Main news for those in the Concert Band world is the success I have had in resurrecting an early Grainger setting of the famous Skye Boat Song. Originally set for voice and piano, I made an extended version for concert band and optional voices (two soloists and chorus). The first half of this was a faithful rendition of the Grainger, apart from the scoring and shift from G major to Ab major. The second half is my own, but still strongly based on Grainger's harmonies, including an augmented version of the tune. Danny Galyen and the University of Northern Iowa Wind Ensemble recently gave an excellent performance of the band only version which he sent to me as an audio file. But he also gave another performance in Perth, Scotland, while on tour there. It was well received, and Danny writes that he will post a video of the performance on youtube shortly.
All I am doing musically at the moment is practising the piano. I gave a lunchtime recital at St. Jude's church in Bowral last November: Bach-Busoni Prelude and Fugue in Eb (St. Anne), two Medtner dances and the Fauré Ballade. Two more similar recitals are scheduled for September and November at the same venue. Repertoire just as challenging, but it gives me something to do, hopefully worthwhile! The November recital was very warmly received, although a small audience.
Bella is busy working in Sydney, including some work as an assistant stage manager. Marlena is studying viola in Germany and doing well, although she is very homesick!
Mike Fansler and his son Jordan will be visiting Australia in August, it will be good to see them.
David Stanhope may be contacted
at the following email address:
dstanhope AT bigpond DOT com
Just replace the AT with @, and the DOT with .
Many thanks to
- Bob Hower -
The Elder Conservatorium Wind Ensemble
and
for excerpts from the 'Little Ripper!' CD