*
banner

John McCabe book of letters published

A new book of correspondence between composer John McCabe and leading musical figures has just bene published.

mCabe
  McCabe was described as one of Britain's finest composers in the past half century

A new book that comprises an extensive compilation of letters of composer John McCabe CBE has been published.

Entitled, 'So Written to After-Times' — John McCabe — A Life in Letters, it is published by Forsyth, the renowned music store.

Compilation

McCabe who passed away in 2015, and who was described as "one of Britain's finest composers in the past half century" wrote a small but hugely significant output of brass band works — including 'Images' (1978), 'Cloudcatcher Fells' (1982), 'Salamander' (1994) and 'The Maunsell Forts' (2002).

The book comprises letters and extracts between John McCabe and eminent composers and performers and offers a fascinating, intimate disclosure of the thoughts of a hugely respected and influential figure of British music.

Compiled by his widow, Monica, they range from the academic to the frivolous, to and from the likes of Benjamin Britten, Sir John Barbirolli, Ursula Vaughan Williams, Andre Previn, Beryl Bainbridge, David Bintley and Richard Rodney Bennett.

Lives and personalities

Speaking about its publication, Monica McCabe told 4BR: "When John died, within his archive was a great trove of letters and postcards, faxes and emails. I was fascinated by the material, not least because of the side-glimpses it gave on the lives and personalities of so many of his colleagues and friends in the music profession.

These contemporary writings illuminate the private, as opposed to the public and formal personas of creative artists.

The first letter dates from 1948, a kindly one from a leading organist of the time in NW England, replying to a naive letter from the 8-year-old John, with ambitions to be a composer."

Compiled by his widow, Monica, they range from the academic to the frivolous, to and from the likes of Benjamin Britten, Sir John Barbirolli, Ursula Vaughan Williams, Andre Previn, Beryl Bainbridge, David Bintley and Richard Rodney Bennett4BR

Courage and sadness

Monica added: "There are letters of courage and sadness from William Mathias, and from Angela Simpson, wife of Robert Simpson, about the terminal illnesses of the two composers.

There is also much frivolous and entertaining writing, especially from Richard Rodney Bennett — but also the help and encouragement John gave to several women composers, as well as the recognition of their skills, including Grace Williams

John's last letter is a poignant one, addressed to his friends. As he said, I feel so fortunate that I have been able to spend my life doing what I always wanted to do."

To purchase

https://www.forsyths.co.uk/345547-and-so-written-to-after-times-john-mccabe-a-life-in-letters.html

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Perth

Three days of competitive music making for Scottish Festival of Brass

November 13 • Two weekends of music making from novices to Championship level will provide three days of action at Perth Concert Hall this month.


Prof Childs

Senzoku Gakuen return for Childs

November 13 • The Black Dyke Band Director of Music returns to Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Tokyo to round off trip to Japan in memorable fashion.


City of Cradiff

Hamilton lead for City of Cardiff (Melingriffith)

November 13 • The Bandmaster with The Band of the Prince of Wales is the new Musical Director at City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band.


Allan Ramsay

Ramsay in Unison with Kinneil for Scottish Open

November 13 • Allan Ramsay will make a welcome return to his homeland to lead UNISON Kinneil at the Scottish Open in Perth with the band boosted by new signings.


Contest: 47th Brass in Concert

Saturday 16 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment

Friday 22 November • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


York Railway Institute Band - Voices & Brass Christmas Spectacular

Saturday 14 December • Selby Abbey YO8 4PU


Barnsley Brass

November 13 • Barnsley Brass requires an Eb bass player.. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge on the A61 just south of Barnsley.. Rehearsals are Monday and Thursday evenings at 8pm in our purpose built bandroom..


Besses o'th' Barn Band

November 12 • Under the direction of David W Ashworth, we are making every effort to complete the rebuild of this very famous brass band. We require a kit percussionists and one Back Row Cornet to complete our line up for the North West Area Contest.


Besses o'th' Barn Band

November 12 • Besses o'th' Barn Band are looking to recruit an experienced Bass Trombone player to complete their Trombone Section with immediate effect.


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd