Current news from Hagley String Orchestra
This Spring Term we’ve been thoroughly enjoying playing a work by the Danish composer Carl Nielsen (1865-1931).
As a youngster, Nielsen learnt the trumpet and played in an army band when only 14. He studied violin at the Royal Conservatoire in Copenhagen and played professionally in the Royal Opera orchestra whilst increasingly conducting. This took him on tours to perform in Berlin, London and Paris his repertoire including his own compositions. His international fame grew after WW1, one of his novelties being in his 5th Symphony when he instructs the side-drummer to improvise loudly to drown out the entire orchestra!
He composed his earliest published work, Suite for String Orchestra, in 1888 when he was about 23 and still a student. Its premiere was in the Tivoli Concert Hall whose conductor was famed for helping up-and-coming composers. This delightful work is in three movements – a slow Prelude leading to a quick Intermezzo and a Finale which starts slowly before erupting into a joyous Allegro – great fun!
We’d love to expand with more players. Our rehearsals are held in the hall behind Hagley Free Church – it has a large carpark – on Tuesday mornings from 10.00 – 12.00 Noon. You’ll get a great welcome.
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