Tuning in…
Tuning in…
Castaway
1 appearance
A patron of music who for over fifty years has provided symphony concerts for young people, and is celebrating his 100th birthday.
On the island
Eight records
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 ('Spring')
I played the Beethoven sonata called the Spring Sonata in F... at the age of eight years old... I've chosen it not only for that reason, but also because the people whose records you will be hearing are Bush and Serkin, who came to England in nineteen twenty five. And they became one of our most intimate friends.
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Quintet
The Meistersinger has always got a special meaning in my life, which I never forget. Now, also, I've chosen now the quintet, because for me that is the most moving part of the great work.
The Merry Widow: 'I'm Going to Maxim's'
My brother then found Lily Elsie to to be the merry widow. And from there my brother became very famous in theatrical world. So I clang on to his coattail and that's why I've chosen the Meta Window Now, because it opened a new window in my life, you see.
Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat major, K. 364
Jascha Heifetz and William Primrose
I think it is one of the most wonderful compositions ever written. But also because when Sargent was conductor not only of our children's concerts, but also of the Cortus Arsenal concerts... He introduced that work to the British public.
Victor de Sabata conducting the Orchestra and Chorus of La Scala, Milan
I couldn't sleep all night. It was so exciting. It's one of the most wonderful dramatic things ever written, so that is my choice now, the very requiem the Diosiri.
Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-flat major, D. 960
Schnauber came to England in 1925. And he gave her the title Oksupa Sonatus then. Schubert's sonatas were then practically unknown. Believe it or not. No. I think in history Schnaub will be revered. not only as a superlative musical thinker and player, but also for having raised to a level of programmes.
Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra
Last year we were proud to present... The World Junesmusical World Orchestra... And they were woe. and Peter Bartle.
An die Musik, D. 547Favourite
I again give to Schubert. And I chose a song called Undeal Music to Music. Because I think It's fitting an occasion like this. that the end note should be to music. Because after all, that's the whole thing is about.
In conversation
Presenter asks
8:25Why did your father want you to come to England?
I was a Jew. And Jews in those days in Germany couldn't become either judges or become generals or anything like that... And my father said, I won't allow my children to bring up with the second class citizens in in central New England, and thank God you did that.
Presenter asks
8:48Did you stay in the lace business?
Oh, far from it. See, when I was seventeen years old, I w came to England... I first was first part in my my family's finance business and that lasted one year I didn't like it. Then I became a metalman.
Presenter asks
11:40What gave you the idea [for putting on concerts for children]?
Well, the idea came from my wife really... We were taken to the various concerts given at the Carnegie Hall. And the concerts which impressed us by the novelty were the concerts which were given by the conductor of the New York Philharmonic called Walter Damros... my wife asked me Could you afford to give concerts such as were heard in New York. For children. I said, I'm vastly overpaid by my medical masters. The answer is yes.
The keepsakes
The book
The visitors' book started in 1923
Lady Mayer
Not a printed book. But the book which was started by my wife in 1923 a business book and the first entry in was Bartorock... It will be the best reminder of a life which I spent with her.
The luxury
I take with me a ton of grapes. They must be free of pips, because otherwise they don't feel that.
Presenter asks
13:36Where and when was your first concert?
In 1923, we chose the Central Westminster as our first jumping off place... The first concept was given, incidentally, by Sir Agent Bolt. And from there my social conscience pricked me. What about the poor?
Presenter asks
19:12What was the purpose of [Youth and Music]?
I'd done something for children. But I'd done nothing but adolescence. That's the most critical stage in a young people's lives. So I started the thing... So that now young people have got the chance, and thousands of them have the chance, of hearing these great works done in the concert hall and the opera house at Much reduced prices.
“if the boy really has got talent, it'd be a wonderful thing in his life if music was to become his great love. but not his profession. But believe it or not, in those days you you actually did what your father told you to do. The feeling of reverence was expressed in that way. So I made up my mind I was going to be a great amateur musician.”
“I get letters from all kinds of people who never knew it existed. I don't say that with pride, but only to give people courage. What I can do, others can do too.”
“It will be the best reminder of a life which I spent with her, which I'm glad to say has not been spent in vain, because I have done something for the country which allowed for Livia. I've interpreted and I see the miracle happening that new musical Britain has now gradually emerging. And this book will be a reminder of my contribution to it.”