Comments for Phillip Cooke

Comment on On (not so) Young Composers and the Proms… by Christian

Christian — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:54:44 +0000

The tendency of contemporary music promoters to concentrate only on the music of the young is a reflection of our general obsession with youth culture. And I notice that the older composers on offer are largely well-established big names. Are there really no emerging older composers? It is lucky that Janacek did not have to try to win acceptance for his late masterpieces in this artistic climate…

Comment on On Herbert Howells’s ‘Master Tallis’s Testament’… by bryan robson

bryan robson — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:48:00 +0000

I meant ‘pushed out’, not ‘pushed’. Howells’ development over the decades was extraordinary. When you think back to ‘Here is the Little door’ and ‘A spotless rose’, the challenging later harmonies and textures could hardly be foreseen.

Comment on On Herbert Howells’s ‘Master Tallis’s Testament’… by bryan robson

bryan robson — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:42:08 +0000

I write in a blur of tears – such is the effect this wonderful piece has on me. I have had the Dearnley recording for about a year now. PC absolutely spot-on: this piece needs a mighty instrument and an acoustic that makes one feels the walls are being pushed at the climax.
The deep strain of English melancholy (the noble, almost heroic kind) in MTT is a quality which Howells, like VW and Britten perfectly possessed.

Comment on ‘Responses’ at the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music by philll

philll — Tue, 24 May 2011 08:28:12 +0000

Thank you for the kind words – really glad you enjoyed it. PAC.

Comment on ‘Responses’ at the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music by Rob Edlin-White

Rob Edlin-White — Sat, 21 May 2011 08:14:10 +0000

I was in the congregation and felt they were exceptionally beautiful; especially the Lord’s Prayer which was absolutely stunning. Thanks you.

Comment on On the Demise of HMV… by Stephen

Stephen — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:22:20 +0000

Good riddance. Have you ever seen how USELESS their Bob Dylan stock is? I hope WH Smith go down with them, not selling but drowning.

Comment on Te Deum Recording by philll

philll — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:46:32 +0000

Thank you for the kind words – really glad you were able to make it. PAC.

Comment on Te Deum Recording by Rachel

Rachel — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 20:02:46 +0000

It was an absolute privilege to be at the first performance of this inspired and moving piece, where the music interpreted the familiar words of the Te Deum so magnificently and with such spiritual depth.

Comment on Te Deum Recording by philll

philll — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:40:59 +0000

Thank you for the kind words – glad you enjoyed it. PAC.

Comment on Te Deum Recording by Bridget Robb

Bridget Robb — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:32:27 +0000

I was fortunate to be in the congregation at St Paul’s cathedral, London when this recording was made. The recording gives a good impression of the music – but cannot capture the stunning impact of the music within the cathedral setting. The contrasts of the organ, the full sound of the choir, the quietness of the soloists and the full use of the acoustics of the building all helped to make this a wonderful performance. Thank you.