Peter Medhurst

Lecture-recital

Venice in 18^th century London

As the powers of Venice declined in the 18th century, many of its artists and musicians looked for work elsewhere and, perhaps inspired by the many young Englishmen on the Grand Tour, they set their sights on London. Musicians such as Galuppi and Alberti were joined by eminent painters such as Canaletto and Pelligrini, as this Venetian influence infiltrated London.

11.30 am – 1.30 pm

Botanical Gardens, Durban

Lecture-recital

Music in the Great Art Collections of Europe

Many of the great – but smaller – European art collections are tucked away in side streets, country houses and provincial towns, known often only to connoisseurs and local communities.  With an eye to important paintings, musical instruments and pictures with musical content, Peter Medhurst explores some of these quality galleries, and examines the contents of the Mauritshuis in The Hague, The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, Burghley House in Lincolnshire, The Dulwich Picture Gallery in London, the Vleeshuis in Antwerp, and the Ca’ Rezzonico in Venice.

11.30 am – 1.30 pm

Lecture-recital

Venice in 18^th century London

As the powers of Venice declined in the 18th century, many of its artists and musicians looked for work elsewhere and, perhaps inspired by the many young Englishmen on the Grand Tour, they set their sights on London. Musicians such as Galuppi and Alberti were joined by eminent painters such as Canaletto and Pelligrini, as this Venetian influence infiltrated London.

11.30 am – 2.00 pm

Lecture

Venice in 18^th century London

As the powers of Venice declined in the 18th century, many of its artists and musicians looked for work elsewhere and, perhaps inspired by the many young Englishmen on the Grand Tour, they set their sights on London. Musicians such as Galuppi and Alberti were joined by eminent painters such as Canaletto and Pelligrini, as this Venetian influence infiltrated London.

7.30 pm

Lecture

Berlin and its music

Although Berlin is tucked away on the Eastern side of Germany and seemingly removed from the main flow of European music, it has over the centuries developed a fascinating and involved musical history.  This lecture (or study day) explores:

•          the music and musicians at the court of Frederick the Great

•          the Singakademie where Bach’s St Matthew Passion was revived in 1829

•          the Mendelssohn family

•          Weber’s opera Der Freischütz

•          the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

•          Kurt Weil and The Threepenny Opera

5.30 pm

Study morning

Berlin and its music

Although Berlin is tucked away on the Eastern side of Germany and seemingly removed from the main flow of European music, it has over the centuries developed a fascinating and involved musical history.  This lecture (or study day) explores:

•          the music and musicians at the court of Frederick the Great

•          the Singakademie where Bach’s St Matthew Passion was revived in 1829

•          the Mendelssohn family

•          Weber’s opera Der Freischütz

•          the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

•          Kurt Weil and The Threepenny Opera

9.30 – 12.00

Museum of Military History, Johannesburg

Lecture-recitals

Berlin and its music

Although Berlin is tucked away on the Eastern side of Germany and seemingly removed from the main flow of European music, it has over the centuries developed a fascinating and involved musical history.  This lecture (or study day) explores:

•          the music and musicians at the court of Frederick the Great

•          the Singakademie where Bach’s St Matthew Passion was revived in 1829

•          the Mendelssohn family

•          Weber’s opera Der Freischütz

•          the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

•          Kurt Weil and The Threepenny Opera

pm & eve

Museum of Military History, Johannesburg

Study morning

Music in the Great Art Collections of Europe

Many of the great – but smaller – European art collections are tucked away in side streets, country houses and provincial towns, known often only to connoisseurs and local communities.  With an eye to important paintings, musical instruments and pictures with musical content, Peter Medhurst explores some of these quality galleries, and examines the contents of the Mauritshuis in The Hague, The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, Burghley House in Lincolnshire, The Dulwich Picture Gallery in London, the Vleeshuis in Antwerp, and the Ca’ Rezzonico in Venice.

9.30 – 13.00

Shenfield-on-Lodden, Hook, Hampshire

RG27 0EN

Special event

Concert

“The course of true love . . . . ”

Peter Medhurst – bass-baritone & piano

Philip Salmon – tenor

Although Shakespeare once remarked of love that ‘it is an ever-fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken’ he also suggested that ‘the course of true love never did run smooth’.  Inspired by these notions, Peter Medhurst and Philip Salmon present an evening of songs and duets that dwells on the chimerical, but also the mercurial, qualities of true love.

Music includes: I saw My Lady Weep – J Dowland, A Dialogue upon a Kiss – H Lawes, Pious Celinda – H Purcell, Sweeter than Roses – H Purcell, She Never Told Her Love – J Haydn, O Mistress Mine – E Humperdinck, The Sally Gardens – I Gurney, Tell Me the Truth about Love – B Britten, The Bindweed and the Honeysuckle – Flanders & Swann

11.15 am

Contact 01256 322664

Gravel Hill, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 9QY

Mozart: Life, Images and Music

Mozart viewed through the eyes of his contemporaries, including Haydn, Dittersdorf, George III, Leopald Mozart and Constanza Mozart.

Session 1: ‘I follow my feelings’ – Mozart viewed through the eyes of his contemporaries, including Haydn, Dittersdorf, George III, Mrs Thrale, Michael Kelly, Leopold Mozart and Constanza Mozart

Session 2: Mozart’s portraits – a survey of the 14, or so, authentic paintings, drawings and cameos of Mozart, and an appraisal of Mozart portraits executed from 1800 to the present day.

Session 3: A selection of recorded and live music designed to accompany a series of images directly connected with Mozart’s music.

Information & tickets: http://www.chilterndfas.org.uk/programme_detail.asp?id=91

Newton Abbot TQ12 2QA

Morning & afternoon lectures

Subjects TBA

Information: http://teignbridgedfas.co.uk/

Newton Abbot TQ12 2QA

Details TBA

Information: http://teignbridgedfas.co.uk/

St Albans AL1 2DL

Paintings inspired by Music and Music Inspired by paintings

It has long been recognised that the worlds of the visual and aural arts link with extraordinary power when one medium inspires the other.  This lecture-recital, which spans over 600 years of the arts, analyses and discusses a range of related works, bringing together the music of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus with Respighi’s Trittico botticelliano, Böcklin’s Isle of the Dead with Rachmaninoff’s symphonic poem, and Piet Mondrian’s Broadway Boogie Woogie with the piano playing of Albert Ammons.

10.30 am

Information: 01727 857861

Belwell lane, Four Oaks

B74 4TR

Lecture-recital

Venice in London: Venetian Influences on English Music and Culture

As the powers of Venice declined in the 18th century, many of its artists and musicians looked for work elsewhere and, perhaps inspired by the many young Englishmen on the Grand Tour, they set their sights on London. Musicians such as Galuppi and Alberti were joined by eminent painters such as Canaletto and Pelligrini, as this Venetian influence infiltrated London.

Information: http://www.suttoncoldfielddfas.org.uk/Lectures/FutureCalendar.aspx

Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs

Lecture-recital

Peter Medhurst explores the works of the French sculptor Roubiliac, the paintings of Hudson and Denner, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, the novels of Samuel Butler, the Crystal Palace, the chimes of Westminster, as well as compositions by Sullivan and Tippett, to assess the cultural influences Handel had on ‘a nation’, as he once wrote, ‘from whom I have receiv’d so generous a protection’.

8.00 pm

Tickets: 01386 48883

The Owen Harris Building, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe

HP11 2J

Study morning

Venice in London

Venice in 18^th century London: Venetian Influences on English Music and Culture

As the powers of Venice declined in the 18th century, many of its artists and musicians looked for work elsewhere and, perhaps inspired by the many young Englishmen on the Grand Tour, they set their sights on London.  Musicians such as Galuppi and Alberti were joined by eminent painters such as Canaletto and Pelligrini, as this Venetian influence infiltrated London.

Information Mrs Carole Willat: c_willatt@tiscali.co.uk

Potten End, Berkhamsted, HP4 2NQ

Study Day

And so to Vauxhall . . . .

Drawing on period newspapers and diaries, digital images, and music in the Vauxhall Gardens’ repertoire, Peter Medhurst gives a vivid impression of cultural life at London’s first ‘South Bank’.  Music performed includes: The Lass with the Delicate Air – M Arne, Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind – TA Arne, Hornpipe for Vauxhall 1740 – GF Handel, Allegro from Organ Concerto in C – TA Arne (see recording below), Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill – J Hook, and Farewell to Vauxhall – J Lampe

http://www.nadfas-bedsandherts.org.uk/gadevalley.html

7 High Street, Ingatestone, Essex

Venice in 18^th century London: Venetian Influences on English Music and Culture

As the powers of Venice declined in the 18th century, many of its artists and musicians looked for work elsewhere and, perhaps inspired by the many young Englishmen on the Grand Tour, they set their sights on London.  Musicians such as Galuppi and Alberti were joined by eminent painters such as Canaletto and Pelligrini, as this Venetian influence infiltrated London.

8.00 pm

http://www.brentwoodnadfas.org.uk/page2.htm

Venue TBA

In the Wake of Handel

Peter Medhurst explores the works of the French sculptor Roubiliac, the paintings of Hudson and Denner, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, the novels of Samuel Butler, the Crystal Palace, the chimes of Westminster, as well as compositions by Sullivan and Tippett, to assess the cultural influences Handel had on ‘a nation’, as he once wrote, ‘from whom I have receiv’d so generous a protection’.

http://blackmorevaledfas.org.uk/

Usher Hall, Castle Terrace, Edinburgh

‘Our final meeting of the year brings us a wonderful presentation from Peter Medhurst. His presentation, “The Songs of Elgar”, includes pictures and recorded music, and Peter sings some of Elgar’s songs, accompanying himself on the piano. He gave this talk, in a shortened version, a couple of years ago at a Society AGM in Worcester, to much audience acclaim. A great conclusion to the year’s programme.’

2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

http://www.elgar.org/elgarsoc/site/Branch-Scottish.php

Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire

In the Wake of Handel

Peter Medhurst explores the works of the French sculptor Roubiliac, the paintings of Hudson and Denner, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, the novels of Samuel Butler, the Crystal Palace, the chimes of Westminster, as well as compositions by Sullivan and Tippett, to assess the cultural influences Handel had on ‘a nation’, as he once wrote, ‘from whom I have receiv’d so generous a protection’.

Information: Mrs J Haworth 01454 612441

North Street, Chichester, West Sussex

I am the very model: parody & satire in the operas of Gilbert & Sullivan

The operas of Gilbert & Sullivan are rich in contemporary satire and witty personal allusions. The lecture tells how each of the 14 operas, on which the partners collaborated, drew inspiration from the world in which they lived.  As a result, celebrities, politicians, social mores, manners, artistic taste, the class system – even Queen Victoria’s red drawing room at Windsor Castle – are poked fun at.  The lecture relates how the then first Lord of the Admiralty, WH Smith, became the model for Sir Joseph Porter KCB in HMS Pinafore, how Oscar Wilde inspired Bunthorne – the fleshly poet – in Patience, and how Gilbert himself was the model for the Judge, in Trial By Jury. 

7.00 pm

Information: 01243 376484

Mary Hare School, Snelsmore, Newbury

The Twelve Days of Christmas

For centuries the birth of the Christ has signified the beginning of twelve festive days of celebrations and music making.  In this lecture-recital Peter Medhurst explores the wealth of Christmas music, traditions and curious legends that are connected with them.

10.30 am & 1.45 pm

http://www.newburynadfas.com/page4.htm

Leicester

Merrily on High – the history of the English Christmas carol

Peter Medhurst traces the progress of the English Christmas carol through seven centuries of continuous development and explores the many fascinating stories that lie behind our popular seasonal songs.  Carols discussed include : Angelus ad virginem, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, The First Nowell, I Saw Three Ships, While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night, Christians Awake, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, Adeste fideles, In the Bleak Midwinter

7.45 pm

http://www.leicesterdfas.org.uk/futuremeetings.html#Christmascarole

We Three Kings – music, art, poetry & legends inspired by the Magi

The Bible gives us very little information about the wise men who came from the East bearing Christ the famous gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  All reference to them is housed in the opening chapter of St Matthew’s Gospel and what information is given is surrounded by ambiguity and approximation.  However, by contrast, there is no shortage of music, poetry and art that has been inspired by these men, and this lecture examines the impact of the Three Kings on the culture of later generations.  Music performed includes: The Three Kings – Cornelius, The People that Walked in Darkness from Messiah – Handel, The Coventry Carol – Traditional, I Saw Three Ships – Traditional, Where is He that is Born King of the Jews? from Christus – F Mendelssohn

10.30 am

http://www.easthertsdfas.co.uk/page8.html

The Green, Westerham, Kent

Concert

Looking forward to Christmas

Peter Medhurst presents a lively programme of music and stories that connect with the theme of preparing for Christmas.  Music will include The Coventry Carol, The Little Road to Bethlehem by Michael Head, La Volta by William Byrd, The People that Walked in Darkness by Handel, and an unusual version of The Twelve Days of Christmas

5 pm

Information: 01959 561330

Brushford, Nr Dulverton, Devon

Handel in Georgian England

Through keyboard music, song and digital images, Peter Medhurst presents a lively account of Handel’s musical adventures in London.  From the moment he arrived in 1710 until his death in 1759, Handel laid his finest compositions before the feet of the adoring English.  Operas, oratorios, and concertos flowed from his quill, making his music the very quintessence of sophisticated Georgian England.

2.30 pm

http://www.exmoordfas.org.uk/

St Georges Road, Lytham St Annes, Lancs

Merrily on High – the history of the English Christmas carol

Peter Medhurst traces the progress of the English Christmas carol through seven centuries of continuous development and explores the many fascinating stories that lie behind our popular seasonal songs.  Carols discussed include : Angelus ad virginem, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, The First Nowell, I Saw Three Ships, While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night, Christians Awake, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, Adeste fideles, In the Bleak Midwinter

2.00 pm

http://fyldedfas.org.uk/lecture-programme/lecture-programme-2012-2013/

Grayshott, Hampshire

Merrily on High – the history of the English Christmas carol

Peter Medhurst traces the progress of the English Christmas carol through seven centuries of continuous development and explores the many fascinating stories that lie behind our popular seasonal songs.  Carols discussed include: Angelus ad virginem, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, The First Nowell, I Saw Three Ships, While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night, Christians Awake, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, Adeste fideles, In the Bleak Midwinter

2.00 pm

Information: 01428 717981

Thorley Lane, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts

Special Event

I am the Very Model

The operas of Gilbert & Sullivan are rich in contemporary satire and witty personal allusions. The lecture tells how each of the 14 operas, on which the partners collaborated, drew inspiration from the world in which they lived.

8.00 pm

http://www.bishopsstortforddfas.org/prog.htm

Highwood Road, Brockenhurst

SO42 7RY

The Bible gives us very little information about the wise men who came from the East bearing Christ the famous gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  All reference to them is housed in the opening chapter of St Matthew’s Gospel and what information is given is surrounded by ambiguity and approximation.  However, by contrast, there is no shortage of music, poetry and art that has been inspired by these men, and this lecture examines the impact of the Three Kings on the culture of later generations.  Music performed includes: The Three Kings – Cornelius, The People that Walked in Darkness from Messiah – Handel, The Coventry Carol – Traditional, I Saw Three Ships – Traditional, Where is He that is Born King of the Jews? from Christus – F Mendelssohn

10.45 am

http://newforest.dfas.org.uk/nfdfas.html

Bennet Street, Cambridge

I am the Very Model

The operas of Gilbert & Sullivan are rich in contemporary satire and witty personal allusions. The lecture tells how each of the 14 operas, on which the partners collaborated, drew inspiration from the world in which they lived.

8.00 pm

http://www.camdfas.com/page3.htm

Colney, Norwich

Vermeer – the musical pictures

The Dutch paintings of the 17th century, which show musical scenes are among the most evocative and best loved of the period.  However, the presence of music in the pictures of Vermeer and his contemporaries goes far beyond mere representation and appears to carry hidden and complex meanings that the viewer must attempt to decode, in order to get to the heart of the picture.  Peter Medhurst discusses in great detail Vermeer’s musical scenes and performs a selection of period songs and keyboard music to complement the pictures.

Music includes: Almande prynce ~ Anon, Il ballo del granduca ~ Sweelinck, Allemand ~ Steenwick, Rondo from Abdelazer ~ Purcell, Der Maj – Anon, Heere Keere ~ arr Valerius.

11.00 am

http://www.wensumdfas.org.uk/lectures/lectures.html

Colney, Norwich

The Twelve Days of Christmas

For centuries the birth of the Christ has signified the beginning of twelve festive days of celebrations and music making.  In this lecture-recital Peter Medhurst explores the wealth of Christmas music, traditions and curious legends that are connected with them.

7.00 pm

http://www.norwichdfas.co.uk/index.php

National Shooting Centre, Queens Road, Brookwood, Woking, Surrey

We Three Kings – music, art, poetry & legends inspired by the Magi

The Bible gives us very little information about the wise men who came from the East bearing Christ the famous gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  All reference to them is housed in the opening chapter of St Matthew’s Gospel and what information is given is surrounded by ambiguity and approximation.  However, by contrast, there is no shortage of music, poetry and art that has been inspired by these men, and this lecture examines the impact of the Three Kings on the culture of later generations.  Music performed includes: The Three Kings – Cornelius, The People that Walked in Darkness from Messiah – Handel, The Coventry Carol – Traditional, I Saw Three Ships – Traditional, Where is He that is Born King of the Jews? from Christus – F Mendelssohn

10.30 am

http://www.wokingdfas.org.uk/lectures-woking-decorative-fine-arts-society.htm

St Martin’s Lane, London

We Three Kings – music, art, poetry & legends inspired by the Magi

The Bible gives us very little information about the wise men who came from the East bearing Christ the famous gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  All reference to them is housed in the opening chapter of St Matthew’s Gospel and what information is given is surrounded by ambiguity and approximation.  However, by contrast, there is no shortage of music, poetry and art that has been inspired by these men, and this lecture examines the impact of the Three Kings on the culture of later generations.  Music performed includes: The Three Kings – Cornelius, The People that Walked in Darkness from Messiah – Handel, The Coventry Carol – Traditional, I Saw Three Ships – Traditional, Where is He that is Born King of the Jews? from Christus – F Mendelssohn

3.00 pm

westminster@nadfasgla.org.uk

Chobham Road, Knapphill, Woking, Surrey

Merrily on High – the history of the English Christmas carol

Peter Medhurst traces the progress of the English Christmas carol through seven centuries of continuous development and explores the many fascinating stories that lie behind our popular seasonal songs.  Carols discussed include: Angelus ad virginem, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, The First Nowell, I Saw Three Ships, While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night, Christians Awake, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, Adeste fideles, In the Bleak Midwinter

10.30 am

Information: 01344 620566

Budleigh Salterton, Devon

Merrily on High – the history of the English Christmas carol

Peter Medhurst traces the progress of the English Christmas carol through seven centuries of continuous development and explores the many fascinating stories that lie behind our popular seasonal songs.  Carols discussed include: Angelus ad virginem, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, The First Nowell, I Saw Three Ships, While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night, Christians Awake, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, Adeste fideles, In the Bleak Midwinter

6.00 pm

Information: http://www.budfas.org/christmas_carol.html