The Music Community of Victorian Worcester
Written by Albert Edward Bibbs
With the year 1912 I severed my connection with the musical life of Worcester, on my removal to London to take up an appointment there as Manager of the Coach department of De Dion Bouton Ltd., the French pioneers of the Motor Industry.
Previous to this date I served with the old Coach-making firm of McNaught & Co. chiefly as a draughtsman, and later as works manager for the new Limited Company, covering a period of thirty-five years: during which time I had many varied experiences, coming into contact with numerous and notable people. Owing to my success as a draughtsman in public competition, I was honoured by election to the Institute of British Carriage Manufacturers in 1884, and at the present time, am the second oldest member of that body.
Of the vast number of works given by the Festival Choral Society I do not propose to speak; but there are several noteworthy things I will refer to.
On April 21, 1896 Elgar's 'Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands' had its first performance conducted by the composer. Again, his 'Coronation Ode' was sung February 24, 1903 under Sir Edward's conductorship, as was his 'Caractacus' on November 9, 1904.
Professor Horatio Parker composed and didicated a part song to the Society... 'Come away, sweet love', and this was given on November 25, 1901 conducted by the composer.
Coleridge Taylor's 'Hiawathas Wedding Feast' and 'Death of Mennehaha' had a remarkable performance on May 3, 1900 which Mr. Taylor conducted. The Musical Times of June 1, 1900 referring to this, said:
"We have heard many performances of the two Cantatas; but can honestly affirm that the small, but most excellent Worcester Society was an easy first, as regards those qualities, which constitute good chorus singing, e.g. a good round musical tone, crisp attack and exact release, true intonation, clear enunciation and an intelligent appreciation of the emotional side of music in all its varying moods."
This was high praise indeed.
Written by Albert Edward Bibbs
With the year 1912 I severed my connection with the musical life of Worcester, on my removal to London to take up an appointment there as Manager of the Coach department of De Dion Bouton Ltd., the French pioneers of the Motor Industry.Previous to this date I served with the old Coach-making firm of McNaught & Co. chiefly as a draughtsman, and later as works manager for the new Limited Company, covering a period of thirty-five years: during which time I had many varied experiences, coming into contact with numerous and notable people. Owing to my success as a draughtsman in public competition, I was honoured by election to the Institute of British Carriage Manufacturers in 1884, and at the present time, am the second oldest member of that body.
Of the vast number of works given by the Festival Choral Society I do not propose to speak; but there are several noteworthy things I will refer to.
On April 21, 1896 Elgar's 'Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands' had its first performance conducted by the composer. Again, his 'Coronation Ode' was sung February 24, 1903 under Sir Edward's conductorship, as was his 'Caractacus' on November 9, 1904.
Professor Horatio Parker composed and didicated a part song to the Society... 'Come away, sweet love', and this was given on November 25, 1901 conducted by the composer.
Coleridge Taylor's 'Hiawathas Wedding Feast' and 'Death of Mennehaha' had a remarkable performance on May 3, 1900 which Mr. Taylor conducted. The Musical Times of June 1, 1900 referring to this, said:
"We have heard many performances of the two Cantatas; but can honestly affirm that the small, but most excellent Worcester Society was an easy first, as regards those qualities, which constitute good chorus singing, e.g. a good round musical tone, crisp attack and exact release, true intonation, clear enunciation and an intelligent appreciation of the emotional side of music in all its varying moods."This was high praise indeed.