Excerpt of Sorabji's 5th Piano Concerto

[ryguillian]

Posted on YouTube a few days ago; not sure if many people noticed.

Best,

Ryan

[ahinton]

Posted on YouTube a few days ago; not sure if many people noticed.

On the assumption (probably a reasonable one) that whoever posted it there did not first ask and receive the permission of Netherlands Radio to do so, I hope very much that Netherlands Radio will not jump to the conclusion that I had any part in this, since they made a copy for me on the strict understanding that, whilst I could play it to any visitor to the Sorabji Archive, I was not to copy or distribute it in any way - and no, Ryan, I'm not suggesting that it was you!

It is nevertheless a matter of regret that this piece has yet to be commercially recorded; I think that another rehearsal or two would have made this performance well worthy of a CD but it's pretty good even as it is - and it is to date the only occasion on which any substantial work of Sorabji involving full orchestra has been performed.

While on the subject of "Sorabji's Fifth", there has also been a recent posting of a small extract from his Piano Sonata No. 5, Opus Archimagicum and, since there has been some misunderstanding about this, I should perhaps clarify without further ado that neither Mr Johnson (who played that extract) nor anyone else has ever performed this work in its entirety and that the only performance of any of it known to us has been that of Mr Johnson who, by his own admission, has so far played only a tiny fraction of it. That nevertheless gives me an excuse to mention that, whilst this monumental work exists for the time being in manuscript form only, work is about to commence on a new typeset edition of it; we will announce its completion when it has been completed and add it to the growing catalogue of scores that we supply, but we regret that we cannot at this stage give any idea of when that will be.

Best,

Alistair

[ryguillian]

On the assumption (probably a reasonable one) that whoever posted it there did not first ask and receive the permission of Netherlands Radio to do so, I hope very much that Netherlands Radio will not jump to the conclusion that I had any part in this, since they made a copy for me on the strict understanding that, whilst I could play it to any visitor to the Sorabji Archive, I was not to copy or distribute it in any way - and no, Ryan, I'm not suggesting that it was you!

It is nevertheless a matter of regret that this piece has yet to be commercially recorded; I think that another rehearsal or two would have made this performance well worthy of a CD but it's pretty good even as it is - and it is to date the only occasion on which any substantial work of Sorabji involving full orchestra has been performed.

While on the subject of "Sorabji's Fifth", there has also been a recent posting of a small extract from his Piano Sonata No. 5, Opus Archimagicum and, since there has been some misunderstanding about this, I should perhaps clarify without further ado that neither Mr Johnson (who played that extract) nor anyone else has ever performed this work in its entirety and that the only performance of any of it known to us has been that of Mr Johnson who, by his own admission, has so far played only a tiny fraction of it. That nevertheless gives me an excuse to mention that, whilst this monumental work exists for the time being in manuscript form only, work is about to commence on a new typeset edition of it; we will announce its completion when it has been completed and add it to the growing catalogue of scores that we supply, but we regret that we cannot at this stage give any idea of when that will be.

Best,

Alistair

Actually, Tellef has recorded about 80% of the Opus Archimagicum. He's commented that the ms. is surprisingly readable, too... I might order it soon myself. I'm impatient, and I'm glad Tellef is too...

Best,

Ryan

[indutrial]

I sincerely hope that the Netherlands radio station has bigger fish to fry than this one. The user 'scriabinwasmydad' does a very good job of helping music like Sorabji's reach a wider audience. Youtube is actually a great venue for this new variety of what is essentially 'internet radio.'

[indutrial]

Actually, Tellef has recorded about 80% of the Opus Archimagicum. He's commented that the ms. is surprisingly readable, too... I might order it soon myself. I'm impatient, and I'm glad Tellef is too...

Best,

Ryan

He should post some bits of this online (the recording, not the manuscript) for people to check out. Whether it's 110% spot on or not need not matter since interested people would likely appreciate the chance to hear such a rare and curious work played by an obviously-capable player. I, for one, look forward to a typeset edition of this piece, particularly considering where it falls in Sorabji's catalog of works chronologically. Studying bits of the Sequentia Cyclia has been a steadily rewarding experience and I'm certain the Opus Archimagicum is just as valuable.

[ahinton]

Actually, Tellef has recorded about 80% of the Opus Archimagicum. He's commented that the ms. is surprisingly readable, too... I might order it soon myself. I'm impatient, and I'm glad Tellef is too...

You and I and doubtless others are - and have good reason to be - "impatient" but, according to what Tellef is directly Telling me, he has played only a tiny proportion of this work so far, which is the only reason that I wrote as I did. The ms. is indeed one of Sorabji;s more legible ones, although I'd still say that a proper typeset edition is required to help any pianist who would really want to and be able to prepare and present a performance of this admittedly marvellous piece.

Best,

Alistair

[ryguillian]

You and I and doubtless others are - and have good reason to be - "impatient" but, according to what Tellef is directly Telling me, he has played only a tiny proportion of this work so far, which is the only reason that I wrote as I did. The ms. is indeed one of Sorabji;s more legible ones, although I'd still say that a proper typeset edition is required to help any pianist who would really want to and be able to prepare and present a performance of this admittedly marvellous piece.

Best,

Alistair

I don't normally like to share my correspondances with people on here, but:

[redacted]

Best,

Ryan

[tjohnson]

Just a quick update to clear up all the news at hand --

What with a new edition suddenly being planned of "Opus Archimagicum," one of Sorabji's most exciting works, the game has vastly changed since my initial readings and recordings of them, so there will be much more to do now in preparing the debut performance and the possible recording at hand, so please watch this space (but be patient!!!!)

[pies]

Where did it go??    Bring it back.

[ryguillian]

Where did it go??    Bring it back.

Seems like the moron who posted it made it private. The guy is a real jackass.

Best,

Ryan