For the greater part of the twentieth century, Ibbs and Tillett's concert agency was to the British music industry what Marks and Spencer is to the world of the department store. The roll-call of famous musicians on its books was unmatched, and included such international stars as Clara Butt, Fritz Kreisler, Pablo Casals, Sergei Rachmaninov, Andr Segovia, Kathleen Ferrier, Myra Hess, Jacqueline du Pr Clifford Curzon and Vladimir Ashkenazy, to name but a handful. From 1906, the success of the company was due to the dedication of its founders, Robert Leigh Ibbs and John Tillett. After their deaths, the agency was run by the latter's wife, Emmie, who, dubbed the 'Duchess of Wigmore Street', became one of the most formidable yet respected women in British music. The history of this unique institution and its owners is told here for the first time, often through the fascinating letters that were exchanged between the artists themselves and the agency. It begins in the latter years of the 19th century with the concert and theatrical manager Narciso Vert, for whom both Ibbs and Tillett worked until his death in 1905. The story then becomes a history of musical life in twentieth-century Britain, illuminating aspects of the day-to-day management of concerts and festivals, the lives and livelihoods of professional musicians, as well as those who strove to join their ranks through audition or recommendation. The changing profile, and particularly the onset and development of personal management of artists represented by Ibbs and Tillett and their reception in the press, can be viewed as a barometer of musical taste. The demise of the agency in 1990 was indicative of just how much the world of British music had changed by the end of the century, but despite its loss to the profession, the legacy and influence of Ibbs and Tillett has remained a benchmark in today's highly competitive world of artist management and concert promotion, many of whose principal operators began
The Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was a monumental figure of the Romantic period, whose works are among the most popular music in the classical repertoire. Celebrated for his melodic ingenuity, impressive harmonies and colourful, picturesque orchestration, Tchaikovsky’s works evoke a profound emotional response. He was the first Russian composer to produce music that made a lasting impression internationally, leading the way for future generations of aspiring composers. Delphi’s Great Composers Series offers concise illustrated guides to the life and works of our greatest composers. Analysing the masterworks of each composer, these interactive eBooks include links to popular streaming services, allowing you to listen to the pieces of music you are reading about. Evaluating the masterworks of each composer, you will explore the development of their works, tracing how they changed the course of music history. Whether a classical novice or a cultivated connoisseur, this series offers an intriguing overview of the world’s most famous and iconic compositions. This volume presents Tchaikovsky’s masterworks in succinct detail, with informative introductions, accompanying illustrations and the usual Delphi bonus features. (Version 1) * Concise and informative overview of Tchaikovsky’s masterworks * Learn about the classical pieces that made Tchaikovsky a celebrated composer * Links to popular streaming services (free and paid), allowing you to listen to the masterpieces you are reading about * Features a special ‘Complete Compositions’ section, with an index of Tchaikovsky’s complete works and links to popular streaming services * Also features two biographies - explore Tchaikovsky's intriguing musical and personal life * Includes Tchaikovsky’s brother seminal biography, including the composer’s letters - spend hours exploring Tchaikovsky’s personal correspondence Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to browse through our range of exciting eBooks CONTENTS: The Masterworks Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Op. 13 Six Romances, Op. 6 Romeo and Juliet, TH 42 String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 11 Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 23 Swan Lake, Op. 20 The Seasons, Op. 37a Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36 12 Morceaux, Op. 40 Eugene Onegin, Op. 24 Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41 Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 1812 Overture, Op. 49 Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48 Manfred Symphony in B minor, Op. 58 Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64 The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 The Nutcracker, Op. 71 Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74 Complete Compositions Index of Tchaikovsky’s Compositions The Biographies and Letters The Life and Letters of Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky by Modeste Tchaikovsky Brief Biography: Peter Ilich Tschaikovsky Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to learn more about our wide range of exciting titles
A comprehensive guide to the techniques of orchestral playing and the development of non-professional orchestras, Orchestral Performance covers all areas of orchestral music-making - instrumental technique and combination, ensemble, layout, repertoire and presentation. Christopher Adey - renowned specialist in the training of student orchestras - explores the responsibilities of both players and conductor, exposing many of the inadvertent results of interpretation with regard to sound and projection, and broadening the musical communication to which the less experienced orchestra can aspire. Written in a lively and authoritative style, this unique book is essential reading for performing musicians of all standards, instrumental teachers and aspiring conductors, and all who have any dealings with the performance of youth or student orchestras throughout the world, as well as anyone interested in what orchestral performance entails. 'A labour of love and wisdom.' Times Educational Supplement 'A treasure house of facts, advice, and hints. I could not put it down ... clearly written from the heart and from an obvious enthusiasm for the non-professional orchestra and orchestral musician.' Classical Music 'This is a thoroughly readable book, full of illustrations and containing the thoughts of someone with a wealth of experience.' Music Teacher
Live theatre is an exciting, challenging profession - but how is professional theatre actually made? What are the roles and what does each person do? Which pathways lead into the profession? What skills are necessary to each role and how does the job differ according to the size of theatre or company? Written by the Acting Head of the Young People's Programme at the Royal Shakespeare Co. and former Director of Education at the Bristol Old Vic, this is a book for new entrants in the theatre industry needing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how theatre is made. It covers each role including director, designer, sound and lighting, front of house, playwright and many more. Each chapter looks in detail at what each role entails, the main people who it involves working alongside and the skills required. Interviews with a number of key practitioners for each role provide authoritative and clear advice and insight for the reader. The book features interviews with all of the following and many more besides: Nick Hytner (National Theatre), Simon Reade (Bristol Old Vic), Mike Shepperd (founder and performer, Kneehigh), Emma Rice (Artistic Director, Kneehigh), Rachel Kavanaugh (Birmingham Rep), Tim Crouch (Writer/Director/Performer), Anne Tipton (Director), Stephen Jeffries (Playwright), David Edgar (Playwright) and Jack Bradley (Literary Manager).