Ex Cathedra - Jeff Skidmore on EMS

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  • ardcarp
    Late member
    • Nov 2010
    • 11102
    #1

    Ex Cathedra - Jeff Skidmore on EMS

    As one of the original line up of Ex Cathedra (many years ago!) I thought I'd give a heads up for today's Early Music Show which features Jeff Skidmore. He founded ExC at a very young age, and it is surely one of the most enduring vocal ensembles, all the more remarkable since it is not London-based. He is celebrating his 70th birthday.

    Here's Ex Cathedra's website, which includes a free 'birthday' recital: https://excathedra.co.uk/
    If the first track seems a bit too 'pop' for your taste, stick with the recital. Amazing technical wizardry too!

    And here's a link for today's programme at 2pm: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000sqxd
    Last edited by ardcarp; 28-02-21, 16:41.
    Tags: None
  • DracoM
    Host
    • Mar 2007
    • 12978
    #2
    Excellent - and inventive. Thx.

    Comment

    • ardcarp
      Late member
      • Nov 2010
      • 11102
      #3
      ...and it came over (a) what a lovely chap Jeff is and (b) what hard work he does, not only running the 'professional' Ex Cathedra, but also involving students and doing outreach work in schools. Plus his extensive editing work.

      I guess some will be wondering how Elgar creeps into EMS. Well Jeff did make it clear that his Gerontius was 'historically informed', his leader (Margaret Faultless) even finding 1920-ish violin parts with bowing marked in.

      Finally, he is an example of someone being drawn to music (at a state school) by a charismatic music teacher.

      Comment

      • Nick Armstrong
        Host
        • Nov 2010
        • 26540
        #4
        Delightful programme.

        And... who knew Elgar visited South America?!
        "...the isle is full of noises,
        Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
        Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
        Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices..."

        Comment

        • Ein Heldenleben
          Full Member
          • Apr 2014
          • 6798
          #5
          Originally posted by Nick Armstrong View Post
          Delightful programme.

          And... who knew Elgar visited South America?!
          There’s a novel ‘Gerontius’ based on this very episode . By James Hamilton Paterson it’s an excellent read.

          Comment

          • Nick Armstrong
            Host
            • Nov 2010
            • 26540
            #6
            Originally posted by Heldenleben View Post
            There’s a novel ‘Gerontius’ based on this very episode . By James Hamilton Paterson it’s an excellent read.
            I guess the answer to my question is “everyone except me”, then
            "...the isle is full of noises,
            Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
            Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
            Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices..."

            Comment

            • oddoneout
              Full Member
              • Nov 2015
              • 9218
              #7
              Originally posted by Nick Armstrong View Post
              I guess the answer to my question is “everyone except me”, then
              I didn't know either, and did a double take when I heard that bit of the programme. It was a most enjoyable and informative hour, the only slight issue for me was the sound quality of the Handel excerpt which sounded as if it was coming from behind a thick blanket.

              Comment

              • Nick Armstrong
                Host
                • Nov 2010
                • 26540
                #8
                Originally posted by oddoneout View Post
                I didn't know either, and did a double take when I heard that bit of the programme. It was a most enjoyable and informative hour, the only slight issue for me was the sound quality of the Handel excerpt which sounded as if it was coming from behind a thick blanket.
                Well it was described as being a recording from JS’s personal archive so presumably not a professional recording like the others we heard. (I didn’t actually notice)
                "...the isle is full of noises,
                Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
                Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
                Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices..."

                Comment

                • ardcarp
                  Late member
                  • Nov 2010
                  • 11102
                  #9
                  Yes, exactly. Made all the vowel sounds very peculiar.

                  Comment

                  • Ein Heldenleben
                    Full Member
                    • Apr 2014
                    • 6798
                    #10
                    Originally posted by Nick Armstrong View Post
                    I guess the answer to my question is “everyone except me”, then
                    It’s a pretty obscure episode in Elgar’s life to be honest set in that long period where he achieved little creatively and you get the impression he went on the cruise to fill in time . It’s a long time since I read it but it’s a good read . James H P really gets Elgar’s profound melancholy coupled with his liking for practical jokes...

                    Comment

                    • ardcarp
                      Late member
                      • Nov 2010
                      • 11102
                      #11
                      I've just found a cheap-ish copy online. Hope I enjoy it when it arrives.........

                      Comment

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