Arise, Sir Stephen Hough

[Frances_iom]

got it - catch is my silo'd memory in that I'd expected following on from the genuinely worthy Stephen Hough that she was in the entertainment category (tho thinking about it maybe she is)

[Mario]

Richard, stop teasing!

Mario

[pastoralguy]

Arlene Foster though, heavens above, it gets worse every year, or is it that worse people rise to prominence...

Ditto Claire Balding! Smug and self satisfied…

[zola]

Stephen Hough is currently in Fort Worth where he is a jury member at the Cliburn piano competition. He was also commissioned to write a five minute piece that each contestant has to play in the preliminary round. So unlike the common complaint that contemporary pieces only receive one performance at the premiere and are never heard of again, there are going to be 30 performances of his Fanfare Toccata over the next couple of days. The competition is being streamed on various platforms if interested; The Cliburn site, You Tube and Medici.

[edashtav]

Well done Houghy. Don’t miss his latest Schubert release!

[edashtav]

Arlene Foster though, heavens above, it gets worse every year, or is it that worse people rise to prominence...

Unbelievable!

[Joseph K]

[french frank]

Unbelievable!

I think it's because the Establishment has a notion of the Rightness of Things and, having occupied the position she did, she was bound to be considered. Thus also a certain former prime minister. Thus a certain present prime minister, I'd guess. Speaker Bercow lost out because the Establishment stamped on that with its collective foot.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Although I’m no great fan of the honours system I am a fan of Stephen Hough’s . Is there any chance that posts not relating to his gong might be put in a separate thread?

[ahinton]

The British Empire was not always and only about that, but there is indeed no doubting its commission of multiple atrocities. That, however, is not the only factor that raises doubts in my mind as to the inappropriateness of awards under its name; the very fact of its dissolution renders continued awards an anachronism at best. I see no reason to abandon such awards per se; it's just the name that's the issue. Something along the lines of "Order of Merit" - which carries no imperial connotations - would surely be more suitable today.

[Cockney Sparrow]

Although I’m no great fan of the honours system I am a fan of Stephen Hough’s . Is there any chance that posts not relating to his gong might be put in a separate thread?

I agree. I know its a very common occurence for threads to veer in completely different directions, but perhaps this thread could be split. Having said that I'm not greatly troubled - I am glad that Stephen Hough's very positive contribution to music has been recognised; on the current situation this will become a thread I don't bother to read any further.

On a quick look, splitting the posts would leave 10 or less before the thread moved away from appreciation of Hough and his contribution, to views about the honours system, the history of the Empire, and very large images splattering the page, etc.

[Ein Heldenleben]

I agree. I know its a very common occurence for threads to veer in completely different directions, but perhaps this thread could be split. Having said that I'm not greatly troubled - I am glad that Stephen Hough's very positive contribution to music has been recognised; on the current situation this will become a thread I don't bother to read any further.

On a quick look, splitting the posts would leave 10 or less before the thread moved away from appreciation of Hough and his contribution, to views about the honours system, the history of the Empire, and very large images splattering the page, etc.

Yep. Back on thread . Had the pleasure of a brief chat with SH after a concert once. I mentioned how good his trills were and he started giving me a few tips on trill practice and playing. A really charming man . His recent superb live Rach Pag variations are still on iPlayer.

[Mario]

he started giving me a few tips on trill practice and playing.

Only Grade 3 pianist I’m afraid, in other words, a beginner.

Nevertheless, always eager to learn.

Unless the question is inappropriate, or indiscreet, can you share those tips please?

Thanks,

Mario

[gradus]

The British Empire was not always and only about that, but there is indeed no doubting its commission of multiple atrocities. That, however, is not the only factor that raises doubts in my mind as to the inappropriateness of awards under its name; the very fact of its dissolution renders continued awards an anachronism at best. I see no reason to abandon such awards per se; it's just the name that's the issue. Something along the lines of "Order of Merit" - which carries no imperial connotations - would surely be more suitable today.

Or perhaps Order of the Commonwealth.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Only Grade 3 pianist I’m afraid, in other words, a beginner.

Nevertheless, always eager to learn.

Unless the question is inappropriate, or indiscreet, can you share those tips please?

Thanks,

Mario

Essentially if you can’t play a trill fast play it evenly…