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?