John Ritchie shows his consummate craft in this charming work for string orchestra.
John Ritchie died in 2014 on his 93rd birthday.
He was a very versatile musician: a clarinettist, conductor, professor of music at the University of Canterbury for many years, and of course a fine composer.
This Suite dates from 1956. There are three short movements: an opening Allegro, then an Air, and the third movement is in two parts: an Intrada and a sprightly Fugue.
His son is Anthony Ritchie, New Zealand’s most-played living composer.
Recorded by RNZ in Auckland Town Hall, 4 April 2019
Producer: Tim Dodd; Engineer: Adrian Hollay