by Kenneth Woods | Jan 17, 2021 | A view from the podium
Why 7 is the symphony’s lucky number? While there are far fewer 7th symphonies than 2nds or 3rds, one very rarely encounters a sour seventh. Perhaps it’s just a result of the fact that with six previous attempts, most would-be composers of 7ths have either given up or...
by Kenneth Woods | Dec 23, 2020 | A view from the podium, News and Reviews
A perceptive response to Matthew Taylor’s two most recent symphonies and his stunning Romanza for String from Paul Conway in the latest edition of Musical Opinion. Matthew Taylor – Symphonies 4 and 5, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, English...
by Kenneth Woods | Oct 30, 2020 | A view from the podium
I pity pianists and I pity singers. The rest of us have the luxury of choosing the instrument which best allows us to express ourselves. I found my cello, a somewhat motley Italian instrument made in the 1600’s but with a ‘modern’ (ie 100-year-old) top in 1991. Within...
by Kenneth Woods | Oct 12, 2020 | A view from the podium, Explore the Score
I’m excited to share my thoughts on the Fourth and Fifth Symphonies of Matthew Taylor. His Fifth Symphony was written as part of the English Symphony Orchestra’s 21st Century Project, and premiered by the orchestra in Cadogan Hall in June, 2019. His Fourth...
by Kenneth Woods | Oct 11, 2020 | A view from the podium
English Symphony Orchestra Presents “Visions of Childhood” on Music from Wyastone, 16 October BBC Radio 3 to broadcast Matthew Taylor’s Fourth Symphony with KW and BBC National Orchestra of Wales on 13 October Ken’s recording of Taylor’s...
by Kenneth Woods | Oct 11, 2020 | A view from the podium
“The emergence of Philip Sawyers as a major symphonist of his generation has been among the more significant aspects of latter-day British music.” A wonderful interview with composer Philip Sawyers by critic Richard Whitehouse in the October 2020 issue of...
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