Exploring the Musical Genius of Cyril Rootham
Immerse yourself in the captivating soundscape that the esteemed composer Cyril Rootham creates in his work "Peacock Pie: English Music for Piano & Strings". The STAGE+ platform brings this striking ensemble to life, where the finesse of the piano merges with the profundity of the strings to concoct a delightful musical experience.
Rootham's Collaboration and Musical Brilliance
In collaboration with Martin Roscoe, Guildhall Strings, and Robert Salter, this presentation testifies to Rootham's brilliance as a composer. Each composition, a rich mix of traditional and innovative elements, infuses new vigor into the realm of English music. His exquisite handling of melody, rhythm, and harmony not only illustrates his technical prowess but also his emotive capabilities to move listeners.
Rootham's Legacy and Influence
Cyril Bradley Rootham (1875–1938) was a prominent English composer, educator, conductor, and organist who played a significant role in early 20th-century English music, particularly through his long association with St John's College, Cambridge. His influence extended to shaping musical tastes and advancing English music both in performance and pedagogy.
Rootham served as the organist and a Fellow at St John's College, Cambridge, where he was pivotal in reviving neglected works by composers like Purcell, Mozart, and Handel, and promoting contemporary figures such as Vaughan Williams and Kodály. As conductor of the Cambridge University Musical Society, he fostered a vibrant musical environment and mentored several composers who became notable in their own right, including Arthur Bliss, Armstrong Gibbs, and Patrick Hadley.
Rootham's Compositional Output
Rootham's catalogue is rich and varied, encompassing two symphonies, several shorter orchestral works, a significant body of chamber music, numerous choral settings, with both large-scale and intimate works, and solo songs, including settings of Siegfried Sassoon's poetry. One of Rootham’s standout achievements is the Ode on the Morning of Christ’s Nativity (1928), a major choral–orchestral work that demonstrates both his command of the large-scale English choral tradition and his gift for delicacy and atmosphere.
Modern Rediscovery and Recordings
The ongoing reappraisal of Rootham’s oeuvre is reflected in 21st-century performances and recordings, including those highlighted in Peacock Pie: English Music for Piano & Strings. Experience this magical performance, showcasing Rootham's musical genius, from intricate compositions to the atmospheric charm of his thematic ideas. Delve into the fascinating world of Cyril Rootham’s music on STAGE+, and bear witness to the lasting impact he has had on the landscape of English music.
Whether you're already an admirer of Rootham's work or stepping into his remarkable music sphere for the first time, this is a performance you wouldn't want to miss. Tune in to STAGE+ and let the silver-toned strings paired with the compelling piano notes transport you to a world of refined musical elegance.