 The Mouthpiece (25)
Edition 25 December,2006
Welcome to the 25th. edition of the monthly newsletter for the Saturday
lunchtime concerts.
Looking Back
We had the welcome return of Henry Macey at the organ of St. Mary’s on
November 4th. The programme included the Toccata in F by Bach and the famous
Dambusters March by Eric Coates. The 11th. featured music and prose for Remembrance day, featuring Elaine &
Malcolm Stowell in a most moving performance. The following Saturday (18th.)
saw the return of my low brass trio, Capriccioso Brass.
We had managed to put together one of our most adventurous programmes so
far, which featured music by Handel (the Arrival of The Queen of Sheba) and
John Dowland (Flow My Tears), plus a brand new arrangement (premiere) made
especially for us by Terry Treherne.
Titled Joshua, David and John, it was a fantasia on the well known negro
spirituals ‘Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho’, ‘Little David Play on Your
Harp’, and ‘Just Like John’. All skilfully woven together by Terry. We finished with a fun version of the famous Bugler’s Holiday by Leroy
Anderson originally written for 3 trumpets!
The final concert on the 25th. featured Malcolm at the organ and the
programme included wonderful music by Langlais and the complete Suite
Gothique by Leon Boellmann.
Concerts in December
The Christmas month starts today (2nd.) with the return of the Monday
Madrigalists. My 24th. recital on Euphonium follows on the 9th. and we have
two more premieres for you.
An Introduction & Scherzo called ‘Pistons’ by Andy Meyers from Kingston,
Surrey and another new work by Joe Miserendino from Pennsylvannia, a
light-hearted ‘Rondo Divertimento’.
Other works include a transcription of the Mozart Sonata K.303 by a young
lady violin teacher from Chile, and the Elgar, Mot d’Amour. The programme
ends with a serenade and polka called ‘Springtime’ by Reginald Heath. Once
more, the vintage Euphoniums will be on display and I hope to be selecting
at least two to use in the recital alongside the modern Willson instrument.
Brian Neal is at the piano on December 16th. for some jazzy Christmas tunes
and the Reading Minster Mid-Week Choir returns on the 23rd. with a festive
programme. The last concert of the month belongs to Malcolm once again, at
the organ.
Other Concert News
On Monday, December 4th. the BBC Elstree Concert Band gives its Christmas
Concert at the New Allum Hall, Borehamwood at 7.30pm. I shall conduct four
items in the programme, ‘Walking in the Air’ from the Snowman, the ‘Snow
White’ selection, Leroy Anderson’s ‘Sleigh Ride’ and an alto sax solo, ‘Feelings’ by Maurice Albert. I shall also be premiering ‘The Angel’s Song’
arranged especially for me as a Euphonium solo by Terry Treherne.
On Sunday, December 10th. at 2.30pm, Sue & I will join other brass players
to form a band for the Christmas Service at Wexham Park Hospital. The
service is held in the canteen and everyone is welcome. Tea/coffee/mince
pies are served afterwards.
Saturday December 16th. sees the Buckinghamshire Symphonic Winds in their
Christmas concert at the Buckinghamshire Chiltern University Hall, High
Wycombe at 7.30pm. Tickets available at the door.
Coda
Congratulations go to Beryl and George Bond who were presented with the John
Burrows award last month in recognition of the support of the lunchtime
concerts from their earliest days.
You can now read copies of the newsletter on-line at the newly refurbished St. Mary’s website
You can also view full concert details at the following.
Lastly, we do rely on generous donations from our audiences, so please
contribute to the collection in the jar at the back of the Church following
each recital.
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas, the editors. |
