Joyce Hatto/Bax Variations
Mon, Dec 24 2012, 3:28PM
Just been watching this on TV, I am surprised GM haven't made more of it.
Anyway the mention of the Bax symphonic variations set me searching my LP collection and in fact I have the recording. It is quite good , but there are 2 quibbles. First, the record cover isn't the same as shown on the program, and second , who are the Guildford Philharmonic?
Given the publicity generated , it would make an interesting rerelease on CD with perhaps the profits going to a cancer charity or Musician's Benevolent fund. Furthermore the Bax piece is brilliant and deserves to be heard by a wider audience.
Mon, Dec 24 2012, 4:38PM
#2
RE: Joyce Hatto/Bax Variations
As far as I know, in the '60s and '70s, the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra were at least a good semi-pro orchestra who worked extensively with Vernon Handley, and made a number of recordings for Lyrita and other labels.
P
Mon, Dec 24 2012, 4:41PM
#3
RE: Joyce Hatto/Bax Variations
Further research shows that they are an orchestra made up of free-lancers, but will close in the spring following loss of council funding.
P
Mon, Dec 24 2012, 5:12PM
#4
RE: Joyce Hatto/Bax Variations
Perhaps your LP has now considerably increased in value! I seem to remember the topic came up in another forum some time ago and I quoted Lewis Foreman in his definitive Bax biography describing the Hatto recording as "still very acceptable, excellent playing, well caught". He describes the Guildford Philharmonic as a "mainly student and amateur" orchestra turned into a "fully professional band" by the young Vernon Handley who was of course a great Bax enthusiast. Barrington Coupe made a number of pioneering recordings with them including Bax's 4th symphony. I don't know though whether the orchestra still exists.
According to the discography in the book, Hatto's Symphonic Variations appeared as LP Revolution RCF 001, cassette Concert Artist/Fidelio FED TC 001 & CD Concert Artist CACD 9021-2. I am surprised he doesn't give a Concert Artist or Fidelio LP issue which were also Barry's labels. What label is your LP, DSM?
Hatto must have been quite a pianist, perhaps more comfortable in the studio than in front of the public, as the Symphonic Variations is a titanic virtuoso work. I have the Wass & Fingerhut recordings but have been much intrigued by the Hatto, following "Hattogate" but have never heard it. It appears she also set down some solo Bax including the 4th sonata, Revolution LP RCF 010 plus a tape cassette and according to the discography, "forthcoming CD Concert Artist CACD 9011-2" which was also to include his Water Music. Whether it ever forthcame I don't know.
The Guildford Philharmonic appears on some of the Concert Artist & Fidelio recordings made by pianist Sergio Fiorentino and reissued on APR CDs. APR's Brian Crimp says in the notes he has had to make some of the transfers from LPs as some of Concert Artist's original tapes were lost or damaged. It would be interesting to note if the CD issue of Hatto's Bax is taken from an LP or the original tapes and if the latter, whether or not the original tapes have been interfered with by Barry. Does anyone have the CD?
PS I see P has commented on the orch whilst I was typing the above.
Mon, Dec 24 2012, 6:41PM
#5
RE: Joyce Hatto/Bax Variations
I don't know though whether the orchestra still exists.
It does - but perhaps only for a short while longer as the local council has withdrawn funding. Here is a recent press report:
http://www.guildfordpeople.co.uk/Guildford-Philharmonic-Orchestra-close-...
Was there not anything about this in the magazine?
Wed, Dec 26 2012, 10:48AM
#6
(No subject)
Wed, Dec 26 2012, 11:03AM
#7
RE: Joyce Hatto/Bax Variations
"Not a Surrey boy"
A case of mistaken identity?
Wed, Dec 26 2012, 3:24PM
#8
RE: Joyce Hatto/Bax Variations
If the original Bax LPs are out of copyright something would be an ideal candidate for the G Player. If not G could seek B-C's permission as it would help her reputation to hear how she really did play (but make a sraight UN-CEDARED transfer from an LP in case he has "adjusted" the CD issues!).
Fri, Dec 28 2012, 6:53AM
#9
RE: Joyce Hatto/Bax Variations
Perhaps your LP has now considerably increased in value!
I have the CD release with the booklet autographed by the pianist. Does this also increase its value?
Fri, Dec 28 2012, 6:03PM
#10
RE: Joyce Hatto/Bax Variations
One of the advantages of having switched to a digital subscription is that, having watched the BBC programme with pleasure, I can now easily turn to the Gramophone reviews where the magazine's two leading piano reviewers repeatedly made complete fools of themselves! It's a little surprising that this had absolutely no impact on their positions, as they continue to be the two leading reviewers...
Fri, Dec 28 2012, 7:40PM
#11
RE: Joyce Hatto/Bax Variations
I have the CD release with the booklet autographed by the pianist. Does this also increase its value?
[/quote]
There could well be someone out there who would want it as a collector's item but is it a genuine autograph or one forged by Barrington-Coupe?
Thu, Jan 3 2013, 1:32PM
#12
RE: Joyce Hatto/Bax Variations
BRiley/33lp/HistoryMan/nzguy
The RCA LP is numbered RCF.001 and has a Forest picture image on the front. It was bought from a second hand record shop in Howarth a few years ago when I had a particular interest in Arnold Bax and recordings of his music in any format (Chandos excepted) were a rarity. The (thick) record is in good condition with only a few minor scratches.
I don't think I would upgrade to CD , however, I wouldn't mind hearing Joyce Hatto's rendition of film music concertos, if this could be re-released as this is another of my special interests.
And no I am not a Surrey-Man, just a Cumbrian living in Yorkshire. Though under these circumstances, I am saddened by the demise of the Guildford Philharmonic now that we have established its credentials.
DSM
Not a Surrey boy, DarkSkyMan?
http://haydnesque.createforum.net/