The music of a truly cosmopolitan composer
Charlotte Smith
Monday, January 16, 2012
Two of this month’s features focus on subjects that are perhaps somewhat ‘under‑championed’. The first is Frederick Delius, whose birthplace (Bradford) and resting place (Surrey) do little to hint at the life he led, living in foreign locations, absorbing different cultures and cultivating an international mind at a time when the world was becoming increasingly nationalistic in outlook. Growing oranges in Florida, exploring Norwegian landscape and literature, immersing himself in German music, settling (if such a word can be applied to Delius) in France – all these left an imprint, to differing degrees, on his musical style. How much of an imprint Delius’s music makes today is more open to question, something that Delius devotees will be using the 150th anniversary of his birth to address. In our contribution to this occasion, Jeremy Dibble looks at the work and wanderings of this most cosmopolitan of composers and suggests some superb recordings through which to explore his uniquely beguiling music.
Alison Balsom is not unsung but her chosen instrument perhaps is. Yet her personality and determined advocacy of the trumpet have granted her an attention in the wider media which most musicians could only wish for – and she is to be praised for doing all she can to ensure it is focused on the trumpet, which, as a solo classical instrument, has often not been granted its due. It’s something which, through inspiring both composers and – as our attendance at a masterclass highlights – the next generation of soloists, Balsom is doing much to change. Most important, of course, is that the music‑making itself is thrilling.
Perhaps we can continue the theme into our reviews too? Particular note here might be made of two Gramophone Choices from the same team of Martyn Brabbins, the BBC Concert Orchestra and Susan Gritton: Havergal Brian’s vast Gothic Symphony and music by Sibelius student Toivo Kuula. Our Recording of the Month, however, is of absolutely central repertoire – Schubert – by one of today’s most remarkable musicians and a former Gramophone Record of the Year winner, pianist Paul Lewis.
