The music department at Allan Glen’s was at the end of the third floor corridor with one classroom on either side of the building and a music “store cupboard” in between. Those of us who were studying music ‘seriously’ were allowed to access that store cupboard – including the record player that was in there. There was a good supply of LPs but the clip that I am sharing today is of the music that I most associate with that cupboard.
Although sandwiched between the two classrooms, the cupboard did have a window and the fact that I often listened to this music with that window opened probably accounts for the fact that I associate it completely with “the great outdoors”. Let me be clear – the view over Glasgow from the window was ‘limited’ and not overly inspiring – but it did mean that this music always had other sounds going on – so in my mind it is great music for listening to whilst sitting in the garden watching the trees and listening to the birds.
The recording I have linked is of the 1st movement only. The 2nd is much darker in sound before a more pastoral 3rd movement which leads into the finale. I remember that one of the great unknowns (unless this is a symphony you know well) was whether the symphony ended quietly or not. As the last movement unfolds it is difficult to tell whether it will be a peaceful or triumphant end.
As usual, if you like this then find a recording of the whole symphony. Then you will be able to play the game of opening the window to let the outside noise in; closing your eyes so you cannot see how long there is to go on the recording; and trying to guess what sort ending you are going to get 😃 (you will find yourself changing your mind a few times….)
EDIT : In common with a number of other posts I am substituting a video of the complete work here in the blog rather than an excerpt as I originally posted on Facebook. I feel I have a different audience here 😃
Jean Sibelius : Symphony No.2
Comments :
Hugh Brennan
And I remember being sent to Allan Glen’s on teaching practice and finding one of my pupils was you! 🎵🎵
George R McConnell
Hugh oh yes – I had forgotten that – must have been your good influence that got me where I am 😏
Brian Milligan
Did you go on any of the Glasgow Schools Orchestra courses?
George R McConnell
Yes – I am sure that will be coming up in future posts😁 – 2nd Orchestra in 1970, 1st Orchestra 1971 then a lot of assorted courses as a tutor for the next few years
Brian Milligan
I did 3rd and 2nd in 1968 and 1969. I think one of the conductors was William Begg. Horrendous fortnight. 2 hour morning rehearsal, 2 hour afternoon sectional followed by 2 hour evening rehearsal. One of the trumpet tutors was a Tom Kent. Could be wrong with that name and Robert McIntosh was the French Horn tutor. Bob McIntosh was my Aunt Mae Milligan’s nephew. 3 boys from the Kingston Corps went to the Music Academy. Another was James(Jim) Cassidy now at Reading Central I believe.
George R McConnell
I remember Tom Kent – and, I think, William Begg. I’m pretty sure I must have known Bob McIntosh as well – but can’t place him at the moment – it was a few years ago after all😉😁
Allan Ramsay
Happy days and very fond memories of the Music Dept at Allan Glens. I must have been in First Year in that pic. Remember Alex McDougall well and lessons from Enoch Jackson! Great days
Julie Wheeler
Thanks for sharing George. My husband Mark and I were at Schloss Schonbrunn back in December at a Christmas market so it’s lovely to see this summer perspective of the place! X