And so, yet another academic year has flown by….
I had never played a Fortepiano before but in April I was afforded the opportunity to play such an instrument at Forde Abbey, near Chard in Somerset, a former monastery dating from the 12th century. This particular instrument, a restored six-octave grand was built by the English firm, Broadwood, in 1817 – I was amazed to learn that it had once been owned by Beethoven! The composer favoured Broadwood so this piano was shipped out to him in Vienna. After he died, it apparently fell into the hands of Liszt and then the Hungarian National Museum before finding its way to Somerset. I was surprised at how different it felt and sounded to a modern piano: a very light touch and a tinkly sound, half-way between a harpsichord and a modern instrument. The Mozart minuet I played on it seemed the right piece for the occasion. By coincidence, I discovered that Melvyn Tan, whose recital I had reviewed at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil in 2022, had recorded on the very same instrument at Forde Abbey some years ago!
There were some rewarding higher level exam results this term. One of my pupils was awarded a Distinction with a whopping 143 marks for his Grade 8 whilst another gained a Merit in the same exam. Another young lady was awarded a Distinction for her Grade 7 exam.
I performed at two weddings during the summer. The first, in June, was at North Cadbury Court in Somerset on a lovely old Bechstein grand with a cracking bass. The second wedding took place in July at Old Oak Farm, Curry Rivel. This was an outdoor wedding – only the second time I have performed at such an event – so I took my digital piano and amplifier and played a mixed selection of pop and jazz music. The bride had requested Elton John, Stevie Wonder and the Beatles so classic pop was the order of the day. Unfortunately, there was an unseasonably strong wind which caused my music to flap around! This sort of thing can be unnerving for musicians playing live but luckily someone was on hand to turn my pages when needed.
In August I attended a Prom concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London. I usually go to concerts featuring classical music but this one was a tribute to Stevie Wonder, my favourite pop artist. Jules Buckley, his orchestra and soloists were excellent. It reminded me of why musicians need to perform live, it was such a joyous occasion bringing the whole audience together.
I am looking forward to meeting new students in September and continuing the work of preparing my students for exams and competitions.
With five weddings to prepare for in the Autumn and Winter, playing at some wonderful historic venues in Somerset, I will be kept busy!