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In autumn 2023 I released a CD recording of the Frederick Septimus Kelly Project on the Prima Facie Record label. Click here to order a copy of the CD.
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In 2021 I commissioned Sadie Harrison to write me a piece to complement the music and life story of F.S.Kelly, a composer I have been championing since 2014. I premiered this work - ‘To dear Cleg - 10 Portraits of Frederick Septimus Kelly’ - at Southwark Cathedral on 30 October 2021, in a concert that interspersed Sadie's music between Kelly's own piano pieces.
Sadie’s music is a celebration and homage to Cleg, telling his fascinating story by illuminating Kelly’s diary entries and letters from friends. The music references Kelly’s own work and other classical and traditional tunes associated with his life, from Beethoven and Schumann to ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and bagpipe lament ‘The Battle of the Somme’. It tells tales of love, of rowing excellence, family loss and wartime experience, but also light-hearted stories of clockwork wooden boats and excessive musical exuberance. This music complements and honours Cleg’s music beautifully, painting a picture of his life better than words ever could.
Sadie’s music is a celebration and homage to Cleg, telling his fascinating story by illuminating Kelly’s diary entries and letters from friends. The music references Kelly’s own work and other classical and traditional tunes associated with his life, from Beethoven and Schumann to ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and bagpipe lament ‘The Battle of the Somme’. It tells tales of love, of rowing excellence, family loss and wartime experience, but also light-hearted stories of clockwork wooden boats and excessive musical exuberance. This music complements and honours Cleg’s music beautifully, painting a picture of his life better than words ever could.
Click here to read the programme notes for the Frederick Septimus Kelly Project.
Paul Conway wrote a review of my Southwark Cathedral concert for the April/May edition of Musical Opinion. Click here to read the review.
Sadie and I workshopping her music at St Disen's church, Bradninch. September 2021