Presto Music Classical Podcast,
Episode 41: Standing out from the Crowd - Arthur Bliss with Paul Spicer
Bliss was a private figure who stated that the only way to get to know him was through his music. Author Paul Spicer took this as his starting point for a pioneering biography which underlines the importance of a reappraisal of the composer’s music.
We had the pleasure of hosting Paul at our store in Leamington Spa, where, in conversation with Andrew Burn, chairman of The Bliss Trust, he not only explained the circumstances behind his writing of the book and how it affected his appreciation of Bliss’s music, but also provided many fascinating insights into the composer’s life, illustrated with excerpts from several of his pieces along the way.
We made an audio recording of their engrossing discussion, which with their permission we are delighted to present here.
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Having served with distinction in the Great War, in which he was both injured and gassed, Arthur Bliss set the musical world alight with ultra-modern works, and before long became the most performed British composer abroad. He served as Director of Music at the BBC from 1942–4, and was appointed Master of the Queen’s Music. Bliss stated that the only way to get to know him was through his music. Paul Spicer takes this as his starting point for a pioneering biography which underlines the importance of a reappraisal of the composer’s music.
Available Format: Book
Recordings played during the discussion...
BBC Concert Orchestra, Martin Yates
Available Format: SACD
Nicholas Daniel (oboe/cor anglais), Doric String Quartet
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Samuel West (orator), BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Sinfonia of London, John Wilson
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Sarah Connolly (mezzo-soprano), James Platt (bass), BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Emily Birsan (soprano), Ben Johnson (tenor), BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus, Andrew Davis
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Anna Crookes (soprano), Roderick Williams (baritone), Andrew Lumsden (organ), Finzi Singers, Finzi Wind Ensemble, Paul Spicer
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
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