I have so many special memories of my time with Bolsterstone that it is impossible to itemise them all. Instead, perhaps I can mention three categories of choral music in which I believe the choir has excelled during this period. First, the madrigal, with its light texture totally belying the belief that these lovely songs of the renaissance cannot be successfully interpreted by a large male voice choir. Then there are the part songs of Elgar, so underrated both in his lifetime and since, and here represented by The Wanderer and that superb choral miniature, Feasting I Watch . Finally I salute the members of the choir for supporting me so wholeheartedly as we together tackled some difficult contemporary music.
Every organisation needs to move on if it is to survive and succeed.
This collection of music from many different sources is, if you like, a parting exchange of gifts. I wish Bolsterstone health, longevity and continued success, and will not forget the friendships forged and the music shared in the little Yorkshire village on the hill, with its famous choir. For Choir members, Autumn Leaves brings back memories of a tiny, roasting hot studio where, on two separate occasions, the Choir struggled hard to achieve the demanding standards requested by both conductor and engineer. The real difficulty of singing in such conditions is the problem of maintaining pitch. The selection has stood the test of time, because several of the melodies included still form a part in our current repertoire.