Rediscovering neglected and forgotten English song repertoire. A chance for our members and their pupils to perform together.
Unsung Heroes: Warlock, Delius & Grainger
Those of us who came to this had a truly delightful afternoon, with the bonus of glorious weather and an absolutely stunning setting in the Georgian Grade 2 listed ‘Stone House’ in Lewisham, built 1771-3.
Most of us brought a packed lunch, so we were able to socialise beforehand, and by the time we were ‘summoned’ upstairs to the enchanting music room, there was a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, typical of these AESS events.
There’s a very special quality of informality and mutual support for the annual Unsung Heroes days, where we all come together for the sheer joy of sharing a love of English words and music and either discovering or rediscovering the works of undeservedly neglected composers and poets.
This year was no exception, and Patricia had put together a very well-balanced programme reflecting these two great crafts. Our composer, Peter Warlock, was, of course, quite an enigma, beginning with the fact that his real name was Philip Heseltine, but, as a composer, he chose to be known by a name associated with witchcraft!
We had a biographical outline of Warlock’s complex life and close association with fellow composers Frederick Delius and Percy Grainger, plus some extracts from Philip’s childhood letters – he was an extraordinary letter writer throughout his life.
From this background came the songs themselves, both by Warlock and his two friends, Delius and Grainger. Each singer showed complete commitment to both words and music, capturing the true essence of style and texture in the individual compositions and introducing some songs less familiar to some of us. Their performances gave a lovely reminder of the rich jewels of songs all the composers bequeathed to posterity.
Shakespeare provided the text for several songs, so we also heard recitations of two beautiful Shakespeare sonnets. And as Warlock had set some Hilaire Belloc poems to music, Belloc provided a perfect source of other readings, with some highly entertaining cautionary tales, plus other more reflective subjects, perhaps not so familiar as his humorous poetry. All the readings were presented with just the right pace and tone, whether serious or light-hearted, giving the audience timely moments to add their contribution of spontaneous laughter!
Special mention must be made of our two pianists who seemingly managed to grow additional fingers to negotiate the highly complex piano accompaniments – just so many notes flying across the keyboard, but all played with sensitivity and exquisite musicianship.
Those members who couldn’t come missed a real treat and the final mention, with our heartfelt thanks and appreciation, must go to Patricia for yet again organising a joyful celebration of words and music from a neglected British composer.
No doubt I was not the only one who felt the only thing missing was Sarah Leonard’s presence and immaculate singing, who always contributed so much to these events; it was a fitting tribute to her that Peter Warlock, a composer she particularly loved, was chosen.
Thank you to all who contributed to this delightful day. Barbara Alden
