We made it, we are here at the end of the line, do we still have all aboard for the final Magical Mystery Tour of music from Liverpool/Merseyside. An abundance of Scousers from what is known as Liverpool: “The Pool of Talent”
I thought you may all like to see part of the Wall of Fame which is in Mathew Street with bricks inscribed with bands who have played the famous Cavern.
Today’s final musical offering is from something that is dear to my heart and I have been to see them more times than I can remember. I have wandered their building and listened to not just them, but other bands from all around the world. Who are they? The RLPO, which is The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
The RLPO has been gong for 180 years, and the only orchestra in the UK that has its own hall, and the oldest orchestra in the U. The original hall was opened on 27 August 1849 but burned down on 5 July 1933. The hall was rebuilt in Art Deco style and opened its doors on 20 June 1939. Incorporated in the hall is an organ built by Rushworth and Dreaper, which most of my uncles worked for and began their life long work with pipe organs. The pipework is hidden behind decorative grilles either side of the orchestra platform. The organ console rises from beneath and was originally built on a turntable, allowing the organist to face the audience and conductor, or the choir. The console is now fitted with wheels and can be played anywhere on the platform. A Walturdaw rising cinema screen is also housed under the platform, the last such screen in the world still in working order and is used quite a lot through the year showing films where the orchestra plays accompanying music. M and I have spent many many nights in the hall and have been privileged to see all the “staff only” side of the hall. Every year there is an international music festival and many musicians play there, my favourite was a Hindustani band who played the sitar and tabla, and before playing they explained that they have no written music and there is a pattern to what and how they play, all musicians joining in playing along making it up as they go, but to a prescribed pattern. It was amazing to listen to, and I spent a few hours just sitting on the floor listening. It is a place of happiness.
I had always intended to finish with the RLPO when I started my month of music, and what better than Sibelius’s Finlandia.
I hope you have all enjoyed this trip as much as I have enjoyed posting it for you all.
Mr Knitter 