12 February 2012 - 2:05 pm NZ time
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Sunday to Friday at 9 am
Tune in on Sunday mornings at 9am or Monday nights at 7pm for a half hour introduction to the week's featured composer. The presenters share their great depth of knowledge on the subject, and play musical examples to guide you through. This introductory audio is also available on demand
Then, on every weekday morning between 9 and 10 o'clock, we play a selection of the composer’s works chosen to illustrate the subject.
NOTE: Audio is only available for two weeks after broadcast.
Not all audio is available due to copyright restrictions.
John Ritchie (b 1921), in conversation with Philip Norman. (53′04″)
presented by Philip Norman
John Ritchie studied music at Otago University and afterwards trained as a teacher. After serving in World War II, he was appointed to the staff of Canterbury University in 1946. Then in 1956-57 he undertook post-graduate study at Harvard University with Walter Piston.
On returning to New Zealand, Ritchie quickly became an important musical figure in Christchurch. He formed the John Ritchie String Orchestra in 1959 and was afterwards instrumental in establishing the Christchurch Civic Orchestra. In 1962 he became Professor and Head of Music at Canterbury University.
He is known particularly for his choral music and his love of good brass bands. Illustrating Philip Norman’s interview you can hear excerpts of some of Ritchie’s best loved works, including his Concerto for Clarinet and Strings and Papanui Road.
J RITCHIE: Papanui Road – NZSO/ Marc Taddei (Trust MMT 2040)
J RITCHIE: Full Fathom Five form Three Whimsies - Matthew Marshall (gtr) (RNZ)
J RITCHIE: Snow Goose – Bridget Douglas (fl), Rachel Thomson (pno) (Trust MMT 2063)
J RITCHIE: Turkey in the Straw - Lindsay String Orch/ Alex Lindsay (Kiwi SLD 2)
J RITCHIE: Concertino for cl & stgs, mvt 3 (Kiwi CD SLD 107)
J RITCHIE: Gallipoli Voices – Chris Bruerton (bar), Woolston Brass, Christchurch City Choir, Christchurch SO/ Graham Hickman (cond) (Private Recording)
J RITCHIE: Three Caricatures – Sharon Joy Vogan (pno) (RNZ)
J RITCHIE: Threnody – Woolston Brass/ David Gallaher (Woolston Brass CDWB 3896340)
J RITCHIE: Fanfare from Partita for Brass Quintet – NZ Chamber Brass (Private recording)
J RITCHIE: Papanui Road - NZSO/ Marc Taddei (Trust MMT 2040)
On Sunday at 9am we introduce the featured composer. Then every weekday morning we play a selection of the composer’s works. The introductory audio is also available on demand.
There are 3 audio items in the programme library
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