This organises a regular and well-advertised series of recitals in the Pump Room, given by up-and-coming performers. My husband received a pair of complimentary tickets to the piano recital by Christopher Guild – we’re not sure why. Perhaps they selected some Bath University academics or members of the mailing list at the Festivals Box Office?
Anyway he went along and enjoyed the recital, though a bit tired to take it in after doing a 20-mile sponsored walk earlier in the day. The programme was a rather mixed bag comprising the Moonlight Sonata, Debussy’s Children’s Corner, Liszt’s paraphrase on a waltz from Faust, and Reubke’s sonata in B flat minor. Reubke is one of those cult composers among organists – his organ sonata based on Ps. 94 is mentioned by them in awe-struck tones – but this sonata was rather rambling. The Debussy came off best, in my husband’s opinion.
Another unusual feature of the concert was the birthday cake for all in the interval, as the event was also in honour of a major birthday for the organiser of the series.