Music on Thursdays - Online
Thursday 5th November 2020
Musical Fireworks
Artistes: Christine Schmid, soprano • Jean-Michel Jarre • Katy Perry • Catherine Puyravaud • Calogero • Wincent Weiss • Marc-André Hamelin, piano • hr-Sinfonieorchester • Paavo Järvi, conductor • Stadtkapelle Tuylln • Hans-Peter Manser, conductor • Le Concert Spirituel • Hervé Nicquet, conductor
Composers: Paul Burkhard • Jean-Michel Jarre • Katy Perry • Mikkel Storleer Eriksen • Tor Erik Hermansen • Sandy Julien Wilhelm (Sandee Vee) • Esther Renay "Ester" Dean • Catherine Puyravaud • Calogero • Gioacchino Maurici • Martin Fliegenschmidt • David Jürgens • Wincent Weiss • Sascha Wernicke • Debussy • Stravinsky • GF Handel
Available: from Thursday 5th November
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Musical Fireworks
Programme
Paul Burkhard (1911-1977) Swiss
from the musical Das Feuerwerk (1950)
O Mein Papa
performed by Christine Schmid
Jean-Michel Jarre (b1948)
Oxygène IV (1976)
performed by Jean-Michel Jarre
Katy Perry (b1984), Mikkel Storleer Eriksen (b1972), Tor Erik Hermansen (b1972)
Sandy Julien Wilhelm (Sandee Vee) (b1975), & Esther Renay "Ester" Dean (b1986)
from the album: Teenage Dream (2010)
Firework
performed by Katy Perry
Catherine Puyravaud
Les Feux d'Artifice
performed by Catherine Puyravaud
with animations by Jeanne de la Lune
Calogero Joseph Salvatore Maurici (b1971) & his brother Gioacchino Maurici (b1968)
Lyrics: Paul École
Les Feux d'artifice (2014)
performed by Calogero
Martin Fliegenschmidt (b1981), David Jürgens, Wincent Weiss (b1993), Sascha Wernicke
from the debut album Irgendwas gegen die Stille Something for the Silence
Feuerwerk
performed by Wincent Weiss
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
from Preludes, Book 2 CD 131 (1911-12)
12 Feux d'artifice Modérément animé Moderately animated
performed by Marc-André Hamelin
Igor Fyodorovitch Stravinsky (1882-1971)
Feu d'artifice Op 4, HH4, CC13 (1908)
Fantaisie pour grand orchestre Fantasy for full orchestra
performed by hr-Sinfonieorchester (Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra) with conductor, Paavo Järvi
Georg Frideric Handel (1685-59)
Music for the Royal Fireworks HWV 351 (1749)
1 - Ouverture: Adagio, Allegro, Lentement, Allegro
2 - Bourrée
3 - La Paix: Largo alla siciliana
4 - La Réjouissance: Allegro
5 - Menuets I & II Allegro
Wind Version: performed by the Stadtkapelle Tulln, conductor: Hans-Peter Manser
Full Orchestra Version: performed by Le Concert Spirituel, Hervé Niquet, conductor
Concert duration: 45-50 minutes
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Musical Fireworks
We are in for quite a varied journey this week as the subject of Musical Fireworks turned out to be less fruitful than expected. Even looking up specific fireworks failed. Catherine Wheel is a singer, and Roman Candle are a pop group!
There is one entirely obvious choice and that I have saved for the finale. Before that we will explore a few other musical genres.
Let's open with a bit of musical theatre. Paul Burkhard's musical Das Feuerwerk includes the famous song O Mein Papa, sung in concert here by Christine Schmid, in the beautiful rococo style Schloss Bürgeln, near Freiburg, on Germany's upper Rhine.
The song had its debut in Zurich's Schauspielhaus, in the musical Der schwartze Hecht - The Black Pike - in 1939. Burkhard reworked it for the musical Das Feuerwerk. Since then there have been at least 67 cover versions around the world.
There is one entirely obvious choice and that I have saved for the finale. Before that we will explore a few other musical genres.
Let's open with a bit of musical theatre. Paul Burkhard's musical Das Feuerwerk includes the famous song O Mein Papa, sung in concert here by Christine Schmid, in the beautiful rococo style Schloss Bürgeln, near Freiburg, on Germany's upper Rhine.
The song had its debut in Zurich's Schauspielhaus, in the musical Der schwartze Hecht - The Black Pike - in 1939. Burkhard reworked it for the musical Das Feuerwerk. Since then there have been at least 67 cover versions around the world.
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Paul Burkhard (1911-1977) Swiss (5m37) from the musical Das Feuerwerk (1950) O Mein Papa performed by Christine Schmid, in the castle at Bürgeln, Baden-Württemberg, Germany |
Oh mein Papa
"Oh, ich könnte ihnen so viel erzählen von meine Papa Er war eine berühmte Zirkusclown" Papa wie ein Pfeil sprang hinauf auf die Seil Eh la hopp, eh la hopp, eh la hopp Er spreizte die Beine ganz weit auseinand' Sprang hoch in die Luft und steht auf die Hand Eh la hopp, eh la hopp, eh la hopp Er lachte ha - ha, ha - ha Und machte ha - ha, ha - ha Ganze sachte ha - ha, ha - ha Und rief: eh la hopp, eh la hopp, eh la hopp Eh la hopp, eh la hopp, eh la hopp Eh la hopp, eh la hopp Er ritt auf die Seil und rief mir zu: Eh la hopp, eh la hopp, eh la hopp Das konnte er machen zwölfmal ohne Mieh' Er lachte dazu und firchte sich nie Eh la hopp, eh la hopp, eh la hopp, eh la hopp Eh la hopp, eh la hopp, eh la hopp, eh la hopp Eh la hopp, eh la hopp, eh la hopp Oh mein Papa war eine wunderbare Clown Oh mein Papa war eine große Kinstler Hoch auf die Seil, wie war er herrlich anzuschau'n Oh mein Papa war eine schöne Mann Ei wie er lacht, sein Mund sie sein so breit und rot Und seine Aug' wie Diamanten strahlen Oh mein Papa war eine wunderbare Clown Oh mein Papa war eine schöne Mann Ein schöne Mann Ein schöne Mann https://lyricstranslate.com/en/oh-mein-papa-oh-my-papa.html |
Oh my Papa
"Oh, I could tell you so much about my Papa He was a famous circus clown." Papa bounced up the rope like an arrow Eh la hopp, eh la hopp, eh la hopp Alley-oop, alley-oop! Splayed his legs so wide Jumped into the air and stood on his hands Alley-oop, alley-oop! He laughed ha - ha, ha - ha And said ha - ha, ha - ha Gently ha - ha, ha - ha And called: alley-oop, alley-oop Alley-oop, alley-oop, alley-oop Alley-oop, alley-oop He rode the ropes and shouted to me: Alley-oop, alley-oop, alley-oop He could do this twelve times without any effort Meanwhile he laughed and he was never afraid Alley-oop, alley-oop, alley-oop Alley-oop, alley-oop, alley-oop Alley-oop, alley-oop Oh, my Papa was a wonderful clown Oh, my Papa was a great artist High on the rope, he was a pleasure to look at Oh, my Papa was a handsome man Oh, how he laughs, his mouth broad and red And his eyes glowing like diamonds Oh, my Papa was a wonderful clown Oh my Papa was a handsome man A handsome man A handsome man |
For anything to burn, we are going to need... Oxygène.
Remember this from the 1970s ? No ? Nor me, I'm much too young. Some mark of our differences is to be found in the fact that this record reached No 1 in the French charts, No 2 in the UK, and No 78 in the USA ! The UK's Music Week critic found the album heavy in comparison to Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells. This was Jarre's first release that was not originally a soundtrack. It took a while to find a record publisher, and the first pressing was an adventurous 50,000 copies. The album went on to sell 15 million. |
Jean-Michel Jarre (b1948) (3m25)
Oxygène IV (1976) performed by Jean-Michel Jarre |
We leap forward 34 years for this next item.
Songwriters pick out different characteristics of fireworks. There are the obvious physical features - colour, shape, display, and sound - while others consider their existence 'in the moment' their transience.
Katy Perry is thinking of the 4th of July fireworks, and letting the light shine.
Songwriters pick out different characteristics of fireworks. There are the obvious physical features - colour, shape, display, and sound - while others consider their existence 'in the moment' their transience.
Katy Perry is thinking of the 4th of July fireworks, and letting the light shine.
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Katy Perry (b1984), Mikkel Storleer Eriksen (b1972)
Tor Erik Hermansen (b1972) Sandy Julien Wilhelm (Sandee Vee) (b1975) Esther Renay "Ester" Dean (b1986) (3m52) from the album: Teenage Dream (2010) Firework performed by Katy Perry directed by Dave Myers and Produced by Robert Bray & Danny Lockwood © 2010 Capitol Records, LLC |
Firework
Do you ever feel Like a plastic bag Drifting through the wind Wanting to start again Do you ever feel Feel so paper-thin Like a house of cards One blow from caving in Do you ever feel Already buried deep Six feet under Screams but no one seems to hear a thing Do you know that there’s Still a chance for you ‘Cause there’s a spark in you You just gotta Ignite the light And let it shine Just own the night Like the Fourth of July ‘Cause baby, you’re a firework Come on show them what you’re worth Make them go, “Oh, oh, oh” As you shoot across the sky Baby, you’re a firework Come on let your colors burst Make them go, “Oh, oh, oh” You’re gonna leave before they know You don’t have to feel Like a waste of space You’re original Cannot be replaced If you only knew What the future holds After a hurricane Comes a rainbow Maybe the reason why All the doors are closed So you could open one That leads you to the perfect … Like a lightning bolt Your heart will glow And when it’s time you know |
You just gotta Ignite the light And let it shine Just own the night Like the Fourth of July ‘Cause baby, you’re a firework Come on show them what you’re worth Make them go, “Oh, oh, oh” As you shoot across the sky Baby, you’re a firework Come on let your colors burst Make them go, “Oh, oh, oh” You’re gonna leave before they know Boom, boom, boom Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon It’s always been inside of you, you, you And now it’s time to let it through ‘Cause baby, you’re a firework Come on show them what you’re worth Make them go, “Oh, oh, oh” As you shoot across the sky Baby, you’re a firework Come on let your colors burst Make them go, “Oh, oh, oh” You’re gonna leave before they know Boom, boom, boom Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon Boom, boom, boom Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon |
Here is a little light relief. It's a song about a firework display, which is useful when you are teaching the names of the colours in French (Early years and KS1 for you teachers.)
Catherine Puyravaud wrote and performed the song. (1m25) Jeanne de la Lune produced the animations. There is a teaching version of this rhyme at www.jeannedelalune.co.uk in flash format, with the options of hiding the text and pausing the video. |
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Boum, boum, boum,
Les feux d'artifice Écoutez comme ils font du bruit. Boum, boum, boum, Les feux d'artifice Regardez comme ils sont jolis. Y'en a des rouges, Et y'en a des jaunes, Y'en a des verts, Et y'en a des bleus. |
Boom, boom, boom,
The fireworks, Listen how they make a noise. Boom, boom, boom, The fireworks, Look how pretty they are. There are red ones, And there are yellow, There are green ones, And there are blue. |
Next is a rather evocative song that may take you back to childhood visits to public firework displays, in a park, on the cliffs, across a lake or a river. You will have to forgive the rather loud guitar break towards the end.
If that's really not going to do it for you, try the orchestral version instead. It was made after the terrorist attack on the crowds at the Fête Nationale fireworks in Nice, 14th July 2016.
Calogero is a very successful singer-songwriter. His name comes from the greek for a monk: καλόγερος kalogeros.
If that's really not going to do it for you, try the orchestral version instead. It was made after the terrorist attack on the crowds at the Fête Nationale fireworks in Nice, 14th July 2016.
Calogero is a very successful singer-songwriter. His name comes from the greek for a monk: καλόγερος kalogeros.
Les Feux d'artifice (2014)
J'étais hissé sur les épaules Sous ces galaxies gigantesques Je rêvais en tendant les paumes De pouvoir les effleurer presque Ça explosait en fleurs superbes En arabesques sidérales Pour faire des bouquets d'univers Moi je voulais cueillir ces étoiles On allait aux feux d'artifice Voir ces étoiles de pas longtemps Qui naissent, qui brillent et puis qui glissent En retombant vers l'océan Et ça fait des étoiles de mer Ça met dans les yeux des enfants Des constellations éphémères Et on s'en souvient quand on est grand Dans le ciel vibrant de musique Je voyais naître des planètes Jaillir des lumières fantastiques Et tomber des pluies de comètes Je m'imaginais amiral Regardant voler mes flotilles J'ai fait des rêves admirables Sous ces fusées de pacotille (oh là! pacotille, quel joli jeu de mots!) On allait aux feux d'artifice Voir ces étoiles de pas longtemps Qui naissent, qui brillent et puis qui glissent En retombant vers l'océan Et ça fait des étoiles de mer Ça met dans les yeux des enfants Des constellations éphémères Et on s'en souvient quand on est grand Puis sous les cieux incandescents Quelqu'un refaisait mes lacets Je voyais des adolescents Au loin, là-bas, qui s'enlaçait Ça laissait dans mes yeux longtemps Des traînées de rose et de vert Je voyais dans mon lit d'enfant Des univers sur mes paupières Nous sommes comme des feux d'artifice Vu qu'on est là pour pas longtemps Faisons en sorte tant qu'on existe De briller dans les yeux des gens De leur offrir de la lumière Comme un météore en passant Car même si tout est éphémère On s'en souvient pendant longtemps |
Fireworks
I was hoisted on high on shoulders 'Neath those gigantic galaxies I dreamt as I held out the palms of my hands That I could just about reach them They exploded into wonderful flowers Into interweaving stars Making bouquets in the cosmos Me, I wanted to pick those star-flowers We went to the fireworks To see these short-lived stars That are born, that shine and then slip away Falling down to the ocean And they make starfishes And put into the eyes of children Transitory constellations And we remember them when we grow up In the sky vibrant with music I saw planets being born And wonderful lights glisten And comets rain down I thought myself admiral Watching my fleets sail I had beautiful dreams Beneath these pacotilla rockets (the word pacotille means trash, junk, a sailor's sea- or kit-bag, and it is a term for cupro-nickel as used in fireworks. what a lovely double- or triple-entendre!) We went to the fireworks To see these short-lived stars That are born, that shine and then slip away Falling down to the ocean And they make starfishes And put into the eyes of children Transitory constellations And we remember them as grown-ups Then beneath incandescent skies Someone was retying my laces I could see youths Way over there, enlaced together For ages it left in my eyes Trails of pink and green I saw as I lay in my little bed The cosmos on my eyelids We are like fireworks Given we are not here for long Let's be sure while we exist To shine in the eyes of others To offer them some light Like a meteor passing For even if everything is ephemeral We remember it for a very long time translation: Peter Steadman Calogero Joseph Salvatore Maurici (b1971) (6m39)
Lyrics: Paul École Music: Calogero & his brother Gioacchino Maurici (b1968) Les Feux d'artifice (2014) performed by Calogero |
Richard Miller spotted this next item for us. It is the most recent of all the works here, but no less beautiful for that.
Here again, it is the transitory nature of a firework that Wincent Weiss calls on (pronouce the Ws as Vs). The song comes from his 2017 debut album Irgendwas gegen die Stille - Something for the Silence. Although he has had both single and album chart successes since, in 2013 Wincent Weiss just missed out on the auditions for the German version of Pop Idol - Deutschland sucht ein Superstar (Germany seeks a Superstar).
If you think you can stand it, there is a more direct translation of the German lyric, using somewhat stronger terms, on this link.
Here again, it is the transitory nature of a firework that Wincent Weiss calls on (pronouce the Ws as Vs). The song comes from his 2017 debut album Irgendwas gegen die Stille - Something for the Silence. Although he has had both single and album chart successes since, in 2013 Wincent Weiss just missed out on the auditions for the German version of Pop Idol - Deutschland sucht ein Superstar (Germany seeks a Superstar).
If you think you can stand it, there is a more direct translation of the German lyric, using somewhat stronger terms, on this link.
Feuerwerk
Viertel vor - verdammt, schon wieder spät dran! Ich muss renn'n, da vorne kommt schon meine Bahn Ja, ich weiß, es heißt: „Keiner wartet auf dich." Wir treffen uns im gleichen Laden wie seit Jahr'n Erzählen uns, was für ein'n Stress wir haben Scheiß drauf, Kopf aus, erinnerst du dich? Wir hab'n uns mal geschworen: „Ey, wir warten nie auf morgen!" Wir sind doch immer noch dieselben Clowns Und Helden uns'rer Welt Lass uns leben wie ein Feuerwerk, Feuerwerk - oh-oh Als wenn es nur für heute wär' - oh-oh Denn dieser Augenblick kommt nie zurück Lass uns leben wie ein Feuerwerk, Feuerwerk - oh-oh Die ganze Welt kann uns gehör'n - oh-oh Verbrenn'n die Raketen Stück für Stück Und leben wie ein Feuerwerk, Feuerwerk Feuerwerk Die Augen brenn'n, doch ich hör' auf mein Gefühl Geh' noch nicht rein, weil ich nichts verpassen will Du weiß auch genau, wir hab'n das alles nur einmal Wir hab'n uns mal geschworen: „Ey, wir warten nie auf morgen!" Wir sind doch immer noch dieselben Clowns Und Helden uns'rer Welt Lass uns leben wie ein Feuerwerk, Feuerwerk - oh-oh Als wenn es nur für heute wär' - oh-oh Denn dieser Augenblick kommt nie zurück Lass uns leben wie ein Feuerwerk, Feuerwerk - oh-oh Die ganze Welt kann uns gehör'n - oh-oh Verbrenn'n die Raketen Stück für Stück Und leben wie ein … Feuerwerk und alles ist so schnell vorbei Asche und Erinnerung ist, was morgen überbleibt Ist egal, dann halt nochmal Da ist noch so viel mehr! Lass uns leben wie ein Feuerwerk, Feuerwerk - oh-oh Als wenn es nur für heute wär' - oh-oh Denn dieser Augenblick kommt nie zurück Lass uns leben wie ein Feuerwerk, Feuerwerk - oh-oh Die ganze Welt kann uns gehör'n - oh-oh Verbrenn'n die Raketen Stück für Stück Und leben wie ein Feuerwerk, Feuerwerk Feuerwerk https://lyricstranslate.com |
Feuerwerk
It's quarter to - damn, I'm late again! I have to run, my train's arriving just ahead Yeah, I know, it's called "nobody's waiting for you" We meet in the same shop like years ago Tell each other, how stressed we are Not giving a damn, head switched off, do you remember? We swore to each other once "Hey, we'll never wait until tomorrow!" But we're still the same clowns And the heroes of our world Let's live like a firework, firework - oh-oh As if it were only for today - oh-oh Because this moment will never come again Let's live like a firework, firework - oh-oh The world can be ours - oh-oh Set off the rockets one by one And live like a firework, firework Firework My eyes burn, but I'm listening to my gut Not going in yet, because I don't want to miss a thing You know as well, we can only have it once We swore to each other once "Hey, we'll never wait until tomorrow!" But we're still the same clowns And the heroes of our world Let's live like a firework, firework - oh-oh As if it were only for today - oh-oh Because this moment will never come again Let's live like a firework, firework - oh-oh The world can be ours - oh-oh Set off the rockets one by one And live like a... Firework and it's all over so quickly Ash and memories is all that will remain tomorrow Don't care, then again There is still so much more! Let's live like a firework, firework - oh-oh As if it were only for today - oh-oh Because this moment will never come again Let's live like a firework, firework - oh-oh The world can be ours - oh-oh Set off the rockets one by one And live like firework, firework Firework https://lyricstranslate.com |
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Martin Fliegenschmidt (b1981), David Jürgens Wincent Weiss (b1993), Sascha Wernicke from the debut album Irgendwas gegen die Stille Something for the Silence (3m32) Feuerwerk performed by Wincent Weiss |
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recorded 'as live' by professional musicians
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Let's begin to move back in time from the youngest composition to an older one and on towards our utlimate, early, destination.
Feux d'artifice (Fireworks), comes from Book II of Debussy's Préludes. The Préludes are pieces for solo piano, divided into two separate livres, or books, of twelve preludes each. Unlike previous collections of preludes, such as those of JS Bach and Chopin, Debussy's do not follow a strict pattern of key signatures. Each book was written in a matter of months - an unusually fast pace for Debussy. Book one was written between December 1909 and February 1910, and book two between the last months of 1912 and early April 1913. Wikipedia The second version is also played by Marc-André Hamelin, Here all you see is the piano score. You may be intrigued to learn how some of these rapid passages are written. |
Claude Debussy (1862-1918) (4m43) from Preludes, Book 2 CD 131 (1911-12) 12 Feux d'artifice Modérément animé Moderately animated performed by Marc-André Hamelin, in March 2007, at the 92nd Street Y, New York |
Marking Rimsky-Korsakov's daughter's engagement to composer Maximilien Steinberg, Stravinsky told him he would write an orchestral fantaisie for the couple.
Rimsky-Korsakov, Stravinsky's tutor, was ill at the time. Six weeks of work later, Stravinsky sent him the piano score. It was returned 'Addressee Deceased'. Stravinsky was shocked by this news. He immediately set aside orchestration of the work and instead wrote a Funeral Song to the memory of his mentor. This piece was performed on the 13th Februray 1909 under the baton of Félix Blumenfeld - and it was lost pretty soon after. Having composed his Chant funèbre, Stravinsky completed Feu d'artifice, which was performed on the same evening as his Scherzo fantastique, 6th February 1909, with the conductor Alexandre Ziloti. The evening proved most important for the composer's career as it was the occasion at which Serge Diaghilev came to notice Stravinsky's remarkable talent. |
Igor Fyodorovitch Stravinsky (1882-1971)
Feu d'artifice Op 4, HH4, CC13 (1908) (5m05) Fantaisie pour grand orchestre Fantasy for full orchestra performed by hr-Sinfonieorchester (Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra) with conductor, Paavo Järvi, in the Alte Oper (Old Opera House) Frankfurt, 17th February 2011 |
Our concert reaches its climax not just with music for fireworks, but with Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks.
The music was composed for a fireworks display to be held in Green Park on 27 April 1749. The theme was the end of the War of Austrian Succession and the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle the previous year.
Handel was displeased when told he could not include those non-military stringed fellows - violins. King George II wanted to hear only wind and percussion. Displeased too when he was told that the rehearsal would not be in situ, but rather it would take place at the Vauxhall Gardens.
Bear in mind that there was only one Thames crossing for vehicles in those days - London Bridge. So in scenes we might liken to Millennium Eve on the DLR at Stratford, the bridge had a 3-hour carriages-jam! It is varioiusly claimed that 8,000 - 12,000 people paid half-a-crown a piece (2 shillings and sixpence, 2/6d, or 12.5p) to attend this rehearsal.
In Green Park, the musicians were in an Italian-designed pavilion, and there were further Italian influences in the decorations. Even the fireworks were controlled by Italians. The music was a great success, the fireworks less so due to the rainy weather and several mis-fires.
[wikipedia] ... in the middle of the show the right pavilion caught fire. A woman's clothes were set alight by a stray rocket and other fireworks burned two soldiers and blinded a third. Another soldier had his hand blown off during an earlier rehearsal for the 101 cannon used during the event.
Didn't they always tell us how dangerous fireworks are, though!
So, take your mind off to Green Park, with the wood and textile, theatre-built set, ready for the Royal Fireworks:
The music was composed for a fireworks display to be held in Green Park on 27 April 1749. The theme was the end of the War of Austrian Succession and the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle the previous year.
Handel was displeased when told he could not include those non-military stringed fellows - violins. King George II wanted to hear only wind and percussion. Displeased too when he was told that the rehearsal would not be in situ, but rather it would take place at the Vauxhall Gardens.
Bear in mind that there was only one Thames crossing for vehicles in those days - London Bridge. So in scenes we might liken to Millennium Eve on the DLR at Stratford, the bridge had a 3-hour carriages-jam! It is varioiusly claimed that 8,000 - 12,000 people paid half-a-crown a piece (2 shillings and sixpence, 2/6d, or 12.5p) to attend this rehearsal.
In Green Park, the musicians were in an Italian-designed pavilion, and there were further Italian influences in the decorations. Even the fireworks were controlled by Italians. The music was a great success, the fireworks less so due to the rainy weather and several mis-fires.
[wikipedia] ... in the middle of the show the right pavilion caught fire. A woman's clothes were set alight by a stray rocket and other fireworks burned two soldiers and blinded a third. Another soldier had his hand blown off during an earlier rehearsal for the 101 cannon used during the event.
Didn't they always tell us how dangerous fireworks are, though!
So, take your mind off to Green Park, with the wood and textile, theatre-built set, ready for the Royal Fireworks:
Here is the first page of the score for the concert, the Ouverture: (click to enlarge) Handel is very specific in his instrumentation. From the top it reads: Tromba 1st Trumpets x 3 2nd Trumpets x 3 Principals (3rd Trumpets) x 3 Timpani - 3 pairs Corn. 1st Horns x 3 2nd Horns x 3 3rd Horns x 3 Hautbs (hautbois) 1st Oboes x 12 2nd Oboes x 8 3rd Oboes x 4 Note how (Handel?) has written Violino 1 & 2, and viola against these Oboe parts Basson 1st Bassoons x 8 2nd Bassoons x 4 And here is written violoncelli e contrabasse (cellos and double basses) |
For the lovers of wind instruments I offer this enthusiastic performance on the left. Only a few minor adjustments occur through the introduction of clarinets and saxophones doubling on some oboe parts. And as they are indoors they make do with a single pair of timps.
On the right (or lower down) is the orchestral version, from a BBC Promenade Concert.
Here then is your finale to today's Musical Fireworks concert.
On the right (or lower down) is the orchestral version, from a BBC Promenade Concert.
Here then is your finale to today's Musical Fireworks concert.
Georg Frideric Handel (1685-59) (18m52)
Music for the Royal Fireworks HWV 351 (1749) 1 - Ouverture: Adagio, Allegro, Lentement, Allegro 2 - Bourrée 3 - La Paix: Largo alla siciliana 4 - La Réjouissance: Allegro 5 - Menuets I & II Allegro performed by the Stadtkapelle Tulln, conductor: Hans-Peter Manser, in the Stadtpfarrkirche Tulln Sankt Stephan (Town Parish Church of St Stephen), at a Kirchenkonzert 2012, in Tulln, Lower Austria |
Georg Frideric Handel (1685-59) (16m01)
Music for the Royal Fireworks HWV 351 (1749) 1 - Ouverture: Adagio, Allegro, Lentement, Allegro 2 - Bourrée 3 - La Paix: Largo alla siciliana 4 - La Réjouissance: Allegro 5 - Menuets I & II Allegro performed by Le Concert Spirituel, Hervé Niquet conductor at BBC Prom No 7, 18 July 2012, in the Royal Albert Hall, London, UK |
'Afore ye go...
I just want to tell you about an instrument that crosses between the two performances above, or at least could have done. Have you heard of the Trumpet Marine? No, it's not a rank in the US Forces. It is a stringed instrument that sounds like a trumpet. There is a brilliant documentary presentation of the Trumpet Marine, its history, AND lots of musical examples, on this link. Watch, listen, watch again, and be amazed! Here are a few key points:
You need to hear this instrument, you really do. Nothing to do with fireworks, except how you will feel knowing this has been part of your life experience, wondering why, how, you have never heard if it before! That's a very personal, partial, note from Peter! Presenter: Peter Steadman Assisted by: Richard Miller & Jane Forrester |
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We hope you have enjoyed our Musical Fireworks concert selection
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for next week's Music of the Musicals selection
the final concert of the 2020 Season
comments welcome: musiconthursdays@gmail.com
Watch your email and this website
for next week's Music of the Musicals selection
the final concert of the 2020 Season
comments welcome: musiconthursdays@gmail.com
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We still need your help to fund the FIVE recent concerts
recorded 'as live' by professional musicians
► Did you listen ?
►Did you remember to give afterwards ? Here is a further chance to do so If the concerts cover their costs we will be able to do more. We already have ideas for several 'as live' concerts through next year. We don't have to wait until October's Festival. Please donate now ! Many thanks to those who did donate during the Arts e-Live Festival. You set us all a great example ! |
These concert recordings remain online
click on the buttons below to Listen (and watch) Again
and please tell your friends about them too !
click on the buttons below to Listen (and watch) Again
and please tell your friends about them too !
Oct 1st
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Oct 8th
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Oct 15th
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Oct 22nd
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Oct 29th
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Concert Selections Still Available
for your listening on this Website: Please click on a title to go to the concert webpage • Marina Kan's AGM Piano Concert • Concert for St George's Day and Shakespeare's Birthday • Music on May Day • Music for VE Day 75th Anniversary • Piano à Deux - Linda Ang Stoodley & Robert Stoodley, 4 hands on 1 piano • Clocks & Cathedrals (musical clocks, that is) • Guitars & Friends - a guitar medley • Beethoven & Haydn String Quartets • Cello Tango - from solos to multi cellists • Organs of Paris ♥ Les Orgues de Paris • Flute Fest • Virtual Viola, hosted by Lynda Chang • Multi Piano - pianos from two to 12 at a time • From Sackbutt to Trombone • Harp Haven - our President's 100th Birthday Concert • Oboe Omnibus • Gentle Guitar • Music for Unusual Instruments • Viola da Gamba, hosted by Ibrahim Aziz • Music & the Military • Choral Music • Clarinet Compilation, hosted by Lynda Chang • The Voice, hosted by Lynda Chang • Beethoven 250, hosted by Peter Horsfield • Eddie Lee's Jazz on Thursday - recorded as live for Arts e-Live • Diphonon viola & accordion Duo - recorded as live for Arts e-Live • Marion Bettsworth & organ of St Michael's Highgate - recorded as live for Arts e-Live • CarmenCo - Carmen's Story in flute, voice & guitars - recorded as live for Arts e-Live • Phil Hopkins, harmonica, Stuart Whatton, piano, From JS Bach to film music composer John Barry - recorded as live for Arts e-Live |
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Philharmonia Sessions:
Hrůša conducts Dvořák Thursday 5 November, 7.30pm GMT | YouTube | FREE We all need an escape once in a while - and what better way to forget about the world for an evening than with a stunningly-filmed free concert. Join us, along with star cellist Alisa Weilerstein and longstanding Philharmonia friend Jakub Hrůša, for an all-Dvořák programme filled with joy, passion and plenty of flair. From the heartfelt emotion of Alisa's cello in Silent Woods to the excitement of the full orchestra in the Czech Suite, there's music for everyone to love. We can’t wait to share this performance with you. Click on the photo for details. |
Next Week
Thursday 12 November, 7.30pm
Watch regular Philharmonia conductor Elim Chan lead a performance of two of Mendelssohn's best-loved works live from the Royal Festival Hall. click here for details & tickets
Thursday 12 November, 7.30pm
Watch regular Philharmonia conductor Elim Chan lead a performance of two of Mendelssohn's best-loved works live from the Royal Festival Hall. click here for details & tickets
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INTRODUCING THE TRUMPET MARINE | The Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments ♦ If you haven't heard or seen a trumpet marine you haven't lived! The Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments, who have saved this 17th-century instrument from extinction, take us on a whirlwind tour.
"That was amazing! What a sound" - https://www.bremf.org.uk/event/introducing-the-trumpet-marine/
BIRD CHARMER | Piers Adams, with James Duncan of Sussex Wildlife Trust
Take a trip into the woods with passionate naturalist James Duncan, of the Sussex Wildlife Trust, and recorder player Piers Adams to explore the songbirds of Sussex and some music inspired by birds.
"This is utterly delightful." - https://www.bremf.org.uk/event/bird-charmer/
REBELLION! | Joglaresa
Join subversive artists Joglaresa for a trip through songs of protest from medieval times, and a timely reminder that authority figures have always been the subject of satire, protest and ridicule.
"This is exactly what I needed today." - https://www.bremf.org.uk/event/rebellion/
SWEET AYRES OF ARCADIA | Musicke in the Ayre
Escape into a perfect Arcadia of Tudor lute songs by Byrd, Dowland, Campion and others. Filmed in the stunning house and gardens of St Mary's House, Bramber.
"This is lovely." - https://www.bremf.org.uk/event/sweet-ayres-of-arcadia/
THE FOUR FACES OF GAIA | Music from around the globe
Our final event of 2020 brought together musicians from Africa, India, The Middle East and Europe in celebration of the vibrant cultural connections which stretch through time and space to connect us all. An uplifting and memorable way to round off the festival.
"Beautiful! Congratulations!" - https://www.bremf.org.uk/2020/index.htm
PROGRAMME
PROLOGUE : Thomas Tallis Spem in alium - sung by 40 singers from across Australia
AFRICA: From The Gambia: Sura Susso voice, kora
ASIA: From India: Debipriya Sircar voice, sitar • Jaymini Sahai kathak dance • Sanju Sahai tabla
THE MIDDLE EAST: From Azerbaijan: Ramin Qarayev voice, saz • Malik Mansurov tar • Gochaq Askerov voice • Elshan Mansurov kamanchaFrom the Jewish Sephardic tradition: Jeremy Avis voice • Rebecca Askew bass
EUROPE: From Italy: La Fonte Musica • Michele Pasotti directorFrom the UK: BREMF Consort of Voices • The Lacock Scholars • The English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble • Deborah Roberts director
FINALE: Jeremy Avis The Whispering Dome WORLD PREMIERE
First performance of an original work commissioned specially for the Finale of this year’s festival • Debipriya Sircar voice, sitar • Sura Susso voice, kora • Jeremy Avis voice, harpsichord, composer • Rebecca Askew voice, bass, arranger • BREMF Community Choir ♦ Click this link for full details of each concert: https://www.bremf.org.uk/2020/index.htm
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