Neville Marriner R.I.P.

[pastoralguy]

I've just seen a tweet from the LSO that breaks the sad news that Neville Marriner has died. He was 92

RIP, Sir Neville and thank you for the music.

[BBMmk2]

Just saw this as well, PG. A great conductor. Indeed thank you Sir Neville for all those wonderful recordings. RIP

I be playing that Vivaldi Four seasons I love

[french frank]

I remember the time when he still seemed to be 'the coming generation'.

[pastoralguy]

About 10 years ago I knew a young violinist who, successfully, auditioned for the ASMF. He told me he turned up at the rehearsal hall way too early and was greeted by an old chap who'd been setting up chairs and music stands. "Hello", said the old guy. "I'm Neville. It's a pleasure to meet you!"

My violinist acquaintance was so surprised since he'd imagined that the great Sir Neville would only attend the big events. But no, there he was, moving chairs and putting folders in stands!!

[Stanley Stewart]

Sir Neville's concerts on the South Bank were always music-making of the highest order, free of posturing and pretentiousness; his output in the age of the LP absolutely prolific. I shall always remember him with affection. RIP, Sir Neville Marriner.

[doversoul1]

Brandenburg Concertos by (then plain) Neville Marriner and ASMF on cassette tape was my introduction to Bach. RIP Sir Nevill.

The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/oct/02/sir-neville-marriner-obituary

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/oct/02/conductor-sir-neville-marriner-dies-academy-st-martin-in-the-fields-amadeus

When Sir Neville turned 90

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/apr/13/neville-marriner-conductor-academy-st-martins

[gradus]

I remember him leading the LSO seconds under Monteux, Kertesz and others and the ASMF website has a fine photo of him and the other Academy founders in the late fifties. A fine musician with a deservedly high reputation.

[ardcarp]

A close neighbour of mine and a friend. As mentioned upthread 'Nev' as everyone knew him was never high and mighty, always friendly and approachable to local music-makers. One of my fondest recollections is of visiting, and finding him glued to a Mahler score. He looked up and said, 'Oh dear I've got to conduct this in Vienna next week, and they all know far more about it than I do'. Typical of his modesty.

He certainly knew how to create and direct a world class orchestra. The 'Academy of St Martin in the Fields' actually began (as I understand it) when Jack and Jean Churchill, joint organists of that church, got together an ad hoc orchestra to perform some choral work, and Nev was playing the fiddle. He saw an opportunity to put a fine band of players on a more permanent basis...and the rest is history.

Sir Neville will be sadly missed, and we send our thoughts to his family and especially to his widow, Molly.

[Lordgeous]

I had the honour and pleasure of having the first performance of my harpsichord Concertino directed by Sir Neville (G Malcolm & ASMF). Many happy memories of a wonderful man and a supreme musician. So many wonderful recordings. I attended some in the Kingsway Hall and to hear the brilliant Academy string sound in the flesh, in that wonderful acoustic, was thrilling. Thoughts go out to his family. The end of an era.

[Lat-Literal]

Sorry to hear this news.

[Daniel]

Sad news. My first encounter with Mozart's D minor piano concerto was with Neville Marriner and Brendel, an LP I loved and wore thin. Coincidentally I was listening to him conduct Tippett's Concerto for Double string orchestra earlier today, a very lovely recording indeed.

[EdgeleyRob]

Such sad news

RIP

[makropulos]

Very sad news, and the end of a long and amazing musical life. RIP Sir Neville.
In a very cheerful home-made tribute, I'm listening to what is absolutely my favourite version of the Mozart "Coronation" Mass (Marriner/Cotrubas et al, on Argo).

[Pulcinella]

Coincidentally I was listening to him conduct Tippett's Concerto for Double string orchestra earlier today, a very lovely recording indeed.

Decca (was it not originally Argo?) or EMI recording, Daniel?

[Keraulophone]

'Our Nev'.

An icon of my early record collecting days. We will miss you and your open-hearted music making.

After much effort, the Siegfried Idyll just wasn't gelling, so they went to the pub. On their return, a wonderful take flowed from the members of the ASMF. He singled out this special recording (c/w Metamorphosen) from The Argo Years boxed set, which I'll listen to in his memory.

R.I.P.