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Royal Philharmonic Society (1953)

Collection Description

Collection Title

Royal Philharmonic Society (1953)

Unique Identifier

e.1401.a

Description

A complete set of programmes for the Eight Concerts of Choral and Orchestral Music presented by the Royal Philharmonic Society in association with the Arts Council of Britain, the British Broadcasting Corporation and the London County Council and given at the Royal Festival Hall, London, between 24 May and 7 June 1953 to celebrate the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Each concert typically included at least one orchestral, one choral and one concertante work and there was a strong emphasis on music by native composers.

Each programme contains a complete list of all performances in the series, at least one photograph of Elizabeth II, a Foreword by Sir Arnold Bax (Master of the Queen’s Music) and an article by Frank Howes entitled ‘Royal Music’. Also, an essay entitled ‘The Coronation of James II on St George’s Day, 23 April 1685: A Description with special reference to the music’, written by William McKie.

Each document carries a ‘Note on the Programme’, providing historical and analytical observations, the words for the choral pieces, and a list of the orchestral ensemble (not 29 May). The author of these notes is given in parenthesis below.

24 May 1953: Luton Choral Society and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham (Neville Cardus).
25 May 1953: Denis Matthews (piano) with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult (Scott Goddard).
27 May 1953: Joan Hammond (soprano), John Cameron (baritone) and William Primrose (viola), with the BBC Choral Society and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent (Hubert Foss). An insert to this programme indicates that Joan Hammond was replaced by Elsie Morrison.
29 May 1953: Dorothy Langmaid (soprano), Dennis Noble (baritone) and Myra Hess (piano), with the London Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult and Sir William Walton (Eric Blom).
31 May 1953: Beethoven, Symphony No.9, with Rosina Raisbeck, Monica Sinclair, Charles Craig and George Hancock (vocal) and the London Philharmonic Choir and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham (Alec Robertson).
3 June 1953: Britten, Spring Symphony/Elgar, Symphony in A flat, with Elsie Morison (soprano), Anne Wood (alto) and Peter Pears (tenor), the BBC Choral Society, a section of Watford Grammar School Boys’ Choir and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent (Desmond Shawe-Taylor).
5 June 1953: Clifford Curzon (piano), with the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir John Barbirolli (Mosco Carner).
7 June 1953: Harriet Cohen (piano), with the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir John Barbirolli (Martin Cooper).

Format

Date range of collection

1953 - 1953

Accumulation Dates

Suggested Audience

Not Specific

Associated People or Organisations