This was undoubtedly the most significent event in the 20-year history of the Karg-Elert Archive, held in the historic Great Chamber of Charterhouse, London EC1. For here the Archive’s first Fellows, with two Honorary Members, were admitted by our President and Vice President respectively. The ceremony was arranged to coincide with the visit to England by Dr Harold Fabrikant, during which time he gave two organ recitals on instruments of major importance as well as a comprehensive programme of Scarlatti sonatas on the Richard Ireland harpsichord at his home in Hampstead.
The event at Charterhouse was attended by some
20 Archive members and friends; the academical procession comprised President Professor Graham Barber, Vice President Dr Martin Neary,
Patron Dr Harry Bramma, Founder Member and former Secretar y/Treasurer Dr Brian Parsons, the distinguished composer Alan Gibbs, Dr Harold Fabrikant, Frank Conley and the Archive Chairman. Nick Groves, former Dean of Studies of the Burgon Society, had designed the Fellowship hood about which he had intended to speak. Unfortunately, a train breakdown prevented his being present, and the address is readable as another article on this website, with an illustration of what is a very significant academical garment to reflect the high standards of scholarship achieved in the work of the new Fellows Dr Fabrikant and Frank Conley. The citations for them and Honorary Members Terry Truman and Staffan Thuringer, read by Dr Parsons, are available on application to the Chairman.
We were also delighted to have with us Simon Williams, Head of Education and Outreach at the Royal College of Organists; it will be recalled that Karg-Elert was granted Honorary Membership of that College in 1914, to which body he dedicated his Homage to Handel op 74[II} ‘with respect and gratitude’. It is regrettable that, of all the music colleges invited to this event, only the RCO and Trinity College of Music troubled even to reply. Dr Fabrikant states in his Introduction to the Polarity Theory translation that Karg-Elert was ‘a supreme authority on harmony in music’; the evidence for this is now accessible to the English speaking world of music in the superb production which the work of Dr Fabrikant, his colleagues Terry Truman and Staffan Thuringer have completed. They deserve the highest praise for an unique achievement in the history of musicology, and the congratulations of all admirers of the work of Karg-Elert. A separate review of the Polarity Theory book is to be found elsewhere in this issue.
For the audience on October 30, the evening’s highlight was of course Dr Fabrikant’s own introduction to the work over which he had lavished so much thought, time and skill. Never has a hour’s lecture on such a complex subject passed so swiftly. As a self styled ‘unmusical’ member of the audience expressed it: ‘Dr Fabrikant was such an easy orator that the time just flew by.’ (The text of this address will shortly be available on application to the Chairman) The lecture was further enhanced by his playing a selection of the many musical examples included in the text, 300 of which have also been recorded to accompany the book, for it is surely essential to hear the music which Karg-Elert himself wrote to illustrate his writing.
The sequel to the formalities was a very agreeable, informal reception at Brian Parson’s home, where many of those who had been at Charterhouse were then able to enjoy classy and welcome refreshments in the splendid surroundings of this 18th century house. We are very grateful to him for this kind hospitality which so fittingly rounded off a memorable evening.
Members of the academical procession into the chamber, later posed for a group photograph, which can be viewed overleaf, by clicking here.
The event at Charterhouse was attended by some
20 Archive members and friends; the academical procession comprised President Professor Graham Barber, Vice President Dr Martin Neary,
Patron Dr Harry Bramma, Founder Member and former Secretar
We were also delighted to have with us Simon Williams, Head of Education and Outreach at the Royal College of Organists; it will be recalled that Karg-
For the audience on October 30, the evening’s highlight was of course Dr Fabrikant’s own introduction to the work over which he had lavished so much thought, time and skill. Never has a hour’s lecture on such a complex subject passed so swiftly. As a self styled ‘unmusical’ member of the audience expressed it:
The sequel to the formalities was a very agreeable, informal reception at Brian Parson’s home, where many of those who had been at Charterhouse were then able to enjoy classy and welcome refreshments in the splendid surroundings of this 18th century house. We are very grateful to him for this kind hospitality which so fittingly rounded off a memorable evening.
Members of the academical procession into the chamber, later posed for a group photograph, which can be viewed overleaf, by clicking here.
The ornate Elizabethan fireplace of the Great Chamber, at Charterhouse in the heart of the City of London.
Dr Brian Parsons reading the Citations for Fellows and Honorary Members
Frank Conley being invested with his Fellowship
Harold Fabrikant is here seen receiving his Fellowship. The Chairman, Anthony Caldicott, is seen to the right.
