Music & Conversation: The Podcast of English Composer Andrew Downes

Paula Downes reads her Grandfather and Andrew Downes' father Frank's book, Around the Horn, which tells the story of the Classical Music Industry from the point of view of a professional Horn player. Born 1921, died 2005, his fascinating orchestral career spanned the demise of the silent cinema, municipal seaside orchestras, the RAF Central band during World War II, orchestral playing in pre and post-war Britain, and the rise towards a Royal title for the Birmingham Conservatoire. Chapter 3 tells of the declaration of World War II, his first gig with the now CBSO, working with Adrian Boult and Malcom Sargent, air raids and fear. This episode ends with Andrew Downes' Symphony No.2, 1st movement since it depicts the fear and melancholy Frank experienced during this terrifying period. There are also sections that sound like air raids and bombs with angular strings, wailing ostinatos and loud percussion; and there is a sense of hope in parts, which depicts the excitement of performing such great music alongside such great musicians.

Paula Downes reads her Grandfather and Andrew Downes' father Frank's book, Around the Horn, which tells the story of the Classical Music Industry from the point of view of a professional Horn player. Born 1921, died 2005, his fascinating orchestral career spanned the demise of the silent cinema, municipal seaside orchestras, the RAF Central band during World War II, orchestral playing in pre and post-war Britain, and the rise towards a Royal title for the Birmingham Conservatoire. Chapter 2 tells of his first piano concerto performance; his first Radio broadcast on the BBC; his brother's kind gift of a French horn; piano and horn lessons; experiences playing the horn in amateur and professional orchestras; and the start of World War II. This episode ends with Andrew Downes' Symphony No.1 2nd movement since it depicts the horrors of Nuclear War.

Paula Downes reads her Grandfather and Andrew Downes' father Frank's book, Around the Horn, which tells the story of the Classical Music Industry from the point of view of a professional Horn player. Born 1921, died 2005, his fascinating orchestral career spanned the demise of the silent cinema, municipal seaside orchestras, the RAF Central band during World War II, orchestral playing in pre and post-war Britain, and the rise towards a Royal title for the Birmingham Conservatoire. Chapter 1 tells of his life in industrial Walsall and his lucky fortune to have parents who encouraged him and his 9 siblings to learn instruments in their tiny house on a noisy street. This episode ends with Andrew Downes' Overture, Towards a New Age to depict the industrial Black Country since it was commissioned for the 150th Birthday of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Paula Downes interviews George Caird, internationally renowned oboist and former Head of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, at the same time as when Andrew Downes was Head of the School of Composition and Creative Studies there. George talks about his time at the Conservatoire, his career as an oboist, and his other Headships and we present his and pianist Malcom Wilson's recording of Andrew Downes' Oboe Sonata of 1995, "Idyll: In the Gardens of Burdwan".

Paula Downes interviews Simon Chalk, internationally renowned conductor and violinist, and former student of Andrew Downes at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Paula Downes narrates The Tantrum That Saved The World, a book about Climate Change for Children by Megan Herbert and Michael E. Mann accompanied by Andrew Downes' Mass for Solo Violin performed by Rupert Marshall-Luck. There is a video with illustrations from the book on youtube. https://www.andrewdownes.com/Instrumental-Solo.html#VIOLIN

Purchase the book here: https://michaelmann.net/content/tantrum-saved-world-carbon-neutral-kids-book

An Evensong to celebrate the Festival of the Patron Saint of Music: St Cecilia.

Paula Downes presents her arrangements of Andrew Downes' Runnymede Millennium Choral Evensong for SSAA (originally SATB).

https://www.andrewdownes.com/Choral.html#RUNNYMEDE2

Paula Downes presents Andrew Downes' wonderful Christmas music which takes us on a journey through time and around the world.

Works covered: 

Christmas Cantata - SATB and Orchestra

Motet and Mass: O Magnum Mysterium - SSSAAA (originally SATTBB)

Ballads for Christmas - high voices and harp

Coventry Carol - arrangement for Treble Solo, SATBB

Veni Emmanuel - arrangement for SATB  Brass Sextet and Organ

andrewdownes.com

Educational resources at musiceducationwhiz.com

Paula Downes interviews violinist and violist Rupert Marshall-Luck about his recent CD release with EM Records: The God Marduk: Works for Violin, Viola and Piano by Andrew Downes, performed by Rupert Marshall-Luck on the Violin and Viola, and Duncan Honeybourne on the Piano. More information on the CD can be found here. 

Paula Downes interviews conductor Anthony Bradbury about their recent recording of Andrew Downes' Celtic Rhapsody for Soprano and Symphony Orchestra with Paula Downes Soprano and Anthony Bradbury conducting the Central England Camerata with Anna Downes leading. They also talk about the last time they performed the work together 16 years ago and the other experiences Anthony has had of performing the works of Andrew Downes.