The Jackdaw of Rheims
Although my year up in Staffordshire was not a good one in most respects, there were some positives to savour: this setting of the Ingoldsby Legend [written by "Thomas Ingoldsby" aka Richard Harris Barham] is of the best and most popular of all the legends [there are three volumes, published in the 1840s, copies of various editions of which are to be found in many second-hand bookshops, with some fabulous illustrations - I have an edition illustrated by Arthur Rackham]. The illustration below was done especially for me by the art master in the schhol where I taught, Peter Moderate. It is perfection itself!
This recording was made by the Occasional Singers in live concert conditions. The review below was of the original first performance, and as there are so few reviews of my music [and this is such a nice one!] I feel justified exposing the vain side of my character...
Transcript:
A remarkable musical tradition is continued
For many reasons Richard Birley's concert at St Edward's Church was a most enterprising venture, not the least because it presented the first performance of his setting of the Jackdaw of Rheims for unison soprano choir and chamber orchestra.
Mr. Birley is a serious composer, with a flair for orchestration and a deep feeling for words. His interpretation of the famous poem by Richard Harris Barham was given a fine performance, reflecting the hard work and dedication of all concerned.
The scoring of 'Jackdaw' demands real musical technique and the assistance given by several professional musicians gave strength to the orchestra, and encouragement to the young people from school who had worked so hard to master their parts, and a solid foundation to support the vocal line.
If 'Jackdaw' had been presented as a 'pop' opera I'm quite sure that a great deal more fuss and publicity would have been forthcoming. However, one must be content that Mr. Birley's work is of proven worth and that it was a privilege to be present at its first performance. It would indeed be a travesty of justice, yet I suppose is typical of today's musical values, if 'Jackdaw' was not to receive more performances and wider recognition.
The review is then about the rest of music, but it does conclude with the following:
Finally mention must be made of the first-rate poster and program can designed by Mr. P. Moderate, head of the art department. If you've got one, save it! It might well be a collector's item in years to come.
A. Cappella
This recording [live performance] was made in St Mary's Church, Dorchester, with the Occasional Singers:
This recording was made by the Occasional Singers in live concert conditions. The review below was of the original first performance, and as there are so few reviews of my music [and this is such a nice one!] I feel justified exposing the vain side of my character...
Transcript:
A remarkable musical tradition is continued
For many reasons Richard Birley's concert at St Edward's Church was a most enterprising venture, not the least because it presented the first performance of his setting of the Jackdaw of Rheims for unison soprano choir and chamber orchestra.
Mr. Birley is a serious composer, with a flair for orchestration and a deep feeling for words. His interpretation of the famous poem by Richard Harris Barham was given a fine performance, reflecting the hard work and dedication of all concerned.
The scoring of 'Jackdaw' demands real musical technique and the assistance given by several professional musicians gave strength to the orchestra, and encouragement to the young people from school who had worked so hard to master their parts, and a solid foundation to support the vocal line.
If 'Jackdaw' had been presented as a 'pop' opera I'm quite sure that a great deal more fuss and publicity would have been forthcoming. However, one must be content that Mr. Birley's work is of proven worth and that it was a privilege to be present at its first performance. It would indeed be a travesty of justice, yet I suppose is typical of today's musical values, if 'Jackdaw' was not to receive more performances and wider recognition.
The review is then about the rest of music, but it does conclude with the following:
Finally mention must be made of the first-rate poster and program can designed by Mr. P. Moderate, head of the art department. If you've got one, save it! It might well be a collector's item in years to come.
A. Cappella
This recording [live performance] was made in St Mary's Church, Dorchester, with the Occasional Singers:
The Jackdaw - of Rheims [by Peter Moderate]
