The Clock and the Dresden Figures

The Clock and the Dresden Figures is a piece of light classical music for piano with orchestra (or military band) by Albert Ketèlbey. It was composed, first performed and published in 1930.

The Clock and the Dresden Figures
Light music by Albert Ketèlbey
Dresden china clock
Composed1930 (1930)
PerformedFebruary 8, 1930 (1930-02-08)
Published1930 (1930)
Scoring
  • piano (or xylophone)
  • orchestra

History

The Clock and the Dresden Figures was premiered on 8 February 1930, using manuscript parts. The first recording was made on 27 February, resulting in a simultaneous issue of the recording and the sheet music, which was published by Bosworth.[1][2] A version for xylophone replacing the piano was published later.[1]

Theme and music

A synopsis by the composer mentions that two Dresden china figures, which stand right and lift of a clock come to life. They dance, with the ticking clock providing the beat. When the Clock goes wrong, its spring breaks, and the figures return to their first positions.[1]

In 1930, it was recorded, with the composer as the pianist,[3] who took a fast tempo.[1] It was reissued in 2002 in a collection of his light music.[4]

References
  1. McCanna, Tom. "The Clock and the Dresden Figures". albertketelbey.org.uk. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  2. McCanna, Tom. "Works for orchestra". albertketelbey.org.uk. Retrieved 4 July 2016.
  3. Woolf, Jonathan (2003). "British Light Music / Albert Ketèlbey (1875–1959) / In a Monastery Garden". musicweb-international.com. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
  4. "Ketelbey: In a Monastery Garden (Ketelbey) (1924–1932)". Naxos. 2002. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
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