The workshop, which was organised by Jane Minns, director of the Berkshire Recorder Consort (BRTC), was opened by Paul Clark who introduced his composition Alcaïcs. This he did with gentle good humour, many quips and an extraordinary demonstration of the number of fingerings there were available for the bass recorder on just one particular note. Paul also gave the good advice that an E-flat could not be played then in most cases a B-flat would do as well! Perhaps he had his tongue in his cheek!
Alcaïcs was then followed by a number of Lance Eccles "Stampedes" which the Company had been introduced to when visiting Katrin Eickhorst-Squire in New Zealand in April 2001. Jane had previously distributed the Stampedes to the BRTC members and all were asked to name their favourites. In this manner, Stampedes of the Baa Lambs, Bogong Moths, Lemmings (Paul's favourite), Hippopotamuses, Jelly Fish and Holy Monks & Incubi. All great light-hearted fun, during which the Berkshire players displayed their proficiency on all recorders. Jane would say something like "Up one!" or "Down one!" upon which the players would take up the next ranged recorder and, without leaving their seats, and continue playing.
The workshop was concluded with Keith Rogers 's Two-Tone Rag (Gabrieli meets Scott Joplin!), a very interesting, modern double-choir work. During the refreshments and get-together, the Company was very kindly presented with the BRTC recordings, "October's End" and "Consort with Voyces" by Jane Minns. Later, Paul Clark also very kindly presented a copy of his "Alcaïcs". All in all, an overwhelming, happy and very memorable evening.
The Berkshire Recorder Consort members present included Linda Barlow, Fiona Greer, Ann Helmers, Ann Scruby, Ian MacDonald and Roger Syms.

[ Return to overview ] [ Return to performances ] [ Return to Berkshire/Yorkshire tour ]