MUSIC MATTERS MOST
(JUBILEE HALL, ALDEBURGH 2013)
'It was such a wonderful performance, with the spirit of both Imogen Holst and Britten shining through her words...'
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
— AUDIENCE MEMBER
The book, Imogen Holst, A Life in Music, edited by Christopher Grogan, was the inspiration behind Music Matters Most. That this performance coincided with the Britten centenary felt “absolutely right”, as Holst would frequently and emphatically underline in her diary, though being her, she might have insisted on keeping in the background. But Wonderful Beast believes that this great musician, conductor, composer, teacher and inspirational musical force should be very much in the foreground.
Holst (1907-1984) was dedicated to two great composers: her father, Gustav, and Benjamin Britten. Her wonderful diaries are a unique insight into Britten’s working methods, his dreadful insecurities about Gloriana and how he relied on her to buoy him up, and they give us a glimpse of the frivolous fun that was also such a part of life at Crag House. They reveal her intense passion for Britten which had her reeling with joy or anxiety depending on his state of mind. They delight us with the detail of the meals cooked by the indefatigable Mrs Hudson and the many fortifying drinks she and Britten shared at the end of a hard working day.
Holst had a major influence in programming many of the Aldeburgh Festivals, championing and conducting unknown early music sung by the choir she formed, The Purcell Singers. She was instrumental in bringing the Amadeus Quartet to Aldeburgh, organising amateur recorder performances on the Thorpeness Meare and much more. She returned to composing after her retirement which gave her immense pleasure, as she said - “music matters most”.
Holst (1907-1984) was dedicated to two great composers: her father, Gustav, and Benjamin Britten. Her wonderful diaries are a unique insight into Britten’s working methods, his dreadful insecurities about Gloriana and how he relied on her to buoy him up, and they give us a glimpse of the frivolous fun that was also such a part of life at Crag House. They reveal her intense passion for Britten which had her reeling with joy or anxiety depending on his state of mind. They delight us with the detail of the meals cooked by the indefatigable Mrs Hudson and the many fortifying drinks she and Britten shared at the end of a hard working day.
Holst had a major influence in programming many of the Aldeburgh Festivals, championing and conducting unknown early music sung by the choir she formed, The Purcell Singers. She was instrumental in bringing the Amadeus Quartet to Aldeburgh, organising amateur recorder performances on the Thorpeness Meare and much more. She returned to composing after her retirement which gave her immense pleasure, as she said - “music matters most”.
performers |
creatives |
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Narrator: Jon Canter
Voice of Imogen Holst: Penelope Wilton Mezzo-soprano: Catrin Johnnson Tenor: Robert Murray Pianist: Rachel Fuller |
Director: Alys Kihl
Adaptation: Alys Kihl / Claude Harz Photographer: Nick Tipping fundersThe Holst Foundation
The G&I Estate |
“Music Matters Most was a triumph! I hope it will be performed many more times. It was funny and touching and I was fascinated by it.”
- AUDIENCE MEMBER
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed "Music Matters Most" yesterday. It was such a wonderful performance with the spirit of both Imogen Holst and Britten shining through her words and observations on their life and work together in Aldeburgh.”
- AUDIENCE MEMBER
- AUDIENCE MEMBER
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed "Music Matters Most" yesterday. It was such a wonderful performance with the spirit of both Imogen Holst and Britten shining through her words and observations on their life and work together in Aldeburgh.”
- AUDIENCE MEMBER
