Deaths of three composers
RIPWe have been notified of the following necrologies:
The Frenchman Bruno Ducol, 74, ranged across many styles and periods. His most eyecatching orchestral work was Nude Descending a Staircase.
The Vilna-born Polish composer Romuald Twardowski, 93, wrote copious works on religious themes and a music drama, Lord Jim, after Conrad.
The Czech composer Karel Janovický (pictured), 93, fled to the UK after the Commmunist takeover in 1948. He became head of the Czech deprtment of the BBC World Service, broadcasting under the pseudonym ‘Jack Allen’. He coached the BBC Singers and others in works by Czech masters.His own output includes two symphonies, three concertos and a Fantasy for Piano and String Orchestra on Motives from Dvořák’s Biblical Songs.
“Eyecatching” is an odd descriptor for an orchestral work. Duchamps’ painting may be eyecatching, but one hopes that Ducol’s work is earcatching.
Well, I think here it was a joke in reference to the title of said work.
Norman, I hope you do something on the Australian composer and teacher David Lumsdaine, and husband of Nicola Lefanu, who died a few days ago.
Still nothing about Lumsdaine’s death. I think he died on the 12th January at 92. He’d stopped composing to all intents and purposes about 27 years ago, although I’d be happy to be put right on that one. Some very good pieces. Very beautiful cello solo called ‘Blue upon blue’ and of course the huge orchestral piece ‘Hagoromo’. RIP