(From Birmingham)
THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM POLICE BAND
Conducted by RICHARD WASSELL
Overture, 'Tam O'Shanter '
Learmont Drysdale , arr. Godfrey
Folk Song Suite
Vaughan Williams
MOST of Learmont Drysdale 's music, for orchestra, for chorus, and for the stage, was based on Scottish subjects, and this stirring and vivid Overture is, of course, founded on the Burns poem. It gained a Carnegie Award, and was published by the Trustees under their scheme. It was first performed in 1891, in Glasgow.
It begins in mysterious mood, with a few bars of soft prelude, and then a furious theme breaks in, eloquent of Tarn's terrified ride. The whole of the first part is built up on this galloping rhythm, growing in strength and vigour, and increasing in speed more than once. It gives way anon to a slower and more gracious movement, with a theme which the oboe begins and the first violin carries on. But once more the time hastens, and now it is the storm of the night which gathers about the rider, with the shrieking witches on his trail. The storm rises to a pitch of boisterous fury, and again calm succeeds with a reminder of the slower tune. But it is the haste of the galloping theme from the opening which brings the Overture to an end. BEN LAWES will Entertain BENLAWES will again Entertain