Messages

Not a missing 'I' from the Subject, but a question about Sir William Walton's incidental music for the BBC Shakespeare TV production of Richard II, from 1979 featuring Gielgud and Jacobi. I have an old tape which includes a "Suite", performed by the Ulster Orchestra cond. Barry Wordsworth, on BBC R3 back around 1980, and have been trying without success to find the Suite has ever been recorded, and to find out if it was constructed by Walton himself. Can anyone advise me, please?

Gosh, I have that Olympia disc too, and never noticed the error. Thanks, Gareth, abd well-spotted, Richard!

According to the glowing review in June's Gramophone, this is Thrilling stuff, which will leave you breathless with admiration. 

There have been no posts about W. Spencer Huffman (1921-2005) for over a decade, so I thought I would draw attention to his unequivocally neo-romantic chamber works which can be found at a dedicated YT site. I find all the works there a sheer delight, but especially the piano quintet (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCqHQ3-SamM), and I would love to know what UC members think about them.

Many decades ago, Gary Karr toured Europe displaying his virtuosity on the d-bass, and popularized it as a solo/concerto instrument. Several LPs appeared, mostly of Bottesini, which I purchased, and I must say I rather like them, especially the 2nd concerto, although I am constantly wanting the d-bass to become a 'cello! 

As I said before, I listened to it again and, apart from some fetching orchestration and a few decent tunes, it just didn't do anything for me. You only have to listen to some of the composer's exciting overtures to notice the difference in quality. IMHO, of course.

Yes, indeed.
As for DH, he's excellent - when you happen to agree with him! 

Yes, this is very interesting and the recording sounds excellent to me. Thanks for alerting us, Wheesht. 

I have the mp3s I downloaded from UC, of the 3rd Symphony under Tausky. Any help?

This is intriguing. It certainly sounds like VW. and the same or similar music seems to be in the backgrouind of some of the many preliminary cartoon sketches stored in the Internet Archive. It may take some time to identify - unless one of our wonderful UC members recognizes it.

Hmm... he certainly looks out of place, sandwiched between Elgar and Tchaikovsky! But then the Proms have a history of odd choices.

Yes, Osmo Vänskä recorded it in the BIS Sibelius series with the LahtiSO.

.. and maybe worth mentioning Holst's The Cloud Messenger.

Much loved in Australia, of course, as Chief Conductor and subsequently Conductor Laureate of the Melbourne SO, and as a champion of Grainger (whom we claim as our own!). Sadly missed.

I certainly share your enthusiasm, John. I have always found this work, like so much of Czerny's music, joyful and uplifting. I have the Koch-Swann version, with the Kölner Klavier Duo.

I too trust your judgement, Gareth. I am sure many people would simply hear that Youtube piece and dismiss him. Clearly, that would be a mistake.