Breathing life into live music today
IN two years’ time, the Rochdale Music Society will be celebrating 40 years of enriching the musical atmosphere in our borough, presenting great musicians playing some of the best music ever written.
Well-known conductor, musician, composer and trustee of the society Graham Marshall said: “You need not have been a musically-trained enthusiast to enjoy the wizardry of some of the acclaimed pianists who have delighted audiences with their performances of Mozart, Chopin, Fauré, Debussy and more modern composers and performances of trios, quartets and other examples of combinations of instruments for which composers have written music of great beauty.”
In these times of rapid technological development, music making and the experience of listening have both undergone radical change.
Digital sound production and reproduction enable laptops, tablets and smart phones to bring the whole world of recorded music into our living rooms, bedrooms, cars, gyms and jogging routes.
Graham added: “It might well be the case that within a generation or so the traditional ‘concert’ performed by live musicians before live audiences will be considered redundant. I hope not.
”Composers do not write music just to satisfy their own need to have internal dialogue. They notate their musical images in some way so that they can share their insights with other people.
“Musicians do not play their instruments just to satisfy their own need to achieve technique. At some point they want other people to enjoy what they can transmit by playing out loud.
“So, long live the live performance of music!
“It is, however, an increasingly expensive venture. It could go without saying that musicians have to be paid enough to live on and that suitable venues are needed in which they can be paid to perform.
“The trustees of the Rochdale Music Society make it their job to try to ●●From left, Cuillin Sound, who will perform for Rochdale Music Society on March 25 and Clare Hammond, who will perform on May 13 provide the best in live musical experiences at the most reasonable rates.
“In the past, there have been numerous individuals and businesses who have underwritten the cost of specific concerts and so contributed greatly to its success.
“It would gladden the hearts of the present trustees if there were to be some today who would do the same!”
Anyone who can provide financial support to the society should call treasurer David Woonton on 01706 524594.