Cécile Chaminade and Augusta Holmès: 14-18 October

[doversoul1]

It is a little too early to post this but I am very much looking forward to this. Phew…

Donald Macleod explores the contrasting experiences of Cécile Chaminade and Augusta Holmès in their family background and training with the help of Marcia Citron, Lovett Distinguished Service Professor of Musicology at Rice University, and Karen Henson, Assistant Professor at Columbia University.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00c1xxv

Incidentally, why is it that almost all academics/specialist on CoW and often on the Early Music Show are Americans? I have nothing against Americans but surely there are suitable specialists in the UK? Are academics in the UK universities are not allowed to take part in radio programmes?

[teamsaint]

I think this is a repeat from 2011. IIRC, it was quite interesting.

I am constantly amazed about the subjects on which there seem to be no UK experts !!

Thanks for flagging this up, DS.

[Serial_Apologist]

I tend to find Americans much more interesting and knowledgeable outside their country than inside it. I often wonder why this is; their politics and culture scarcely reflect this at all - maybe it's just the interesting ones manage to get out.

[french frank]

I think this is a repeat from 2011.

First broadcast 16 June 2008. But good programmes stand repeating.

[doversoul1]

Does anyone remember reading this? It’s from The Guardian, 17 June 2008.

Sirens of the salon
In an age when women couldn't perform in public, two extraordinary female composers had artists and royalty swooning at their feet. Donald Macleod tells their story

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jun/17/classicalmusicandopera.women

Days when we had no doubt that we were listening to someone who knew the subject on any programmes…

[Padraig]

First broadcast 16 June 2008. But good programmes stand repeating.

Missed the original, ff, but really enjoyed episode one today. Who could not enjoy a piece called 'Irelande', ending in the strains of 'Let Erin Remember'? Even DMcC had to stand up and cheer! And the striking opening notes of Chaminade's Concert Piece, and the delightful Chanson Triste performed by von Otter and Forsberg - with more to come from that same CD. Did I ever tell you that John McCormack recorded one of Cecile's songs, also on that CD. He called it 'The Little Silver Ring'.
I must say too that the relaxed and informative conversation in which the music was set was very much to my taste. I do like Americans!

[Serial_Apologist]

The more one hears of French music between the death of Berlioz and the first works of Debussy, the more interesting it seem to become!

[doversoul1]

I caught Chaminade’s piano trio on today’s programme and enjoyed it very much. It didn’t leave me stunned but it’s one of those works that make me feel, ah, I am glad I’ve heard this. Then again, I like piano trios, so it may simply that. I thought it was very good, whatever.

It’s so good to have Composer of the Week back (on my radio).

I thought the conversation between Donald Macleod and the guest was very good, too.

[LeMartinPecheur]

I thought the American academician rather missed the point when DMcL asked her what it was about the Chaminade Concertino for flute. Off she went into a comparison of German and French enthusiasms for woodwind when I'd have thought the obvious point is that it's got an absolutely gorgeous main tune!

I got to know it when I bought a James Galway LP featuring it, probably because I wanted to hear Sir Lennox Berkeley's orchestration of the Poulenc SonataHardly dare play it these days as I know to my cost that that tune is an absolute ear-worm!

[ardcarp]

I must have missed the Chaminade/Holmes CotW first time round. I was particularly taken today (Wednesday) with a couple of overtures intended for the theatre by Holmes, played by:

Rheinland-Pfatz Philharmonic. Conductor: Samuel Friedmann.

As recordings of Holmes' works are either rare or non-existent, I feared that maybe they were scraping the barrel to come up with this band. But no, no, no! This was fine playing by any standard. Does anyone know anything about this orchestra, and perhaps why they were far-sighted enough to record some little-know repertoire from France?

[doversoul1]

Only for the first question (good ol’ Google)

The Rheinland-Pfalz Philharmonic was founded in 1919 and is based in Ludwigshafen. Principal conductors have included Christoph Eschenbach, Leif Segerstam and, in 1991, Franz Welser-Möst, and guest conductors and soloists with the orchestra have included musicians of the greatest distinction, from Furtwängler and Richard Strauss onwards. The 100-strong orchestra has toured widely throughout Europe, with regular performances in Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Cologne and many other cities and frequent recordings, broadcasts and appearances on television.
Released in June 2010 (UK only): Chill With Collection (Naxos 8.501046, 10-CD box set); in June 2010 (internationally): Meditation (Naxos 8.508010, 8-CD box set)

http://www.naxos.com/person/Rheinland_Pfalz_State_Philharmonic_Orchestra/46337.htm

[ardcarp]

Clearly overdue for a slot at The Proms. Maybe they could stand in for the M.O.

At our summer festival, the BBC Proms, we usually only announce events that are taking place. Sadly, however, I can let you know that the first ever residency by an orchestra from the US will not now be happening at the Proms in 2015. We had planned for some years a Sibelius symphony cycle by Osmo Vanska and the Minnesota Orchestra and had held on to the plan through this last difficult year, only having to accept in the last fortnight, with Osmo’s tragic but understandable resignation, that it won’t happen.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Before this programme, I knew only "Automne" by Chaminade. I can still hear the echoes of my piano teacher at school screaming at me not to play such rubbish. So I carried on and played it in the school concert.

[Padraig]

I wonder if Scott Joplin was inspired to any extent by CC. Fleeting suggestions kept occurring to me on listening to her piano music.

Both these composers I found interesting and enjoyable, and if I had to choose one it would be Chaminade for her lightness and charm. I am familiar with her songs, as I am also familiar with the kind of setting she, and Schubert I would suggest, enjoyed - the salon or drawing room. It's the suggestion of friendliness that appeals to me, and I am enough of a sentimental old fool to be taken in by all that.

A good week for me.