York Recorded Music Society ...

[Stanley Stewart]

Thanks, quine! I'll ask my cousin to confirm whether it is still there when we next chat.

[salymap]

My thanks for this and pm elsewhere Stanley,

[Stanley Stewart]

My pleasure, saly! Always good to see you around. Stay unregenerate.

[Stanley Stewart]

First, my most grateful thanks to hmvman for picking me up. yesterday, 13 Dec) and driving me and fellow member of the YRMS, Kay, to the idyllic setting of Dower Court, Heslington, for my second meeting after the memorable baptism of fire, a few weeks ago, when speaker, Alan George, really was a most compelling ranconteur. Further, hmvman and Kay, generously provided the sweetmeats and sherry for this seasonal gathering with typically quiet aplomb and unobtrusive efficiency. Such a relaxed assembly of like-minded, contented band of brothers and sisters, smoothly chaired by hmvman, ensured that each speaker could step into the limelight and present their selection of seasonal music without pomp or circumstance. A good start with Winter from Glazunov's ballet, The Seasons, and its lifted rhythms. A new member, John, kept the tone with extracts from Malcolm Arnold's suite for film version of The Holly and the Ivy, 1952; I was surprised and delighted; later told him that I'd recently played the DVD but, in fact, he'd never seen the film! Any feature which stars Ralph Richardson, Celia Johnson and Margaret Leighton, as the wayward daughter who'd been seduced - by Johnny Foreigner, of course! would always get my attention. I also warmed to the selection of the York Waites and charmed to be reminded of the Sorcerer's Apprentice from Fantasia, of course, and the Disney imagery. Extracts from the New Year's Day VPO concert were obligatory and relished.

In turn, I chose a selection which veered between a 1943 recording of Charles Laughton telling The Oldest Christmas Story, immediately followed by The Celebrity Quartet; Isobel Baillie, Gladys Ripley, John McHugh and Harold Williams - "synonymous with all that is best in music" - performing a 1944 recording of The Coventry Carol. I added that during my stint of National Service,
early 50s, I was stationed at RAF Leeming, North Yorks, and vividly recalled cycling to a village, near Bedale, to hear Isobel Baillie in a chapel recital. Her crystal clear, bell-like clarity as she sang I Know that My Redeemer Liveth has never been equalled. I could sense a frisson among a few listeners and during the interval one of the ladies showed me her Novello score for The Messiah which she used, 1950, as part of the choir when Ms Baillie was the guest soprano at Brighouse, West Yorks. The programme was autographed by her and the lady wanted me to have her copy. I was touched to the quick by her generosity and this programme is now neatly enclosed in my copy of IB's biography, Never Sing Louder Than Lovely. I doubt whether 2014 will bring me a greater gift than this programme.

Again, a sense of empathy in such an ideal setting;no coughing or whispered conversations throughout, spoke for itself. Quietly sensational!

[Gordon]

After seeing your #34 I wondwered if you may know about this already:

http://www.heritage-records.com/classical-vocal-cd-album-titles/the-voice-of-isobel-baillie

marvellous voice.

[Stanley Stewart]

Many thanks, Gordon. I have a substantial Isobel Baillie collection on cassette and CD but wasn't aware of this recent re-release. Probably a few duplications but it is also a 'must have' to add to my seasonal indulgence as the remastering process can also bring a restored sense of resonance. Whoopee!

[Stanley Stewart]

Thanks, again, Gordon. A prompt delivery of The Voice of Isobel Baillie in fine transfers and the Dame's glorious voice in 'unaffected simplicity and musicianship'.
Much tempted, too, by a further collection from Heritage Records: The Voice of Heddle Nash, Peter Pears & Benjamin Britten; The Early HMV Recordingsl; English Song, PP, BB and Julian Bream. A New Year indulgence on the cards!

[Stanley Stewart]

A sudden memory prompt. Aren't we near the 38th anniversary of Benjamin Britten's death? Knew there was a justification for acquiring their Heritage CDs!

[frankwm]

HaHaHa... "Peter Pears & Benjamin Britten; The Early HMV Recordings" - £10.52 for a CD compilation from HMV LP's ...
My LP transfers are >unbeatable< - with over 2200 page-views since Nov.2012

http://musicparlourhistorical.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/peter-pears-benjamin-britten-hmv-1942.html

- and you get the complete contents of RLS 748...