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RFS November Meeting Report November 2007 |
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AUTUMN CONCERTO
MEETING OF THE ROBERT FARNON SOCIETY: SUNDAY 25TH NOVEMBER
2007 AT THE BONNINGTON HOTEL, LONDON
By BRIAN REYNOLDS
To paraphrase the well—known September Song ‘It’s
a long long time from April to November’ and the congregation
attending this year’s ‘Autumnfest’ were as keen as always
to wallow in another four hours of glorious melodies. As usual,
many of those attending were ‘regular’, and those who weren’t
were taking tablets for it!
Proceedings began as members took their seats to the accompaniment
of the BBC Theatre Orchestra (conducted by Harold Lowe) of
Oranges and Lemons - arranged by Spike Hughes.
At 2.OOpm with Albert Killman, David Ades and Vernon Anderson
at the presenters’ table, the meeting officially got underway
with Robert Farnon’s Proscenium.
The year 2007 being the 90th anniversary of Robert Farnon’s
birth, it was felt appropriate that his music should feature
more prominently than usual and David, paying tribute to Patricia
Farnon, who had recently passed away, felt that something
should be played in her memory. Having consulted David Farnon,
it was decided that his own arrangement of Bob’s Country
Girl would be appropriate - retitled Country Boy
on this occasion - the recording being by that fine singer
Sheila Southern with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under
the direction of Robert Farnon. (I seem to recall Sheila Southern
being the wife of broadcasting pianist Derek Cox).
Albert then introduced a piece as a tribute to Ronnie Hazlehurst
who had recently died. He chose a recording by the Ronnie
Hazlehurst Orchestra — Robert Farnon’s theme from the fine
television series "The Secret Army", after which
we were treated to a DVD featuring Dolf van der Linden conducting
The Metropole Orchestra in a 1961 performance Il fait des
bonds. Robert Farnon was the guest conductor of the Metropole
Orchestra on many occasions.
It was then the turn of Vernon Anderson to present a tribute
to Angela Morley (formerly Wally Stott); the items chosen
were Limehouse Blues from the Sounds of Paradise Orchestra
(Stott), Embraceable You featuring Rosemary Squires,
then an item from "The Missing Battleship" - an
edition of "The Goon Show". This was the closing
theme Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead from "The Wizard
of Oz". Finally, Vernon played us Angela’s private recording
of one of her latest compositions entitled Reverie.
It was now time for Albert and David’s usual selection of
new releases which were as follows:
Young Man in Love (Ernest Tomlinson) from the 1974
suite "Aladdin" played by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia
conducted by Gavin Sutherland from ‘British Light Music Premieres
Vol. 4 (Dutton Epoch).
Theme from the ‘Glenn Miller Story’ by Henry Mancini
arr.Stott and played by the Wally Stott Orchestra - a Philips
78 on a new Dutton Vocalion CD. David criticised the complete
lack of booklet notes.
Legend by Henry Croudson, who was a popular cinema
organist and musical director of the ‘Strings in Rhythm’ on
radio, this recording being by the London Promenade Orchestra
conducted by Walter Collins from the new Guild CD ‘Musical
Kaleidoscope’ Vol.1
Ladies of Lisbon by William Hill Bowen who wrote under
the pen names of Luis Tristan and Don Versey - a fact that
could have been mentioned in the booklet notes, if there had
been any! This piece (a particular favourite of mine) was
played here by the George Melachrino Orchestra and is from
a new Vocalion CD entitled ‘Our Man in London’ & Highlights
from ‘Lisbon at Twilight’. David pointed out that some titles
are missing from the second LP, and Roses of Picardy
is credited to Haydn instead of Haydn Wood!
Pioneer Trail (Charles Williams) - signature tune
for the annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year - played
by the Danish State Radio Orchestra conducted by Robert Farnon
-a Chappell recording on Guild CD ‘Musical Kaleidoscope Vol
2.
To conclude the first part of the afternoon’s entertainment
David introduced (on DVD) excerpts from our 50th Anniversary
souvenir.
A thirty minute interval followed, introduced by one of Angela
Morley’s play-out themes for "Hancock’ s Half Hour".
PART TWO
The audience returned to their seats to the accompaniment
of the Associated British Studio Orchestra conducted by Louis
Levy in a performance of the title music from the soundtrack
of "Laughter in Paradise" by Stanley Black - this
being a subtle clue as to what was to come.
For our main feature we were honoured by the presence of
Stanley Black’s son Jeffrey Black who, together with his daughter
Jacqueline gave a lucid, affectionate, yet frank account of
Stanley’s career. Tony Clayden introduced the Blacks to the
audience drawing attention to the fact that several other
members of the Black clan (including his widow, Edna Kaye)
were also present to give support. In what he described as
a ‘senior moment’ Tony managed to forget Jacqueline’s name,
but saved the day by turning it into a running joke. To illustrate
their talk, the Blacks played the following pieces, some of
which had to be shortened because of time:
Music from the 1949 film "Third Time Lucky" featuring
Edna Kaye
It’s a Raggy Waltz (Brubeck) - Piano feature
Rhapsody in Blue (Gershwin)
Quiet Night of Quiet Stars (Jobim)
Mood Mambo from "The Young Ones"
Three Blind Mice (arr. Black)
Music from the Australian film "Strictly Ballroom"
Honeysuckle Rose — featuring Coleman Hawkins
That Old Black Magic
Tony Clayden thanked Jeffrey and Jacqueline Black for their
excellent presentation and continued with a couple of tributes
of his own. Firstly, he played part of The Selfish Giant
as a tribute to its composer, Eric Coates, whose death occurred
fifty years ago, in December 1957. Afterwards, he played Elgar’s
Salut d’amour. The year 2007 was, of course, the 150th
anniversary of the birth of Sir Edward Elgar — as most people
are aware, apart from the Bank of England who, as a mark of
disrespect, chose this year to remove his picture from our
banknotes!
Tony also took the opportunity to inform us of a recital
on 16th December by our own Robert Habermann (accompanied
by Geoff Eales) and a concert by the London Salon Ensemble
at the Royal Festival Hall on December 30th.
It was then back to the big screen again, as we watched Robert
Farnon, on a DVD, conduct the London Philharmonic Orchestra
at the Royal Albert Hall in his Farnon Fantasy.
Tony then took control if the raffle, with the assistance
of Jeffrey and Jacqueline Black, heralded by Edmund Hockridge
(a long time Canadian colleague of Robert Farnon) singing
Luck Be a Lady. The interval was announced by Stanley
Black’s March of the Goons.
PART THREE
We returned to our seats to the accompaniment of Bert Kaempfert’s
Las Vegas — from a new Guild CD due for release in
January and no doubt available by the time you read this.
Albert opened up the third part of the show by introducing
Cab Smith and his familiar ‘Swing Session’. This comprised
the following:
Button Up Your Overcoat played by the Robert Farnon
Orchestra from a Philips LP
The Very Thought of You sung by Carol Kidd
Swing Hoe (Farnon) — Leslie Jones and his orchestra
of London.
Albert thanked Cab for his presentation and then introduced
Paul Barrett who had come along to tell us about a forthcoming
concert which he was promoting by the newly reconstituted
Mantovani Orchestra — the concert venue being ‘The Lighthouse’
in Poole. This presentation was accompanied by the famous
Mantovani recording of Charmaine. Afterwards Albert
played Mantovani’s Tanya - the Moulin Rouge Theme.
Albert went on to play Gabrielle which comes from the
film "Paris when it Sizzles" and was played by Vic
Lewis and the strings of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
As usual, David presented the final section of the programme
and commenced with Robert Farnon’s Sea Shore - a big
hit in those distant days when real music sometimes made the
‘Charts’. It was played by Rawicz and Landauer with the Wally
Stott Orchestra.
We were then given an opportunity (via DVD) of watching and
listening to Robert Farnon talking about his early career.
This was followed by an old favourite ‘Winter Sunshine’ by
George Melachrino, arranged by Robert Farnon, who was conducting
the BBC Radio Orchestra.
With Christmas just a few weeks away, it was appropriate
to close the meeting with Have Yourself a Merry Little
Christmas in a Bob Farnon arrangement - performed by Tony
Bennett with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Don
Jackson (recorded at Abbey Road, August 2002 for Hallmark
Cards).
It just remained for David to thank everyone for their contributions
- the Stanley Black Family (who had to leave early), Vernon
Anderson, Tony Clayden, Cab Smith, Paul Barrett not forgetting
the helpers on reception. Special thanks were also given to
Tony Clayden for his technical services which require a lot
of time and effort, and of course, the indefatigable Albert
Killman.
The meeting dispersed to Robert Farnon’s Melody Fair,
followed by Carioca (from a radio broadcast by the
Robert Farnon Orchestra), Canadian Caravan from Leslie
Jones and his Orchestra of London, and finally, a Christmas
Medley from Tony Bennett accompanied by Robert Farnon.
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RFS November Meeting Report 2006 |
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"Chasing The Blues Away"
Report of RFS London meeting held at the Bonnington Hotel
on Sunday 26 November 2006 by VERNON ANDERSON
While everyone was settling in we were treated
to the sounds of Robert Farnons overture for Pia Zadora
including many of the pieces Bob had arranged for her albums
and concert tours back in the mid 1980s.
PART 1
With the strains of Robert Farnons
"Proscenium" still ringing in our ears David opened
the meeting with a warm welcome to everyone, especially having
braved the storms encountered during the morning. Thankfully
the weather had now settled and it was good to see so many
attending, especially those people here for the first time.
We were in for a real treat.
David then introduced the other presenters
at the top table, Albert Killman and Robert Habermann. Albert
then paid tribute to fellow member Brian Coleman who sadly
died in May this year (obit. JIM 169 Oct, 2006). Brian joined
the society back in the 1950s and was a great lover
of light music but especially Bobs compositions. One
of his favourite pieces was Bobs "Concorde March",
which Albert now played in Brians memory.
Albert introduced Robert Habermann for his
tribute to Sir Malcolm Arnold who died in September (obit.
JIM 170 Dec, 2006) which commenced with "Colonel Bogey
March" from the film "Bridge over the River Kwai"
(1957) which highlighted his own excellent march theme which
he used as a counterpoint. This was followed by Sir Malcolms
charming "Whistle down the wind" of 1961. Robert
related many aspects of Sir Malcolms life, focussing
on his composing for films and documentaries. In 1948 he had
the opportunity to write a full score.
He composed hundreds of films scores but
also many overtures and dances for orchestra. Roberts
third selection was Sir Malcolms "English Dance".
He was a prolific composer; 9 symphonies, 2 operas, 17 concertos,
5 ballets and many notable pieces covering various genres
and all of them memorable. However he did suffer some notable
rejections. The MGM film "Invitation to the Dance"
with Gene Kelly, for which he wrote a modern jazz sequence
was not used in the score and this was one of several major
disappointments (Robert Farnons contribution to the
same film suffered a similar fate). However his output was
rewarded with Honorary Doctorates from a number of music universities.
Roberts last selection was the music
from the "St Trinians" films, which highlighted
Sir Arnolds very keen sense of humour. Albert thanked
Robert for a fitting tribute to a highly talented man, which
was well received.
Albert then handed over to David for the
first of his New Releases. David held aloft the new Epoch
CD from Michael Dutton containing, among other well known
and much loved Robert Farnon pieces, the World Premier Recordings
of Bobs symphony No.2 in B major (Ottawa) and the Scherzo
from his symphony No.1 in D flat Major. David introduced us
to the first movement of symphony No.2. This has a dramatic
opening which (for this listener) reflected on a world threatened
by war, but soon develops into a more patriotic or "homeland"
style, perhaps the Canadian landscape and its indigenous people,
city life in more care-free days and then like Bob, feeling
the need to join the fight for freedom and the sacrifices
that that might entail. The movement ends in tranquil mood.
This piece was well received on this its first hearing in
over 60 years. David confirmed that copies of the CD were
available from the RFS Record Service at the meeting. He mentioned
especially the brilliant playing of the BBC Concert Orchestra
under the direction of John Wilson, recorded at The Colosseum
(formerly know as Watford Town Hall) in June 2006. (A full
page advert appears on page 4 of JIM issue No. 170, and a
full description of the Sessions is to be found on pages
48 to 51 including illustrations in JIM issue No. 169).
Albert picked up the theme of the last piece
adding that he CD opened with a marvellous interpretation
of Bobs Suite from the 1951 film "Captain Horatio
Hornblower RN." Albert went on to introduce the second
piece from the Guild Series, presenting "The Golden Age
of Light Music" all of which are on sale at todays
meeting. This comes from the CD with colourful themes "Beyond
the Blue Horizon" and he highlighted Angela Morleys
1954 arrangement of "Deep Purple", played by Wally
Stott and his orchestra, in which she provides us with a lush
string sound. After which David gave us the news that Angela
is presently having treatment for cancer, and voiced the thought
of all present in wishing her a speedy recovery.
David followed this with a request from fellow
member Peter Burt, who with his wife Ellen had been unable
to attend todays meeting due to a flood in their house.
David played piece No. 3 - Roland Shaws arrangement
of Charlie Chaplins "The Toy Waltz" from his
1936 film "Modern Times", by the Mantovani Orchestra,
from the "A Song for Christmas" Vocalion CD - the
piece ends in the manner of a clock winding down.
No. 4 - Davids next selection was composed
by fellow RFS member, Paul Lewis and titled "Rosa Mundi".
Inspired by the loss of someone special, when he noticed on
a single flower on his favourite rose; the only bloom this
year was on "that bush". A calm reflective piece,
played by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland
on the recent Naxos CD "English String Miniatures - Vol.
6".
No. 5 - David introduced another Guild CD
this one titled "Light Music While You Work" and
exclaimed that "Brian Reynolds would be interested in
this one". Harry Fryer and his Orchestra recorded it
for the Decca Label series of 78s MWYW but it
wasnt released until 1951 on an early Decca LP. David
mentioned the marvellous work which Alan Bunting has done
in restoring these old recordings for transferring to C.D
format. The composer was believed to be an American named
William Wirges and he gave the piece the title "Fascinatin
Manikin".
No. 6 - Albert introduced a new Eric Coates
collection and noted that Erics son Austin had given
his fathers watch to John Wilson, which John proudly
wore during the session for the new Robert Farnon CD in June
this year. This is a Living Era re-issue of the ballet suite
"The Jester at the Wedding" of 1932, from which
Albert played the fourth movement "Dance of the Orange
Blossoms". All the pieces on this 2 CD set are conducted
by Eric Coates.
No.7 - Albert then introduced us to a new
Epoch release courtesy of Mike Dutton titled "Concertino
for Celeste" by Roderick Elms, with the Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra conducted by Stephen Bell. Roderick Elms is playing
Celeste on this recording. He wanted this instrument to be
better appreciated, but it has achieved greater acclaim thanks
to John Williams score for the Harry Potter films.
Albert highlighted a new Sinatra Album -
"Sinatra Vegas", a 4 CD set and DVD containing all
new material. This is on the Rhino Label and will be available
from 27 November, 2006.
Davids "Parish Announcements"
then bought our attention to the Petition which has been prepared
re. the demise of Brian Kays BBC Radio 3 Programme,
scheduled to be axed early in 2007. Several copies of the
petition were displayed around the room and members were encouraged
to add their name if they so wished. Alternatively they should
write to Michael Grade at the BBC, to the address on the sheets.
(Ironically Michael Grade has now resigned from the BBC).
David gave advance notice of the Societys
100th meeting at which two gentlemen, Matthew Curtis
and Adam Saunders, will be presenting music in April 2007
- two young composers who very much support the Light Music
tradition. They were both well received at Davids introduction.
We look forward to hearing from them at our next meeting.
David sent us off to the first interval
for tea, coffee and biscuits, not forgetting the raffle draw,
with Bob Farnons "Jockey on the Carousel".
PART 2
Back to Seats Music - "Seventh Heaven"
by Bob. With (practically) everyone returned
to their seats, Albert introduced a popular regular presenter
to the top table, Rodney Greenberg, who received a warm response
from the floor. Rodney then introduced todays special
Guest of Honour, veteran BBC Radio and TV producer Trevor
Hill to great applause.
The first point made was reference to the
article in the Daily Telegraph on the Gowers Report. Result:
"No reason to extend the 50 year ruling". This announcement
was received with a round of applause.
Trevor then set the mood by putting his own
"interference" on the mike to check the sound system,
to much laughter from his audience.
This conversation went at a cracking pace
and began with Trevors early BBC years with Margaret
Potter at Manchester Piccadilly where Rodney first met Trevor.
Trevor considered himself exceptionally lucky. While living
at 21 Holmwood Grove, N7 he heard some piano music - a neighbour
was playing, which got him interested in singing. He won a
scholarship to St Pauls Choir School under the direction
of Dr. Field-Hyde where Trevor had to sight read a piece of
music. It soon became evident that he required the removal
of his tonsils and adenoids. He was keen to listen to the
wireless and in particular national programmes of the BBC,
through which he was introduced to a gentleman call Sid Walker.
Following further exchanges Trevor referred to Rodney as "a
walking (seated) encyclopaedia".
Trevor referred to the BBCs "Band
Wagon" programme with Arthur Askey and Richard Murdock
which he attended at Mr Walkers invitation. Trevor got
a job at the BBC one example ITMA door noises!
Music - "Marching On" by Walter
Groer - composer/ musician who owned a printing press. Trevor
involved with Radio Newsreel, from No. 200 Oxford Street (in
the basement of a premier store). Broadcasting House was bombed
in 1940.
We heard tape of Dunkirk Evacuation Day.
The next day the AEFP was launched. From the BBC Record Library
came the signature tune of Forces Favourites which became
Two-way Family Favourites from Hamburg - Andre Kostelanetzs
"With a Song in My Heart". Cliff Michelmore, then
squadron leader was interviewed; left message to Jean Metcalfe
- her response "Hes quite a smoothy, your squadron
Leader M!"
Margaret Potter produced her own version
of Childrens ( Hour) Magazine, serials etc. Trevor played
extracts from "Robin Hood", "Calling All children"
1947 Auditions. Playback of cast of Robin Hood which included
many well known celebrities including Cliff Michelmore and
Roger Moore etc. Colonel Warren was the first "Ovaltiney".
Ivy Benson and her Band, who, following certain escapades
with Roger Moore were known as Ivy Bunsen and Her Burners!
Trevor worked for a time with BBC West Region
and was then posted North of England to Manchester, worked
with Cpl (later Sgt) Ray Martin at base camp in Germany, involving
Hamburg Symphony Orchestra. Hugh Garston-Green NWDR. Hamburg
Philharmonic.
Other reminiscences included Violet Carson
and a whistling postman. The BBC commissioned composer Ray
Martin to score music for "Pied Piper" for which
Margaret and Trevor wrote the script.
Many other memories followed with names such
as Jimmy Edwards, David Hughes, Wilfred Pickles bringing smiles
of recognition. Trevor worked with Harry Corbett and his famous
glove puppet Sooty for 12 years, and we saw film of Roger
Moffat introducing the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra. Other
famous animals to rub shoulders with Trevor included Pinky
and Perky.
Trevor also knew "Leonard Trebilco",
young Bob Farnon and Ted Hockridge. Working on the AEF Programme
of the BBC meant acting as sound engineer for Glenn Miller,
who wanted individual microphones for each instrument. During
a lunch break more were hastily found to satisfy his ego,
but it was not possible to connect them to the mixer. Miller
didnt notice, but praised Trevor for the improved sound!
Trevor reflected on further memories from
the early days, involving such well known people as Max (Maxwell)
Davies - Master of the Queens Musik, Julie Andrews,
C.S. Forrester and the "Hornblower" books, composer
Johnny Pearson which brought the conversation to a close and
a special appreciation and thanks from Rodney Greenburg followed
by spontaneous applause from the audience.
Albert thanked Rodney and asked Trevor to
draw the raffle. We then broke for the Second Interval and
returned to the strains of "Sleigh Ride" arranged
by (Wally Stott) Angela Morley.
PART 3
Albert back announced the last piece and
then reminded us that Ralph and Geoffrey had videod Trevors
presentation for our archives. He then introduced our last
guest speaker, Peter Worsley.
Peter told us he was formerly a Headmaster
at a Secondary School, and now working for "This England"
magazine. His first selection was Charles Williams "The
Old Clockmaker" on the Grasmere label which introduced
the BBC Childrens Programme "Jennings at School".
Second selection from "London Fields Suite" by Phyllis
Tate - "Rondo for Roundabouts". The suite also included
"Hampstead Heath".
Peter has produced 3 volumes of TV and radio
themes on sale at todays meeting. He also edited This
Englands "Book of British Dance Bands" (from
the twenties to the fifties) and the "Second Book of
British Bands" - (the Singers and smaller bands) and
more recently "London Lights" - A History of West
End Musicals.
Peters third selection was "Giocosso"
by Issac Casabon and so "signed off". Albert thanked
Peter for an interesting selection and recommended his books
(on display) to us, with Christmas approaching.
Albert then introduced our regular presenter
Brian Reynolds who proudly reported that his book "Music
While You Work" has gone into reprint (interrupted by
general applause). The book has bought family members of many
of the artists to Brian, seeking more information.
Brian highlighted the music of Cecil Norman
(1907-1988), selecting first "Whistling Cowboy"
played by the Gilbert Vinter Orchestra (BBC Midland Light
Orch); "Bubble and Squeak"; "Fancy Free"
played by the Gerald Crossman Players -Brian confirmed that
Gerald Crossman is still alive and well. Next followed "Out
and About" with the composer and The Rhythm Players.
Final number in recognition that Cecil Norman always used
to get up at 5 oclock in the morning - "Up with
the Lark" by Harold Collins and his Orchestra. And a
final note. In 1967 Cecil Norman ceased broadcasting - on
his 70th birthday. Albert thanked Brian for his
tribute to a warm reception.
Albert introduced Cab Smith who decided to
present extracts from Robert Farnons "Canadian
Impressions" Suite commencing with the opening piece
"Gateway to the West" (the album was your reporters
1st LP bought while serving in Aden in 1956 and
one of his treasured possessions!).
Next followed Bobs impression of the
main route through NW Canada - "Alcan Highway" and
finally that great piece that forms the grand finale to the
album - "Canadian Caravan". Cabs selection
was of course taken from Mike Duttons Vocalion CD which
really brought out the atmosphere in the music. Sadly this
has now been deleted.
Albert thanked Cab for a great selection
and then asked David to present a short selection to close
the meeting.
David chose a piece from the Hallmark album
with Tony Bennett, a real seasonal number - "The Christmas
Song" (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire). And we came
to the end of a great afternoon of music and narrative with
lots of humour for good measure.
David thanked all the presenters by name
and especially our Guest of Honour Trevor Hill.
Then a word of thanks to the ladies at the
front table and for arranging the raffle etc. And finally
Tony for his great technical support.
David and Albert wished everyone a Happy
Christmas/New Year, a safe journey home and looked forward
to our next meeting, April 2007.
Closing music -"Melody Fair" (Robert
Farnon), Manhattan Playboy (RF)
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RFS 2nd April Meeting Report 2006 |
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The Robert Farnon Society celebrated
its first 50 Years with a special meeting on 2 April 2006,
followed by Dinner afterwards. Peter Burt looks back on that
milestone in our Societys history, which he simply calls
A Memorable Afternoon
Around 40 members and friends attended the
very first meeting of the Robert Farnon Appreciation Society,
as it then was, on Sunday 15 April 1956 at the Bonnington
Hotel. Three times as many of us made our way on 2 April 2006
to the same venue in Londons Bloomsbury, to celebrate
the first 50 years of meetings. One thing I am sure of is
that those pioneer members were not faced with such an array
of sound and vision equipment that, courtesy of our technical
wizard Tony Clayden, enhanced our afternoons enjoyment.
And what an afternoon!
Bobs High Street preceded the
announcement summoning us to our seats, followed by his The
Road to Hong Kong Overture. It was then into
the programme proper with another Farnon composition, Proscenium.
David Ades welcomed us especially "two very, very
special guests", David and Patricia Farnon before
handing over to his co-host Albert Killman, who introduced
Farnon Fantasy: a pot-pourri of A Star
is Born, Peanut Polka, Jumping Bean,
Westminster Waltz, Portrait of a Flirt and State
Occasion. This had been recorded by the LPO at a Royal
Festival Hall concert in 1974 conducted by Bob who, we were
reminded, had fronted all of the four major London symphony
orchestras.
There followed a particularly poignant part
of the programme as David and Albert remembered RFS members
and friends no longer with us. These were, naturally, Bob
himself, Kenneth Head [one of our founders], Michael Maine,
Don Furnell, Percy and Edna Foster, Jimmy Gibbs, George Collins,
Peter Bunfield, Robert Rudhall, Joy Fox, Ron Goodwin, Clive
Richardson, Sir Vivian Dunn, former British Prime Minister
Sir Edward Heath [who wrote for this magazine], Trevor Duncan,
Alan Dell, Adelaide Hall, Robin Boyle and Dame Anna Neagle
[another JIM contributor]. Mention was also made of Dorothy
Head who was unwell. [She sadly passed away a few days after
the meeting, as reported in our last issue].
David next introduced the first video of
the afternoon. This comprised short extracts from RFS meetings
in November 1986, the first ever to be recorded on videotape,
and May 1987 when Bobs 70th birthday was
prematurely celebrated and another special guest was a very
amusing Alan Dell. It was great to hear that distinctive voice
again. Fenella Ades had been behind the video recorder when
it seemed The Bonnington was not quite as upmarket as it is
nowadays.
We then had a few words from Brian Reynolds
about his new book Music While You Work An Era
in Broadcasting [Book Guild] which traces the story
of the well-loved BBC radio programme from 23rd
June 1940 to 29th September 1967 with revivals
in 1982, 83, 91 and 95. Albert followed
by introducing recorded messages from Forrest Patten and Bobs
brother Brian in the USA, Alan Heinecke "Down Under"
in Australia, and Pip Wedge in Canada. Brian told us that
his favourite composition of all that Bob wrote was the first
8 or 10 bars of To A Young Lady.
David introduced Jan Eriksen from Norway
who was with us in person to recall the time in 1991 when
Bob conducted the Norwegian Radio Orchestra with George Shearing
as the soloist. It was worth the price of admission to hear
them playing A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square.
The "parish notices" brought us
to the first interval and the cutting of Sylvia Rixs
wonderful presentation cake with its liberal infusion of sherry.
David also passed on greetings from friends who could not
be with us, including John Parry, Frank Comstock, Philip Lane,
Peter Taylor in Spain, Horace Bennett, Malcolm Laycock, Brian
Coleman and Rodney Greenberg.
It was back to our seats, accompanied by
Bobs recording of Varsity Drag, for David
to announce and then introduce our new President, David Farnon.
Before playing, with accompanying anecdotes, three of his
favourite pieces recorded by Bob - Playtime, The
Newsreel March and Country Girl, vocal by Tony
Bennett - David told us that over the past year the family
had been engaged in compiling a complete catalogue of Bobs
works from all sources with the intention of it going on the
Internet. Then there was Bobs personal library with
previously unrecorded works which would be gradually released.
There was also a hope that one of Bobs works might be
played at next years Proms to mark the 90th
anniversary of his birth.
Next we heard an extract from Bobs
Symphony No. 3 [The Edinburgh], performed by The Edmonton
Symphony Orchestra conduced by William Eddins, taken from
a Canadian radio broadcast supplied by RFS member Graham Newton.
Albert recalled that TV cameras visited Bob
at his home on Guernsey at least twice during the 1980s. From
11th December 1981 we saw an interview from BBC
1s Pebble Mill at One; then from 10th
April 1988 another with Harry Secombe in his long-running
Highway show on ITV. We learnt that Bob was a
man of strong faith who both believed in the power of prayer
and that any talent anyone has is God given. The extract concluded
with one of Bobs finest pieces, Proud Canvas.
Albert remarked on the hours that David had spent in transcribing
the afternoons videos from the Societys archives
onto DVDs.
The popular, witty and very personable Brian
Kay was next on playing Ray Martins Once upon a Wintertime,
featuring Bobs "perfect" arrangement for Vera
Lynn with the Robert Farnon Orchestra, and Horn-A-Plenty,
with Bob conducting the Danish State Radio Orchestra in his
own composition. After thanking Brian, David told us that
also in our audience were the very first editor of JIM, John
Costin, and the very first equipment controller, Jim Palm.
At this point Albert diverted from the script
[at least, from Davids script] to thank David and Moira
"without them we would not have a Society"
and to show our appreciation by presenting them with
the gifts you can read about elsewhere. After sustained applause
and Davids brief word of thanks, we remembered "a
great friend of the Society", Don Furnell, sometime Assistant
Secretary, by listening to a recording of his voice from one
of our meetings, and his beloved Metropole Orchestra playing
Theme from The Flintstones, with
Clark Terry on flugelhorn. Alberts response was "Yaba
Daba Doo!" John McGlynn conducting The London Sinfonietta
in Were in the Money brought us to the Brian
drawn raffle and the second interval. The interval music was
Bobs City Streets.
We returned to our seats clutching our CD
purchases to hear a piece especially composed by RFS member
David Barton in honour of our 50 years: Nostalgic Journey.
The final segment of the afternoons entertainment opened
with Philip Farlow making a moving tribute to the fondly remembered
BBCs Michael Maine, who "from about 1974 for a
good long period was magazine editor and cornerstone of the
first properly formulated Farnon discography
as well
as presenting pieces at the top table." He tragically
died in April 1984 as the result of a road accident, aged
33. Happier times were recalled by hearing recordings of his
voice on air.
A request from Norman Grant and several other
members followed this with extracts from the film Spring
In Park Lane music by you-know-who. Cab Smith
had to be part of our special meeting and appeared briefly
to bring us "The Guvnors" arrangement
of Victor Schertzingers The Fleets In
quality if not quantity. The last item was more video clips,
this time from Captain Horatio Hornblower RN,
preceded by an introduction from Bob talking about his work
on the film "the best score Ive written."
David said how lovely it was to have a member
from America, James Cahall in the audience again; and then
closed the meeting with the usual thanks all round and, as
Melody Fair and Manhattan Playboy came over
the loudspeakers, 68 of us made our way downstairs to the
Jubilee Suite for the evenings celebrations.
There we shared in good food and friendship,
seasoned by the humour never far from the surface at our gatherings,
with music by Ann Adams and her Ladies Palm Court Quartet
and speeches from David Ades, John Wilson, John Fox, Sigmund
Groven, Brian Kay and Tony Clayden. Albert was our admirable
Master of Ceremonies. It was a memorable evening to crown
a memorable afternoon. And as our President had said earlier
in the day and our Secretary had echoed at the end of the
meeting: "Heres to the next 50 years."
Peter Burt
A Coda from our Secretary
For once in my life I was really stumped
for words. When Albert suddenly departed from our rough script,
and asked Moira and myself to join him in front of the Presenters
Table, I was completely unprepared for what was to follow.
And my dear Moira was moved to tears!
After saying some very kind words about our
involvement with the Society for the past 50 years, Albert
presented Moira with a charming brooch which she will wear
with pride at our future meetings.
My own presentation was a copy of Robert
Farnons Decca 78 of Jumping Bean and Portrait
of a Flirt inside a special case bearing the inscription:
"The Robert Farnon Society 50th Anniversary
1956-2006
Presented to David Ades in recognition and
appreciation of his many years of loyal and devoted service
to the Society and of his tireless support and promotion of
Light Music"
This means more to be than any other award
I have ever received, and it occupies a place of honour directly
in front of the desk at which I do all my work. I will see
it every time I look up and I can only express my sincere
thanks to everyone involved in making this wonderful thing
happen. It is something I will never forget.
Occasions such as this require a concerted
effort from so many people, and the success of the Anniversary
Meeting is due to willing contributions from so many. Members
of both the main Committee, and the London Meetings Sub-Committee,
assisted in numerous ways, and there were also other generous
helpers who joined in on the day. I hope I remembered to thank
you all during the meeting or at the Dinner, but if my memory
failed me I hope you will forgive someone who was still so
overwhelmed by the kindness shown to him.
The events were captured on video and even
as this magazine is being prepared a souvenir DVD is being
assembled by Geoffrey Richardson (much to his regret, Geoffrey
was abroad at the time, so he missed the meeting). Ralph Thompson
was in change of the cameras during the day, and he was ably
assisted by Brian Joscelyne and Stephen Wright. To them all
I extend my sincere thanks. There is still a lot of work to
do but we are hoping that the finished DVD will be ready for
members to buy before Christmas watch out for details
in the next magazine.
Once again I must say what a real delight
it was to welcome Mrs. Patricia Farnon and her son David (our
honoured new President) during the afternoon and evening.
Their presence provided the real icing on the cake.
And talking of the cake (yes, I know its
a very corny link!) we are so grateful to Sylvia Rix for providing
such a delicious special treat for all the members.
Not only was it stunning in its clever design, but it also
tasted even better than it looked!
Ann Adams and her Ladies provided us with
some delightful music before, and during, the Dinner, and
it was good to see several non-dining members occupying chairs
near the musicians and enjoying the music.
Finally (for now!) I wish to thank Malcolm
Powell for taking the excellent photographs which appear on
the previous pages in this feature, and on the pages immediately
following this report. If you would like copies you can contact
Malcolm direct details of his address etc. on the inside
front cover. (The photo on page by Simon Mentha was kindly
supplied by Ann Adams).
As Peter Burt said at the top of his report:
it was a truly Memorable Afternoon!
David Ades
Shortly after our Meeting, the following
message was received from one of our honoured guests, BRIAN
KAY
"Congratulations to you all for a splendid
50th Anniversary Celebration. I was so glad to
be there, and to be made so welcome by everyone, and enjoyed
the occasion enormously. It was fascinating to see those old
videos and the excerpts from the two main films were terrific,
as Id never seen either of them!
With you guys around the name and the music
of Robert Farnon will surely last forever quite right,
too!"
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RFS November Meeting Report 2005 |
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In November 2005 the Robert Farnon
Society welcomed one of Britains foremost film and television
composers to its London meeting. As Peter Burt reports, DEBBIE
WISEMAN captivated everyone present!
Debbie delights
For those of us visiting London and using
its public transport for the first time since July 7th,
there may have been some anxiety in travelling to the refurbished
Derby Suite at the Bonnigton Hotel on November 27th.
As we joined in a moments silence to remember the passing
of Robert Farnon and two past stalwarts of the Society, Edna
Foster and Peter Bunfield, I am sure our minds also turned
to those whose lives had been so tragically cut short or been
maimed in the atrocities.
Movingly, the lights were dimmed as we listened
to Bobs recording of Peacehaven. What happened
in July may also have deterred some of us attending Bobs
Memorial Service, so it was good to have Albert introduce
a video of short excerpts from the eulogies, including one
by our indefatigable Secretary. David himself told us there
was a CD of the eulogies available for sale. He then spoke
briefly about the acclaimed BBC Four programme Music
for Everybody and introduced excerpts featuring Robert
Farnon. Albert followed this by introducing extracts from
two exclusive Society DVDs: recordings of recent visits to
our meetings by Trevor Duncan and Ernest Tomlinson, both of
whom we were sorry to hear were currently in poor health.
[We have, of course, subsequently lost Trevor, as reported
elsewhere in this issue]. These events had been expertly recorded
and edited by Ralph Thompson with assistance from Geoffrey
Richardson.
The popular New Releases spot was next with
an interesting Ron Goodwin arrangement of The Stripper
[Vocalion]; Silverheels by the Palm Court Orchestra
conducted by Charles Job [Canada]; Castles in the Air -
Celebrity Symphony Orchestra [Guild]; First Meeting
from John Foxs "The Love of Joy" -
Royal Ballet Sinfonia [Campion], and What Kind of Fool
Am I? sung by Lance Ellington with the John Wilson Orchestra
[Vocalion]. David was hugely enthusiastic about the last disc
but this listener would have preferred Andrew Cottees
arrangement without the vocal! Wearing my CD sellers
hat, I still think that with so many noteworthy new releases
it is pity room can only be found for four tracks. Stanley
Blacks closing theme from The Naked Truth
sent us to the first interval and a welcome cuppa.
We resumed our seats for what was without
any doubt whatsoever the highlight of the meeting. This was
an extended interview conducted by Rodney Greenberg with our
Guest of Honour, Debbie Wiseman MBE. Debbie is one of our
finest composers whose work has been widely praised by critics
and music lovers. She discussed her career with Rodney and
gave us a fascinating insight into writing and recording music
for television and movies. Her words were enhanced by video
clips from Arsène Lupin, Freeze Frame,
Toms Midnight Garden and Wilde.
Albert voiced the appreciation of all present for a "most
delightful hour".
Debbie drew the raffle and we broke again
for another interval and a further opportunity to gladden
Ellen, Paul, and myself [not forgetting the Treasurer] by
buying more CDs.
Bobs Trumpet Talk brought us
back to our seats for Cab Smith, eschewing his usual Swing
Session, to play three more Farnon compositions all connected
with transport: En Route, Main Street, and Rush
Hour. Paul Clatworthy was then welcomed to the platform
and brought us Con Alma played by Dizzy Gillespie accompanied
by Mr Farnon and his Orchestra. Back, then, to Albert who
introduced two selections from Canadian radio programmes marking
Bobs death.
Firstly from Robert Harriss CBC Radio
2 programme I Hear Music, an hour long tribute
to Bob, came I Got Rhythm with Bob and the AEF Band.
Interestingly Roberts father had worked with Bob when
he first came to this country. Secondly from a weekly radio
show presented by RFS member Glenn Woodcock on Jazz FM [Toronto],
which devoted the whole of its 5-hour time slot to Bob, we
heard the closing music from the AEF Canadian Caravan
show that Bob later re-orchestrated for Canadian Impressions.
DVD excerpts had been a feature of the afternoon
and David appropriately brought proceedings to a close by
introducing two more from TV: the thought to have been long
lost The Best of Two Worlds presenting Robert
Farnon and his Orchestra with Douglas Gamley and Petula Clark;
and the more recent BBC4 showing of a Friday Night Is
Music Night with John Wilson conducting the BBC Concert
Orchestra in Portrait of a Flirt, March from A Little
Suite, and A Canadian in Mayfair.
Davids customary closing thanks all
round included the welcoming ladies who take our money for
admission and the raffle, and the tireless Tony Clayden who
not only supplies and operates the technical facilities but
leads the team responsible for devising the meeting. On Advent
Sunday it was a shame there was no seasonal music, but it
had been an afternoon reassuring us that some things are still
right with our world.
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RFS April Meeting Report 2005 |
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RFS LONDON MEETING SUNDAY 3 APRIL 2005
A Report by Paul Clatworthy
RFS Secretary David Ades opened the meeting by welcoming
our Membership Secretary Albert Killman back on board after
a spell in hospital. He had missed our previous meeting, and
it was good to see him back at his familiar place on the top
table.
Before the meeting proper began, the settling down
music featured two titles from that rare Everest LP "Mike
Todds Broadway", which Robert Farnon made anonymously
while still under contract elsewhere. Even more rare is the
stereo version, never released in Britain, from which came
Stay With The Happy People and Violins from Nowhere.
To get the meeting off to a rousing start we heard some of
the themes composed by Robert Farnon for the TV mini-series
"A Man Called Intrepid" starring David Niven. Bob Farnon provided
the music from his own collection as it was never released
commercially. Frenesi was played as a tribute to the
late Artie Shaw, dear to many Farnon members as a string section
was used, at the time quite an innovation.
Tony Bennett singing the late Cy Coleman's composition "The
Riviera" showcased Farnon's skill as a Big Band arranger,
exhilarating music yet to make it on to CD! Next André
Leon did a presentation explaining the problems he had after
being commissioned to resurrect the Boosey and Hawkes mood
music library. One unlikely source - Australia! Luckily they
were not so quick to use a skip as the London HQ! Alan Bunting
has done a wonderful clean-up of the sound when transferring
these vintage 78s to CD. Alan must spend 24 hours a day with
this valuable restoration work, and several "snippets" of
the music (now back in catalogue) were played to illustrate
the scope of "mood" music recovered plus some words from Alan
Bunting thanking those who had helped with rare missing tracks.
David and Albert played some new releases, including film
music by Clifton Parker (from the Walt Disney film "Treasure
Island"); Matthew Curtiss Bon Voyage and
the Percy Faith Orchestra with a spirited version of Leroy
Andersons Pyramid Dance. Albert Killman gave
the good news that Angela Morley is still composing and will
be a guest on the Brian Kay programme in July we heard
her Adrift in a Dream from a new Guild CD. Part of
Eric Rogers score for "Carry on Abroad" complete with
some "earthy" humour followed - "great to listen to on a boring
car journey" said David. Before the first interval David gave
apologies for absence and welcomed some distinguished guests.
Part two opened with Cab Smiths "Swing Session" which
featured Bob Farnon's arrangements of Just in time,
Come fly with me and Black Bottom. The first
title was almost a certain choice if Sinatra had ever got
to work with Bob again, sadly never to be!
Robert Habermann introduced our main Guest of the afternoon
- David Snell, harpist, pianist, composer and conductor, all
in one talented man! David talked of working with Tubby Hayes,
Johnny Scott, Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine. Vocalion have
just issued a CD version of his Decca L.P "The Subtle
Sound of David Snell" (CDLF 8110) from which we heard
his delightful version of The Surrey with the Fringe on
Top and one from the KPM mood library International
Flight. David also worked for the Bruton library and we
heard the evocative Sleigh Ride.
The BBC Radio Orchestra also had the benefit of his talent
until its untimely demise at the hands of the accountants!
David played one of the pastoral pieces he was most pleased
with, Evensong; I am sure everyone present agreed with
his choice. David continued his illuminating spot with the
end credit music for the story "Sun Child" one of his film
soundtracks. Next the last part of his Divertimento for
Strings recorded by the L.S.O. He ended with Walking
Happy especially written for him by Bob Farnon.
Albert ushered all guests back to their seats for the last
part of the proceedings, beginning with Brian Reynolds
trawl through his archive of broadcast recordings, one a forty
year old version of Robert Farnon's whimsical Moomin -
good to hear it again! Next a jaunty tune The Green Cockatoo
by the late Harold Geller and his Orchestra. Brian ended with
Eric Jupp's "Beau Geste" with some sprightly string writing.
All the music a trip down memory lane from the days of "Steam
radio"!
Tony Foster presented The Sid Lawrence orchestra playing
Caribbean Clipper with some neat answer and call brass
work. Another inspired choice was Urbie Green leading a twenty
piece trombone choir with a unique version of Stardust.
Third choice André Previn backed by a rousing big band
led by Johnny Williams steaming through I only have eyes
for you. Tony ended with Robert Farnon's Canadian Caravan
from the CD "Canadian impressions" I still treasure the letter
Bob sent to me when I enquired where I could get a recording.
Bob kindly wrote back saying it was a "Chappell" record not
then available to the general public but that he intended
to include it on a future Decca L.P. Ah these years later
it still thrills!
Next guest was one of the worlds foremost bassoonists,
Daniel Smith who told of his visit to Robert Farnon who had
written a "Concerto for Bassoon" and needed a player who could
improvise jazz on this most unwieldy of instruments! He said
that Bob was having trouble with his legs and was very frustrated
because he dearly wanted to conduct the composition himself.
Daniel said the score was absolutely amazing! Twenty five
minutes long in three parts. Bob considered the composition
to be his best work ever! Something he had worked on for a
long time in his mind.
David Ades played Farnon's version of "Song of Scandia" an
arrangement Farnon had written for Bassoon exploring the instruments
potential. We had a preview of John Wilson's new CD "Dance
Date", the chosen tune being an Alan Roper arrangement of
"The Lady in Red" which Stan Kenton had a minor hit with in
the late fifties. Lastly we heard two from the latest "Guild"
collection one being my favourite Harold Arlen tune What's
Good about Good-bye played by the magnificent David Rose
Orchestra.
The happy gathering dispersed to the sound of Melody Fair,
all looking forward to the next meeting.
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RFS November Meeting Report 2004 |
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ONE OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE Peter Burt reports on the
latest London meeting at the Bonnington Hotel on Sunday 28th
November 2004
As usual some glorious Farnon sounds regaled the ears of
members and friends as they took their seats for our 95th
London meeting. The choice as our overture this time was Robert
Farnon's Hollywood Stars played by the Bratislava Radio Symphony
Orchestra conducted by Peter Breiner, on the Vocalion CD "The
Wide World of Robert Farnon".
Instead of occupying the co-compere's chair, we were sorry
to hear that Albert Killman was languishing in a hospital
bed in deepest, darkest Essex. We wished him well as we welcomed
his replacement at the music players, André Leon, "literally
off the plane from South Africa". The meeting had begun with
a few moments of silence in memory of that lovely lady, Joy
Fox, who had died in August - and the first music we heard
was of her singing Send In The Clowns, accompanied by husband
John at the piano. There was to be more of John later.
The programme proper kicked off with Hey There, the title
track from the new CD featuring Bob's sensitive settings of
familiar compositions and arrangements, especially for Jane
Pickles on flute, with Jack Parnell conducting the Royal Philharmonic
Strings. This was followed by the opening titles from Bob's
music for the film 'Maytime in Mayfair', which David Ades
told us had never actually been put out on record.
And so to John Fox. It was a pleasure to be celebrating
his 80th birthday and he [very bravely, I thought] shared
with us some of his memories and choose some of the music
Joy loved. He was introduced with his familiar theme for the
BBC Radio Orchestra series 'String Sound': String Magic. He
said how his life in music had been a marvellous time playing,
composing and arranging the music he loved.
After more String Magic, John told us that he loved fairy
tales and played Beautiful Princess and Gallant Prince [two
of his 'Characters from The Fairy Tales'], from the CD 'British
Light Music Premieres Vol.1' on Dutton Epoch. We then heard
Love Walked In, his own favourite of all the songs sung by
his beloved wife, who sang professionally as 'Joy Devon'.
This was followed by another of his own compositions, Strings
in 3/4 [also on the above CD], which caused him to say: "It
is a composer's glory to hear his music played just like that.
It makes you feel good".
John then reminded us that he was deeply fond of the English
countryside and played his A Pastoral Reflection from 'British
Light Music Discoveries Vol.5' [ASV White Line]. John's last
choice was a real showstopper that brought a smile to our
faces: his terrific arrangement of London Pride, a medley
of tunes taken from a radio broadcast introduced by Steve
Race. John finished by telling us that he was working on an
orchestral suite to be called 'The Love Of Joy'. Thank you,
John; we hope to see you at our meetings for many more years
to come.
The recent CDs section of the programme was a bit short
considering the number of new titles on sale. We heard Robert
Farnon's Mauve from Vocalion's 'Colours' album featuring Vic
Lewis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Gary Williams
singing You're Sensational from his sensational new album
with the John Wilson Orchestra, 'Alone Together', on full-price
Vocalion; and Dancing In The Dark, a track from Guild's 'Light
Music From The Silver Screen', with the MGM Studio Orchestra
conducted by Adolph Deutsch. This conjured up the memorable
scene from 'The Band Wagon' of Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse
in New York's Central Park - what Denis Norden has described
as "one to steam up your bi-focals".
As we came to the first interval and a welcome "cuppa",
we learnt that we had in our audience Matthew Curtis [with
a new CD out], Eric Parkin, Philip Lane and David Snell. It
was David Snell playing the harp on Robert Farnon's Walkin'
Happy which accompanied us to the refreshments, anticipating
his starring appearance at our next meeting in April 2005.
Our "back to seats" music of segments from Fairy Coach,
Concert Jig, Dick's Maggot and Waltz For A Princess gave us
the clue that the next presentation was to be another celebration
of an octogenarian: the engaging Ernest Tomlinson.
Recalling his appearance at one of our meetings two years
ago, Ernest said that this time he wanted to introduce us
to some of the lesser-known aspects of his output. So we heard
Fantasia On North Country Tunes, commissioned by the Hallé
Orchestra in 1978; I'm Late and a vocal version of Little
Serenade, from broadcasts in 1959 by the Ernest Tomlinson
Music Makers; Cornet Concerto, Concerto For Five [saxophones]
and his own favourite self-penned composition, Pastorella
from 'The King and the Mermaid'.
Each piece was prefaced by stories of how and why they came
to be written. Ernest also talked at some length about Library
or Mood music. He told us how it was unpopular with performers
because they were only paid for it once, how for 25-30 years
the Musicians Union insisted that all recordings of it must
be made abroad, and how even such a luminary as Frederic Curzon
was blacklisted for conducting it abroad.
From Ernest's own extensive catalogue of Library music we
heard Gay And Vivacious and a selection from 'Cartoon Capers':
Trickie Quickie, Flitting Along, Enter Villain, Pride And
Fall, Cccrash, Quick Ending, Fast Asleep, Flickering Flames
and Busy Chatter.
David asked about Ernest's recent broadcast interview with
Brian Kay, which prompted him to tell us about how in 1962
he had won prize money of one million liras for writing Symphonica
1962. Ernest admitted that he did not like listening to other
music very much as he found that what he heard influenced
his own music too much.
One of his many stories was of the lady who, on seeing his
name under "Music Arrangers" in the local Yellow Pages, had
phoned him to ask whether he could arrange to sell her deceased
husband's double bass that she had in the attic. It had been
a wonderful hour or so of entertainment from a man whose many
styles of music we could only marvel at.
After another interval, and opportunities to investigate
the many tempting offers on the RFS Record stall, we were
welcomed back to our seats with Robert Farnon's lush arrangement
of Do I Hear a Waltz - one of the titles he recorded around
40 years ago for Reader's Digest, which have gradually reappeared
piecemeal on various compilations over the years. It would
be nice to have all of them on just one CD, supplemented,
of course, with some similar material to fill the disc.
Brian Reynolds, is invariably good value for money with
his "Radio Recollections" and this time he brought us an Ernest
Tomlinson arrangement of a Leroy Anderson Potpourri played
in 1958 by Joseph Muscant and his Orchestra; James Warr's
Little Lisa played by the BBC Midland Light Orchestra in a
Harold Rich [with us in the audience] arrangement conducted
by Sverre Bruland, taken from an early morning programme 'Bright
and Early' complete with mid-music time check; George Scott
Wood and his Music playing Don Roberto by accordionist Albert
Delroy; and Pretty Trix written by jazz violinist Joe Venuti
and played by the Sidney Sax Strings.
It was good to have the Request Spot again as this used
to be a regular feature of our meetings. Have Yourself A Merry
Little Christmas, a Farnon arrangement sung by Tony Bennett,
was played for Norman Grant. Peter Luck's choice was Oranges
and Lemons, arranged by Spike Hughes for the BBC Light Orchestra
conducted by Vilem Tausky, and used around 50 years ago at
the start of broadcasting on the BBC Light Programme. This
came from Tony Clayden's impressive collection of early radio
and television memorabilia, into which he has promised to
delve deeper for one of our future meetings.
Another highlight of the afternoon - [not!] - was yours
truly playing tracks from three releases possibly in the running
for "CD Of the Year 2004": Love's Dream After The Ball - Mantovani
[Guild], Deep River - Frank Chacksfield [from 'Beyond the
Sea'] [Vocalion] and Serenade To A Lemonade - David Rose [Living
Era].
Once again David had only time to play two of his own choices:
Max Geldray, who had died in October, playing Crazy Rhythm
with the Wally Stott Orchestra; and extracts from the forthcoming
Guild issue '1950s Volume 2' - Midnight Matinee [Len Stephens],
Postman's Knock [Angela Morley], The Magic Touch [Hugo Winterhalter]
and Moonlight Fiesta [Winifred Atwell with the Cyril Ornadel
Orchestra] with its wonderful horn whoop at the end.
The Leslie Jones Orchestra of London's recording of Melody
Fair brought to an end a meeting that, in my opinion, was
one of the most enjoyable of recent times. All credit to David
and especially André for handling the controls so efficiently,
and to Tony Clayden, sound technician extraordinaire, and
the London committee.
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RFS Spring Meeting Report 2004 |
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Editor: every so often our Society hosts a very
special event which is destined to go down as one of the highlights
to be fondly remembered by those of us fortunate enough to
be present. Such an occasion occurred in April 2004, when
Trevor Duncan accepted our invitation to be our Guest of Honour
for our Spring London meeting. In the following report, Peter
Burt recreates the magic of that memorable weekend.
All in an April afternoon
RFS Spring Meeting Report 2004
Sunday 4th April and the usual venue of
the Bonnington Hotel on Londons Southampton Row. But
a rather special meeting as we had as our Guest of Honour
a man described by Paul Clatworthy in an earlier report as
"music composer supreme", Trevor Duncan.
There was a larger than usual gathering of members
to hear about his career spanning over 50 years and to celebrate
his 80th birthday. His interlocutor was André
Leon who, due to his interviewees self-effacement, sometimes
had to almost answer his own questions. Trevor was led through
his life in music as firstly BBC balance engineer then producer
[including the Show Band Show], orchestrator and
composer; and was prompted to comment on the music he wrote
and people he met along the way.
He told us how he first came to orchestration through
the encouragement of Ray Martin, how prior to that Rimsky-Korsakovs
Scheherazade had sent shivers down his spine, and how
he loved the sea. When bracketed with John Williams as "going
down in history" for one aspect of his music he quipped:
"I shall go down in history as not earning as much money
as John Williams".
We had recorded birthday greetings from Ann Dawson,
referring to him as "charming and wonderful company",
George Barker of Media Music and Peter Cox of KPM.
And the music? There was High Heels [in three
different versions], Tomboy, Making Tracks [aka Homeward
Bound, aka 20th Century Express],
Dramatic Pointers, No Place To Hide, Escape Velocity, Quatermass,
Panoramic Splendour ["a masterpiece of vision"],
Passage To Windward, Overland To Oregon, St. Boniface Down,
Girl From Corsica, Mademoiselle Moderne, Waltz For Terri,
A Sequence For Sentimentalists, East Side Story, Climb to
Altitude, Icicle Ride, Plan 9 From Outer Space, The Unwanted
- The Boy, March from A Little Suite, Folk Tune
and Little Debbie. And we had Trevors piano
party piece of asking for four notes at random from the audience
and then turning them into a composition. What riches!
The afternoon had started with a voice a lot of us
would not have heard for years, Donald Peers, singing Bow
Bells with Robert Farnons Orchestra, from the new
A Portrait of Farnon Living Era CD. The
recording included a nice interpolation of the bells as we
used to hear them on the old BBC Home Service.
Our friend Heinz Herschmann is one of several men about
music who were born in 1924 and a birthday tribute in the
form of his Fluerette followed. A Farnon number was
next, Little Miss Molly, featuring the mellifluous
flute of Jane Pickles with the Royal Philharmonic Strings
conducted by Jack Parnell a track from the latest RF
sessions, which at the time of writing are still to be put
out on disc. After that a forthcoming CD of, this time, old
recordings made up Cab Smiths Swing Session. The CD
in question, Showcase for Soloists, and
the tracks were: Travellin Jazz [Dennis Wilson],
Walkin Happy [David Snell] and Trumpet Talk
[Kenny Baker and Stan Roderick].
Another long-time friend and regular attendee at our
meetings is John Fox, also celebrating his 80th
birthday this year. It was good to see him again [accompanied
by his lovely wife, Joy Devon] and to hear his My Village
[from Countryside Suite] played by
the Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by RFS member Gavin Sutherland.
This drew spontaneous applause as David told us it had at
a recent Bournemouth Gramophone Society meeting where he had
been invited to present a programme of light music.
Unlike in November, new releases did not miss out this
afternoon as they were given a good as the first interval
approached. Albert and David brought us Heykens Serenade,
an early Ron Goodwin single on the old Polygon label now restored
by Alan Bunting on one of the new Guild The Golden
Age of Light Music CDs; the very descriptive Busy
Streets from Roger Rogers Whimsical Days
[Vocalion]; and Siboney, another of those tunes
that always seem to get a good recording, this time arranged
by Angela Morley and played by Sidney Torch [Living Era].
We then heard Rose, Rose, I Love You, a
sprightly arrangement [Leon Young?] from Frank Chacksfields
South Sea Island Magic/In the Mystic East
[Vocalion 2 CDs for the price of 1]; Body and Soul from
Delicado, Mr Buntings best-selling
double-CD on Living Era of early Percy Faith tracks; Dennis
Farnons Girl Bird played by The New Concert Orchestra
on Vocalions Boosey & Hawkes Music Library
Volume 1; Monia Liter and his Orchestras Blue
Fandango from the highly acclaimed and not just
by me Lovers in Rome/Lovers in Paris
[Vocalion]; and, finally, in tribute to another of this
years 80th birthday celebrants, Angela Morley,
her Captain Nemo Film Theme from RFS member John Wilson
and his Orchestra [Vocalion].
John was with us in the audience [without his orchestra]
as were composer Matthew Curtis and Ann Dawson of Boosey Media.
In his "parish notices" before we broke for refreshments,
David introduced two overseas visitors: James Cahall, all
the way from Kentucky just for this meeting, and Sigmund Groven
from Oslo.
The final part of the afternoon brought more Radio
Recollections by Brian Reynolds. This time he concentrated
solely on recordings he had taken from Music While You
Work broadcasts: Lavoona [Bernard Monshin and
his Rio Tango Band]; Tango Yvonne [Louis Voss and his
Kursaal Orchestra]; Tonis Tune [Michael Freedman
and his Orchestra] and Bandarilla [Harold C Gee and
his Maritza Players]. Memories for some, possibly almost unknown
to others. There were more recent memories as we celebrated
the life of the sadly departed Bob Monkhouse, a good friend
to light music. We heard an extract from one of his Radio
2 Legends of Light Music shows where he introduced
RFs Yes! We Have No Bananas and a very rare 78
of George Melachrinos Spring Morning [subsequently
re-issued on Guild GLCD 5104].
David got his personal selection in this time as he
brought us "The Lost CDs" Farnon
recordings that have never been released. These were Pia Zadora
singing Little Girl Blue, George Benson with One
Goodbye, Eddie Fishers Love You Didnt Do
Right By Me, and Catana, a track intended for the
Robert Farnon Orchestras At the Movies
album. We also heard another item from Bob with Jane Pickles,
Piccolo Flight. Albert had the final word telling us
that the latest new recruit to the Society was a certain Mr
Neil Hefti.
As David expressed his usual thanks to one and all,
especially Tony Clayden, may I in retrospect on behalf of
all of us present thank David and Albert for their afternoons
exertions as our co-hosts.
Peter Burt
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