Timothy West stars as Sir Thomas Beecham, the renowned conductor, in this play with music written by Caryl Brahms and Ned Sherring. Featuring Terry Wale as the narrator. From 1990.
I've never forgotten seeing this on TV, and on a whim sought for it online - and it's just as great as I remember. Thanks for showing it, it brings back many happy memories.
What an incredible play in memory of a truly incredible man. I am a British musician living in Germany. Here, Beecham's name is held by musicians in high regard.
When this first appeared on the London stage many musicians who had played for Beecham were still alive and were able to see it and confirmed how true to life it was. Some, apparently, were reduced to tears. One of the great things about this show is Tim West's convincing conducting - so often actors pretending to conduct simply don't get it! - but he not only gets it completely, but it works!
I was brought up at "Newlands" Huyton Hey rd Huyton Nr St Helens . My mother, during WW2 ,heard from locals that the [1863 ] Park Hall Sunday school next door to us was used by Beecham senior for either his sons first rehearsal or concert and the desks were moved out into the grounds to make room inside. At the family home Ewanville , a 1/4 mile away, and she, as a young florist from Liverpool Market, delivered a wreath for the father`s funeral -and as the butler took it , glimpsed an organ in the hall.
Superb. I was lucky enough to see the original stage production in London many years ago now and it was a huge hit. No orchestra of course, just West (with his back to the audience when "conducting") and a soundtrack carefully phased in and out with his asides. There was a good joke at the beginning when West strode to the podium and immediately conducted the "orchestra" in the National Anthem - which left everyone in the audience scrambling to their feet when they recognised the tune!
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This was GREAT! SO entertaining and the star Timothy West was incredible!
I've never forgotten seeing this on TV, and on a whim sought for it online - and it's just as great as I remember. Thanks for showing it, it brings back many happy memories.
What an incredible play in memory of a truly incredible man.
I am a British musician living in Germany. Here, Beecham's name is held by musicians in high regard.
Wonderful. So happy I caught up with this at age 78!
When this first appeared on the London stage many musicians who had played for Beecham were still alive and were able to see it and confirmed how true to life it was. Some, apparently, were reduced to tears. One of the great things about this show is Tim West's convincing conducting - so often actors pretending to conduct simply don't get it! - but he not only gets it completely, but it works!
Charming play about a colossal figure of the orchestra!
I was brought up at "Newlands" Huyton Hey rd Huyton Nr St Helens . My mother, during WW2 ,heard from locals that the [1863 ] Park Hall Sunday school next door to us was used by Beecham senior for either his sons first rehearsal or concert
and the desks were moved out into the grounds to make room inside.
At the family home Ewanville , a 1/4 mile away, and she, as a young florist from Liverpool Market, delivered a wreath for the father`s funeral -and as the butler took it , glimpsed an organ in the hall.
Spectacular video! Thanks so much!
Thomas Beecham one of my heroes.
Absolutely marvellous.
Absolutely brilliant!
Timothy West at his best.
Fantastic
Superb. I was lucky enough to see the original stage production in London many years ago now and it was a huge hit. No orchestra of course, just West (with his back to the audience when "conducting") and a soundtrack carefully phased in and out with his asides. There was a good joke at the beginning when West strode to the podium and immediately conducted the "orchestra" in the National Anthem - which left everyone in the audience scrambling to their feet when they recognised the tune!
Isn't it funny I saw the show on several occasions - I don't remember the National Anthem. The passing of time, I guess.
First time to see an act for an orchestra!!
Many Happy Returns of The Marstro
This would be Beecham today!
That great symphonic sound!!
I would love to know the music in this
Some Mozart, Bizet, Delius and more.
What's the name of the last Delius piece they played?