Thursday, February 9, 2012

Michael S. Wright seeks to restore 'the organ works of Fela Sowande to the recorded catalogue.'


[Spiritual Fantasy; Lucius Weathersby, organ; Albany Troy 440]

On Feb. 8, 2012 AfriClassical posted: The Herald-Sun: “Organist guild lifts up ‘Composers of Color’” 7:30 PM Feb. 13. Michael S. Wright of the United Kingdom has responded:


“Bill,
Thanks for this. Whilst it is too far for me to travel ‘across the pond’ from the UK to see this, I would welcome interest from those who are performing or composing to consider further ideas that may bring a flavour of the music to our shores. I would also be very interested to hear of further interest in restoring the organ works of Fela Sowande to the recorded catalogue. The following may be a bit of an advert but I am hoping the message will at least get to the right people!


“I have good contacts to get possible performances at several locations in SW and SE England. For those of you who are unaware, an example as on Albany TROY440 .SPIRITUAL FANTASY, I helped to produce in 2001 performed by the late Lucius Weathersby on the 1864 ‘Father’ Willis Organ of Great Torrington, Devon.

The recital comprised:
Wallace Cheatham Fanfare & Toccata
Fela Sowande - Yoruba Lament
Violet George Bowers Joie; Prelude & Fugato
William Grant Still (arr. Weathersby) Summerland from Three Visions with Wendy Hymes (flute)
Kevin George Organ Suite
Traditional (arr. Weathersby) Improvisation on the Helston Floral Dance
Traditional (arr. Uzee Brown Jr.) Were You There?
Lucius Weathersby The Martyrs of Torrington”



I am keen to seek ideas for further consideration in the future from people wanting to undertake similar projects. However, I have to say from the outset that projects like this will not be moneyspinners.
Regards

Mike
[Fela Sowande (1905-1987) and William Grant Still (1895-1978) are profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List for William Grant Still by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com]


No comments: