Six talks to get you thinking, and maybe singing… Cheer up those winter nights with six talks that explore the relationship between music and our relationship with God.
Gustav Holst, William Morris and Education
Gustav Holst (1874-1934) is best known for his orchestral suite, The Planets, although he composed a range of other pieces in a variety of styles. Unable to earn enough money as a composer he also worked as a teacher. This talk explores the relationship between Holst’s musical work, his educational ideas and the influence of the Arts and Crafts Movement made famous by William Morris. In particular it brings out the extent to which ideas of community, democracy and education are given a musical form in Holst’s compositions, reflecting the social and political turmoil of the late 19th century.
Speaker – Marilyn Billingham
Marilyn’s interest in music stems from my childhood as she comes from a long line of Salvation Army bandsmen. At the University of East Anglia university she studied sociology and philosophy, graduating in 1971, followed by education at the University of Sheffield. For most of her professional career she taught in FE college health and social care departments. On leaving full time work she took a further 'first' degree in music and English at the University of Chichester and is now a PhD student in the music department at the University of Bristol.