope 10th from the HBS was flat and slow and had to be speeded up and moved up to the right pitch by around a semitone. I could smell a rat from the very first note. It's still a very ponderous opening (but then again as an LSSOer I'm dreadfully biased and think we did it far better!) but at least it's in C minor now. It sounded most peculiar in its first incarnation. As you say, the tape of 21 is probably 30th generation and just about beyond fixing. I've had another listen and it's not a linear thing - the pitch changes at different places throughout each movement. It drops, picks up and then drops again. It's like being seasick on a boat and all reference points keep shifting. I can't see how a computer programme can sort this. It IS posiible but you would have to work in 10 or 15 second chunks and then keep moving forward. Lots of hassle!!
I'd say - let it be. I know that the pitches aren't as they should be, but I get a clear sense of the playing and of Downes' view of the piece...
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Thursday 31 May 2012, 21:47
I'd say - let it be. I know that the pitches aren't as they should be, but I get a clear sense of the playing and of Downes' view of the piece...
I'll still have another crack at it but tomorrow is Brass Band contest so I'm off air! :)
jowcol, regarding the Hoddinott Taliesin.... for which many thanks :) .... is this the BBC National Orchestra of Wales?
The names seem to change so often that I can't keep track, so it may not be! I wonder what was wrong with "the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra" as a name.
In any case, at least the word "Orchestra" is retained! Here, the great symphony orchestras have had the word dropped from their titles, so we now have "the Sydney Symphony" ...... crazy. We have accepted for over a century that a symphony is a musical composition, not a group of musicians. I hate all this name changing, just to be considered fashionable or''cool' or 'hip' or 'PC' - or whatever it is nowadays. >:(
"Sydney Symphony" reminds me of those cartoons called 'Silly Symphonies' that used to be on the television
I echo the thanks for the Hoddinott 'Taliesin' :)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Wednesday 30 May 2012, 01:22
Maybe the third track is movements 3 and 4 together.
Indeed it is. The fourth movement starts at about 4.10 on the recording.
I posted the full score on Pianophilia a little while ago. It should still be there if you wish to follow the recording score in hand.
Thal
Just from a momentary listen, I think there's a problem with the Hinton Symphony No 1. It would seem that the first file and the fourth file are identical, and that either the first movement or the finale is missing; I think the former. So it both starts and ends with the finale. Somebody check me on this. The applause at the end is identical and so is the beginning and end of the movement.
Rats. I overlooked the Havergal Brian Faust Prologue file already here, so I've put up a repeat. Sorry. I think it does have somewhat better sound, but it's hardly a major upload. :-[
Many thanks to
MVS for sharing his copies of the Prologue to Havergal Brian's opera
Faust (1954-56) and Symphony No.23 (1965).
Quote from: MVS on Friday 01 June 2012, 01:19it's hardly a major upload. :-[
I think it does count as a major upload, since it presents with enhanced clarity an example of what is still a largely unknown area of Brian's output, his operatic writing.
:)
I had another problem with Hinton 1- odd reported audio length (huge!)- the first time I downloaded it and just not at all sure what to make of it, but uploading the files to iTunes seems to have fixed that problem- I think; need to listen... will report soon...
Quote from: JimL on Friday 01 June 2012, 01:07
Just from a momentary listen, I think there's a problem with the Hinton Symphony No 1. It would seem that the first file and the fourth file are identical, and that either the first movement or the finale is missing; I think the former. So it both starts and ends with the finale. Somebody check me on this. The applause at the end is identical and so is the beginning and end of the movement.
Yes, the first and last files
are the same, so we appear to be missing the opening movement.
:(
Yes, I am covered in shame! Obviously I inadvertently numbered a second copy of the finale as the first movement before uploading the work. My apologies to everyone. Unfortunately, I'm unable to rectify the problem until the beginning of next week when I'll re-upload the Zip file with the correct first movement. I've added a health warning to the post in the Downloads board as an interim measure and shall now crawl away into a dark corner and sob.
No worries, at least it's a problem that can be solved - looking forward to hearing the opening movement in due course!
:)
I've had a go at pitch correcting the Brian 21/Downes. It's as good as I could get it due to the constant changes of tape speed but it's not a million miles away. The 3rd movement isn't exactly mercurial is it? I prefer Eric's version. According to the HBS website Eric takes 29 mins and Downes 22. This isn't right - Downes clocks in at 30. Anyway make of it what you will:
http://www.4shared.com/folder/PXb_AvAs/Brian_21_Downes_pitch_correcte.html
Here is the correct link:
http://www.4shared.com/folder/PXb_AvAs/Brian_21_Downes_pitch_correcte.html (http://www.4shared.com/folder/PXb_AvAs/Brian_21_Downes_pitch_correcte.html)
Thanks, John!
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Friday 01 June 2012, 07:54
.... I inadvertently numbered a second copy of the finale as the first movement before uploading the work. .......
It's still a fine piece to listen to, Mark .... and I'm enjoying it regardless! ;D
Quote from: semloh on Thursday 31 May 2012, 22:39
jowcol, regarding the Hoddinott Taliesin.... for which many thanks :) .... is this the BBC National Orchestra of Wales?
The names seem to change so often that I can't keep track, so it may not be! I wonder what was wrong with "the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra" as a name.
In any case, at least the word "Orchestra" is retained! Here, the great symphony orchestras have had the word dropped from their titles, so we now have "the Sydney Symphony" ...... crazy. We have accepted for over a century that a symphony is a musical composition, not a group of musicians. I hate all this name changing, just to be considered fashionable or''cool' or 'hip' or 'PC' - or whatever it is nowadays. >:(
I pulled the orchestra name from here: http://www.musicweb-international.com/SandH/2009/Jul-Dec09/swansea1010.htm
If there is a consensus about the proper name, I'll gladly post a change. I'll try very hard not to quote the different political factions from Monty Python's the Life of Brian.
Re: Brian 21st repair
Hooray, John! Great work... and what's even better, it keeps me from thinking I should be attempting it! ;D
The correct name is the B.B.C. National Orchestra of Wales. It has had that name since 1993. Before that it was the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra.
The change was made to emphasise that the orchestra is the Principality's "national" orchestra.
No such change would have been appropriate for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra because of the existence of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra :)
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Friday 01 June 2012, 07:54
Yes, I am covered in shame!
I have a towel. Well, it's actually a washcloth. OK, it's really a napkin, but it's VERY absorbent! :P
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 01 June 2012, 13:28
The correct name is the B.B.C. National Orchestra of Wales. It has had that name since 1993. Before that it was the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra.
The change was made to emphasise that the orchestra is the Principality's "national" orchestra.
No such change would have been appropriate for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra because of the existence of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra :)
Thanks for the clarification, Colin. :)
It suggests an inferiority complex to me, but then I'm an old-fashioned chap who believed in the unity of the United Kingdom.... but that's another forum! ;D
Mark,
Re your v. recent upload for Radio 3 English Festival; can you please clarify the composer's full name for the CURTIS - Festival Overture piece. The BBC Radio 3 listing doesn't give any more information either and not being a fully-fledged cognescenti, I haven't come across this composer before.
Many thanks
Richard
The composer is Matthew Curtis (b.1959) and Festival Overture was specially written for the EMF in 2008.
From musicweb -
Matthew Curtis, born in 1959 and educated at Worcester College, Oxford but self-taught in a musical sense. During the 1980s he began writing a succession of shortish pieces which in their fluent, lyrical melody and neat, professional scoring are firmly in the best traditions of British light music. Some, perhaps all, of them would have sounded perfectly in keeping with the great days of light music between the wars. Fiesta (1984) sounds similar to a piece such as Coates' The Merrymakers Overture. Romanza (1982), beautifully written for strings and with a melting solo for oboe in the middle, Autumn Song (1995) - the solo here is for the viola, a suitably autumnal instrument - and Pas de Deux (1981) all have big romantic tunes and may have been inspired, consciously or unconsciously, by Elgar's lighter music. Curtis's feeling for rhythm is exemplified by the Scherzo Capriccioso of 1985 and the Festive March (1982), the latter piece almost a challenge to Coates' marches. Interlude (1982) is a pretty imagination with a lovely violin solo and somewhat longer than many British light intermezzi; the main theme of Rondo Brillante (1985) has something of a Spanish feel to it and Spanish colour is, of course, something purveyed by many British light music figures, most notably Frederick Curzon. Several of Curtis's works have been pioneered in Yorkshire by the Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra: Suite for Orchestra, the overture An Improbable Centenary (1990), Amsterdam Suite, Divertimento for Orchestra and The Open Road (1997). The first two were specifically written for the SPO. Curtis's music shows many influences, but most particularly that of late nineteenth century French composers such as Délibes and Massenet. Curtis has also composed a number of shortish choral pieces. His music deserves a wider hearing.
:)
Quote from: britishcomposer on Saturday 02 June 2012, 13:40
And this is a short unidentified orchestral piece from my own collection.
The recording is about 15 years ago from Dutch Radio 4.
It sounded quite interesting and so I pressed the record button.
Unfortunately I had to leave the room before the end and the tape ran out. Therefore I missed the closing announcements. :(
I suppose this is a commercial recording but it's uncomplete and in a bad condition, so I thought I may risk to upload it.
I will of course remove it as soon as it has been identified.
This is the Intrata of Constant Lambert's "Summer's Last Will and Testament" (his masterpiece IMO) and probably the Hyperion recording
Atsushi - The English Music Festival is absolutely wonderful! And brilliantly recorded. A thousand thanks. I will be enjoying this for years to come.
The VW Fantasia is a sweet thing indeed - and its composer not immediately obvious. The Moeran/Yates Symphony is glorious... :) :)
I very much like the VW Fantasia too :)
I'm so sorry, I posted the same question about Curtis, before seeing this, and, to make it worse, posted it in the 'other' British Music thread, where we're not supposed to. Sorry!
Quote from: semloh on Sunday 03 June 2012, 01:18
Atsushi - The English Music Festival is absolutely wonderful! And brilliantly recorded. A thousand thanks. I will be enjoying this for years to come.
The VW Fantasia is a sweet thing indeed - and its composer not immediately obvious. The Moeran/Yates Symphony is glorious... :) :)
It's my pleasure ;)
In fact, I have many things to listen in this weekend, so I didn't listen this concert yet. But I'm sure they are fine music and performance :)
Quote from: semloh on Friday 01 June 2012, 23:41
Quote from: Dundonnell on Friday 01 June 2012, 13:28
The correct name is the B.B.C. National Orchestra of Wales. It has had that name since 1993. Before that it was the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra.
The change was made to emphasise that the orchestra is the Principality's "national" orchestra.
No such change would have been appropriate for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra because of the existence of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra :)
Thanks for the clarification, Colin. :)
It suggests an inferiority complex to me, but then I'm an old-fashioned chap who believed in the unity of the United Kingdom.... but that's another forum! ;D
I think it's a rebranding job and an attempt to distance the current excellence of the Welsh Orchestra from it's very shoddy state when it was the BBC Welsh. Do you remember how dreadful they were sometimes? Some of their broadcasts were horrendous.Things have moved on - they are a very good orchestra now and more than a match for many an English regional orchestra.
In 1995 the BBC National Orchestra was in Amsterdam for the Mahler Festival, conducted by Mark Wrigglesworth. I can still remember the flute solo from the Finale of the Tenth, which was heart-rendingly well-played.
Oh, and John - you did an excellent job on the Brian 21!
I've now corrected the error in my previous upload of Hinton's First Symphony and have uploaded a new Zip file containing the four movements (including the first movement for the first time!) and a text file. The post, with a changed download link, is here (http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,856.msg35031.html#msg35031).
Thanks, Mark. I've replaced the first movement file in the archive, so the work is now complete - and even more enjoyably impressive. Hinton was clearly a composer who knew his craft, and these recordings of the Symphony No.1 and Piano Concerto certainly point towards the desirability of professional revival.
:)
Many thanks to reiger for the Louisville recording of
Lennox Berkeley - Four Ronsard Sonnets (Set 2) for tenor and chamber orchestra, Op.62 (1963)
the tenor is Wiliam Whitesides and the movements are -
Ce premier jour de mai (This first day of May)
Je sens une douceur à conter impossible (A delight impossible to describe)
Ma fièvre croist tousjours (My passion brings belief)
Yeux, qui versez en l'ame (Eyes, which turn inward upon the soul)
I have uploaded mp3 alternative files to the archive.
:)
Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on Monday 04 June 2012, 01:51
In 1995 the BBC National Orchestra was in Amsterdam for the Mahler Festival, conducted by Mark Wrigglesworth. I can still remember the flute solo from the Finale of the Tenth, which was heart-rendingly well-played.
Oh, and John - you did an excellent job on the Brian 21!
Cheers Johan but not to be ungrateful I hope somebody on here can find a better quality recording! Have you tried the HB 23rd yet?
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Monday 04 June 2012, 10:46
I've now corrected the error in my previous upload of Hinton's First Symphony.
Oh, YAY! I can't wait to get home and download it! ;D
Albion,
Just catching up on the 'Downloads discussion' section, so many tks for the notes on Matthew Curtis
Richard
Do you think it might be possible to ask Christopher if he could supply the movement titles for the Hinton PC? He may still have a copy of the score, or at least access to it. He is a member of the forum, you know.
As he's a member of the forum you could have emailed him direct, but the movements of Hinton's Piano Concerto are: I. Allegro con spirito, II. Scherzo & Trio: Tempo di valse, III. Andante con moto - attacca and IV. Moderato ma con spirito.
Normally, when I download a work I drop the files into iTunes out of the download folder and don't listen to it in its entirety until later, after I've split it (if necessary), labeled the movements and added the performer information. I could tell that this is a four movement concerto, or at least a three movement concerto with a scherzo and a slow introduction to the finale from the little I heard. Thanks for confirming my surmise. I have a surgery to perform this evening.
I posted the Hinton concerto movements back here (http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,1169.msg35096.html#msg35096) (taken from the extensive program notes to a performance in Boston- the first one that took place in that city, though not the work's premiere) about a week ago but understandably they got lost in the flood. The Cliffe symphony movements, since that work has been commercially recorded, can be found at allmusic or other sites.
Quote from: John Whitmore on Monday 04 June 2012, 11:51
Oh, and John - you did an excellent job on the Brian 21!
Cheers Johan but not to be ungrateful I hope somebody on here can find a better quality recording! Have you tried the HB 23rd yet?
Yes, I tried it a long time ago, and it tried me, too... It's a pity it has only been performed once, and that the recording in question isn't among the best (neither is the symphony among Brian's best, I think, though it has its moments.)
If that recording I put on there of the 23rd isn't one of the best, I give up! :P
Quote from: MVS on Wednesday 06 June 2012, 00:20
If that recording I put on there of the 23rd isn't one of the best, I give up! :P
Don't give up. 23 is perfectly fine. I'm not very keen on the music but that's par for the course with me and HB. I find him very patchy and clumsy (Johan starts to seeth >:(). Have you replaced your original Brian 21 with my less than perfect improvement or are both of them out there in the ether? I'm not sure how this archive works to be honest.
Quote from: MVS on Wednesday 06 June 2012, 00:20
If that recording I put on there of the 23rd isn't one of the best, I give up! :P
Is there a new one, then?! (seriously)
Just discovered it...
And I see the
Faust Prologue has been replaced, too...
Notification of these (the latest excellent Brian recordings contributed by MVS) was posted on 1st June - you can hear more of what is actually going on during the denser passages of No.23 and appreciate the high quality of the orchestral playing.
:)
John - I'm glad that you pointed out that my link to the 21st needs to be replaced with yours. I'll see if I can do that later today.
Brian: patchy and clumsy?!? Now you have two people seething! ;D
Quote from: MVS on Wednesday 06 June 2012, 11:49
John - I'm glad that you pointed out that my link to the 21st needs to be replaced with yours. I'll see if I can do that later today.
Brian: patchy and clumsy?!? Now you have two people seething! ;D
And that's me on a polite day!! To be fair I've always tried to do my bit for the Brian cause (MusicWeb article, new Brian LP refurbished downloads via Klasssic Haus etc) but to be honest that's due to my LSSO background and a soft spot I have for this peculiar, semi-amateur, partially gifted, rough and ready composer. Seethe seethe...... ;D
Thaaaaaaat's OK. John. We forgive you. Nobody's perfect! ;D
Symphony for Small Orchestra Op. 37 (1984) by Giles SwayneLangham Chamber Orchestra
Nicholas Cleobury, conductor
Radio Broadcast 31st October 1988.
From the collection of Karl Miller.
(http://www.denovoarts.com/sites/default/files/images/giles_swayne_03.jpg)
Okay, to start with, I absolutely
LOVE this work, and can't stop listening to it, but it may not be for all of your tastes. It definitely has a minimalist feel, so if Steve Reich or Philip Glass make your skin crawl, you may not want to try this. There is a strong rhythmic pulse throughout, (based on Swayne's research into African music), but the melodic lines are very strong (moreso, if you ask me, than Reich or Glass). If you like the second movement of Creston's Dance symphony, you may really like this. Also, the basic pulse and cross rhythms reminds me a lot of John Coltrane's Africa, which may be a reason I respond to it so strongly.
With that in mind-- a couple descriptions of the work:
From the composer's programme notes: QuoteDuring the early '80s I became increasingly concerned about the remoteness, complexity, and general irrelevance of much contemporary music, and began experimenting with the use of a radically simplified language. This piece, which was first performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in June 1984, is in one continuous movement, and lasts about 24 minutes. It is scored for flute, two oboes, two bassoons, two horns and strings, with important solo parts for principal violin, viola and cello. The piece avoids all chromatic dissonance, and lies almost throughout in a modal A minor. Rhythmically it is both simple and elaborate - simple in that the pulse never alters, and there are almost no values other than crotchets and quavers, but complex because the patterns formed from these units are constantly shifting in length, and frequently superimposed upon each other.
As a result, although the score looks childishly easy to play, it is quite tricky to get together.
From Daniel Heslink, Sunday News, Lancaster, PA, 13/11/2005Quote
The music is written in the style of the Jola people from Senegal and the Gambia. It is one continuous 24-minute movement, scored for a sparse contingent of winds and strings.
This work did not communicate in the same manner as Western symphonic music. Rhythmically, the work is complex for the interlocking nature of its parts, and at the heart of these seemingly written-down improvisations are the cherished values of improvisatory technique - spontaneity, creativity and continuously shifting shape.
A longer bio sketch by MEIRION BOWEN Written in the 1980s?
A radical change of style in the work of a composer seemingly mature and established is hardly a new phenomenon. Yet it always invites scepticism. It is an affront to the in-built conservatism of those performers and audiences, critics and publishers for whom the abiding principle tends to be 'better the devil we know...'. Liszt experienced it when he abandoned the life of virtuoso pianist to write symphonic poems and daring, innovatory piano pieces. Stravinsky experienced it more than most and for long was considered the chameleon of 20th-century music. Plenty more recent examples may be plucked at random from the contemporary scene, for instance Tippett (with the mosaic forms and scoring that suddenly appeared in King Priam), George Rochberg (with his disavowal of serialism), Henze and Cornelius Cardew (with their politically motivated pieces) and Dominic Muldowney (with his discovery of Brecht) - all have divided their followers into factions showing various degrees of sympathy (or antipathy) towards their new-found creative directions. A change of religious or political affiliation, or of sexual orientation, might have been more easily accommodated.
For Giles Swayne, as with many such figures past and present, the change was really a sudden discovery ofhis true identity. From about 1970 he had been writing works that used a variety of techniques and idioms. These had ranged from easy-going pieces deploying the talents of amateurs and children to more testing and diAicult music for professionals. He had won a number of prizes, was fluent enough to accept the commissions that were regularly forthcoming, and his music was being broadcast by the BBC.
Then, in 1979, he heard a record of some African tribal music - pygmy polyphony. At the same time he received a commission to write a work for the BBC Singers. The work soon went in a different direction from that expected either by the BBC or Swayne himself. And as it turned out, Cry, for 28 solo voices, became a landmark in his career and his most frequently performed large-scale piece.
At this time, Swayne accepted an appointment as composer-in-residence to the London Borough of Hounslow. Dealing with the untapped and untutored talents of school children and writing music for many local groups led Swayne to make an urgent reappraisal of his approach to music-making. He took time off to visit West Africa where he spent two months doing research and recording the music of the Jola people-of Senegal and the Gambia. On his return he found it exceedingly difficult to restart composition in the normal manner. He formed a rhythm group (largely by advertising for untrained musicians in the magazine Time Out); this became Square Root, an ensemble performing on tuned African drums, Western-style drums, other percussion instruments, guitars and keyboards. Before long it produced, collectively, music for a television play by Stephen Davis, Floating Off. Then the certainties that enabled him to compose afresh crystallized and, in the last year or so, Swayne has again become prolific.
The African influence that seeped into Cry is now obvious in his most recent music. However, a brief survey of his past compositions (which he does not disdain or reject) provides hints of what was to come, and perhaps a raison d'etre for the changes that occurred. For a start, Swayne was musically a late developer. Born in Liverpool in 1946, he came from a musical family, numbering among his relatives the composer Elizabeth Maconchy, a grandfather who was a good violinist and pianist and a father who was involved in the Three Choirs Festival and a member of the board of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Through his father he attended many of the RLPO's rehearsals and met Sir John Pritchard, who subsequently helped him.
Swayne was then mainly attracted to the chamber and orchestral works of Bartok and Hindemith. At Trinity College, Cambridge, he began reading classics but changed to music. He was baffled by academic music studies: form, fugue etc meant little to him and he was already, significantly, more interested in rhythm and colour. After graduating he went to the Royal Academy of Music, where he became suAiciently accomplished as a pianist and conductor to obtain work as a repetiteur and conductor at . Glyndebourne and to attend a conducting course at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena.
Swayne's progress as a composer, meanwhile, had been slow. A solo piano composition from his student days at the RAM shows something of the directness and flair that were to become hallmarks of his mature music. This was Phoenix Variations (revised 1979), a straightforward study, in serial technique in which a note row is presented unadorned and followed by seven variations (the second and fourth are identical) and a coda in which the theme returns slightly embellished - an ingenious design that manifests formal proficiency without selfconsciousness.
For three years Swayne studied with Nicholas Maw and his compositions suddenly began to burgeon. His debt to Maw is acknowledged in The Good Morrozv (1971), a setir< ting for mezzo-soprano and piano of poems by John Donne, arranged to form a tiny musical drama about a passionate yet light-hearted love-affair. It is clearly a counterpart to Maw's own, more serious and affecting song cycle, The Voice of Love: but Swayne's work is less a song cycle than a con- tinuous narrative, with more emphasis on Donne's vision i< of the oneness of the physical and the spiritual than upon human passion. This elevated, almost mystical preoccupa- tion with the experience of life as a whole is something that came increasingly into the foreground of Swayne's work as he matured.
Also in 1971, Swayne's String Quartet no. 1 appeared, win- ", ning the Greater London Arts Association Young Compo- sers' Award. It again was conceived as a continuous struc- ture, full of Bartokian sonic experiment yet demonstrably assured in its handling of a succession of short, concentrated episodes, including an aleatory section near the end. Swayne then embarked on a series of instrumental studies, under the generic title Canto, after Dante (Swayne knew by heart the first canto of Dante's Inferno and recited it often when gardening). His Cantos for guitar (1972), violin (1973), piano (1973) and clarinet (1975) are as much dramatic monologues as technical studies. The exploration of separate instrumen- tal identities in these works developed into something more intricate and intense in Synthesis (1974) for two pianos. Here, from a single comprehensive sonority, Swayne extracts a powerful dialectic of rhythmic and harmonic gestures. Much of the work sounds improvisatory, and indeed there is con- siderable interplay between the two pianists using metrically disjunct and aleatory presentation. This polarizes into sharp oppositions of rhythm which fleetingly resolve; harmonically the tendency of the music to erupt into chord-clusters is also stilled so that there is momentary repose (ex.l). A canonic episode presses the music towards a resolution of its conflicts and the final synthesis occurs when both pianists focus suddenly on trills on the same note, B flat (where the piece began).
Both in Synthesis and in his String Quartet no.2 (1977) the latter having an even more compact one-movement format Swayne maintains cogency of argument amid the most wild and rhapsodic invention. More dificult to apprehend is the overall scheme of Pentecost Music (1977) which seems partly to be the fruit of his attendance at Messiaen's composition classes in 1976 7. This single-movement, 30-minute work has nine subdivisions amounting to a huge arc-shaped structure symbolizing a journey towards fulfil- mended and a search for stability, only attainable at the end when a new beginning is possible. Swayne here uses a large orchestra (including two saxophones, six horns, four trumpets and five percussionists) with great panache, but the density of the musical thought is daunting. One immedi- 379 ately striking passage is the Dawn Chorus episode, the fourth, where the scoring divides into three audible strata: overlapping Messiaen-like birdcalls for woodwind, horn, trumpet and piano; rhythmic polyphony from the percus- sion; and long held notes for the lower brass and strings. The textures here prefigure the vocal writing in Cry. Orlando's Music, Swayne's first orchestral piece written a few years earlier (1974, revised 1976), is less ambitious: an effective, gentle and witty celebration of the birth of the composer's first son, with lullabies, plainsong and nursery songs supplying the basic musical ideas.
With Cry we reach the turning-point in Swayne's work. The recorded African music at first suggested to him a musical 'wake' with an African text. But he wanted something more universal in its implications and settled on a wordless (or nearly wordless) piece based on the story of the Creation. The work was conceived as a song in seven movements related to the Judaeo-Christian narrative of the Creation as described in Genesis, amounting not to a conventionally 'religious' work (except in the very broadest sense) but a celebration of life in all its aspects. The movements vary in length, the first being the longest (about 1 1 minutes), the second the shortest (5 minutes) and the rest about the same (8 - 9 minutes).
<omitting a detailed description of "Cry"-- jowcol>Subsequently Swayne's studies of African music and his projects with Hounslow children made him totally dissatisfied with the notion of contemporary composition in the solipsistic sense that might be exemplified by the work of, say, Brian Ferneyhough. To continue writing art music for an elite was not for him, hence his espousal of the synthesizers beloved of pop musicians and his involvement with an improvising group. His most recent works have discarded any kind of cerebral complexity and affect a disarming simplicity and refinement of texture, together with a concentration on limited melodic motifs and, above all, rhythm.
The most explicitly African pieces are Small Song for Miss Brown, for solo clarinet with optional improvised accompaniment of drums, and A Song for Hadi (both 1983). In the latter a 'song' for a group of wind and string soloists is generated from rhythmic ideas repeated, as a sequence of verses and choruses, by a percussionist playing on four conga drums. Swayne has also used an African ploughing- song recorded in Senegal as the basis for a setting of the Magnificat (1982). Modal melody, often a secondary feature of his earlier music (e.g. one movement of Cry is completely pentatonic), becomes a dominant aspect of his thematic invention in Canto for cello (1981) and thereafter. Riff-Raff (1983) for organ and
Symphony for small orchestra (1984), the most extended of his recent works, are almost written- down improvisations. The symphony is another instance of Swayne's one-movement structures divided into clearly discernible shorter episodes, but rarely has a work sounded so removed from any standard conception of Western sym- phonic music. Rhythm is again to the fore: its units of varied length are increasingly inclined to destroy the regularity imposed by the bar-line. And when there is also an under- lying quintuple pulse, insisted on by cellos and basses, the slightly deadpan quality of the music becomes quite mesmeric. Another experiment of this kind is to be found in Naaotwa Lala (1984), written as a 'non-bass' piece for the BBC PO, making the violins and violas the centre of attention.
Against all this rhythmically centred, corporeal music can be set Swayne's latest effort, an opera called Le nozze di Cherubino, a follow-up to Le nozze di Figaro with a libretto in the style of Da Ponte by Swayne himself and music in a Mozartian idiom. In two acts and 21 scenes, it requires only a harpsichord and basso continuo and is intended more as an entertainment in intimate surroundings than a grand opera - almost like a revival of the madrigal comedy. Swayne's uninhibited use of a known style is neither eccentric nor perverse but simply a product of his candid response to any and every tradition, whether it be Mozart or pygmy music.
Swayne's present attitudes to music-making will undoubtedly be regarded by some as inane and by others as subversive. It is too early to guess where it will all lead him, let alone whether another work of the scope and quality of Cry might eventually appear. Swayne is certainly skilled enough, musically and intellectually, to make his own creative apologia in the course of time.
Quote from: jowcol on Wednesday 06 June 2012, 14:46
Symphony for Small Orchestra Op. 37 (1984) by Giles Swayne
Langham Chamber Orchestra
Nicholas Cleobury, conductor
Date unknown.
Broadcast 31st October 1988.
:)
Thanks!
The names "Giles Swayne"-if indeed it had really entered my consciousness at all-was associated by me with the modern British avant-garde, which I stear well clear of :)
I am listening to the Swayne symphony with mounting astonishment ;D It is GOOD ;D ;D Jolly, cheerful, uplifting music. Thank You :) :)
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 06 June 2012, 11:42
Notification of these (the latest excellent Brian recordings contributed by MVS) was posted on 1st June - you can hear more of what is actually going on during the denser passages of No.23 and appreciate the high quality of the orchestral playing.
:)
I had missed the notification... Will make amends by listening to 23 NOW.
It's good isn't it?
Yes! What a difference a recording makes. No. 23 is Brian at his most uncompromising and quick-witted. I like the symphony more than I did before, although it is the (almost too taut) 'coiled spring' between symphonies 22 and 24, to quote Malcolm MacDonald, and can't really be understood without those other works.
Many thanks to MVS for alternative copies of Havergal Brian's Symphony No.5 (Wine of Summer), in the Brian Rayner Cook broadcast, and the 1973 BBC performance of Agamemnon.
Advised by MVS to 'try before you buy', I have listened to both and decided that, for different reasons, they should find a place in the archive.
:)
The more copies, the merrier! Many thanks to MVS and to Albion for being the bringer of good tidings!
Did anyone manage to download Herbert Chappell's Dead in Tune originally uploaded by PJ before the link died? It is not in the catalog. If you did, could you please be so kind as to re-up?
Many thanks!
I suppose that will be me again then ;D
Thanks Colin, and apologies to PJ for completely overlooking this in the first place.
::)
Besides Colin's link, there is also now a copy of
Chappell, Herbert (b.1934) - Dead in Tune (1968)
in the archive.
:)
Yes, my apologies. I've discovered all the remixshare files have vanished.
New today, on mediafire,
Arthur Oldham - Psalms in Time of War
Thomas Allen
Edinburgh Festival Chorus
Scottish National Orchestra
Sir Alexander Gibson
21 August 1977
recorded off-air nearly 35 years ago, and my enthusiasm for this piece remains undiminished and it still raises goosebumps.
Quote from: PJ on Monday 11 June 2012, 13:47Arthur Oldham - Psalms in Time of War
Thanks for sharing your recording of this splendid piece, PJ.
The mezzo-soprano soloist in this performance was Janet Baker and two parts for soprano soloists were taken by Morag Cross and Elizabeth MacLean.
:)
Thank you for the wonderful Oldham Psalms for a Time of War, PJ, great new find for me. A
This premiere of Psalms in Time of War (Edinburgh Festival, 21st August 1977) was part of a concert largely given over to music by Britten, who had died the previous year. Arthur Oldham was the founder of the Edinburgh Festival Chorus in 1965 and this was his farewell concert as chorus master. He was also one of Britten's (very few) pupils, making this performance therefore doubly fitting. The programme was -
The National Anthem (arr. Britten)
Sinfonia da Requiem (Britten)
Phaedra (Britten), sung by Janet Baker
Improvisations on an Impromptu of Benjamin Britten (Walton)
Psalms in Time of War (Oldham)
:)
Now in the archive -
Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986) - Five Motets, Op.37 (1934)
:)
Thank you for the information about the concert from which the Oldham Psalms came. Most grateful. I remember going to my digs and turning on the radio just before the Psalms started, and didn't hear the rest of the concert.
A little personal information about the work. I had a friend who was a talented musician, organiser and conductor in the UK, and played him the tape and made a copy. Subsequently, he went to Paris and worked with Arthur Oldham, got the parts, and conducted the Psalms in Paris and in the UK, I think - unfortunately, I was working and couldn't attend any of the concerts.
A recording from Chandos would be very welcome.
Quote from: Albion on Monday 11 June 2012, 16:48
Quote from: PJ on Monday 11 June 2012, 13:47Arthur Oldham - Psalms in Time of War
Thanks for sharing your recording of this splendid piece, PJ.
The mezzo-soprano soloist in this performance was Janet Baker and two parts for soprano soloists were taken by Morag Cross and Elizabeth MacLean.
:)
Thank you - I've added the info to the download information. You'd think I'd recognise Dame Janet..... :-[
Many thanks to MVS for an alternative file of
Havergal Brian - Symphony No.18 (1961)
which is now in the archive.
:)
Yes, another excellent recording, thanks very much.
Quote from: Amphissa on Monday 11 June 2012, 01:28
Did anyone manage to download Herbert Chappell's Dead in Tune originally uploaded by PJ before the link died? It is not in the catalog. If you did, could you please be so kind as to re-up?
Many thanks!
I made a few subtle edits to the original Dead in Tune/George and the Dragonfly a few months back and had it professionally restored - I played on it and Argo didn't do the best of jobs especially with George. You can get it here.
http://www.klassichaus.us/LSSO-CDs-MP3s.php (http://www.klassichaus.us/LSSO-CDs-MP3s.php)
Today's miniature (but very welcome) offerings from Radio 3 are now in the archive ...
Edmund Rubbra - Dormi Jesu (The Virgin's Cradle Hymn), Op.3 No.1 (1924); Madrigals, 2nd Set, Op.52 (1942)
... blink and you miss 'em.
:)
From today's broadcasts:
Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986) - The Givers, Op.96 (1957); Introit, Op.162 (1982); Psalm 122, Op.164 (1984)
NB: All these Rubbra performances have been transmitted at a very low volume, so this evening I have increased the volume on all the files (and consequently reuploaded those items from earlier in the week).
:)
As a dedicated Rubbra fan noted and will re-download (pardon grammar) :).
I think somewhere or other I may have a tape of the premiere of his late Sinfonietta... I need to find that. It's a very good performance of that lovely piece..., maybe better than the one that's on Virgin Classics. Even if I find the tape, probably will take me awhile to get to digitize, but will make a point of...
More Havergal Brian from MVS - two performances of Symphony No.2 (1930-31) given by Leslie Head and the Kensington Symphony Orchestra:
Victoria Hall, Hanley on 21st May 1973 (2nd performance)
St John's Smith Square, London on 24th May 1973 (3rd performance)
Broadcast details are in the archive.
Many thanks.
:)
Terrific!
Havergal Brian fans cannot complain that they are not getting something much more than a trickle, if not quite a flood, of recordings of that composer's music ;D
I hope that they share with me the concern that we shall also manage to obtain recordings of the symphonic music of a number of other distinguished British composers' music :)
As a firm Brian fan since me teens, I am highly appreciative! But I am also a great lover of many other composers on here, and also not so selfish as not to wish such a flood of recordings of many other composers' music on my fellow UC members. Sullivan being one of my other great loves, I have done very well on here of late!
I am glad UC is caring for many other composers than HB. The luxury of being able to listen to all of Léon Orthel's symphonies (just one example among many)!
Quote from: PJ on Monday 11 June 2012, 21:10
Quote from: Albion on Monday 11 June 2012, 16:48
Quote from: PJ on Monday 11 June 2012, 13:47Arthur Oldham - Psalms in Time of War
Thanks for sharing your recording of this splendid piece, PJ.
The mezzo-soprano soloist in this performance was Janet Baker and two parts for soprano soloists were taken by Morag Cross and Elizabeth MacLean.
:)
Thank you - I've added the info to the download information. You'd think I'd recognise Dame Janet..... :-[
PJ, no need for embarassment - the error is mine, led astray by The National Sound Archive giving Allen and Baker as vocal soloists in the performance. However, on closer listening, there are clearly only
two female soloists in Psalm 137 (across the fourth and fifth of your files), neither of which is Janet Baker.
::)
The review of the concert in
The Glasgow Herald (22nd August 1977) refers to
delicate sonorities, that in one section involve a pair of solo sopranos; their parts were beautifully sung by Morag Cross and Elizabeth MacLean.Janet Baker's participation in the work would definitely have been noticed in the review, and the evidence of the recording (which I ought to have trusted above the NSA catalogue) indicates that, after giving
Phaedra an outing, she probably cleared off to the pub at half-time.
;D
I've amended the relevant post and catalogue entry.
:)
I have uploaded the final Rubbra broadcast from this week's series, the Te Deum, Op.115 (1962) for double choir.
:)
Quote from: A.S on Saturday 02 June 2012, 07:13
English Music Festival 1 June 2012
http://www.mediafire.com/?3ssicc9xc4bxf85 (http://www.mediafire.com/?3ssicc9xc4bxf85)
PARRY: Jerusalem
CURTIS: Festival Overture
IRELAND: Legend for Piano and Orchestra
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Fantasia for Piano and Orchestra (World Premiere performance)
MOERAN / YATES: Symphony no.2 (World Premiere performance)
Mark Bebbington (piano) / BBC Concert Orchestra / Martin Yates (conductor)
From BBC Radio
Sorry but I'm having problems with this download (even after paying for a premium download membership!)
Perhaps it needs re-uploading.
Alternatively, would it be possible to send it to Rapidshare where I have a long-term subscription??
As to Havergal Brian, though, I'm surprised I never started listening (and I've only started- I'd better go back to...) his opera The Tigers before now (admittedly, there's only the broadcast recording , but...) -
not sure what I expected, but it seems this wasn't it (I actually mean that as a compliment in this case). (I already appreciate and often love his music and have for a couple of decades of so.) To be (somewhat?) clearer- on the basis of the 20 or so minutes so far I think (not a good sample admittedly)- much more powerful and striking than any other early work of his I recall hearing (in admittedly probably fairly underpowered performances - Leaper is sometimes good or very good depending on - but - anyway... ) - surprising pre-echoes here and there of the Gothic (it seems... just ostinatoes and the like, but even up to orchestration- but ... ?) - in a word though - compelling and wonderful. Thank you. I shouldn't have been the least bit surprised, don't know why I was, but :)! Looking forward to the rest...
Quote from: nungulba on Sunday 17 June 2012, 03:32
Quote from: A.S on Saturday 02 June 2012, 07:13
English Music Festival 1 June 2012
PARRY: Jerusalem
CURTIS: Festival Overture
IRELAND: Legend for Piano and Orchestra
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Fantasia for Piano and Orchestra (World Premiere performance)
MOERAN / YATES: Symphony no.2 (World Premiere performance)
Mark Bebbington (piano) / BBC Concert Orchestra / Martin Yates (conductor)
From BBC Radio
Sorry but I'm having problems with this download (even after paying for a premium download membership!)
Perhaps it needs re-uploading.
Alternatively, would it be possible to send it to Rapidshare where I have a long-term subscription??
I have uploaded the following items from the EMF concert (1/6/2012) separately into the archive -
Matthew Curtis - Festival Overture (2008)
Frederick Delius - Over the Hills and Far Away, Fantasy Overture (1895-97)
John Ireland - Legend, for piano and orchestra (1933)
Ernest John Moeran - Symphony No.2 in E flat (1939-50, realised and completed by Martin Yates, 2011)
Ralph Vaughan Williams - Fantasia for piano and orchestra (1896-1902, rev. 1904)Many thanks to
A.S. for the original zip file of this broadcast.
:)
Havergal Brian's
The Tigers is
Quote from: eschiss1 on Sunday 17 June 2012, 04:50
much more powerful and striking than any other early work of his I recall hearing
as it's Brian's first fully mature work. And it shows.
Important additions to the archive - three major choral works by Arthur Bliss (1891-1975) -
The Beatitudes (1961), Mary of Magdala (1962) and The Golden Cantata (1963)
all conducted by the composer.
I have transferred these from discs very kindly sent to me by secondfiddle. Full details are given in the catalogue.
Many thanks.
:)
Wonderful :)
These are three of the most significant large-scale choral compositions by a major British composer of the 20th century to have remained unrecorded.
Many thanks indeed to secondfiddle :)
Quote from: Albion on Monday 18 June 2012, 13:57
Important additions to the archive - three major choral works by Arthur Bliss (1891-1975) -
The Beatitudes (1961), Mary of Magdala (1962) and The Golden Cantata (1963)
all conducted by the composer.
I have transferred these from discs very kindly sent to me by secondfiddle. Full details are given in the catalogue.
Many thanks.
:)
I don't know any of these works but will search them out. Secondfiddle - you don't have the 1970 live concert of Bliss conducting his Piano Concerto with Frank Wibaut as soloist do you?
Sadly not. I have Bliss conducting with Shulamith Safir and Trevor Barnard but not Wibaut.
Incidentally, I should mention - or confess - that the first two bars of The Golden Cantata are missing through a stupid error of mine years ago with the original reel-to-reel tape. The work begins very quietly so fortunately nothing dramatic has been cut.
I have uploaded today's broadcast of
Hamilton Harty (1879-1941) - Ode to a Nightingale, Op.16 (1907)
This is perhaps the most beautifully lyrical and formally perfect of all his major works. Although (IMHO) this broadcast can't hold a candle to the magisterial Heather Harper/ Bryden Thomson recording (Chandos), in which Harper gives the most appropriately affecting world-weary performance, it is interesting to have an alternative, especially since Ailish Tynan takes a number of ossia lines indicated in the Breitkopf & Härtel vocal score.
:)
Thanks!
Mr. Godfrey - I'm guessing (with some nudge from web searching) that the composer of the music of the Hedda Gabler opera is Edward Harper (1941-2009) - I don't see his name mentioned, though. (It may say on the broadcast itself, which I will download soonish. Then again, maybe it's truly and authentically (neo)classical... or filmic... in either case the composer's name would be fine-printish... :D ) Thanks!
Sorry, yes the composer is Edward Harper. The download was posted in response to a request which did give the composer's name, but it has now become divorced from that original posting.
Ah, I see now - sorry again...
I've added the composer's name to the post in the Downloads board. My error in not doing so when I moved it.
Quote from: paul corfield godfrey on Tuesday 19 June 2012, 10:06
Sorry, yes the composer is Edward Harper. The download was posted in response to a request which did give the composer's name, but it has now become divorced from that original posting.
Sorry, I'm a bit confused about the Hedda Garber - in the British and Irish Music download, it links to a piece called Burghers of Calais...
Quote from: Christopher on Tuesday 19 June 2012, 20:21in the British and Irish Music download, it links to a piece called Burghers of Calais...
Does it? I've just downloaded Acts 1 and 2 from the HA-HI folder and get exactly what is described in the catalogue, namely the first two acts of this three-act opera.
???
Sorry, to clarify:
In the British and Irish Music downloads stream, it connects to two pieces, called Hedda Gabler Act I and Hedda Gabler Act II (Albion's posting).
In the British Music downloads section, user Paul Corfield Godfrey wrote "I now attach my incomplete recording of HEDDA GABLER" - and then provides THREE links, but these connect to Burghers of Calais Act 1, Act 2 and Act 3......
The Burghers of Calais files are in fact the opera by Rudolf Wagner-Régeny (1903-1969) which was recorded by the BBC in 1986 and is now to be found in the German folder.
The incomplete Hedda Gabler broadcast (Acts 1 and 2 only, lacking Act 3) can be obtained from within the British and Irish Music archive.
Also, four dances from Norman O'Neill's incidental music to The Blue Bird, Op.37 (1909) are in the British section.
Thanks to paul corfield godfrey for all these recordings.
:)
Should the Brabbins version of Brian's Gothic not be removed from our Archive here since it is now on cd :(
On the other hand, I have recordings of the Havergal Brian Symphony No.8: BBC Symphony Orchestra/Rudolf Schwarz(1968) and Symphony No.12: London Symphony Orchestra/Harry Newstone (1959) which do not seem to be in the Archive.
Johan will remind me of the origin of these recordings and whether or not they should be uploaded ;D
Yes, the Brabbins Gothic definitely should go. Thanks for the reminder Colin.
I have removed the Brabbins Gothic as suggested. Colin's post reminded me of a job which I meant to do some time ago but then completely forgot all about: I have now added the 8th (Schwarz) and 12th (Newstone) Symphonies to the archive.
:)
I've tried to get some information from Hyperion whether they will ever release Brian's Gothic with Brabbins
in form of a 24 bit Studio Master Download. Several attempts contacting them via e-mail remained unanswered.
Does perhaps anyone of you have better contacts to Hyperion to obtain some answer from them?
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 20 June 2012, 16:09
On the other hand, I have recordings of the Havergal Brian Symphony No.8: BBC Symphony Orchestra/Rudolf Schwarz(1968) and Symphony No.12: London Symphony Orchestra/Harry Newstone (1959) which do not seem to be in the Archive.
Johan will remind me of the origin of these recordings and whether or not they should be uploaded ;D
They're from the site of the HBS...
http://www.havergalbrian.org/download.htm (http://www.havergalbrian.org/download.htm)
Quote from: mjkFendrich on Wednesday 20 June 2012, 17:11
I've tried to get some information from Hyperion whether they will ever release Brian's Gothic with Brabbins
in form of a 24 bit Studio Master Download. Several attempts contacting them via e-mail remained unanswered.
Does perhaps anyone of you have better contacts to Hyperion to obtain some answer from them?
This should be a question for the HBS...
Quote from: Dundonnell on Wednesday 20 June 2012, 15:57
Should the Brabbins version of Brian's Gothic not be removed from our Archive here since it is now on cd :(
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Wednesday 20 June 2012, 16:12
Yes, the Brabbins Gothic definitely should go. Thanks for the reminder Colin.
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 20 June 2012, 17:02
I have removed the Brabbins Gothic as suggested.
Wasn't there a discussion about this issue back in November...
http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,1625.msg24115.html#msg24115 (http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,1625.msg24115.html#msg24115)
;) ;D
On balance I think it right to remove the broadcast and, as it was my recording, I guess that's that.
Quote from: britishcomposer on Wednesday 20 June 2012, 21:18Wasn't there a discussion about this issue back in November...
Yes there was and, although we know that the performance was 'enhanced' by the Hyperion Wizards in order to produce the wonderful CD incarnation, at this late stage,
pace the previous soul-searching, I would be sceptical about anybody expressing a preference for the clang of dropped mutes and the white-knuckle ride navigated by sagging choirs (refering to pitch, of course).
;)
Many thanks to MVS for responding to my request regarding the following Havergal Brian performances -
Symphony No.6, Sinfonia tragica (1948) in the first performance conducted by Douglas Robinson
Symphonies No.8 in B flat minor (1949) and No.9 in A minor (1951) conducted by Myer Fredman
I had for a long time hoped that we could add the premiere of No.6 to the archive, meaning that we now have just about every broadcast first performance of the various symphonies. Fredman's studio recordings of Nos. 6 and 16 on Lyrita are of such a standard of excellence that his interpretations of Nos. 8 and 9 also demanded inclusion.
Thanks again, Mark.
:)
Mark - Hero of the Day. :)
P.S. Fredman's performance of Symphony No. 22 is excellent, too.
I see there has been some confusion about the recordings I posted of Harper's HEDDA GABLER and Wagner-Régeny's BURGHERS OF CALAIS and I've also received a couple of e-mails about this. I don't know precisely what happened but there seems to have been some links incorrectly posted by myself. Sorry about that.
From the earlier postings the situation seems to have been resolved (thanks!) but Act Three of HEDDA GABLER has gone missing totally. I'll try and re-post it next week and get it right this time.
Quote from: paul corfield godfrey on Thursday 21 June 2012, 14:11the situation seems to have been resolved (thanks!) but Act Three of HEDDA GABLER has gone missing totally. I'll try and re-post it next week and get it right this time.
No problem, Paul - once I'd worked out what had happened it was reasonable easy to untangle. Looking forward to receiving Act 3 of
Hedda Gabler in due course.
:)
Here is an overview of performances of the Havergal Brian Symphonies which our archive now contains -
Symphony No.1 in D minor, The Gothic (1919-27), part one only - Groves, 1976
Symphony No.1 in D minor, The Gothic (1919-27), complete - Schmidt, 1980; Curro, 2010
Symphony No.2 in E minor (1930-31) - Head, 1973 (2 performances); Mackerras, 1979 [first professional performance]
Symphony No.3 in C# minor (1931-32) - Pope, 1974 [first performance]
Symphony No.4, Das Siegeslied (1932-33) - Handford, 1967 [first performance]; Poole, 1974
Symphony No.5, Wine of Summer (1937) - Pope, 1976; Kok, 2001
Symphony No.6, Sinfonia tragica (1948) - Robinson, 1966 [first performance]
Symphony No.7 in C (1948) - Newstone, 1966 [first performance]
Symphony No.8 in B flat minor (1949) - Schwarz, 1958; Fredman, 1971
Symphony No.9 in A minor (1951) - Fredman, 1971
Symphony No.10 in C minor (1953-54) - Pope, 1958 [first performance]; Loughran, 1972
Symphony No.12 (1957) - Newstone, 1959 [first performance]
Symphony No.13 in C major (1959) - Pope, 1976 [first performance]
Symphony No.14 in F minor (1959-60) - Downes, 1969 [first performance]
Symphony No.15 in A major (1960) - Pope, 1976 [first performance]
Symphony No.16 (1960) - Fredman, 1973 [first performance]
Symphony No.17 (1960-61) - Pope, 1976 [first performance]
Symphony No.18 (1961) - Fairfax, 1974
Symphony No.19 in E minor (1961) - Canarina, 1976 [first performance]
Symphony No.20 (1962) - Handley, 1976 [first performance]
Symphony No.21 in E flat (1963) - Downes, 1969 [first performance]; Pinkett, 1972
Symphony No.22, Symphonia Brevis (1964-65) - Fredman, 1971 [first performance]; Heltay, 1974
Symphony No.23 (1965) - Goodman, 1973
Symphony No.24 in D major (1965) - Fredman, 1973 [first performance]
Symphony No.25 in A minor (1965-66) - Canarina, 1976 [first performance]
Symphony No.26 (1966) - Handley, 1976 [first professional performance]
Symphony No.27 in C minor (1966) - Mackerras, 1979 [first performance]
Symphony No.28 (Sinfonia in C minor) (1967) - Stokowski, 1973 [first performance]
Symphony No.29 in E flat (1967) - Fredman, 1978 [first professional performance]
Symphony No.30 (Sinfonia in B flat minor) (1967) - Newstone, 1976 [first performance]; Lai, 2008
Symphony No.31 (1968) - Mackerras, 1979 [first performance]
Symphony No.32 in A flat (1968) - Head, 1971 [first performance]; Fredman, 1978 [first professional performance]
Many thanks to all contributing members who have been involved in constructing this excellent resource. It certainly facilitates the exploration of Brian's symphonic music, the performance history of which is inextricably bound up with the medium of the broadcast.
:)
Many thanks to britishcomposer for
Judith Bingham - Hidden City (2006)
a copy of which is now in the archive. The words of the text are variously taken from Murasaki Shikabu (c.973 – c.1014 or 1025), Izuma Shikabu (b.976?), Empress Yamatohime (7th century) and also utilise Murray's Handbook to Japan (1907).
Details of the performers and the relevant dates can be found in the catalogue.
:)
Re the Fitzgerald 'Gothic' Part 1 - I had overlooked it! The recording of the Vivace ends with a fade-out, so we have to miss the most extraordinary part of that movement (xylophone frenzy and coda)...
Quote from: Albion on Thursday 21 June 2012, 16:09
Many thanks to all contributing members who have been involved in constructing this excellent resource. It certainly facilitates the exploration of Brian's symphonic music, the performance history of which is inextricably bound up with the medium of the broadcast.
:)
Many, many thanks indeed. I am new to the site and am like a pig in clover.
I fear I haven't got much to offer. But I do have some Derek Bourgeois, the 4th Symphony "The Wine Symphony", The second brass band concerto, Concerto for Percussion & Brass Band, Song of Farewell, Concerto for Brass Quintet & Brass Band, Forest of Dean, Sonata for Brass Quintet. These are all radio or live performances given to me by Derek.
I'm a bit green about uploading this stuff. I see that mediafire is very popular could I use the free version of that to upload these things?
I also have created a virtual performance of his second brass quintet the original version of the concerto for brass quintet and orchestra/band which has never been performed live because Philip Jones/Elgar Howarth though it was unplayable. The sound is very high quality and can be downloaded/listened to here. (http://mp3.davetubaking.com.davetubaking.com/MP3s/Bourgeois%20Brass%20Quintet%20No%202%20%28MP3%29%20%28Take%20three%29.mp3)
The Derek Bourgeois works you mention would be most welcome indeed :)
(I say this as the poor fool who posted the catalogue of the composer's orchestral works on here-
http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,2616.msg30807.html#msg30807 (http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,2616.msg30807.html#msg30807) )
Mediafire is your best bet for uploading these works.
Well done, John, for the list of Brian symphonies available here ;D
(Guess who would have been a day behind you ;D ;D)
Quote from: Dundonnell on Thursday 21 June 2012, 18:45Well done, John, for the list of Brian symphonies available here ;D
I thought it might help ...
;)
With regard to the Fredman Symphony No.9, a problem with the original file of the first and second movements was identified (a pitch-waver during the first five minutes or so). Mark has now corrected this and I have replaced the zip file in the archive with this 'improved' version.
I have just uploaded the Leslie Head performance of Brian's Symphony No. 32.
In Leslie Head and Harry Newstone, we had the interpreters who were the ideal ones to present first performances of Brian's works. Head and Newstone both "got" Brian, and were able to reveal and do full justice to all of the pent-up emotion that Brian wrote into his works. Head's performance of the 32nd is especially potent in that regard... demonstrating that the second movement of the work is one Brian's most powerful and profound slow movements. This performance has haunted me, and moved me to tears ever since I first heard it in the middle 70's in a way that the more recent, professional performances never could. Even Fredman's performnce was a terrible disappointment, let alone Leaper's...! The Kensington Symphony may have been an amateur orchestra, but Leslie Head was certainly not an amateur conductor!
And many thinks to John for pointing out the problems with the original post of the 9th! :)
What a day this has been for Brianites. I have already listened to symphs 6, 8 and 9 several times. And now 32... You're a star!
Many thanks to new member davetubaking for
Derek Bourgeois - Symphony No.4, A Wine Symphony, Op.58 (1978)
relating to a beverage which I never partake of myself ( ;) ;D).
I have provided an alternative single mp3 file in the archive and supplied the relevant performance and broadcast dates in the catalogue.
:)
Another Derek Bourgeois broadcast from davetubaking -
Concerto No.2 for Brass Band, Op.49 (1976)
Once again, I have provided an alternative single mp3 file in the archive.
Many thanks.
:)
Albion - am I going doo-lally or is that 9th mp3 file only 8MB? :o ;D
Of the original files, 1-8 are 320 kbps but 9 is 128 kbps.
In the nine sections Bourgeois steadfastly works his way through ...
Champagne (heralded by a cork-pop), Bordeaux, Hock, Beaujolais, Burgundy, Loire, Alsace, Moselle and Rhône
lingering longest over the second, fifth and ninth bottles. In order to make your way through the musical vineyard, you should download the tasting notes also supplied.
;D
OK - I now realise my mistake - I ignored the fact that you had put it in the archive and mistook the file numbered 004, in the original set, for your single mp3 file! I wouldn't mind, but I haven't touched a drop! Cheers, Albion! ;D
MVS has provided another copy of the 1966 Proms broadcast of Havergal Brian's 12th Symphony. At the end of the performance we are able to hear the enthusiastic reception the composer was given when he appeared on stage. Very special.
Thanks, Mark
:)
Many thanks to MVS for his upload of Brian's Twelfth Symphony! I used to have the same recording, so I know about the spine-tingling surprise at the end...
Synchronicity...
Yes, considering the decades that Brian spent in the wilderness, the cheers and applause are heartening!
Many thanks to britishcomposer for
Judith Bingham - Shakespeare Requiem (2008)
copies of which are on the download board and in the archive.
:)
I have added the following works by Joseph Holbrooke -
Folksong Suite No.1 (String Quartet No.4), Op.71 (c.1916)
1. Come lasses and lads
2. The last rose of summer
3. Mavourneen Deelish
4. Strathspeys and reels
Folksong Suite No.2 (String Quartet No.5), Op.72a (c.1917) - also styled String Quartet No.2, Song and Dance
1. Strathspeys
2. Song of the bottle
3. All through the night
4. Irish jigs
:)
Oh thank you! I've got a couple of these movements separately on the Dutton CDs, but it's a treat to hear them as intended, and to see some semblance of order with Holbrooke.
Hoddinott's Viola Concertino seems to be unavailable from the Archive. If it's not a mistake on my part, could it be re-entered, please, someone... I would be most grateful. ;)
I've just downloaded it successfully.
???
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 27 June 2012, 23:33
I've just downloaded it successfully.
???
Thank you for checking :)
I suppose it must have been a gremlin in my computer, although I don't understand how others were downloading fine but that particular file repeatedly refused to open. I no longer believe that machines behave logically! ::)
Quote from: Albion on Wednesday 27 June 2012, 08:42
I have added the following works by Joseph Holbrooke -
Folksong Suite No.1 (String Quartet No.4), Op.71 (c.1916)
...
Dear Albion, I've read your upload announcement and waited for a post containing the corresponding links
in the British
folder. Later on I realized that you have directly put them into the British
index/archive - this could be a little confusing as things become unsynchronized.
My own upload of D.Matthews' piano quintet
http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,856.msg32275.html#msg32275 (http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,856.msg32275.html#msg32275)
posted about two months ago is still not listed in the index yet.
When I add items directly (i.e. without attribution to another member) they always go straight into the archive without a duplicating post on the downloads board, but I post an announcement on the discussion board.
When other members add British items independently, these go onto the downloads board and and copies are then transferred into the archive as and when. If in doubt, always check both locations. I'm sorry that I overlooked the David Matthews Piano Quintet which you very kindly posted - I will add this to the archive later today.
:)
Many thanks to secondfiddle for the downloads of the Bliss choral works. THE BEATITUDES is a really marvellous piece by the sound of it. The Prom performance which secondfiddle supplies gives a good idea but the orchestral playing and balance is execrable - organ and percussion dominate everything, and the strings sound wispy and totally uninvolbed - and Bliss sounds as if he is having difficulties keeping things together. But Heather Harper is marvellous!
I see it is to be performed again later this year and one hopes that a modern recording will materialise as a result.
I have transferred and now uploaded the following from discs very kindly sent to me by secondfiddle -
Havergal Brian - Symphony No.16 (1960)
This is the first performance, recorded for the BBC on 1st April 1973 by Myer Fredman and the LPO (a month before their recording for Lyrita) but strangely not broadcast until 18th June 1975.
Arthur Bliss - The Beatitudes (1961)
This is taken from a performance given under Sir David Willcocks at the Royal Festival Hall in November 1991, which complements the important historical broadcast conducted by the composer which is already in the archive (supplied by the same member). For those interested in such things, the full programme of the 1991 concert was as follows
Malcolm Williamson - Overture, Santiago de Espada
Bliss - The Beatitudes
Bax - Tintagel
Elgar - Coronation Ode
Many thanks.
:)
Wonderful to get a second recording of the Bliss "Beatitudes" :)
Presumably, we shall soon get a third recording when the work is given its forthcoming Coventry performance :)
In this case, having waited so long for the bus to arrive, not two but three turn up ;D ;D ;D
Many thanks to secondfiddle for the Brian (and the Bliss, the few pieces of whom I know I really like)!
I want to thank MVS for his upload of the first performances of Brian's symphonies 26 and 29!
I thought you'd like those! They are pretty vigorous performances too!
Quote from: Dundonnell on Monday 02 July 2012, 02:40
I am posting this in the British section(in whch the Gal Cello Concertino and Cantata "De Profundis" are located) although I am aware that the Music for String Orchestra is in the Austrian section ;D
It is an off-radio recording of the Hans Gal Cello Concerto, op.67, completed in 1949, a gorgeously romantic work by a composer who stayed loyal to the Classical traditions of his youth. The soloist is Moray Welsh with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra(conductor unknown).
I: Allegro moderato
http://www.mediafire.com/?5jgy34n166g6t4z (http://www.mediafire.com/?5jgy34n166g6t4z)
II: Andante
http://www.mediafire.com/?cwmg4snol62lc3k (http://www.mediafire.com/?cwmg4snol62lc3k)
III: Allegretto vivace e con soirito
http://www.mediafire.com/?734fga2413dyx7b (http://www.mediafire.com/?734fga2413dyx7b)
The conductor is Graeme Jenkins
http://www.moraywelsh.com/condctors.html (http://www.moraywelsh.com/condctors.html)
Thanks for that information :)
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 12 February 2012, 08:30
From Latvian -
Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986) - Symphony No.4, Op.53 (1942); Resurgam, Op.149 (1975)
From A.S. -
William Baines (1899-1922) - Symphony in C minor, Op.10 (1917)
this was the first performance of Baines' work, given at the 1991 Grassington Festival.
Many thanks to both members.
:)
Was very interested to hear this and the piece confirms my thoughts re. influence of Russian music on Baines (via Eaglefield Hull one presumes). Is this conductor George Kennaway also known as Igor? The orchestra is terrible! Sounds like a school band. Hope we get a real performance one day. Thanks v much for posting this... Reminds me also of Bainton of the same era (was involved in the Paracelsus recording -- I edited the score etc from his ms). Same key even ...
We have a Denis Simons (conductor, BBC Philharmonic) and a Dennis Simons (violinist)- was fairly sure these were the same person. I think they are - see this page (http://www.minotstateu.edu/profiles/profile_030.shtml); I think Denis is the misspelling and they should both be Dennis... (I actually was pretty sure it should be the other way around until I read that . Or maybe he changed his name at one point... though I'd go by "last set of orders trumps", then.)
George Kennaway- I don't think so. Possible.
brief biography of George Kennaway (http://www.leeds.ac.uk/music/staff/gk/) (cellist, conductor - principally of Yorkshire's Late Starter Strings but elsewhere also. Gave the UK premiere of Kurt Weill's cello sonata in 1985)
Igor Kennaway- ex-conductor of the Ludlow Orchestra.
Variations on a Theme by Vaughan Williams by Francis Jackson
(http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTYYV_lDKe99Vs-rBnCSK3EdcmbjnWZbjq2azoCGXCsG7BSJbmpL_Dal2sL)
Possibly "Homage to Vaughan Williams?"
York Symphony Orchestra
Composer, Cond.
Radio broadcast, date unknown.
From the collection of Karl Miller
I would say without much doubt that, if you like 20th Century British orchestral music, you will enjoy this. I don't think Vaughan Williams would have been offended at all. There is a brief radio interview with composer at the end of the track which may cast some doubt on the title.
Wiki Bio:
Dr Francis Alan Jackson CBE (born 2 October 1917) is pre-eminent as a British organist and composer.
A popular figure in the musical profession, both nationally and internationally, Jackson was born in Malton, Yorkshire and received his early education as a Chorister at York Minster under his precursor, the legendary Sir Edward Bairstow. Himself Organist of York Minster from 1946 until his official retirement in 1982, Jackson played for the wedding of Elizabeth II's cousin Prince Edward, Duke of Kent to Katherine Worsley on 8 June 1961.
As well as having given recitals and concerts all over the world, Jackson has made numerous recordings of solo organ music, and of choral music with York Minster Choir.
Composition and writing
His extensive output of sacred and secular music includes canticles, anthems, hymn tunes (including the widely sung East Acklam), organ sonatas and other organ pieces such as Diversion for Mixtures, two acclaimed monodramas - Daniel in Babylon and A Time of Fire, an overture, Brigantia, a concerto, a symphony, and solo songs. Jackson's creative output has continued since his retirement.
He is also the author of a biography of his teacher, mentor, and predecessor Sir Edward Bairstow entitled Blessed City: The Life and Works of Sir Edward C. Bairstow (ISBN 1 85072 192 0).
Key Events
• 1929-1933 Chorister of York Minster under Edward Bairstow
• 1933-1940 Organist of Malton Parish Church
• 1937 Gains FRCO with the Limpus Prize
• 1946-1982 Organist of York Minster
• 1957 Gains DMus Durham University
• 1970 Becomes Fellow of Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey
• 1972-1974 President of the Royal College of Organists
• 1978 Appointed OBE for services to music.
• 1982 On retiring from York Minster in 1982 he received the Fellowship of the Royal Northern College of Music, the Doctorate of the University of York and, at the hands of the Archbishop of York, Lord Blanch, the Order of Saint William of York.
• 2007 Promoted to CBE in the Queen's birthday honours for services to music.
There is also an interview with the composer if you wish to learn more about him here:
http://www.simonlindley.org.uk/frankly_speaking.html (http://www.simonlindley.org.uk/frankly_speaking.html)
Thanks very much for this, jowcol. I've always wanted to hear what Jackson could do away from the organ. I'd like to hear his symphony, which is in D Minor. Anyone know which instrument the concerto is for? I hope it's the organ ;D!
Francis Jackson composed an organ concerto (with strings, timpani and celesta) published in (organ and) piano reduction by Sand Hutton, York: Banks Music in 1987. This has been recorded on Amphion (see http://www.amphion-recordings.com/phicd155.html (http://www.amphion-recordings.com/phicd155.html). Apparently the organ concerto is Jackson's opus 64. The MusicWeb review does not give movement headings- if there are any- but states that The work was written for the Carnegie Trust in 1985.)
Thanks very much, Eric. My wish came true (about the organ concerto, that is) ;D!
Anniversary Dances for Orchestra, op.95 (1985) by William Mathias
(http://www.kcstudio.com/mathias3.jpg)
BBC National Orchestra of Wales (1st Performance)
Conducted by Composer
Work written for the 100th anniversary of the University of Bangor
Radio Broadcast, date unknown.
From the collection of Karl Miller
Mathias may not officially be "unsung", but it's always nice to here more from him.
First, you may wish to read this fairly long interview with Mathias:
http://www.kcstudio.com/Mathias.html (http://www.kcstudio.com/Mathias.html)
Next, the Wikipedia Bio:
William Mathias CBE (1 November 1934 — 29 July 1992) was a Welsh composer.
Mathias was born in Whitland, Carmarthenshire. A child prodigy, he started playing the piano at the age of three and composing at the age of five. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music under Lennox Berkeley, where he was elected a fellow in 1965. In 1968, he was awarded the Bax Society Prize of the Harriet Cohen International Music Award. He was professor of music and head of department in the University of Wales, Bangor, from 1970 until 1988.
His compositions include large scale works, including an opera, The Servants (1980), three symphonies and three piano concertos. Much of his music was written for the Anglican choral tradition, most famously the anthem Let the people praise Thee, O God written for the July 1981 royal wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales, which had a television audience of an estimated 1 billion people worldwide.
Mathias wrote his Sinfonietta – initially called Dance Suite – for the Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra in late 1966, and it received its first performance at Leicester De Montfort Hall during the 1967 Schools Festival. It was also included in the orchestra's tour programme for Denmark and Germany later in the year. The LSSO made the first commercial recording of Sinfonietta for the Pye Golden Guinea label in July 1967 under the direction of the composer (see external links below).
He founded the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph in 1972 and directed it until his death in 1992.
He is buried outside St Asaph Cathedral.
Jowcol, Mathias is DEFINITELY unsung!! For me, a composer is not unsung if all his/her works have been COMMERCIALY recorded (except lost/destroyed ones, of course) and if his/her works get REGULAR exposure in the concert hall. I'll probably be starting a thread on unsung composers who are almost sung. Anyway, thanks very much for the upload! Between commercial CDs and the uploads here, we pretty much have access to almost all of Mathias' oeuvre (sorry if I spelt that word wrong!)!
kyjo, by that standard several of the recognized greats would be considered unsung, I think (hrm- going through Dvorak's and Mendelssohn's worklists can one find a commercial, even if out of print, recording of -every- complete and extant work listed (including the woO ones, like some of Mendelssohn's organ works, Dvorak's early operas, etc.?)
Well, disputes as to the meaning of 'Unsung' aside, those Anniversary Dances proved most enjoyable, even to my conservative ear. I always enjoy a trip into Mathiasland - you never know what you're going to encounter! ;D
So, my thanks to jowcol, again! :)
Quote from: eschiss1 on Thursday 09 August 2012, 12:20
kyjo, by that standard several of the recognized greats would be considered unsung, I think (hrm- going through Dvorak's and Mendelssohn's worklists can one find a commercial, even if out of print, recording of -every- complete and extant work listed (including the woO ones, like some of Mendelssohn's organ works, Dvorak's early operas, etc.?)
Well, I can speak to both of these:
Dvorak:
-all chamber recorded, except Serenade for flute, violin, viola, and triangle B. 15b (I have version for orchestra)
-all operas recorded, except Alfred, B16, which I believe, was unfinished
-all works for voices and orchestra except Ballad of King Matthias, B115, Hymn of the Czech Peasants, B143, and Josef Kajetan Tyl, B125
-a few piano pieces, sacred pieces, and studies have not been recorded.
-many of the songs have not been recorded.
Mendelssohn:
many, many pieces not recorded (not including fragments).
-8 chamber pieces not recorded
-9 incidental music
-2 pieces for piano or 2 pianos/orchestra not recorded (Recitativo in d minor (O1), and Fantasie and variations in c minor, WoO 25.
-6 marches for orchestra not recorded
-53 piano pieces not recorded
-10 cantatas not recorded, many small sacred pieces, canons, partsongs, and songs
But, both are definitely sung.
According to Wikipedia, Alfred was unpublished but was finished. It was premiered in 1938.
Well, although not ALL of the compositions of these two sungs are recorded, they are "sung" because most of their works have multiple recordings and regular exposure in concert halls. I didn't mean to start a debate ;D. Back to the BMB...
Kyjo, I knew what you meant: if all of a composer's major works have been recorded and they are regularly heard in concert halls. I think the latter is important too. I hope you do start your thread on the almost-sung topic!
Thanks for your kind words, Jim. I am glad somebody understands me ::). Oh, I've forgotten to start that almost-sung topic!
Many thanks from me too, jowcol, for the Mathias Anniversary Dances :)
kyjo:
You are quite correct in saying that we now have access to almost all of William Mathias's compositions :) The outstanding pieces-in the sense of no recordings presently available-include a few of the shorter choral/vocal works and the early Music for Strings(1961), Festival
Overture(1969), and Holiday Overture(1971).
There are however three "bigger" pieces we still desperately need-
"Carnival of Wales"(1987)-an orchestral work based on Welsh folk songs
"Jonah: A Musical Morality" for tenor, baritone, choruses and chamber orchestra(1988)- an hour-long piece.
and-above all, in my opinion- the Violin Concerto, written in 1992, shortly before the composer's death.
The Violin Concerto was given its premiere by Gyorgy Pauk in January 1992 with the Halle Orchestra under Sir Charles Groves and is a substantial piece at 36 minutes.
I'd also love to hear the VC, the composer's swansong (I think). I wonder if there's a broadcast of the premiere floating around somewhere ::)...
Why don't you do some research yourself and get back to us?
Apologies, thought I'd check myself. György Pauk performed the Mathias concerto, Charles Groves conducting the Hallé orchestra, date attached to the tape @ Cadensa is 1992-05-05. "H329/2". (BMIC says that it was premiered 1-16-1992, same performers.)