A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
THE German composer Robert Schumann completed his only piano concerto in 1845. It was premiered in Dresden with his wife Clara as the soloist. I think this work has been … Continue readingSchumann: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op 54
RELEASED in 1958, this is my favourite Buddy Holly number. It was written by Holly’s friend Bob Montgomery (they performed at high school in Lubbock, Texas as Buddy and Bob) … Continue readingBuddy Holly: Heartbeat
OUR time-travelling London Routemaster double-decker bus rattles to a halt today outside 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam. Wherein resides Mr Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock, lugubrious subject of Hancock’s Half Hour. … Continue readingHancock’s Half Hour
From the 1972 album Something/Anything, a gorgeous chunk of white soul from the Toddster.
A real beauty from the Allmans. Guitarist Dickey Betts, who wrote it, took the name from a gravestone he saw in the band’s home town of Macon, Georgia. This version … Continue readingThe Allman Brothers: In Memory of Elizabeth Reed
Inspired guitar work from the 1972 album Clear Spot. ‘Mister Zoot Horn Rollo, hit that long lunar note. And let it float.’
I think this may have been the first single I bought, certainly among the first few. Billy Fury, like Bobby Darin whom I mentioned a few days ago, had rheumatic … Continue readingBilly Fury: Like I’ve Never Been Gone
A divertimento, from the Italian divertire ‘to amuse’, is a light and entertaining piece. It doesn’t mean that it isn’t wonderful music. This is one of dozens that Mozart wrote. … Continue readingMozart: Divertimento K136
I WAS going to do a Midweek Hymn continuing the Resurrection theme, but the Easter Sunday bomb attacks in Sri Lanka have made me change my plans. I am shocked … Continue readingI Know That My Redeemer Liveth
There are not many songs about growing up affluent. Here’s one, from Loudon’s 1991 album Fame and Wealth.