Hear and Now. 2nd June 2012

[Orphical]

The discussion about The Triumph of Time brought back many memories for me. As a young concert goer in the late 70's i was introduced to Harry's music by Alexander Gibson and the Scottish National Orchestra. I still recall the feeling of excitement and wonder at hearing this vast musical landscape open up before me . I have lived with, and loved Birtwistle's music since then and recently attended the London Sinfonietta's concert of his music at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in May

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

The discussion about The Triumph of Time brought back many memories for me. As a young concert goer in the late 70's i was introduced to Harry's music by Alexander Gibson and the Scottish National Orchestra. I still recall the feeling of excitement and wonder at hearing this vast musical landscape open up before me . I have lived with, and loved Birtwistle's music since then

Gibson's work in promoting new Music is often overlooked - he was a great force behind the Glasgow biennial Musica Nova Festival. (Does that still happen?)

[Quarky]

Certainly the best H&N 50 that I have heard so far.

The discussion with Joanna McGregor and Paul Griffith was very informative without pretentiousness or exaggerated claims for the music. As they said, Harrison seems to have a reputation for loud and strident music, but this piece puts that fallacy to rest.

[Orphical]

Sadly Musica Nova no longer exists and i agree Alexander Gibson promoted a huge amount of not just Scottish contemporary music but British and International. On a related note, the previous season Gibson conducted the SNO in the world premiere of Melancolia 1 with Alan Hacker as clarinet soloist. Sadly Alan Hacker passed away a few days ago.

[Quarky]

......................And H&N 9th June, presents Birtwistle in a very relaxed mood, might I say almost Jazzy at times (Broken Images). He seemed to have built up a reputation for being remote and condescending:

Tom Service, in conversation with Sir Harrison Birtwistle, presents this Birtwistle Portrait concert, specially recorded at the Queen Elizabeth Hall with the London Sinfonietta conducted by David Atherton

Harrison Birtwistle: Cortege London Sinfonietta

Harrison Birtwistle: Five Distances for 5 Instruments London Sinfonietta

Harrison Birtwistle: Carmen Arcadiae Mechanicae Perpetuum London Sinfonietta David Atherton, conductor

Harrison Birtwistle: In Broken Images (UK premiere) London Sinfonietta David Atherton, conductor

[3rd Viennese School]

missed it

[Roehre]

missed it

Which is a pity, as it was enjoyable, the music as well as Birtwistle's comments.

[3rd Viennese School]

Didn't know it was on-I was off work and have no internet at home.

Plus I was at Beckenham and couldnt hardly get a decent signal on my personal radio!

Also there was loud music on in the bar.

Er... can't think of any more excuses.


3VS

Strange that I do get to hear Hear and Now when its cxxx! ie. Olympics.