Playlist

In view of a possible invitation to repeat his talk at another society, Neil wishes, for the moment, to veil the details of the works that accompanied his talk.

However the wide spectrum of composers featured included the following: Malcolm Arnold, Haydn, Schumann, Prokofiev, Rossini, Puccini, Britten, Lehár and Janáček.

Appreciation by Mary Whittaker

Our Vice President, Neil Roberts, gave us a thoughtful consideration of audience response to humour in music. Our solemn listening may well be offputting to those new to live music, but Neil was able to demonstrate, with a variety of music genres, that composers do try to make us laugh, not only using comic librettos but also in choice of instruments, musical phrases and unexpected sounds. A serious topic, but handled with humour and a wide range of examples especially from Neil's wide knowledge of operatic works.

Images

Neil and the audience listening intently

Neil taking humour seriously