RAMSBOTTOM RECORDED MUSIC SOCIETY

TCHAIKOVSKY’S ‘Miniature Overture’ to his ballet The Nutcracker greeted the members as the opening music to the programme entitled ‘Overture Encore’, presented by the society’s long-standing chairman Roger Howarth.

Roger chose early forms of the genre to demonstrate the differences between French and Italian codes of practice.

Handel was selected for the former in his opera, ‘The Occasional Oratorio’, and Haydn’s ‘Armida’. For the latter Juan Crisostomo de Arriaga’s overture to ‘The Happy Slaves’ and Schubert, similarly for his opera ‘Rosamunde’ moved Roger’s programme into the 19th century.

The first part ended with a concert overture i.e. an independent, one movement orchestral work suitable for opening a concert rather than an opera.

‘La Corsaire’ composed by Hector Berlioz, is remarkable for its rhythmic verve and energy.

Roger began the second half with music from Swedish composer Hugo Alfven, who was commissioned to write a piece for the opening of the Royal Dramatic Theatre (Stockholm).

His ‘Festival Overture’ was the result and has subsequently been long used at many Swedish ceremonial occasions.

Bohemia was the birthplace of Bedrich Smetana, and he provided the next work, the overture to his hugely popular opera ‘The Bartered Bride’.

By way of complete contrast, Roger chose to include an overture composed by Eric Coates, perhaps the most prolific supplier of music for this country’s BBC Light Programme service.

‘The Merrymakers’ was chosen, and gave a perfect illustration of Coates’ superb musical craftsmanship.

Musical theatre also featured, and the overture to Frederick Loewe’s hugely successful ‘My Fair Lady’ was played.

British film score was represented by Sir William Walton, and his stately march ‘Spitfire Prelude’ was heard behind the opening titles to the film ‘The First of the Few’, dedicated to the life of RJ Mitchell, designer of the beautiful Supermarine Spitfire.

Roger’s finale was provided by Hamish MacCunn, and his concert overture ‘The Land of the Mountain and the Flood’ which bought to a close a hugely entertaining programme typical of Roger’s discerning musical knowledge.

The next meeting of the society will be held on Thursday March 30.

For further details please contact Richard W Hall telephone 01706 823490 or by email richard.w@hall45.eclipse. co.uk