The Clock and the Dresden Figures
| The Clock and the Dresden Figures | |
|---|---|
| Light music by Albert Ketèlbey | |
 Dresden china clock | |
| Composed | 1930 |
| Performed | February 8, 1930 |
| Published | 1930 |
| Scoring |
|
The Clock and the Dresden Figures is a piece of light classical music for piano with orchestra (or military band) by Albert Ketèlbey. It was composed, first performed and published in 1930.
History[edit]
The Clock and the Dresden Figures was premiered on 8 February 1930, using manuscript parts. The first recording was made on 27 February, resulting in a simultaneous issue of the recording and the sheet music, which was published by Bosworth.[1][2] A version for xylophone replacing the piano was published later.[1]
Theme and music[edit]
A synopsis by the composer mentions that two Dresden china figures, which stand right and lift of a clock come to life. They dance, with the ticking clock providing the beat. When the Clock goes wrong, its spring breaks, and the figures return to their first positions.[1]
In 1930, it was recorded, with the composer as the pianist,[3] who took a fast tempo.[1] It was reissued in 2002 in a collection of his light music.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d McCanna, Tom. "The Clock and the Dresden Figures". albertketelbey.org.uk. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
- ^ McCanna, Tom. "Works for orchestra". albertketelbey.org.uk. Retrieved 4 July 2016.
- ^ Woolf, Jonathan (2003). "British Light Music / Albert Ketèlbey (1875–1959) / In a Monastery Garden". musicweb-international.com. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
- ^ "Ketelbey: In a Monastery Garden (Ketelbey) (1924–1932)". Naxos. 2002. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
External links[edit]
- The Music of Albert W. Ketèlbey / A Catalogue, compiled by Tom McCanna
- Philip L. Scowcroft: Monastery Garden and Persian Market / The Travels of Albert W. Ketèlbey