In 1903, three composers independently embarked on compositions inspired by the
sea. Debussy’s orchestral description “La Mer” appeared in 1905 and was much admired by
Delius, whose cantata “Sea Drift” appeared in 1906. Both works were known to Ralph Vaughan
Williams by the time he completed “A Sea Symphony” in 1909.
Yet the music was inspired, not so much by the natural world, but by the poetry of
Walt Whitman and the Japanese print Under the great wave, pictured above. It goes far
beyond a description of nature, and in studying it, we can discover much about the composers’
hopes and fears for the new century. The works are also remarkable for their imaginative and
individual use of the orchestra. The course will literally be a voyage of discovery.
The course will run twice, on Thursday mornings and on Monday mornings:
Thursday May 21 st 10am – 12.30pm ‘La Mer’ and ‘Sea Drift’
Thursday May 28 th 10am – 12.30pm A Sea Symphony
Monday June 8th 10am – 12.30pm ‘La Mer’ and ‘Sea Drift’
Monday June 15 th 10am – 12.30pm A Sea Symphony
Each morning will consist of two one-hour lectures/discussions delivered via Zoom. There
will be a break for coffee, during which the meeting will remain open for informal
conversation.
Day: Thursdays or Mondays Time: 10.00-12.30 BST
VENUE: ZOOM LECTURE
Price for an Individual Lecture:
| Price | Concessions | Minimum No. | Maximum No. |
| £16 | 5 | 24 |
Price for both lectures:
| Price | Concessions | Minimum No. | Maximum No. |
| £30 | 5 | 24 |
Please send bookings and enquiries to:
Rosemary Broadbent, 26 Bowden Lane, Marple, Stockport SK6 6ND
rosemary.broadbent@st-hughs.oxon.org Tel: 07801-491031
Cheques payable to Rosemary Broadbent. Details for bank transfer will be supplied on request. Bookings close one week before each event.
If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, help is available. Please contact the lecturer in advance.
For information on online and face-to-face talks visit:
https://rosemarybroadbent.co.uk/speaking-workshops/