The Art of British Song - A New Musical Venture by Nathan Williamson (Tu 92-97)

­My passion for the British vocal tradition was formed when I was at Rugby – singing the great sacred works of Howells and Parry in the Chapel Choir, Elgar and Vaughan Williams Oratorios with the Rugby Philharmonic, and famous songs for voice and piano by Britten and Ireland in my lessons with Nigel Bevan and Sandra Smith. Several of my formative compositions were for the voice, including choral anthems which became my first professionally performed compositions by church and cathedral choirs in London.

More recently these seeds have blossomed into a fruitful partnership as pianist and composer with the distinguished tenor James Gilchrist. Our various recitals and premieres of new compositions culminated in 2019 with the commission from the distinguished label SOMM Recordings for three CDs of ‘100 Years of British Song’, recording song by British composers from the time of the First World War right through to the present day.

Fortunately the recording and editing process was one area of the music business which could (mostly) continue through all the lockdowns, and the three discs have now been released – the third in November 2021 – with broadcasts and interviews on Radio 3, acclaiming reviews, and awards in the national and industry press.

The discs cover a huge variety of British song, ranging from more well-known classics to premiere recordings of completely unknown music, including some previously unpublished (and unperformed, as far as anyone can tell) works by Gustav Holst. Other premiere recordings include work by several women composers, as well as music written by contemporary composers, including myself.

There was a pleasing symmetry, therefore, that one of James’ and my first recitals together after last year’s lockdown was in the 2021 Rugby Arts Festival. As well as presenting masterclasses to singing and piano students, we gave a recital of British song featuring several works with Rugbeian connections, including settings of Rupert Brooke (Brooke 1901-06) and songs by the composer William Denis Browne (SH 1903-07), a great friend of Brooke’s who also lost his life in the First World War.

The Rugbeian connections go deeper still. During the dark days of the first lockdown, when so many hopes and dreams seemed to be going to pot, I took counsel from my mentor and friend Peter Berners-Price (St 56-61). In his typically optimistic and passionate way, Peter outlined his idea to develop a longer-term strategy for promoting British song, of which James and my three recordings were only the beginning, not the culmination.

It wasn’t hard to be persuaded by Peter’s vision. In contrast to the ‘hunker down’ instincts which had understandably overtaken every performing artist in 2021, it was an inspiration to think about building on what we had already achieved, rather than watch it crumble into dust.

Musically, it was certainly a ‘no-brainer’. Looking back over the three CDs we had made, the overwhelming feeling was one of astonishment at the depth, variety and expressivity contained within the music. It was consequently all the more surprising that British song as a whole remains largely underestimated and neglected – especially as the finest examples undoubtedly deserve a place alongside the established song repertoire.

Therefore, in September 2021, Peter and I launched ‘The Art of British Song’, (or TABS, as we like to call it), aiming to bring British song out of the shadows. We support live performance and recordings, education, writing, criticism, lectures, discussion, and composition – more or less any activity directed towards a common goal: to bring the enjoyment and understanding of British song to the attention of a much wider audience.

We seek to grow the appreciation of British song through membership subscriptions to the ‘TABS Collective’. Anyone is welcome to join who wishes to support British song by encouraging and enjoying its performance, and by learning more about it. Members receive many benefits, including a bi-annual newsletter, complimentary copies of all CDs produced, priority invitations to our events, and the opportunity to access exclusive online content.

Our activities will take place in various venues around the UK, appealing to members regardless of location and enabling us to tap into a wide range of support hubs and networks. Reflecting this, we are launching our ‘Salon Recital Series’ in Spring 2022. Aiming to restore early 20th century British repertoire to its natural environment, we are staging these recitals in country house drawing rooms and other distinctive and exclusive venues, including Penn House in Buckinghamshire, Buscot Park in South Cotswolds, and the Savile Club in London, enhancing the intimate qualities of this music.

We welcome any enquiries regarding membership of ‘TABS Collective’, and questions about any of our plans and ideas. For more information please visit us at www.theartofbritishsong.co.uk or email us on theartofbritishsong@gmail.com.

Nathan Williamson (Tu 92-97)