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| King Arthur This work was first fully performed by The Broughty Ferry Choral Union on 3rd December 1889 with the composer conducting. According to his obituary, the piece had been presented "over 100 times in various part of the Kingdom... [and] is now in its seventh edition". The Piper O' Dundee of 27th November 1889 mentioned the forthcoming premiere: '...This performance is interesting musical circles, and will attract a large contingent from Dundee. The Broughty Ferry Guide of Friday is to give a full descriptive sketch of the work, and a portrait of the composer...' The soloists on that occasion were Miss Resch Pettersen (soprano), Mr John Probert (tenor), and Mr William (bass), with an orchestra of 20 performers led by W. H. Cole, and conducted by the composer. The second half of the concert included works by Haydn, Schubert, Weber, Glinka, Benedict, and Sullivan, conducted by George Neale The performance took place in Broughty Ferry's Volunteer Hall, starting at 7.30pm; carriages were due to take the audience home at 10pm. Tickets priced 4s, 2s, and 1s were available from Mr James Gibson and Mrs Tindal, Broughty Ferry, and Messrs Methven, Simpson, & Co., Dundee On Friday, 20th March 1896 Newport Choral Society gave a performance of King Arthur with the soloists, Mrs A. C. Haden (soprano), a member of the society (tenor), and Mr P. Glencorse [of Edinburgh] (baritone). It was conducted by W. J. Pae, until Smieton took the baton for the fourth scene, accompanied by Miss Beatrice Webster and Mr David Stephen, at the piano and harmonium respectively. According to The Piper O' Dundee of 25th March 1896, they 'did excellent work'. The performance in the Blyth Hall started at 8pm. Tickets, at prices of 3s and 1s, had been available from Miss Shepherd's, High Street, Newport. As part of a concert given by Messrs. Stoole's pupils reviewed in The Piper O' Dundee of 24th June 1896 was the Prelude to King Arthur, which 'met with the approval of the audience.' The critic continues: 'It is effectively written and vigorously scored. With a local orchestra at command, we would suggest that Mr Smieton should give us an opportunity of passing an opinion on a symphony in the course of the next musical season.' The review is complemented by a drawing of the event, which shows that most of the violinists were women. Sources: King Arthur was published in various forms and over several editions. Until I have had a chance to check the editions in London, I shall merely list what I know to be available [1889] Op. 15 Sol-fa edition [1891] String parts [1892] There is a Land (Sol-fa) [1895] There is a Land [1896] nls Novello: London [c.1895] ESM 5/103 <-- Back Page last updated 31-10-2001 |
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