Recorded Music Society

Sheila took the audience on a musical journey through her life, during which she recalled events and people that have influenced her musically.

The result was a delightful mixture of old favourites, with choral, orchestral and jazz items which created a nostalgic evening for many of the listeners.

The recitalist's first milestone was the fortnightly visits to grandparents when she was aged about five. They owned a piano and also a gramophone (with a wind-up handle) and many records to play on it their favourites being Gilbert and Sullivan pieces. So naturally, the opening music was from Gilbert and Sullivan. Poor Little Buttercup was a doubly memorable tune because Sheila's other grandparents owned a farm, and of course with cows, and one of the cows was called "Buttercup".

Another relative, her uncle, was a major influence on the young Sheila, for he, an expert pianist, taught her to play the piano. A favourite piece of theirs was Schuberts Impromptu in Gb major. This lively music was played by Murray Perahia.

Elizabeth was a childhood friend, and while spending time with her, Sheila often heard Elizabeths father playing the piano. His playing jazz specially impressed her, together with his imitations of people such as Jimmy Durante and Fats Waller. The latter was chosen, and his "You can't have your cake and eat it" certainly revived fond memories.

The war years brought another milestone, for it was during this time that Forces' Favourites was a popular radio (wireless) programme. Celebrities like Ann Shelton and Vera Lynn were often heard, but it was pianist Eileen Joyce that our recitalist most favoured. A reminder of her was the final movement of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 2, but played this time by Peter Donohoe.

While still at school, Sheila's form was taken to hear Handels Messiah. Later she also worked at Blackburns telephone exchange, where Kathleen Ferrier once had a job. Thus Good Tidings from Messiah was the next obvious choice and sung by Kathleen Ferrier herself.

Still in Blackburn, Sheila was taken to St George's Hall to hear Sir Thomas Beecham conducting Beethoven's music. The Presto from Beethovens Symphony No. 7 recalled this important milestone.

Another school outing to Manchester's Palace Theatre was Sheilas first taste of live ballet. To represent this milestone a not so familiar ballet was played. The Chinese dance, Phoenix and Valse from Gliers Red Poppy Suite were very much enjoyed.

Then in London for a short period, Sheila was able to hear opera at Covent Garden. Aida was the first one she attended, and it is still her favourite, so the aria Ritorna Vincitor was appropriate.

For the next item Sheila returned to jazz and her favourite instrument - the piano. Oscar Peterson's Easy to Love was indeed easy to listen to.

Much later, and by now married with two children, Sheila "found" the Halle orchestra. The Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana with the Halle orchestra and choir, was both a link with this milestone and a reminder of the coming celebration of Easter.

Approaching the present day, Sheila told of joining this music society and of giving recitals. From all those she presented to the society, she chose to remember the one about the composer Dohnanyi. From his Symphonic Minutes we heard Capriccio, Rapsodia and Scherzo.

Finally, reaching the here and now, Sheila told how her grandson is continuing the family musical tradition by playing the French horn. The Romance from Mozart's Third Horn Concerto, part of the music for her grandsons grade five exam was chosen.

Bringing her enjoyable recital to a close, Sheila held aloft two teddy bears - one a Scots teddy, one an Irish one - both reminders of holidays in Scotland and Ireland, and both playing patriotic tunes.

Chairman Roger Howarth thanked Sheila warmly for her excellent and interesting programme.

The next programme will be given on March 31 when chairman Mr Roger Howarth presents his recital Scottish Romantics.

For more details please telephone Richard Hall on 01706 823490.