York Recorded Music Society ...

[french frank]

... announces:

"If any of you are in York this Saturday, 15th November, the guest speaker at the society's meeting is Alan George of the Fitzwilliam String Quartet. He'll be talking about the various composers and musicians with whom the quartet has worked over the years and playing some of their recordings. The meeting starts at 2pm. Please contact us for further details. https://www.facebook.com/Yorkrms?ref=hl

Or http://www.thefrms.co.uk/affprogs/york.htm

[Stanley Stewart]

Many thanks for the heads-up, ff. Although I live in York, the journey to Heslington - t'other side of the city - is a bit of a no-no at this time of the year.
However, I have vivid memories of the Fitzwilliam String Quartet performing a complete cycle of the DSCH String Quartets over a few weeks at the Wigmore Hall, circa 1978-ish, and their on-going Decca recording of the cycle at the time. We also had the treat of an early evening Platform Talk in which they eloquently told us about playing Quartet No 15 for DSCH a few years earlier at the Station Hotel, York. I used to have an audio cassette of a separate R3 broadcast about this occasion. I recall with much pleasure their regular passionate commitment as an ensemble. "...'tis in my memory lock'd..."

[french frank]

I could probably put you on to someone who might be able to find someone in your area who was going ... but I agree that turning out when it's cold, wet or windy is not inviting Nice memory of the Fitzwilliams, thanks.

[Gordon]

Staying in Yorkshire, but next Spring, folks may be interested in this:

http://www.thefrms.co.uk/otherevents/YRG%20Ilkley%202015.htm

[Jonathan]

We moved out of York a week and a half ago but it's still drivable from our new house!

[hmvman]

Many thanks for the heads-up, ff. Although I live in York, the journey to Heslington - t'other side of the city - is a bit of a no-no at this time of the year.
However, I have vivid memories of the Fitzwilliam String Quartet performing a complete cycle of the DSCH String Quartets over a few weeks at the Wigmore Hall, circa 1978-ish, and their on-going Decca recording of the cycle at the time. We also had the treat of an early evening Platform Talk in which they eloquently told us about playing Quartet No 15 for DSCH a few years earlier at the Station Hotel, York. I used to have an audio cassette of a separate R3 broadcast about this occasion. I recall with much pleasure their regular passionate commitment as an ensemble. "...'tis in my memory lock'd..."

Stanley, I've sent you a PM to see if you're anywhere near me.

[Stanley Stewart]

Loverly! Really kind of you. I've left a message on your telephone voiceover and notice that we live almost cheek-by-jowl; I'm up the road at Rawcliffe, York. Just about to rummage and see whether I can find any Fitzwilliam progs on the shelves.

[Stanley Stewart]

York Recorded Music Society

Delighted to hear from hmvman that I'm "on" for tomorrow's rendezvous. Thanks, too, to french frank for this contact lead.

Eager to hear from Alan George about the subsequent progress of Jonathan Sparey, Christopher Rowland, (violins), Ioan Davies (cello) after their substantial partnership as Quartet- in- Residence at York University, from 1971.

[hmvman]

Delighted to hear from hmvman that I'm "on" for tomorrow's rendezvous. Thanks, too, to french frank for this contact lead.

Eager to hear from Alan George about the subsequent progress of Jonathan Sparey, Christopher Rowland, (violins), Ioan Davies (cello) after their substantial partnership as Quartet- in- Residence at York University, from 1971.

Looking forward to meeting you, Stanley and thanks again to french frank for posting the society meeting here. It's nice to have an opportunity for fellow forumites to meet up!

[french frank]

Looking forward to meeting you, Stanley and thanks again to french frank for posting the society meeting here. It's nice to have an opportunity for fellow forumites to meet up!

I was hoping you would pick up the request, hmvman

[Stanley Stewart]

A particularly auspicious day for me; driven door-to-door by hmvman to Dover House, Heslington, an attractively designed block belonging to the Rowntree Foundation, providing sheltered accommodation with substantial space for communal relaxation activities. An attractive area with a rich outlook as the changing light as dusk encroached also reflected itself on the woodland landscape view. - decidedly Chekhovian, and I even sensed a mutual empathy with the musical choice of presenter, Alan George, viz Str.Qt 6 and Bruckner's Quintet - a new recording from the Fitzwilliam String Quartet (FSQ) is now on the books and it sounds glorious. The high ceiling also tapered to a three part cone-shaped dome built in pinewood. So relaxing to absorb this background in a comfortable armchair as hmvman rigged the recording equipment with the proficiency of a highly experienced stage manager! Alan George arrived carrying a HMV portable gramophone from his boyhood and his opening choice, on 78rpm, of course, was the Beecham recording of the March from The Trojans, Berlioz,; the fidelity was amazing. Laid-back and casual, yes, but the presentation was cannily constructed. He covered the gruelling period when a newly formed group have to adapt as they develop a learning curve together; the need to understand how Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn were revolutionary and 'new' in their time and by close liaison working with composers of today, PMD, Ades, Birtwistle, were also of their time and how the need to understand the differences is a challenge for performer AND listener. Prior to the tea break, we heard a movement from the FSQ recording of music for jazz soloists + string quartet, ABSOLUTELY! by Uwe Steinmetz. "A gas" in the parlance of the 60s; bought my CD during the interval.

Alan George reminded us of their meeting with Shostakovich at York's Station Hotel in the early 70s. No prima donna tantrums, only humility and assent to perform his work after they played for him. AG revered this meeting as probably the most memorable in his career.

Moving forward, the FSQ have also recorded at St. Andrews, a Purcell composition, "using all the embodiments and embellishments of the Baroque" - yet another "must" on my list after hearing a sampler.

The craft of making music and a riveting attention from the audience - no mobile phones, coughs, sneezes, whispering or restlessness throughout - was sufficient unto the day. Memorable. "For all, my thanks."

[french frank]

Many thanks for that appreciative review, SS - illuminating in itself. I'm sure hmvman would think that worth his effort in collecting you For others living in the area, worth keep an eye open for forthcoming meetings?

[amateur51]

Many thanks for that appreciative review, SS - illuminating in itself. I'm sure hmvman would think that worth his effort in collecting you For others living in the area, worth keep an eye open for forthcoming meetings?

Great stuff, all!

It'll be FoR3 Charabanc Tours next

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Great stuff, all!

Totally agree.

It'll be FoR3 Charabanc Tours next

Oooh! Can you imagine the forthright exchanges of views about the best way to get from A to B?!

[amateur51]

Totally agree.


Oooh! Can you imagine the forthright exchanges of views about the best way to get from A to B?!

Don't have to imagine ferney - I have a friend who is constitutionally incapable of letting the minicab driver steer his/her own course homewards - she always has to offer a running commentary ... "oh you're going this way ... we've never taken this route before .... would it not be better to ..."

As another friend is wont to say "good advice is neither needed nor heeded"