Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- Brian Elias
Personal Stereo (1990)
- Chester Music Ltd (World)
Written for Jane Manning
Programme Note
What do people think about when they ‘listen’ to music on a bus, on the street, while doing the ironing or even in a concert hall?
PERSONAL STEREO was written as a late 50th birthday present for Jane Manning, and is an affectionate tribute to a marvellous performer and good friend whom I have known and admired for 25 years.
In fact, we met at the 1965 Darlington Summer School where Jane performed some of the student music-theatre pieces for Elisabeth Lutyen’s composition workshop. And of course, she gave her first performance of Pierrot Lunaire, unconducted and with Susan Bradshaw’s Vesuvius Ensemble. I remember the performance vividly for its remarkable energy and impact. Sitting next to me was the typical summer school enthusiast, complete with blue-rinse, sandals, jingling yellow plastic jewellery and all. When the performance ended, I applauded so wildly that my puzzled neighbour could not help but follow suit. (Schonberg was then, as now, too radical for some). I turned to her and said ‘That was fantastic - what a wonderful singer’.
‘What a wonderful singer’, she agreed hastily.
‘She’s got perfect pitch, you know’, I continued.
‘Ah yes, perfect perfect.’
I can think of no better description of Jane’s ability, dedication and zeal!
The text for PERSONAL STEREO has been provided by Jane Manning. I am extremely grateful to Glyn Perrin for his invaluable help in making the backing tape and to Simon McBurney for providing the props and directing this performance.
Brian Elias
PERSONAL STEREO was written as a late 50th birthday present for Jane Manning, and is an affectionate tribute to a marvellous performer and good friend whom I have known and admired for 25 years.
In fact, we met at the 1965 Darlington Summer School where Jane performed some of the student music-theatre pieces for Elisabeth Lutyen’s composition workshop. And of course, she gave her first performance of Pierrot Lunaire, unconducted and with Susan Bradshaw’s Vesuvius Ensemble. I remember the performance vividly for its remarkable energy and impact. Sitting next to me was the typical summer school enthusiast, complete with blue-rinse, sandals, jingling yellow plastic jewellery and all. When the performance ended, I applauded so wildly that my puzzled neighbour could not help but follow suit. (Schonberg was then, as now, too radical for some). I turned to her and said ‘That was fantastic - what a wonderful singer’.
‘What a wonderful singer’, she agreed hastily.
‘She’s got perfect pitch, you know’, I continued.
‘Ah yes, perfect perfect.’
I can think of no better description of Jane’s ability, dedication and zeal!
The text for PERSONAL STEREO has been provided by Jane Manning. I am extremely grateful to Glyn Perrin for his invaluable help in making the backing tape and to Simon McBurney for providing the props and directing this performance.
Brian Elias