Frank Phillips (Baritone)
The Wireless Orchestra
Conducted by John Ansell
SAINT-SAENS composed this March in honour of his friend the painter, Henri Regnault, who was killed during the Siege of Paris in 1871. It is not, however, a Funeral March; its name indicates quite clearly the composer's intention, and it does indeed embody something of triumph and exultation. Scholarly composer though he was, Saint-Saens could write thoroughly popular tunes when he chose, and this March is rich in good-going melodies.
There is a very short introduction and then woodwinds play the first main tune in which the whole orchestra soon joins. A slower section follows with a now tune; the tenor trombone plays it first. There is a return of the opening music and then a quicker section brings the March to an end.
THE German Universities have a way of conferring honorary degrees which have often no very obvious connection with the achievements they sock to honour. The degree 'Doctor of Philosophy,' in particular, covers a multitude of sciences as well as arts. In 1879 the University of Breslau conferred that degree on Brahms, and for the occasion on which he received it he composed this Overture. Its name, in English, is apt to sound a little severe; it means really an Overture for a University Festival, or even merrymaking, and there is nothing 'academic' about it in the way in which that word is often used to mean dry and uninspired. It embodies much that is best in the tradition of the German Universities, as well as something of the irresponsible buoyancy of youth, and Brahms combines these to set them before us in the happiest way.
The Overture begins with a busy, hurrying theme on the violins, and two other themes of his own follow in turn, one a broad, hymn-like melody, and the other an emphatic, decisive tune. When these have been elaborated, the first of four real students' songs used in the Overture makes its stately appearance on trumpets and woodwinds. For more than a century the words sung to it belonged to an early students' organization which had to bo dissolved because of its political activities. It is a fine dignified tune, like an old German chorale. Brahms works it out in conjunction with his own first theme, and then we hear the second students' song. It is a happy, lyrical melody known as 'Der Landesvater' ('The Country's Father'). The third students' tune is an even older one; as long ago as the beginning of the eighteenth century it was a traditional German students' song, associated particularly with the Freshmen. In a merry dance rhythm, it is played first by the bassoons. On these materials a fine and solid Overture is built up, never losing sight of the happy occasion for which it was intended; it comes to a noble end with the whole orchestra shouting the joyous song which belongs to the youth of all climes and ages - 'Gaudeamus igitur.'
IT is a truly shocking story which Leporello here unfolds, but it embodies so much of Mozart's grace and charm that no one could take it other than light-heartedly. Don Giovanni has left his servant to console Donna Elvira, and he chooses the odd means of recounting his master's many conquests of the fair sex. He has made a catalogue of them, from which he reads with genuine gusto. The air begins with a section like Recitative, which passes into a real song.
by ELISABETH SCHUMANN (Soprano)
(For 5.15 to 7.30 also 8.0 to 8.45 Programmes see opposite page.)
Plenty in Samaria
'SlE WERDEN AUS SABA ALLE KOMMEN '
('The Sages of Sheba')
Relayed from the Guildhall School of Music
TOM PICKERING (Tenor) WILLIAM BARRAND (Bass) LESLIE WOODGATE (Organ) THE WIRELESS CHORUS and THE WIRELESS ORCHESTRA
(Horns, Flutes, English Horns and Strings)
Conducted by STANFORD ROBINSON
Relayed from St. Cuthbert's Parish Church
(S.B. from Edinburgh)
Introductory Prayers; Metrical Psalm
No. 102 (2nd Version) Vv. 13-18. Tune ' Duke Street'; Prayer; Prose Psalm No. 84; Old Testament Lesson : 1 Samuel, Chap. iii. Vv. 1-10;
Hymn: Jcsu lover of my Soul' (R.C.H., No. 414. E.H., No. 414); New Testament Lesson : St. Luke, Chap. vii. Vv. 31-50; Hymn; 'Sometimes a Light surprises - (R.C.H., No. 439); The Apostles' Creed; Prayer of Intercession; Anthem; Address by the Rev. J. A. C. MURRAY , B.D.; Anthem Hymn : ' Glorious things of Thee are spoken (R.C.H.. No. 206. E.H., No. 303); Benediction.
From the Studio.
Hymn, ' Soldiers of Christ, Arise'
(English Hymnal, 479)
Prayers. Psalm 46. Lesson
Hymn,' 0 for a closer walk with God
(English Hymnal, 445)
Address by The
Rev. THOMAS NIGHTINGALE , General Secretary of the National Council of Evangelical Free Churches, and Member of the Corporation's Central Religious Advisory Committee.
Hymn, ' The Radiant Mom hath passed away' (English Hymnal, 279)
Blessing
(For 8.45 to 10.30 Programme see opposite page.)
An appeal on behalf of the Salvation Army Self-Denial Fund by Colonel James Bedford, Subscribers' Secretary
Thanks to the vigorous propaganda carried on yearly by the Salvation Army, 'Self-Denial Week' has become well known, and the many good works, such as hostels, shelters and homes, for which the money subscribed is used, deserve to be known no less well.
Contributions whould bo sent to [address removed]
From the Grand Hotel, Eastbourne
'HIS MYSTERIOUS WAY'
