'Old Raspberry' Goes off the Rails
Donald Macleod explores Moeran's time living with Peter Warlock at Eynsford, from where much scandal originated, including drunkenness and debauchery.
"Old Raspberry", commonly known as Jack Moeran, was a pioneer in the collecting of British folk music - as a composer he was greatly inspired by nature - and was involved in many tales of nudity, drunkenness and reckless driving that originated from his time living with Peter Warlock.
Jack Moeran lived at Eynsford for a period with Peter Warlock, and many other highly eccentric characters such as Hal the Maori housekeeper, whose mother was supposedly a cannibal. Originating from Eynsford were many scandalous stories, including drunkenness and debauchery. It was with the help of Warlock in the nearby Five Bells pub, that Moeran composed the rousing drinking song Maltworms.
Donald Macleod surveys the other attendees of the shenanigans at Eynsford, including Arnold Bax, Constant Lambert, William Walton, Elizabeth Poston, and Augustus John. This programme includes an interview with Moeran from 1947, discussing his view of modern music.
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Music Played
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Ernest John Moeran
Bank Holiday (1925)
Performer: Eric Parkin, piano
- JMSCD2.
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Ernest John Moeran
Maltworms (1926)
Performer: Roderick Williams, baritone Performer: Weybridge Male Voice Choir Performer: John Talbot, piano
- Chandos CHAN10596(2).
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Ernest John Moeran
Sonata for Violin and Piano (1923)
Performer: Donald Scotts, violin Performer: John Talbot, piano
- Chandos CHAN10170X.
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Ernest John Moeran
Nocturne (1934)
Performer: Hugh Mackey, baritone Performer: The Renaissance Singers Performer: Ulster Orchestra Performer: Vernon Handley, conductor
- Chandos CHAN10235X.
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Ernest John Moeran
Lonely Waters (1932)
Performer: Ann Murray, Mezzo-soprano Performer: English Chamber Orchestra Performer: Jeffrey Tate, conductor
- EMI 7642002.
Broadcasts
- Wed 1 Dec 201012:00BBC Radio 3
- Wed 1 Dec 201022:00BBC Radio 3
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