Animus have now published the 'Launch for Life' piece that I mentioned in June, together with Toccata Capricorn, a virtually new composition that grew out of a recording made in 1972.
I worked a lot on Toccata Capricorn, and I am delighted with its final form. When it was recorded all those years ago it was a relatively simple piece that grew out of an extemporisation. Now, without becoming too difficult to play, it is more varied and interesting - one might say sophistcated.
If a wedding couple heard a few bars of these pieces when they came to arrange their music, they might well go for one of them, and the organist would have a change from 'The Wagner and Mendelssohn, please'!
5 June 2008
Away Lifeboat becomes Launch for Life
In 1974, I composed a piece "Away Lifeboat" to commemorate the 150th
anniversary of the formation of the RNLI.and assigned the copyright to Boosey &Hawkes. They have now returned the copyright to me.
An arrangement by William Davies was played at the celebration of the
anniversary in St Paul's Cathedral which was attended by the Queen Mother
and the Duchess of Kent representing the Duke of Kent - the President of the
RNLI. The organist was Dr.Harry Gabb,Master of the chapels Royal.
At the end of the service the Queen Mother asked for details of the
composer and I sent her a copy of the score.
Away Lifeboat has been arranged for Brass and Military Band and
performed by:-
The Central Band of the RAF,
The Band of the Royal Marines,
The Morris Concert Band (who recorded it on the LP "Brass Tracks"
conducted by Harry Mortimer.Meridian records A22001)
and many others.
Border Television made a film about the RNLI using the music as
background.
I have now made an improved version for organ, slightly easier to play, and have given it the alternative title 'Launch for Life.' I thought that since the piece is very suitable for weddings (It was played at my own son's wedding) the 'Launch for Life' title might look better on the order of service!
27 April 2008
Portrait 3 published
I have received copies of the third volume in the series from Adrian Self, and it is another handsome publication - with a buff cover this time.
The pieces are:
Chaffinch
Manx Mist
Somerset Scherzo
Hazy Days
Patriarch
Desert Shield
Other news
A second CD, A scrapbook of broadcast memories on my Hammond, vintage recordings made between 1972 and 1980, is now available from animus, price £10.
There are performances of Chaffinch and Somerset Scherzo on this CD, as well as unpublished music.
I had the tapes transferred to CD last year, and only just in time. After they had been used they became unplayable; the plastic stretched and so the pitch of the music went. Let's hope that CDs don't have the same limited life!
There are other pieces in the pipeline, that I think you'll enjoy. Among them is a Toccata that I call Toccata Capricorn. It sounds difficult and brilliant, while it's really a lot easier than it sounds. If brides ask for something like the Widor toccata, organists could well offer Toccata Capricorn instead...
24 October 2007
"Portrait" update
Adrian Self of animus has been working hard since the last news brief, as have David and I. I have seen the two volumes of 'Portrait of Michael Kidd' in their published form, including photos and notes on each of the pieces, and they look axcellent.
David and I have been working on a CD of all the pieces in the two books, and this is now ready (£9). We think it has come out very well, and hope you will like it.
These details and information about ordering books and/or CD are on the animus site here.
7 June 2007
"Portrait of Michael Kidd"
Animus Music Publications have told me that they will be starting work on a collection of my music this autumn or earlier. The title will be "Portrait of Michael Kidd".
This book will contain approximately a dozen pieces, and will be available by January 2008 at the latest.
I had a close personal interest in the Falklands Conflict, because my son ...
Read on.
28th January 2007
South Americans hear my music
I was pleased and surprised this month to receive royalties for the first time from a South American country. It seems that one of the films I scored had a television airing.
