Eleanor Alberga (b. 1949): 6 - 10 October

[Serial_Apologist]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002k3rg

[smittims]

Ian Thumwood and I commented on What classical music are you listening to? above. If there's to be a discussion perhaps we should migrate to this thread.

[Serial_Apologist]

Goodness me, I can hardly express how much am enjoying this wonderful composer's music, and at the same time liking her as a person. Not always an inevitable combo! I find these days that what I am searching for in new art music, but rarely finding, is a sense of continuity with the tradition as broadly represented in 20th century music. Composers who "arrived", sometimes after going through phases of experimentation, to discover their own links. Rooted but at the same time permeable figures who from the outset sensed and engaged with the spirit of their time. Eleanor Alberga I feel is one such. An inadequate recommendation, I know. Maybe I will find a better way to articulate more precisely what I mean.

[Ian Thumwood]

I have caught the end of the piano pieces yesterday which impressed me but I have to say the orchestral suite Snow White and the Seven Dwarves was exceptional. In my opinion , this is akin to Darius Milhaud's writing of the Beouf Sur Le Toit in the way that modern composition is written fie broader appeal. This music was incredible.

I have really enjoyed what I have heard and will listen again. In my opinion this music is a breath of fresh air. I think Eleanor Alberga is a fantastic composer. CofW has really excelled itself with this series. Love the music and have really warmed to Eleanor Alberga as a person. Fantastic radio and fantastic music.

[Ian Thumwood]

SA

I have been checking out her piano music on her website. There is a piece for 2 pianos which sounds like Chick Corea. The music is terrific.

[Serial_Apologist]

I am delighted that you are enjoying her music as much as me - and surprised too, given her usage of 12-tone methods, which you have pilloried in the past!

[Ian Thumwood]

If you go on her website you will see her biggest influence I'd Messaien.

[BLUESNIK'S REVOX]

Promoted by both your enthusiasms, for which much thanks, I've just listened to her Second String Quartet on YouTube, which to me sounds not unlike a Shostakovich qrt .I 'm not suggesting any influence but that "area", rhythmic, commited and stark. Someone says "angry". Very impressive, will now catch up with the series.

[mopsus]

I sang in the premiere of a work by her Rise up, O Sun!, a 10-minute piece for choir and orchestra, at the 3 Choirs festival a couple of years ago. I hope it gets more performances, although it requires a large orchestra.