1809 : an end and a beginning (Haydn & Mendelssohn)

March 1st - 6th 2009

In 2009 we shall be celebrating the bi-centenary of the death of Haydn and the birth of Mendelssohn, two composers whose lives could hardly have been more different. Each wrote symphonies, concertos, chamber music, songs and sacred works, which invite comparisons and evaluations, and each was a child of his time, in a period of political, social and artistic upheaval which spanned more than a century, from 1732 to 1847.
   

The year 1809 itself provides a fascinating snapshot of social and political changes following the French Revolution. Thomas Paine, author of ‘The Rights of Man’ died, and Abraham Lincoln was born. Napoleon’s troops occupied Vienna for the second time, and the Imperial family, including the Archduke Rudolph, Beethoven’s friend, patron and student, fled to Hungary. Beethoven wrote the ‘Emperor’ concerto, writing in the autograph score ‘Austria shall retaliate against Napoleon’. We shall not be short of interesting topics for discussion.
   

As ever, there will be a concluding recital, this time of string quartets by Haydn and Mendelssohn, given by a senior students from the RNCM.
Once again we shall be using music scores of our recital works - for the examination of structure and texture rather than for detailed musical analysis. It is emphasised that high levels of score-reading are not a pre-requisite for the course, which as ever is aimed at the intelligent amateur who may prefer simply to listen. I shall contact everyone towards the end of the year and order the required scores in bulk.
   

So many guests return each year (21 out of 26 this Spring) to fill the hotel, that the spring Music Course has established itself as a prime social event, with newcomers rapidly integrated into the party. Our evenings together are lively and memorable, as are the superb meals, the comfortable rooms, and the happy family-run atmosphere of Rothay Manor.

TUTOR
Geoffrey Keating (M.A. Oxon, A.R.C.M.) read for his degree in music at Oxford, took early retirement from Millfield School in Somerset after 17 years as its Director of Music, and now lives in Gatehouse of Fleet, where he is church organist, jazz pianist, conductor of the Solway Sinfonia, lecturer with the Glasgow University of Adult Education, and freelance photographer.

The piano is his first instrument, but he has played French horn and bassoon in orchestras and ensembles, and has wide experience as a choral conductor and singer.

The 5-night holiday runs from Sunday evening through to mid-day Friday. All prices are per person and include full English breakfast, morning coffee, 4-course dinner and V.A.T.

Non-participating partners are welcome, and the cost for them is £50 less than above.

Deposit of £150 per person for the holidays, which can be made by cheque or credit card. This is non-refundable unless the room is subsequently relet - cancellation insurance is available.

The Eves String Quartet from the RNCM

performing for the March 2005 group.