N E W S L E T T E R - Radley College

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If you haven’t got the tune then PLAY QUIETLY! a few weeks and often talk of a year’s sabbatical, the adrenalin rush and excitement at the end of the concert inevitably finds us enthusiastically committing to yet another. Especially as, now entering its ninth year, the Extravaganza has become one of the most attended and talked about musical events in the year. There have been some wonderful moments. Outstanding Radley pianists such as Jonathan Bridcut (Pilgrim’s, G Social) (in the first ever Piano Extravaganza), James Hallinan (Lockers Park, D Social), James Fryer (Elstree, E Social), Jonny Williams (Westbourne House, H Social), Gregory Williams (Norman Court, C Social) and Jamie I suppose the blame might be put squarely on the shoulders of that most poetic of harpsichordists Sophie Yates, whose teaching and beautiful playing enhanced music at Radley in the late 90s. For some years Radley had put on concerts of duet, trio and multiple piano music, all commercially available and fun, but pieces for more than two pianos or pianists are sadly rare and limited to a few lollipops. Upon hearing one of these multiple-piano concerts however the lively grey cells of the then Precentor, John Madden, a composer and arranger of renown and talent, and myself began to work overtime. With the haunting melody of the Aria from the Goldberg Variations emanating from the fingers of Sophie we put two and two together and made 21 pianists, 7 pianos and a harpsichord. Thus the Extravaganza was born and the first original, arranged performance involving almost all the pianists at the school (dons, teachers and boys) became a reality; pianists at all levels of ability were enthusiastically conscripted, sorry, encouraged, to play in a complete performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. It began with a solitary harpsichord, the variations were for various combinations of pianists at two to six pianos and it culminated in a final Aria for 21 pianists, 7 pianos and a harpsichord, gradually thinning out to leave the solo harpsichord. Never before had Radley heard anything like this, I still remember the final moving moments to this day, and it put us firmly on the Independent School musical map for keyboard playing and innovative musical programming. The birth of each Extravaganza is not a painless process however; the labour is long and intense. John Madden delivers his stunning and inspired arrangements after many weeks of work, just late enough for us to start panicking about learning our notes and focusing the minds of the boys who, with good will and careful organisation attend the myriad of rehearsals scheduled within the final two weeks, often at the most obscure times up to 10.30pm. The conscientious way nearly all attend is brilliant (albeit helped along by free Coke and crisps) but even so, what rehearsals we can fit in disappear too quickly with a blur of emails, reminders, sore backs (after moving the pianos around each night), intense and detailed ensemble coaching and the annual cry (now almost a motto of the event) ‘if you haven’t got the tune then please play quietly’. There is so little rehearsal time with the pianos all in one venue (usually 3 days, we simply can’t spare them from practice rooms for longer) but it may surprise most non-performers that the hardest part of all is learning to play piano or pianissimo in the context of the ensemble. It does not come easily to pianists, so used to playing on their own, the centre of attention, and not having to consider dynamic balance with other musicians. Equally, not being able to hear your own part beneath the sound of those who enthusiastically sing out their tune is quite tricky, almost like playing a silent piano. Added to this is the challenge of hearing the other pianists across the hall from you; even the ‘professionals’ amongst us have come unstuck here. The formula is simple (play the accompaniment really quietly and project the melody) but the ensemble and listening skills are subtle and complex especially for pianists who, for the most part, play in solitary confinement. The end result however is almost always fun, often accomplished and occasionally musically inspiring for players and audience alike. Whilst we live life ‘on the edge’ for 10 THE RADLEIAN NEWSLETTER
Brown (Caldicott, D Social) together with the colourful playing of Adrian Pascu (Wirral Grammar, B Social) and the shoulder-dancing of Rory Van Zwanenberg (Moulsford, G Social) to name a few have all contributed to a sense of festival. They have also performed alongside the professionals on the staff in some very tricky and challenging arrangements, which have both excited and charmed the packed Silk Hall. More rewarding still however has been the playing of much less experienced pianists such as Angus Anderson (Cothill, B Social) who, with probably twice the work and commitment of those of us who make it our career, played in the 2007 Extravaganza having only been learning the piano for 5 weeks! ‘But playing the piano is such a solitary activity’ is the oft-heard comment from parents. Not at Radley; Radley is unique. Unique in my understanding, in having up to seven pianos to roll into one concert hall each year, certainly the only Independent School to put on an annual concert which consists entirely of pianists of all abilities performing in piano ensembles, and possibly the only school to reach the lofty heights of 21 pianists at 7 pianos. Unique in commissioning each year over 50 minutes of music for piano ensembles and in involving up to 70 pianists of all abilities from pre-Grade 1 to the experienced professionals. Other schools have tried to copy but fallen at the first hurdle in a ‘never to be repeated’ single concert item, normally ‘borrowed’ from us whilst, at Radley, and after a deep intake of breath, a quick run around the block and a few bribes we enthusiastically head towards our ninth and tenth extravaganzas. The thoughts are for something a little more Classical next year and the 10th celebration will be ‘The Best of...’ After this, perhaps time for something new.....I wonder where we can get another 10 pianos from?? Anthony Williams Head of Instrumental Music THE RADLEIAN NEWSLETTER 11
Page 1 and 2: Radley The N e w s l e t t e r The
Page 3 and 4: NEW sOCIALS The new school year saw
Page 5 and 6: and a distinguished visiting adjudi
Page 7 and 8: & activities in 2007/8 Angus McChes
Page 9: the Duke of EdinbuRgh’s Award Sch

N E W S L E T T E R - Radley College

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