I didn't realise until now that Grace Williams,the Welsh composer had her own website;and a pretty good one it is too. You can ever listen to examples of her music. Whole works,maybe? I haven't really had time to look (too busy!). I am surprised that there isn't a thread,though. I can't find one,anyway! Maybe there is one? Maybe,I just need new glasses! HELP!!! :o I was just going to post the link,and.........nothing there!!! ??? :o ;D So here is a thread. My first at the GMG. I usually leave it to others. The only threads I ever perform being trouser hems & a buttons on a duvet;which I hated......but it saves paying a dressmaker!!
Anyway,Grace Williams was a leading Welsh composer and a bit of a pioneer in her field here;although before her there was the glamorous and legendary (in Wales!) Morfydd Owen,who died young in mysterious circumstances. Some people say she was murdered!! Incidentally,you can now download a piece of music by her from Amazon. (Her story is so interesting and really justifies giving Morfydd Owen her own thread. She is a source of fascination here in Wales,and there have been numerous tv programs and some books published about her,over the years).
Grace Williams (1906-1977) who was born in Barry on the coast of Glamorganshire, wrote various orchestral works,including symphonies and concertos. Her Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes (1940) is still very popular in Wales and played (fairly) regularly. One of her best known compositions here is the Sea Sketches (1944) for string orchestra. This gets played fairly often;but perhaps not as much as it should? Other music gets played less frequently,if at all;although her large scale Missa Cambrensis was performed recently,and is due to be released on cd,by Lyrita. She also wrote a one act opera,The Parlour.
http://gracewilliamscompo.wixsite.com/officialwebsite (http://gracewilliamscompo.wixsite.com/officialwebsite) (Hope this works. It's up there,anyway!)
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(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/71k1SJm4zqL._SL1085__zpswjodqimw.jpg)
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The Chandos cd is a favourite of mine (amongst the three all GW cds available) ;but unfortunately it has been deleted by Chandos. It is available as a download,though. I finally got a cheap copy s/h. You've just got to keep looking if you want something! :( :) The Ballades are also available on a BBC music Magazine cd,coupled with a work by Benjamin Britten. I didn't know about this one;but it's pictured on the Grace Williams website and you can buy it s/h,apparently! I also spotted Sea Sketches performed by the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra conducted by Roy Goodman. More please!!
The BBCNOW performed Grace Williams' Missa Cambrensis on St. David's Day this year. We desperately NEED a recording of that! It was a stunning work, right up there with the greats!
Lyrita are supposed to be releasing the performance on cd. I thought it was going to be this year. The GW website states that,according to Gramophone,it will be released in August 2016. Well,that's been and gone. You can download it at the Art Music Forum. You have to join first. It's free,of course! I haven't looked at the dates to see which performance it is. I actually downloaded it earlier today.
There is good news if you like her compatriot Daniel Jones. Lyrita are releasing the BBC Radio 3 performances of his symphonies 1 & 10 in January 2017;and all the other unrecorded symphonies will follow;except for,possibly,the unnumbered thirteenth;Symphony "In Memoriam John Fussell"?
Quote from: cilgwyn on December 01, 2016, 07:00:41 AM
Lyrita are supposed to be releasing the performance on cd. I thought it was going to be this year. The GW website states that,according to Gramophone,it will be released in August 2016. Well,that's been and gone. You can download it at the Art Music Forum. You have to join first. It's free,of course! I haven't looked at the dates to see which performance it is. I actually downloaded it earlier today.
There is good news if you like her compatriot Daniel Jones. Lyrita are releasing the BBC Radio 3 performances of his symphonies 1 & 10 in January 2017;and all the other unrecorded symphonies will follow;except for,possibly,the unnumbered thirteenth;Symphony "In Memoriam John Fussell"?
There is a performance of Jones 13 on Youtube, so it has been recorded. It's been a great thrill to discover that my home country has a good number of fine 20th-century symphonists, from Williams to Jones to Hoddinott to Mathias.
Hopefully,they'll add that one. Lyrita's releases will be a nice tribute to the underrated Bryden Thompson,who would have obviously loved to have recorded a cycle of Daniel Jones symphonies for commercial release if he'd had the chance. I know he spoke about his enthusiasm for them in an interview. And now his performances will be,anyway!
Grace Jones's Symphony 2 is a terrific score, very much in the spirit of her teacher Vaughan Williams's Symphony 4. I like both of the Lyrita CDs of her music, including 'Penillion', 'Sea Sketches' etc.
She's a fantastic composer, one of my favourites. As well as the works that have been mentioned there are recordings off the radio in the usual places (inc Youtube) of the Symphony No.1, the Sinfonia Concertante for Piano and Orchestra, the Violin Concerto &c
My only regret about her music is that she never tried her hand at string quartets.
Quote from: vandermolen on December 01, 2016, 11:23:40 AM
Grace Jones's Symphony 2 is a terrific score, very much in the spirit of her teacher Vaughan Williams's Symphony 4. I like both of the Lyrita CDs of her music, including 'Penillion', 'Sea Sketches' etc.
Seconded! And of course Daniel Jones did! Just looked at the price s/h earlier on Amazon!! ??? :o
By the way,vandermolen. I think you mean Grace Williams,not the 80's chanteuse!! I've done the same thing,though. I press 'enter' and suddenly I'm confronted with "Pull up to the bumper" and "Nipple to the bottle"! ??? :o Different haircut,too!! ;D
Quote from: cilgwyn on December 01, 2016, 12:16:57 PM
Seconded! And of course Daniel Jones did! Just looked at the price s/h earlier on Amazon!! ??? :o
By the way,vandermolen. I think you mean Grace Williams,not the 80's chanteuse!! I've done the same thing,though. I press 'enter' and suddenly I'm confronted with "Pull up to the bumper" and "Nipple to the bottle"! ??? :o Different haircut,too!! ;D
Freudian slip 8)
Quote from: vandermolen on December 01, 2016, 12:32:39 PM
.... slip 8)
Well Grace Jones is famous for quite often being without one, so I can understand your attention wandering. I mean, what would Grace Jones be without a slip? On second thought, don't answer that one.......
Quote from: The new erato on December 01, 2016, 09:15:29 PM
Well Grace Jones is famous for quite often being without one, so I can understand your attention wandering. I mean, what would Grace Jones be without a slip? On second thought, don't answer that one.......
:)
;D
Seriously! I was wondering what some of those Grace Williams compositions looked like when they were released in Lp form. They would have been in the libraries here in Wales,and probably in other adventurously inclined branches. I remember my disappointment at the way their collections seem to diminish when cds took over. The photo on the front of the Lp is of Porthkerry in the Vale of Glamorgan.
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Living in Wales ,of course,there is great fun in spotting all the songs in her Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes,which are of course as well known here as Baa Baa Black Sheep and the like,elsewhere,and many of which we sang at school. It's still a popular piece here,and I think it's one of the most well crafted of it's kind in the genre. Thie back of this old Lp gives a nice break down of the songs included in the work.
(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/s-l1600bc%20-%20Copy%202_zpsgz0aeesa.jpg)
The mini biography from the back of the Lp. I bought two books of Guy de Maupassant stories recently,after watching the French Film Le Plaisir directed by Max Ophuls (which is based on three of his short stories) with my father. After that it was back to fifties sci-fi and old movie series!! ;D I did actually enjoy that movie though! Guy de Maupassant,of course,is the bloke who hated the Eiffel Tower so much that he used to sit in the restaurant up there;because it was the only place in Paris where he wouldn't be able to see it! I have tried to check out this story,just in case it's just one of those myths that develop and aren't really true;but he was part of a campaign against it,and he definitely did hate it. There must have been other places where you could sit,though. I suppose it's the irony of it that appealed to him? He also wrote some creepy horror stories,including 'The Horla',in which the hero is terrorised by an invisible entity which follows him off an anchored ship. He wakes up in the night thinking it's sitting on his chest. I think he even burns down his house,hoping the creature might die in the fire!! Unfortunately for me,Grace Williams chose another story for her opera!! :( ;D
(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/s-l1600bc%20-%20Copy_zps9fpbmj8l.jpg)
This is the one with the different haircut!
(Scary photo of Grace Jones removed!)
I went to the official Grace Williams website today and wanted to listen to the original version of the Second Symphony. I only got few minutes in before the sound dropped out (several times).
Perhaps someone with better internet then me could listen to the original version and report whether there are any significant differences compared to the revised version of 1975, the first few minutes of the first movement that I heard sounded identical to the later version.
Quote from: cilgwyn on December 02, 2016, 09:19:50 AM
;D
Seriously! I was wondering what some of those Grace Williams compositions looked like when they were released in Lp form. They would have been in the libraries here in Wales,and probably in other adventurously inclined branches. I remember my disappointment at the way their collections seem to diminish when cds took over. The photo on the front of the Lp is of Porthkerry in the Vale of Glamorgan.
(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/s-l1600_zpswohvymtd.jpg)
(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/s-l1600bc_zps7nxcoeqq.jpg)
Living in Wales ,of course,there is great fun in spotting all the songs in her Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes,which are of course as well known here as Baa Baa Black Sheep and the like,elsewhere,and many of which we sang at school. It's still a popular piece here,and I think it's one of the most well crafted of it's kind in the genre. Thie back of this old Lp gives a nice break down of the songs included in the work.
(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/s-l1600bc%20-%20Copy%202_zpsgz0aeesa.jpg)
The mini biography from the back of the Lp. I bought two books of Guy de Maupassant stories recently,after watching the French Film Le Plaisir directed by Max Ophuls (which is based on three of his short stories) with my father. After that it was back to fifties sci-fi and old movie series!! ;D I did actually enjoy that movie though! Guy de Maupassant,of course,is the bloke who hated the Eiffel Tower so much that he used to sit in the restaurant up there;because it was the only place in Paris where he wouldn't be able to see it! I have tried to check out this story,just in case it's just one of those myths that develop and aren't really true;but he was part of a campaign against it,and he definitely did hate it. There must have been other places where you could sit,though. I suppose it's the irony of it that appealed to him? He also wrote some creepy horror stories,including 'The Horla',in which the hero is terrorised by an invisible entity which follows him off an anchored ship. He wakes up in the night thinking it's sitting on his chest. I think he even burns down his house,hoping the creature might die in the fire!! Unfortunately for me,Grace Williams chose another story for her opera!! :( ;D
(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/s-l1600bc%20-%20Copy_zps9fpbmj8l.jpg)
This is the one with the different haircut!
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Great LP cover (Williams not Jones), yes, those old LP sleeves were often works of art in themselves. Now, we just get photos of Sir Simon Rattle, Herbert von K. or Anne Sophie M instead, which is so boring. I remember that my LP featuring Daniel Jones's Symphony 4 'In Memory of Dylan Thomas' had a great Welsh coastal image on the cover.
I remember that Guy de Maupassant story about the Eifel Tower. I have used it when teaching the history of the structure. As for 50s horror movies - 'Night of the Demon' and 'Dead of Night' (actually 1945) get my vote.
Yes,those cds with shots of conductors facing into the camera really are a turn off. There were a few exceptions,years ago. Boult,looking like an old colonel. Beecham was always welcome. He was such a character. I actually quite like those Sony cds with him sitting in that armchair!! Klemperer seemed to get away with it on some of those Lps. The glasses.The profile. The seriousness. His profile seemed to,somehow,go with the music making. And strangely,for me. Awful and vain as he undoubtely was. Karajan in all those wierd shots of him,baton poised in hand. I didn't like the man;but he did have that maestro aura about him;even if the results were a little too smooth & efficient at times. The huge ego,and the Berlin Philharmonic,one of the worlds great orchestras at his command! It seemed exciting,in a wierd kind of way! The hair helped,I suppose! Like Stokowski!! ;D I think the problem with the recent conductors is the lack of charisma. Not that I would care to call Karajan charismatic;but he did have that aura about him. His controversial past also helped. Adding a kind of mythology of it's own. The present day conductors are probably (well most of them) much nicer people;but they're just a bit dull. That's not all their fault. I think it's partly just the times we live in. You can't really be a Beecham or a Karajan,a Furtwangler or a Fritz Reiner,these days. Beecham would have to drop his trademark cigars for a start!! :( ;D
As to the artwork on those Lps. Yes,I totally agree. Brilliant choices. And of course,back in those days,allot of people would prop the Lp up,while they listened to it. I know I did! You'd sort of look at the front of it while you listened. I know that those Chandos Bax cds with those land and seascapes were killers for me. I'd pore over the photos. The ones on the front of Bax's First and Second symphony are a case in point. Also,Winter Legends. Very,very thoughtfully chosen,and some really excellent photographs. Good enough to frame and put on your wall!
(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/51pQKTByFuL._SX466__zpsu80jvs0f.jpg)
Brilliant choice of photographs imho!
NB: I think I will have to remove that other Grace. I think she's scaring people away!! ??? ;D
I think I'm thinking of the inside of the booklets,there,actually! :-[ ;D Yes,there is that maestro thing about certain conductors;but not too many photos of Herbert K,as you call him!! Did he fancy himself,or what?!! As to Mutter. I don't resent the inclusion of one photo of her inside the booklet......just in case I've forgotten what she looked like!. She is,after all, quite pleasant to look at and she is a talented musician. But I remember counting about fifteen or more inside one of her recent recordings!! This was someone who was once photographed next to Herbert von Karajan, looking very dowdy in a woolly sweater!! (Mutter not Herbert!) Now it's multiple shots of her in assorted evening gowns. But,it is possible that the record label insist on it?
Do these kind of cover shots really help to sell cds,though? Here's one I bought earlier,and a case in point!!
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Ahem! Seriously,I was stocking up on recordings of chamber & instrumental music at the time. I like the chamber music of these two composers,and there aren't so many recordings of Bax's String Quartets and this seemed an interesting combination. Nevertheless,despite the 'babe' style marketing;I think these are good performances,and I think the juxtaposition of Bax and Elgar is actually very interesting,enjoyable and satisfying. Would I have bought it if it hadn't had this photo on the cover? No.....I mean,yes ;D....because I was looking for multiple copies of these works;particularly the Bax. Would I have preferred a landscape or appropriate work of art on the front? Well,I can't say I dislike this one,and it's one of the better examples of it's kind. That said,I do think that it's a sad reflection of the dumbed down age we live in. It might even put off some serious collectors from acquiring, what are in actual fact some pretty good performances. That said,I do actually have two other recordings made by the Pavao Quartet of them playing arrangements of popular standards. Quite nice late at night!
And back to Grace Williams and this view of Porthkerry in the Vale of Glamorgan...........
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Quote from: cilgwyn on December 04, 2016, 09:54:41 AM
And back to Grace Williams and this view of Porthkerry in the Vale of Glamorgan...........
(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/s-l1600ax_zpsvpi5ejvs.jpg)
Yes, I'd rather have this image than the 'babe' one and yes, those Chandos Bax covers were very good indeed as were the J.M.W.Turner paintings on the Thomson Vaughan Williams cycle.
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Yes,a bit embarassing really! :-[ Bax & Elgar String Quartets make an interesting combination. An enjoyable cd;but a rather embarassing cover. If they really want to be taken seriously? But perhaps they were pressured?! I don't know why I was being so kind about Herbert! I think I was a bit chuffed because I have just obtained a s/h cd of his Mahler 6. The first one recording I ever heard. I hadn't heard it for years. He makes 'Alma's theme' so romantic. Got the Mahler bug now. The cds are piling up!! :(
I must say,if it's not a painting,or a well chosen photograph;my next preference is for a photo of the composer. Grace Williams or Daniel Jones on the front is fine by me. That great shot of Havergal Brian on the old emi Lp of Symphonies 8 & 9,for example. But when you think that Daniel Jones and Grace Williams,or Vaughan Williams or Bax,for that matter,were often inspired by the land,or seascapes (or both?) around them,the choice of such a photo or painting,does make sense. Also,I'm sure that they would have felt that it was the music that was important,not them. Unlike Herbert Von K,they didn't have colossal egos!
Perhaps one of the more unfortunate images in view of his past political affiliation. 8)
Yes, I prefer landscapes/seascapes. However that Havergal Brian symphonies 8 and 9 photo was terrific. It is back again, in a mini-version, in the fine Charles Groves boxed set of recordings.
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;D That reminds me of the letters about the "Bowie salute" in Private a few months ago. Of course,he was just waving to fans!! I don't know. I wasn't there? :-\ ;D You sound like you don't like Karajan much? I don't like him but I think he was quite a good conductor in certain repertoire,and he made some very good recordings. His Mahler 5 is regarded as one of the finest recordings by quite a few people,and his Sixth,which I'm listening to now on headphones,has got it's admirers. I like it;but I wouldn't say it's the best one. I also think his Bruckner is good. Some of his Strauss recordings. I love his recordings of Die Fledermaus,and his first Der Rosenkavalier. I must admit to being a bit of a fan of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf,who divides opinion. Another one whose political affiliations have been the subject of much controversy. I know Johan can't stand her! I also have that Beethoven boxed set you picture. I think it's quite good......but I love Beethoven,and I think there are more characterful interpretations. Beecham for example;who despite his apparent dislike of his music,conducted and recorded quite allot of it. I like his observation about Beethoven's Seventh sounding like allot of Yaks leaping about! (Ican't recall the exact quote). Weingartner is very good,too. Not so keen on these HIP performances,I'm afraid;but Zinman is a nice compromise. The underrated Wyn Morris,once dubbed the Welsh Furtwangler,is also good in the more fiery ones. And whatever you think of Karajan,he's got to be umpteen types better than Simon Rattle! ::) One of those overrated conductors the Beeb and Gramophone never stop plugging. As to Mutter. I quite like some of her playing. I think she is very talented;but the marketing is ridiculous. I suppose they have to do it these days;but she has allot of money,and her opinions must bear some weight at the label HQ. As to the Pavao Cd of Bax & Elgar. A pity I think it's quite good. I wish they'd do more Bax....or Bridge or Scott? It's good that they chose to record something like that. Thankfully they seemed to have toned it down on their latest cd. If this trend goes any further they'll need to sell these cds under plain brown wrapping! :o ;D
I wonder what will be on the front of the forthcoming cd of Grace Williams' Missa Cambrensis. Thankfully,Lyrita have better taste. Those old Lp's they produced of Bax have had some flak. I didn't mind them. I think their choice of artwork for the Bax cd of Tintagel,The Garden of Fand and the Northen Ballade No1 (not forgetting Meditarranean) with that Wave was fantastic. I also liked their sleeve for Brian's Symphonies 6 & 16. It seemed to go with the music,somehow. I don't know why. I found the replacement less fitting;even though it was a landscape!! I just don't think it goes with Brian's music. Not that I hate it!!
If I had to put up with one conductor on the front of cds,I would pick Beecham. For obvious reasons he has no control on what goes on the front of boxed sets and single cd album reissues. But he was such a great character. Bryden Thomson usually seemed to keep a low profile. I'm trying to think if there is even one cd with him on the front?! What a modest man!
So by and large,I agree with you!! ;D Those Moeran cds from Lyrita you have cited,are a particularly fine example. Chandos also chose some lovely photos for their cds. In fact,I think that putting a really nice landscape or seascape of somewhere associated with a composer,particularly when it's someone less familiar to the average listener,like Daniel Jones or Grace Williams,is probably more likely to sell cds than a photo of the composer. Die hard enthusiasts like us know who Daniel Jones and Grace Williams are;others don't. If I saw one of those Moeran or Bax cds or that lovely photo of Porthkerry,it would catch my eye immediately. People like beautiful scenery. That's why tourism makes money! I might not be so compelled to investigate a photo of someone I didn't know from Adam! Although,Daniel Jones has got a good face. I recall a Musicweb critic (Rob Barnett?) describing him as looking out of the cd front like George Smiley? But,anyway (drone..drone!).......you get my drift?!! ;D
Quote from: cilgwyn on December 05, 2016, 03:37:29 AM
;D That reminds me of the letters about the "Bowie salute" in Private a few months ago. Of course,he was just waving to fans!! I don't know. I wasn't there? :-\ ;D You sound like you don't like Karajan much? I don't like him but I think he was quite a good conductor in certain repertoire,and he made some very good recordings. His Mahler 5 is regarded as one of the finest recordings by quite a few people,and his Sixth,which I'm listening to now on headphones,has got it's admirers. I like it;but I wouldn't say it's the best one. I also think his Bruckner is good. Some of his Strauss recordings. I love his recordings of Die Fledermaus,and his first Der Rosenkavalier. I must admit to being a bit of a fan of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf,who divides opinion. Another one whose political affiliations have been the subject of much controversy. I know Johan can't stand her! I also have that Beethoven boxed set you picture. I think it's quite good......but I love Beethoven,and I think there are more characterful interpretations. Beecham for example;who despite his apparent dislike of his music,conducted and recorded quite allot of it. I like his observation about Beethoven's Seventh sounding like allot of Yaks leaping about! (Ican't recall the exact quote). Weingartner is very good,too. Not so keen on these HIP performances,I'm afraid;but Zinman is a nice compromise. The underrated Wyn Morris,once dubbed the Welsh Furtwangler,is also good in the more fiery ones. And whatever you think of Karajan,he's got to be umpteen types better than Simon Rattle! ::) One of those overrated conductors the Beeb and Gramophone never stop plugging. As to Mutter. I quite like some of her playing. I think she is very talented;but the marketing is ridiculous. I suppose they have to do it these days;but she has allot of money,and her opinions must bear some weight at the label HQ. As to the Pavao Cd of Bax & Elgar. A pity I think it's quite good. I wish they'd do more Bax....or Bridge or Scott? It's good that they chose to record something like that. Thankfully they seemed to have toned it down on their latest cd. If this trend goes any further they'll need to sell these cds under plain brown wrapping! :o ;D
I wonder what will be on the front of the forthcoming cd of Grace Williams' Missa Cambrensis. Thankfully,Lyrita have better taste. Those old Lp's they produced of Bax have had some flak. I didn't mind them. I think their choice of artwork for the Bax cd of Tintagel,The Garden of Fand and the Northen Ballade No1 (not forgetting Meditarranean) with that Wave was fantastic. I also liked their sleeve for Brian's Symphonies 6 & 16. It seemed to go with the music,somehow. I don't know why. I found the replacement less fitting;even though it was a landscape!! I just don't think it goes with Brian's music. Not that I hate it!!
If I had to put up with one conductor on the front of cds,I would pick Beecham. For obvious reasons he has no control on what goes on the front of boxed sets and single cd album reissues. But he was such a great character. Bryden Thomson usually seemed to keep a low profile. I'm trying to think if there is even one cd with him on the front?! What a modest man!
So by and large,I agree with you!! ;D Those Moeran cds from Lyrita you have cited,are a particularly fine example. Chandos also chose some lovely photos for their cds. In fact,I think that putting a really nice landscape or seascape of somewhere associated with a composer,particularly when it's someone less familiar to the average listener,like Daniel Jones or Grace Williams,is probably more likely to sell cds than a photo of the composer. Die hard enthusiasts like us know who Daniel Jones and Grace Williams are;others don't. If I saw one of those Moeran or Bax cds or that lovely photo of Porthkerry,it would catch my eye immediately. People like beautiful scenery. That's why tourism makes money! I might not be so compelled to investigate a photo of someone I didn't know from Adam! Although,Daniel Jones has got a good face. I recall a Musicweb critic (Rob Barnett?) describing him as looking out of the cd front like George Smiley? But,anyway (drone..drone!).......you get my drift?!! ;D
Just to cheer you up here is a picture of that fine, underrated conductor Bryden Thomson on a CD set cover:
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Why the likes of he, Handley and Hickox were never knighted and the overrated Simon Rattle and hopeless Roger Norrington were I have no idea - the latter is my least favourite conductor - I have been disappointed by any recording I have heard - maybe he's brilliant in Mozart.
As for Karajan - I am not admirer but have to admit that his recording of Honegger's Symphony 3 'Liturgique' is incomparably the best with its wonderfully haunting and poetic birdsong conclusion - my favourite recording of one of my favourite symphonies. There are some fine Sibelius recordings and also Shostakovich Symphony 10 (the live one and the earlier DGG one). Amazingly there is a recording of Karajan conducting Walton's First Symphony which is rather good. Yes, those Keith Hensby Bax LP cover designs (identical but in different colours) were a bit drab but, like you, I didn't mind them. Also the LP with Tintagel, Northern Ballad No.1, November Woods etc on had, I agree, a great design (actually, come to think of it, I think that November Woods was on a different LP, with works by Moeran and Holst and with a striking orange tree-scape cover design). I gather that Mr Hensby is alive and well and still involved in the graphic design business. I like some of his designs for the Lyrita CD releases of material which was originally on LP - like that for Patrick Hadley's wonderful score 'The Trees so High'.
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I'm listening to this cd,now. Lovely,haunting,lyrical music from the Welsh composer,Grace Williams. Superbly performed and recorded;but sadly,deleted. I got this s/h. Took me a while to get a decently,low price! The Lp version is pictured on the right.
(http://i.imgur.com/iF0n41C.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/Tcp2rcr.jpg)
New Naxos disk of her chamber music out today! All previously unrecorded inc Violin Sonata
I don't quite know how it slipped under the radar as I normally keep a close eye on Naxos, but I found it eventually!
Been enjoying the fabulous Symphony 2. I had the original LP release with its nice landscape photo. Also, I've never seen a photo of the young Grace Williams before:
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Grace Williams Trumpet Concerto in concert in California!
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Quote from: relm1 on May 27, 2019, 04:34:40 PM
Grace Williams Trumpet Concerto in concert in California!
(https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/61109470_10156326293859646_1080121813234614272_o.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=0858a6a64241687565596db6ff7222b5&oe=5D983BB9)
Looks like a great concert!
Are you going?
Quote from: vandermolen on May 27, 2019, 08:27:49 PM
Looks like a great concert!
Are you going?
No, it's a few hundred miles from me. :(
Quote from: relm1 on May 28, 2019, 06:33:54 AM
No, it's a few hundred miles from me. :(
That's a long way to go I must say - but great that her music is being performed.
(https://i.imgur.com/mgqeeUF.jpg)
Violin Sonata (1930, rev 1938).
Sextet for Oboe, Trumpet, Violin, Viola, Cello and Piano (1931).
Suite for Nine Instruments (1934).
Romanza for Oboe and Clarinet (1940's).
Sarabande for Piano Left Hand (1958).
Rondo for Dancing for Two Violins and Optional Cello (1970).
Madeleine Mitchell deserves the freedom of Cardiff or Swansea for her work in preparing and performing these amazingly inventive works. Listening through the pieces I was waiting for the quality to drop, it just didn't happen. Each, up to and including the short Rondo (1.55) are captivating. Her teacher and namesake is an obvious influence in the stunning middle movement of the Violin Sonata, but her other teacher Egon Wellesz is a stronger influence with the rest of works - central European (with a spattering of Oriental rhythms!) rather then pastoral British.
All premiere recordings and I could not recommend them highly enough.
Major compositions by Grace Williams are available on the two splendid Lyrita compilations:
SRCD.323 - Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes (1940); Carillons for Oboe and Orchestra (1960, revised 1975); Trumpet Concerto (1963); Sea Sketches (1944)
SRCD.327 - Ballads for Orchestra (1968); Fairest of Stars (1973); Symphony No.2 (1956)
However, anyone who appreciates the distinctive voice of this still-under-performed composer should also have access to the following works which are not available commercially:
Elegy for String Orchestra (1936, revised 1940)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/som1zxdc656bmk1/Williams_-_Elegy_for_String_Orchestra_%25281936%252C_rev._1940%2529.mp3/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/som1zxdc656bmk1/Williams_-_Elegy_for_String_Orchestra_%25281936%252C_rev._1940%2529.mp3/file)
Four Illustrations for the Legend of Rhiannon (1939, revised 1940)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/el58a7k6vjnc684/Williams_-_Four_Illustrations_for_The_Legend_of_Rhiannon_%25281939%252C_rev.1940%2529.mp3/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/el58a7k6vjnc684/Williams_-_Four_Illustrations_for_The_Legend_of_Rhiannon_%25281939%252C_rev.1940%2529.mp3/file)
Sinfonia Concertante (1941)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/1n6o22gf7jssdi0/Williams_-_Sinfonia_Concertante_%25281941%2529.mp3/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/1n6o22gf7jssdi0/Williams_-_Sinfonia_Concertante_%25281941%2529.mp3/file)
Symphony No.1 (1943)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/4ed8jjx0j8nwomi/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_1.wma/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/4ed8jjx0j8nwomi/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_1.wma/file)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/avrcmf1n3a1ogu1/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_2.wma/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/avrcmf1n3a1ogu1/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_2.wma/file)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/pb4uxdpvfwb76db/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_3.wma/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/pb4uxdpvfwb76db/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_3.wma/file)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/nz62e6lmuxxbe32/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_4.wma/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/nz62e6lmuxxbe32/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_4.wma/file)
Violin Concerto (1950)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/934cbw8j3ygscjw/Williams_-_Violin_Concerto_%25281950%2529.mp3/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/934cbw8j3ygscjw/Williams_-_Violin_Concerto_%25281950%2529.mp3/file)
Missa Cambrensis (1971)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/8ulsh50ibwuzi47/Williams_-_Missa_Cambrensis_%25281971%2529.mp3/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/8ulsh50ibwuzi47/Williams_-_Missa_Cambrensis_%25281971%2529.mp3/file)
These off-air recordings are from my personal archive and performance details can be found in the catalogue at AMF.
:)
Quote from: Albion on December 15, 2020, 11:38:32 PM
Major compositions by Grace Williams are available on the two splendid Lyrita compilations:
SRCD.323 - Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes (1940); Carillons for Oboe and Orchestra (1960, revised 1975); Trumpet Concerto (1963); Sea Sketches (1944)
SRCD.327 - Ballads for Orchestra (1968); Fairest of Stars (1973); Symphony No.2 (1956)
However, anyone who appreciates the distinctive voice of this still-under-performed composer should also have access to the following works which are not available commercially:
Elegy for String Orchestra (1936, revised 1940)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/som1zxdc656bmk1/Williams_-_Elegy_for_String_Orchestra_%25281936%252C_rev._1940%2529.mp3/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/som1zxdc656bmk1/Williams_-_Elegy_for_String_Orchestra_%25281936%252C_rev._1940%2529.mp3/file)
Four Illustrations for the Legend of Rhiannon (1939, revised 1940)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/el58a7k6vjnc684/Williams_-_Four_Illustrations_for_The_Legend_of_Rhiannon_%25281939%252C_rev.1940%2529.mp3/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/el58a7k6vjnc684/Williams_-_Four_Illustrations_for_The_Legend_of_Rhiannon_%25281939%252C_rev.1940%2529.mp3/file)
Sinfonia Concertante (1941)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/1n6o22gf7jssdi0/Williams_-_Sinfonia_Concertante_%25281941%2529.mp3/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/1n6o22gf7jssdi0/Williams_-_Sinfonia_Concertante_%25281941%2529.mp3/file)
Symphony No.1 (1943)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/4ed8jjx0j8nwomi/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_1.wma/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/4ed8jjx0j8nwomi/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_1.wma/file)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/avrcmf1n3a1ogu1/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_2.wma/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/avrcmf1n3a1ogu1/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_2.wma/file)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/pb4uxdpvfwb76db/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_3.wma/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/pb4uxdpvfwb76db/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_3.wma/file)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/nz62e6lmuxxbe32/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_4.wma/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/nz62e6lmuxxbe32/Williams_-_Symphony_No.1_%25281943%2529_4.wma/file)
Violin Concerto (1950)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/934cbw8j3ygscjw/Williams_-_Violin_Concerto_%25281950%2529.mp3/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/934cbw8j3ygscjw/Williams_-_Violin_Concerto_%25281950%2529.mp3/file)
Missa Cambrensis (1971)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/8ulsh50ibwuzi47/Williams_-_Missa_Cambrensis_%25281971%2529.mp3/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/8ulsh50ibwuzi47/Williams_-_Missa_Cambrensis_%25281971%2529.mp3/file)
These off-air recordings are from my personal archive and performance details can be found in the catalogue at AMF.
:)
Two fine discs and that Naxos chamber music CD will be coming my way in the New Year following Irons's enthusiastic advocacy.
Quote from: vandermolen on December 16, 2020, 01:41:51 AM
Two fine discs and that Naxos chamber music CD will be coming my way in the New Year following Irons's enthusiastic advocacy.
Excellent.
Lyrita is a convenient home for the few Grace Williams recordings on CD but is a marriage of convenience. As above, the 2nd Symphony and Ballads originally on BBC Artium and the Groves recordings on Oriel.
Quote from: Irons on December 16, 2020, 07:11:00 AM
Excellent.
Lyrita is a convenient home for the few Grace Williams recordings on CD but is a marriage of convenience. As above, the 2nd Symphony and Ballads originally on BBC Artium and the Groves recordings on Oriel.
I've already ordered it Lol - arriving tomorrow ::)
I sampled the Violin Sonata on You Tube which sounded marvellous and reminded me of the VW one written towards the end of his life, which is a great favourite.
Love the LP cover which I've never seen before, although I did have the Symphony No.2 on the BBC LP. Lyrita included the work in their box set of British Symphonies.
Quote from: vandermolen on December 16, 2020, 08:31:00 AM
I've already ordered it Lol - arriving tomorrow ::)
I sampled the Violin Sonata on You Tube which sounded marvellous and reminded me of the VW one written towards the end of his life, which is a great favourite.
Love the LP cover which I've never seen before, although I did have the Symphony No.2 on the BBC LP. Lyrita included the work in their box set of British Symphonies.
I may have imagined it Jeffrey but I thought Williams placed a musical quotation of "The Lark Ascending" in the middle movement.
I do hope you enjoy the CD when it arrives. I'm sure you will.
Quote from: Irons on December 17, 2020, 12:40:18 AM
I may have imagined it Jeffrey but I thought Williams placed a musical quotation of "The Lark Ascending" in the middle movement.
I do hope you enjoy the CD when it arrives. I'm sure you will.
I'll listen out for that Lol.
BBC Radio 3 are playing a performance of the Violin concerto in Tuesday afternoon UK time. This is a new performance and not the previous BBC broadcast.
Quote from: calyptorhynchus on November 05, 2021, 03:31:01 PM
BBC Radio 3 are playing a performance of the Violin concerto in Tuesday afternoon UK time. This is a new performance and not the previous BBC broadcast.
thanks for the heads-up!
I was hopeful that the Missa Cambrensis would get a commercial release after its brilliant 2016 performance broadcast on Radio 3.
Why do Welsh composers get a rough ride!? Not sure any of the following (all very fine) composers really get the praise and attention their music deserves....
William Mathias
Alun Hoddinott
Daniel Jones
Grace Williams
Quote from: Roasted Swan on November 07, 2021, 06:08:08 AM
Why do Welsh composers get a rough ride!? Not sure any of the following (all very fine) composers really get the praise and attention their music deserves....
William Mathias
Alun Hoddinott
Daniel Jones
Grace Williams
The same could be said of all composers. Most don't get the praise and attention their music deserves. Check out Norwegian composers for example, some very fine music isn't even premiered let alone available commercially. This is a common problem across geographies.
As long as you enjoy it, that's all that matters. It's impossible for everyone deserving to get the praise and attention their music deserves; we simply don't have time for it.
What about composers who receive no attention at all - performance or recording. I wager there is much worthwhile music that has slipped into oblivion.
Again, there is too much music and not enough time. Trust me, I wish we could completely discard the established classics for a year or two (I think their reputation can survive not being heard a hundred times a week for a bit) and fill those spaces with "neglected" composers instead but that's never gonna happen so get used to it.
Quote from: Maestro267 on November 09, 2021, 12:25:52 AM
Again, there is too much music and not enough time. Trust me, I wish we could completely discard the established classics for a year or two (I think their reputation can survive not being heard a hundred times a week for a bit) and fill those spaces with "neglected" composers instead but that's never gonna happen so get used to it.
I find this forum to be the bastion of the "neglected" composer. Unless I miss them I don't come across too many Beethoven/Brahms posts. The great advantage of the digital era over analogue is the availability of "neglected" music on that format. My point was not neglected but unheard.
Unhearing is the ultimate form of neglection. It still comes under that umbrella as the extreme example of such.
BBC Radio 3 broadcast Grace Williams' Concert Overture, an early work from 1932, on 1 June 2023.
Link to a download of the performance:
https://www.mediafire.com/file/9vlaco5lt72h01p/Williams_Concet_Overture.mp3/file (https://www.mediafire.com/file/9vlaco5lt72h01p/Williams_Concet_Overture.mp3/file)
BBC Radio 3 broadcast a performance of the Symphony No.2, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Martyn Brabbins conducting, today (3 July 24).
I hope this is a prelude to a recording being issued (and I hope that one of the GW's lesser-known/unrecorded works is included as filler).
Here is a link to an off-air recording:
Grace Williams Symphony No.2 (https://mega.nz/file/7KZSiBTZ#dCoi9ZYYrX2IzzviaOowTWlxWG4yc7petkVIfxgSOac)
Quote from: calyptorhynchus on July 03, 2024, 03:42:16 PMBBC Radio 3 broadcast a performance of the Symphony No.2, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Martyn Brabbins conducting, today (3 July 24).
I hope this is a prelude to a recording being issued (and I hope that one of the GW's lesser-known/unrecorded works is included as filler).
Here is a link to an off-air recording:
Grace Williams Symphony No.2 (https://mega.nz/file/7KZSiBTZ#dCoi9ZYYrX2IzzviaOowTWlxWG4yc7petkVIfxgSOac)
It would be great if this happened. Would love the filler to be Castell Caernarfon, which I heard broadcast a few times in the 70s, an attractive piece.
To be released on October 18th:
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTY2NjA3NC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE3MjY3NTYyNDF9)
- Four Illustrations for the Legend of Rhiannon
- Castell Caernarfon
- Ballads
- Sea Sketches for String Orchestra
I'm gonna assume Castell Caernarfon was written for the 1969 investiture...
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on September 20, 2024, 12:56:15 PMTo be released on October 18th:
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTY2NjA3NC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE3MjY3NTYyNDF9)
- Four Illustrations for the Legend of Rhiannon
- Castell Caernarfon
- Ballads
- Sea Sketches for String Orchestra
Definitely on my wish list! I greatly enjoyed the two Lyrita releases of her orchestral music but, at £17, this may be a bit expensive for me.
Missa Cambrensis is finally coming out in March 2025, on Lyrita. The performance from Cardiff on St. David's Day of 2016, which I listened to live on Radio 3.
Grace Williams is featured this week on BBC Radio 3 in a series of afternoon concerts with the National Orchestra of Wales: works include the Sinfonia Concertante, the Symphnies 1 & 2, Rhiannon.
Wow, Radio 3 for once doing what it should be doing (featuring quality, but neglected music).
Quote from: calyptorhynchus on June 06, 2025, 03:09:56 PMGrace Williams is featured this week on BBC Radio 3 in a series of afternoon concerts with the National Orchestra of Wales: works include the Sinfonia Concertante, the Symphnies 1 & 2, Rhiannon.
Wow, Radio 3 for once doing what it should be doing (featuring quality, but neglected music).
Thanks for the heads up!
Thinking that perhaps another disc is in the offing (Symphony No.1 and Sinfonia Concertante).
For those who can't access BBC 3 or can't be bothered to listen through the programs to get to the desired piece I am uploading some of the Grace Williams pieces from this week. Today the Overture Hen Walia (1930). Like the Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes, it is based on a traditional Welsh tune, a lullaby.
click here (https://mega.nz/file/6KZEQaaI#2zf2YNx2WiYRJwL1X5gNDdZKp7YObOKDuRLQYEkV27s)
To come: the Sinfonia Concertante and the Symphony No.1
Quote from: calyptorhynchus on June 09, 2025, 08:33:34 PMFor those who can't access BBC 3 or can't be bothered to listen through the programs to get to the desired piece I am uploading some of the Grace Williams pieces from this week. Today the Overture Hen Walia (1930). Like the Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes, it is based on a traditional Welsh tune, a lullaby.
click here (https://mega.nz/file/6KZEQaaI#2zf2YNx2WiYRJwL1X5gNDdZKp7YObOKDuRLQYEkV27s)
Sorry, forgot the attribution:
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Martyn Brabbins (conductor), broadcast BBC Radio 3, 9 June 2025
To come: the Sinfonia Concertante and the Symphony No.1
Sinfonia Concertante for piano and orchestra
Clare Hammond (piano)
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Jac van Steen (conductor)
broadcast BBC Radio 3 10 June 2025
click here (https://mega.nz/file/DK4CSJJa#m42GGuVk0A-E52QMKGJHs2gYGyApKzg0uebhEHNdBKM)
Quote from: calyptorhynchus on June 10, 2025, 06:49:49 PMSinfonia Concertante for piano and orchestra
Clare Hammond (piano)
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Jac van Steen (conductor)
broadcast BBC Radio 3 10 June 2025
click here (https://mega.nz/file/DK4CSJJa#m42GGuVk0A-E52QMKGJHs2gYGyApKzg0uebhEHNdBKM)
Thank you.
Symphony No.1 Four Illustrations from the Legend of Owain Glyndŵr
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Emilia Hoving (conductor)
Broadcast BBC Radio 3, 11 June 2025
Click Here (https://mega.nz/file/rHAE2TgK#rjPbeJXEpDYJl3J1xeMeTPDaT-EoAavS9USy7jOYRjw)
Quote from: calyptorhynchus on June 11, 2025, 02:32:53 PMSymphony No.1 Four Illustrations from the Legend of Owain Glyndŵr
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Emilia Hoving (conductor)
Broadcast BBC Radio 3, 11 June 2025
Click Here (https://mega.nz/file/rHAE2TgK#rjPbeJXEpDYJl3J1xeMeTPDaT-EoAavS9USy7jOYRjw)
Thank you
To be released on 7 November:
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTgwMTk4Ni4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6NDMyfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE3NTUwOTM4MjJ9)
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 14, 2025, 09:18:52 AMTo be released on 7 November:
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTgwMTk4Ni4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6NDMyfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE3NTUwOTM4MjJ9)
That will be the second recording of the
Elegy this year, since it's the lead-off work in this CD
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91P3mTFVm4L._UF1000,1000_QL80_FMwebp_.jpg)
Quote from: JBS on August 14, 2025, 07:01:40 PMThat will be the second recording of the Elegy this year, since it's the lead-off work in this CD
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91P3mTFVm4L._UF1000,1000_QL80_FMwebp_.jpg)
Well spotted!
This has also just been released.
(https://cdn.abicart.com/shop/ws83/138583/art83/h0165/221400165-origpic-68ef74.webp)
Grace Williams - Sea Sketches
Grazyna Bacewicz - Quartet No. 4 arranged for full string orchestra
Johanna Muller-Hermann - String Quartet, arranged for full string orchestra
Quote from: Brian on August 17, 2025, 05:49:53 PMThis has also just been released.
(https://cdn.abicart.com/shop/ws83/138583/art83/h0165/221400165-origpic-68ef74.webp)
Grace Williams - Sea Sketches
Grazyna Bacewicz - Quartet No. 4 arranged for full string orchestra
Johanna Muller-Hermann - String Quartet, arranged for full string orchestra
I didn't like this performance of Sea Sketches much. The Andrews recording downthread makes much more sense of the music, and I also preferred that one to the Lyrita recording.
The best Sea Sketches recording IMHO is the old Manitoba Chamber Orchestra one.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3MTI2NS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6NDMyfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI0ODR9)
I just listened to the Ostrobothnian and Manitoba Sea Sketches back to back. It sounds to me like the Scandinavians exaggerate some of the music's colors more, offering stiffer winds and bigger waves on the breakers. Possibly the recording levels affected this?
I had never heard the music before and really enjoyed it in both performances so I will try Andrews too!