Author Archives: mj263

About mj263

Music Collections Supervisor at Cambridge University Library. Wide musical interests. Often to be found stuck in a composer's archive, or enthusing about antiquarian music.

1823 — 1963 — 2023 : William Henry Monk, Abide with me, football and rugby

Posted on 3 February 2023 by mj263

In 2022 we celebrated the anniversaries of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Doreen Carwithen, and Caleb Simper. No doubt Vaughan Williams’ Lark Ascending will reappear in Classic FM’s Hall of Fame at Easter this year (it has appeared every year since the … Continue reading →

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Just chatting about VW

Posted on 15 December 2022 by mj263

To end our series of Vaughan Williams related blog posts to celebrate Vaughan Williams’ 150th anniversary, MusiCB3 presents its first podcast, as Susi Woodhouse and Margaret Jones, MusiCB3 regulars, and contributors to the #RVW150 posts, discuss the anniversary and their … Continue reading →

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Thank you Mr. Potiphar

Posted on 9 December 2022 by mj263

In most musicians’ lives there are formative moments: the first time that they heard an instrument with which they would become inextricably linked, a particular piece of music that made them listen in a completely new way, the teacher who … Continue reading →

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Saint Andrew’s Day, 30th November

Posted on 2 December 2022 by mj263

Andrew is oor patron saint, as Scotland ay remembers.His flags’ll fly here every year, on the 30th o’ November Chorus of St. Andrew’s Day song. Music by Ian Davison, words by Liz Bovil Many people only know St. Andrew as … Continue reading →

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VW goes to war (and the movies)

Posted on 18 November 2022 by mj263

When the Second World War broke out in 1939, Vaughan Williams had already been added to the Nazi’s hit list in the event of their successfully invading the UK. An ambulance driver in the First World War, Vaughan Williams was … Continue reading →

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Egyptomania

Posted on 10 November 2022 by mj263

There are quite a few historical moments to which I would like to have been a witness, not least the premiere of the Rite of Spring in 1913 (was it really as dramatic as is popularly believed?). The other cultural … Continue reading →

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Funeral music

Posted on 15 September 2022 by mj263

This time last week I was finishing a MusiCB3 post celebrating the life and work of Doreen Carwithen, who had composed part of the score for the Coronation film Elizabeth is Queen. A week on, we have a new King … Continue reading →

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It’s been quite a year…

Posted on 8 September 2022 by mj263

Unfortunately since publishing this post the Last Night of the Proms has been cancelled due to recent events. …for composer, Doreen Carwithen. Born November 15th 1922, there have been a series of events throughout the year to mark her centenary. … Continue reading →

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Old friends

Posted on 26 August 2022 by mj263

I was just about to start writing this blog post, when I was completely surprised by one of my best friends from university turning up unexpectedly at the UL. We hadn’t seen each other for some time, and it’s been…(rather … Continue reading →

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MUSIC INSPECTION 2022, CALEB SIMPER, CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR AND THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND TEMPERANCE SOCIETY

Posted on 15 July 2022 by mj263

I was given a piece of advice a long time ago by a fellow organist. Play something easy on the organ well rather than play something difficult badly. I agree with that. I have sometimes heard pieces I know well, … Continue reading →

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