Sheep/lambs on Essential Classics

[ardcarp]

All in the April Evening was one of the 'playlister' choices this morning which had to be sheep-related. A once very popular tune that I haven't heard or thought about for decades. Nothing wrong with a bit of sentimentality, and nothing wrong either with the golden age of the big choral society. Unfortunately the version chosen was that sung by The Glasgow Orpheus Choir. I could hardly believe my ears at the pitch drop, which began in the first few bars. It ended well over a semitone flat. Is this really the best that Essential Classics could come up with?

[pastoralguy]

All in the April Evening was one of the 'playlister' choices this morning which had to be sheep-related. A once very popular tune that I haven't heard or thought about for decades. Nothing wrong with a bit of sentimentality, and nothing wrong either with the golden age of the big choral society. Unfortunately the version chosen was that sung by The Glasgow Orpheus Choir. I could hardly believe my ears at the pitch drop, which began in the first few bars. It ended well over a semitone flat. Is this really the best that Essential Classics could come up with?

Well, I didn’t hear it but I suspect the reason that particular recording was chosen was that it was recorded under the composer, Sir Hugh Robertson’s direction. The choir that became the Glasgow Orpheus Choir was founded by him in 1901 and became world famous. When he died the choir decided to disband rather than continue without him.

Bearing in mind it was recorded between 1945 and 1947 by a group of amateurs who had just lived through the Second World War in a city that suffered appalling damage, to criticise them for not being bang in tune is a bit harsh. It’s also possible the pitch drop could have been caused by fluctuating power causing the recording machines to be inaccurate.

I’ve just listened to it on YouTube and whilst it’s not perfect, the spirit of the music comes through perfectly. Looking at the photo of the choir, God knows what horror these people had experienced.

[cloughie]

Strangely, a few days ago as I walked from the car park to choir practice - a lovely evening - out of nowhere I developed an ear worm of ‘All in the April’ which is not a song I’ve sung for many years.

https://youtu.be/Be4QJWyckvo

This version any better?

[DracoM]

Yawn /..........that version used to be staple fare on 'Family Favourites ' on the 'old' Radio 4 - or as we used to call it - the Home Service..................

[Keraulophone]

This version any better?

Whether better or not, how can Decca justify calling this an ‘Ultimate…Essential Masterpiece’ in the entire field of classical music?

Well-loved, maybe, but Essential or Masterpiece?
.

[Alison]

Well, I didn’t hear it but I suspect the reason that particular recording was chosen was that it was recorded under the composer, Sir Hugh Robertson’s direction. The choir that became the Glasgow Orpheus Choir was founded by him in 1901 and became world famous. When he died the choir decided to disband rather than continue without him.

Bearing in mind it was recorded between 1945 and 1947 by a group of amateurs who had just lived through the Second World War in a city that suffered appalling damage, to criticise them for not being bang in tune is a bit harsh. It’s also possible the pitch drop could have been caused by fluctuating power causing the recording machines to be inaccurate.

I’ve just listened to it on YouTube and whilst it’s not perfect, the spirit of the music comes through perfectly. Looking at the photo of the choir, God knows what horror these people had experienced.

Good answer Pasters.

[ardcarp]

to criticise them for not being bang in tune is a bit harsh

Er? Is it OK to go very flat in just a few bars? I can tell that some people think I'm being finicky about tuning. But when a choir opens its collective mouth and goes very flat indeed (not just a bit) in a few seconds, I feel entitled to comment. This Forum is about music after all. I have every sympathy with the horrors of WW2 suffered by many. My father served in the Royal Navy and was involved in active service on the North Atlantic and Malta convoys. He was also a good violinist, and I don't recall his playing out of tune as a result. That apart, I think we can all excuse a tiny bit of pitch variation in the course of a long unaccompanied piece. I don't wish the memory of Hugh Roberton (no 's') or the GOC any ill will. But I'm afraid the example we're discussing was a drastic and (to me anyway) painful disservice to choral music. I'm very surprised the recording company accepted it.

[pastoralguy]

I have tremendous respect for all those that served in the North Atlantic. Having read ‘The Cruel Sea’ many times I can only imagine what he must have gone through.

However, I am or was a pretty good violinist and the pitch really didn’t bother me that much. If you didn’t like it then switch off. Simples.

[gurnemanz]

Well, I didn’t hear it but I suspect the reason that particular recording was chosen was that it was recorded under the composer, Sir Hugh Robertson’s direction. The choir that became the Glasgow Orpheus Choir was founded by him in 1901 and became world famous. When he died the choir decided to disband rather than continue without him.

A nitpicker writes: It's Hugh Roberton. I noted this when I made the same mistake myself in the first draft of our choir's programme which included his famous 'All in the April Evening'.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_S._Roberton

[french frank]

However, I am or was a pretty good violinist and the pitch really didn’t bother me that much.

I wonder whether having such a sensitivty to intonation might not be comparable to having a particular vulnerability to infections: how some people are but not necessarily a blessing, for them?

[EnemyoftheStoat]

Whether better or not, how can Decca justify calling this an ‘Ultimate…Essential Masterpiece’ in the entire field of classical music?

Well-loved, maybe, but Essential or Masterpiece?
.

Well, it's not the GOAT.

[richardfinegold]

Baaaaaad idea for a thread

[gradus]

Baaaaaad idea for a thread

Ewe'er right

[Serial_Apologist]

Ewe'er right

Shear good luck though.

[cloughie]

Baaaaaad idea for a thread

Would be foolish to hoggett!