Tag Archives: anniversaries

Carry on Julius

Posted on 24 February 2023 by mj263

Tomorrow evening (Saturday 25th February), I’m off to London for a performance by English Touring Opera of Giulio Cesare, impeccably timed to coincide with London’s Handel Festival. I was slightly bemused to discover that it was to be staged at … Continue reading →

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To celebrate, to commemorate: anniversaries 2023

Posted on 6 January 2023 by sw508

The Anniversaries Action Group up in The Other Place had gathered that evening for its annual discussion of who and what should be celebrated musically in the coming months. Discussion – always intense, given the many interested parties Up There … Continue reading →

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Ambulances and allotments: RVW and wartime

Posted on 25 November 2022 by sw508

Vaughan Williams was unlucky, as were millions of others who had to endure not one, but two World Wars (my grandparents, for example – my father’s father served in France in WWI and never, ever, discussed it). Even though RVW … 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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RVW and the Symphony

Posted on 4 November 2022 by sw508

Like Beethoven, Bruckner and Mahler before him, Vaughan Williams composed nine symphonies. But, unlike Beethoven, Bruckner and Mahler each and every one of his nine is totally unlike any other. Think of the contrast between A Sea Symphony (no. 1), … Continue reading →

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Queen of the Music Hall

Posted on 28 October 2022 by Kate

Marie Lloyd died on the 7th October 1922. Her funeral a few days later was attended by thousands of mourners, and was described by T. S. Eliot as “a ceremony which surprised even warmest admirers”. To mark the centenary month … Continue reading →

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Kaija Saariaho at 70

Posted on 30 September 2022 by jamesluff

This month marks the 70th birthday of the acclaimed Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho. Her work takes in the whole range from opera and works for large orchestra, to pieces for solo instruments and electronics, and although her style has undergone … 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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Xenakis’ Centenary

Posted on 3 June 2022 by jamesluff

b. 29 May 1922 – d. 4 February 2001 As you may be aware, this week marks an important anniversary worthy of widespread celebration –that’s right, it’s been 100 years since the birth of Iannis Xenakis! – Greek-French avant-garde composer, … Continue reading →

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Simple gifts

Posted on 6 May 2022 by mj263

On May 6th 1797 Elisha Brackett was born in Maine. When he was 10 years old the family became Shakers (properly, members of the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Coming) and formed a small Shaker community based around … Continue reading →

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