As much as it is practically impossible to write a fair appreciation of one’s teachers, it might be worth trying. Sadly, this often means that to some extent, the writer becomes the central figure at least in the introduction. Maybe this is why so few people do it. Most of my teachers are now dead … More James Clifford Brown – Musician Composer Teacher – A Memoir
Introduction Richard Runciman Terry (1864-1938) is something of an enigma. He is variously described in many articles as a musicologist, organist, scholar and editor. In fact, the case for making these assertions appears to be overstated and the exact nature of some of his contributions to historical musical practice is under-investigated. Nevertheless, Terry remains a … More Thoughts about Richard Runciman Terry (1864-1938) Musician, Composer
Herbert Oliver – Biography of Composer, Pianist, Conductor, Teacher For a photograph, click here. (Opens in a new window) A True London Composer And what a pleasure it was to discover the life of Herbert Oliver. This biographical sketch has taken a good many years. Herbert Oliver is almost forgotten these days and that is … More Herbert Oliver Biography – Composer Pianist Accompanist Conductor Teacher
A composition from a station platform… Tydi a roddaist by Arwel Hughes (scroll down for my translation) A while ago, I wrote about a fantasy journey I made with the help of my trusty 1922 Bradshaw Railway Timetable. I went to Wales because I spent a lot of time there in my formative years; went … More Tydi a roddaist – a translation
Charles Prentice 1898-1970, Conductor, Musical Director, Orchestrator, Composer Charles Prentice Mus Bac – Orchestra under the direction of – so say the record labels. Who was Charles Prentice? From information in the National Library of Scotland, this was Charles Whitecross Prentice, born Prestonpans, Haddingtonshire or East Lothian, Scotland 28th January 1898. He was a graduate … More Charles Prentice – Conductor, Musical Director, Composer, Arranger
William Faulkes 1863-1933. Composer, organist, pianist, arranger, recitalist, teacher, chamber musician, conductor, musical organiser. (The entire content of this biographical sketch is the original research of Michael Baron, Musician, UK, and used by permission) Life Story That William Faulkes existed is not in doubt. Child, parent, pupil, friend, apprentice and master – William Faulkes was … More William Faulkes 1863-1933, Biography of a Composer
Dogs Of Devon Or “Foiled Again!” Our operatic and dramatic societies are very sophisticated nowadays. They produce wonderful shows with wonderful performers in fantastic venues. The spirit of the companies is the same as it always was; optimistic, loyal, seeking to perform to the highest level – and rightly so, for ’twas ever thus. It’s … More Dogs Of Devon Or “Foiled Again!” – A Forgotten Operetta
Writing about Dorothy Pilling and Winifred Bury took me back to a familiar set of books and papers. Among them were two pieces for piano by Leo Livens. This music coloured my early days and I often imagined the nursery pictures as a child when my mother played Leo Livens’ “Sing A Song Of Sixpence” … More Leo Livens – Composer Pianist Teacher
It is sad when musicians slip from our grasp and we cannot converse with them about their work. There are several who have left us only a few compositions – no letters; no family photographs; no great sayings…and some who have left us fewer clues than that. It is a theme that we may return … More Winifred Bury Biography – Composer, Singer, Accompanist, Pianist (1897-1980)
Dorothy Pilling, composer and musician. Her name may not be well-known, yet she taught and inspired many students. (This article also contains some information about Miss Gertrude Riall and Mrs Lavena Wood, pianist, accompanist, teacher and composer – see below) Dorothy Pilling was part of a most remarkable musical phenomenon – the Matthay School of Music, … More Dorothy Pilling, Composer, Musician, Teacher (1910-1998) – Before We Forget To Remember…and a little about Gertrude Riall
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