The very best of Andrew Davis (5): Panic stations
Daily Comfort ZoneThe Last Night that was picketed because Sir Andrew programmed a new work by Harrison Birtwistle.
It’s gorgeous.
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I think I have told this story before.
During lockdown this concert was rebroadcast. It was a lovely summer’s evening here in Newcastle. I was walking around the Town Moor where c.500 cattle graze freely during the summer.
I was listening to this piece when I came across a very large cow blocking the path.
I took off my earphones and stopped a little distance away. We looked at each other for what seemed ages. She walked towards me, put her head down and up against the earphones on my chest. I stood still. After a bit she lifted up her head and gave me an enormous lick across my face. She then walked very elegantly back to the herd.
I love this piece too. I remember my heartbeat that evening which I can now hear in the music.
I understand that Harrison Birtwistle was brought up on a farm.
Of course HB’s works are written for cattle, one can hear that very clearly. That is why his depiction ot the Minotaur is so beautiful and pleasurably engaging:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/video/2012/dec/18/minotaur-opera-birtwistle-video
That cow was definitely a very sophisticated one.
I really love this!! I think the beauty and delicacy of Mr B’s work is greatly underrated.
Sally
It’s fabulous.
If only there was new music WORTH picketing in 2024!
Am I right in thinking that John Drummond, Controller of the Proms, wanted to stir things up at the Last Night by programming a composer whom he knew would be controversial?
I was at Secondary School and attended Canford Summer School of Music playing in George Hurst’s Orchestra. I believe it was 1966 or 67 when we were rehearsing Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. Students in George’s conducting class participated in the orchestra. This included David Atherton, Lionel Friend, John Elliott Gardiner and Howard Williams whom I was sitting next to! Andrew was detailed to play the Tubular Bells which had been located outside the Hall. One of the players called out Opportunity Knocks for Andrew and everyone laughed!! Other luminaries included Anthony Pay, David Klausner, Christoper Van Kampen and his brother Antony, Jennifer Glass, Iona Brown’s Sister and apologies to those who I might have left out!!