A British Composer Poll

[Mark]

Debussy, for example, polished off 'La Mer' in Eastbourne!

Is that right? I thought that was a misconception.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

"It was started in 1903 in France and completed in 1905 on the English Channel coast in Eastbourne." (Wikipedia)

[karlhenning]

Does a wikipedia citation settle anything? Just asking for information.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Does a wikipedia citation settle anything? Just asking for information.

I added originally: if you believe Wikipedia, that is. But there is a sort of peer-review there, too.

[Lethevich]

Re. Eastbourne, this site mentions specific quotes relalted to it:

http://www.verinhaottoni.com/diary/cultural/opera/107.html

It's one thing to repeat a myth, but another to make up precise quotes to reference it, so it has the ring of truth about it

[Mark]

Re. Eastbourne, this site mentions specific quotes relalted to it:

http://www.verinhaottoni.com/diary/cultural/opera/107.html

It's one thing to repeat a myth, but another to make up precise quotes to reference it, so it has the ring of truth about it

Thank you.

[karlhenning]

I added originally: if you believe Wikipedia, that is.

Sorry I missed that; in any event, Johan, I knew you of all people would not be naïve about wikipedia.

[karlhenning]

Re. Eastbourne, this site mentions specific quotes relalted to it:

http://www.verinhaottoni.com/diary/cultural/opera/107.html

It's one thing to repeat a myth, but another to make up precise quotes to reference it, so it has the ring of truth about it

If there were not gender issues, Sara, I should say, you are the man!

[lukeottevanger]

Does a wikipedia citation settle anything? Just asking for information.

Only one way to find out: let's see what wikipedia says about it.....

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Only one way to find out: let's see what wikipedia says about it.....

[karlhenning]

I note, Luke, that this article employs the phrase "good Samaritan," with all its implicit anti-Jewish bias 

[eyeresist]

What is the purpose of these polls? The prove that Elgar is a mediocre composer at best?
The result does not chance anything, I still enjoy Elgar.

Me too! If nothing else, his Enigma variations and cello concerto guarantee his place in the pantheon.

[Bogey]

I see that two other members also chose Handel since my post two days ago.  (Who was the first in line for Handel?) Please PM me for "high-five" when you get the chance.  

[Hector]

Re. Eastbourne, this site mentions specific quotes relalted to it:

http://www.verinhaottoni.com/diary/cultural/opera/107.html

It's one thing to repeat a myth, but another to make up precise quotes to reference it, so it has the ring of truth about it

The myth is that he wrote 'La Mer' in Eastbourne but the truth is that he merely polished the score there.

One of the 'Images' invokes the misty/foggy coast of England.

He seems to have had an affinity with Perfidious Albion which makes him English, or as good as, in my book, so, why isn't he on the list?

Handel is

[Bogey]

Handel is

Guess this poll is using the same rules as some Olympic athletes....only in reverse. 

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

The myth is that he wrote 'La Mer' in Eastbourne but the truth is that he merely polished the score there.

That's part of the creative process, Hector. An unpolished La Mer is an unfinished La Mer.

So - Eastbourne it remains...   

[lukeottevanger]

The myth is that he wrote 'La Mer' in Eastbourne but the truth is that he merely polished the score there.

One of the 'Images' invokes the misty/foggy coast of England.

He seems to have had an affinity with Perfidious Albion which makes him English, or as good as, in my book, so, why isn't he on the list?

Yes, and the piano preludes quote two national anthems - the British, fairly fully and boldly, and the French, in a fragmentary, allusive way. It's clear from this, too, that Debussy was a wanabe Englishman. 

[eyeresist]

Dvorak's 8th was known for years as his "English" symphony. Sadly, the Yanks have already grabbed him for their own.

[Brian]

Bax and Finzi, I suppose, but my "Other" vote is for Dowland!

I love Elgar, though. 

[Bogey]

........... but my "Other" vote is for Dowland!

Nice call Brian.