*THE NEW NATIONAL SONGBOOK op.190 (November 1974)

An entertainment for The Scholars vocal group and ensemble based on the book 'The English Difference' by Paul Jennings and others
Published by: Alfred Lengnick and Co
Commissioned by: David Kingsley /Aurelia Books/Endercom and The Scholars
Instrumentation: 5-part vocal group instr ensemble (vn,C/A,gtr,pno,bass,pc)
Or 5-part vocal group and piano
[Key to Abbreviations]
Note on Lyrics: Texts: lyrics by Howard Blake (Eng) inspired by a book called "The English Difference" by Paul Jennings
Duration: 45 mins
First Performance: Recording at Scorpio Sound June 13-15 with The Scholars and an ensemble directed by HB
Sheet Music Available
Piano / Vocal score for sale
Instrumental parts for sale
Piano / Vocal score for hire
Instrumental parts for hire

piano/vocal score available from Alfred Lengnick & Co
(piano/vocal score and instrumental parts also available from Highbridge)

Recordings Available
The New National Song Book
Released: 1974
Recorded: November 1974
Artists: The Scholars: Shelagh Molyneux soprano, Nigel Dixon alto, Robin Doveton tenor, Michael Leighton Jones baritone, David van Asch bass; Howard Blake piano, plus instrumental ensemble
Available from: Highbridge Music

LP on Firecrest FEU 1002, cover design by Hugh Casson. performed by The Scholars 1975, available from Highbridge

(also issued by DECCA, 1979-1984)


Movements

  • 1: We were watching the birds
  • 2: I dont want to be a number
  • 3: Home
  • 4: One of the things
  • 5: Cultivating the land
  • 6: Dressing up
  • 7: My gurus gone away
  • 8: Start a new society
  • 9: People are saying

Performances

Reviews


'The New National Songbook' has discovered a brand new and immensely effective line of satire which should replace all others. It is called the truth.'

Peter Gammond, Hi-Fi News and Record Review, 1/1/1976

Related Autobiography Chapters


PIANO QUARTET, SONATA FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO ballet:REFLECTIONS (1974)
DANCES FOR TWO PIANOS, TOCCATA - A CELEBRATION OF THE ORCHESTRA (1976)

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