Gulda dead

Austrian composer and pianist Friedrich Gulda has died (27 January 2000, Weissenbach, western Austria), aged 69. Gulda, who performed at Carnegie Hall when he was 20, is known for his performances of Bach, Beethoven and Mozart. He became increasingly interested in jazz, performing at the Newport Jazz Festival, and was known to the public for his harsh language, mocking Austria's musical establishment, and for his eccentric concert dress. In March 1999, Gulda fooled the Austrian press, circulating notice of his own death, in order to observe the reaction, followed a few days later by a 'resurrection party'. This time around the notices (Reuters, ORF) appear to be for real.

Sphinx

The UK globetrotting concert organist, Kevin Bowyer, whose musical stock is exceptionally high, has diversified his activities by establishing a catalogue of unusual and rare organ music under the imprint Sphinx. From the Bach family, Alkan, and Bowers-Broadbent, the first list is very promising and without duplication elsewhere. Details from SphinxMus@aol.com.

Serafino

Just a year since its formation in January 1999, the Mallorca-based Serafino Trio has announced the internet release of its first CD, Debut, which features the music of Dmitri Shostakovich (the trio no 2 in E minor) and the first of two trios (Op 5 in C minor) by American composer Arthur Foote [listen]. M&V contributor John Bell Young, commenting on the group's performance of Foote's trio, writes '...the group brings to mind, to an astounding degree, one of the more celebrated ensembles of the 20th century: Heifetz, Piatigorsky and Rubinstein'. John praises the ensemble for the 'vivacity of their rhythm, the wealth of affective nuance they find in every compositional corner' and their 'passionate, intense and radiant' interpretation of this little-known work.

Jennifer Peck, violin, David Runnion, cello and Suzanne Bradbury, piano, described as having 'an international background with strong American roots', have recorded and produced the CD themselves, making it available for purchase at mp3.com (where further samples can also be heard).

Javelin

The Boosey & Hawkes Youth Orchestra Award for 1999 was won by the Cardiff County and Vale of Glamorgan Youth Orchestra for a performance of Michael Torke's Javelin. This was the final Award after the allotted five-year span and worth 1000 pounds sterling.

Profitable arts?

Performing Arts Management claims to have perfected the art of gathering thousands of people in the grounds of stately homes for an evening of popular classics to an accompaniment of fireworks. Nicholas Smith conducts the Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra, which appears to be the only profitable symphony orchestra in the UK. New venues this year include Castle Howard and Stoneleigh Abbey. Info from +44 (0)1625 575681.

To listen to the music illustration on this news page, you may need to download RealNetworks' realplayer G2.