Thanks for that Michael - a really nice man I thought with a real passion and an ability to convey it in his writings and tv appearances - I recall one on Mozart for the 1991 bicentenary.
Yes, I've seen a few of his broadcasts. He was a renowned Haydn expert and he reacted very graciously when he was almost hoodwinked (along with other experts) a few years back. (See this news item):
Not only Haydn and Mozart benefitted from HCRL's erudite scholarship.
By chance it was his magnificent and large format Beethoven volume (for the Beethoven bicentennial 1970, in 1975 reprinted in a much smaller paperback, less illustrated, almost the same texts) through which I came across his name for the first time.
Only after that I discovered through the Decca Dorati Haydn symphonies series what his real passion was (though the Mozart Golden Years and 1791 books are great works too).
Sad news indeed. I remember buying his book Mozart:The Golden Years back when it was first released in 1989. I also have copies of 3 other books by him, 1791: Mozart's Last Year (1988), Mozart and the Masons (1982) and Beethoven (1970). He will be missed...
"God knows why it is that my pianoforte music always makes the worst impression on me, especially when it is played badly." -Beethoven 1804.
By chance it was his magnificent and large format Beethoven volume (for the Beethoven bicentennial 1970, in 1975 reprinted in a much smaller paperback, less illustrated, almost the same texts) through which I came across his name for the first time.
RIP
Yes, I bought the smaller paperback reprint which came out in 1974. Unfortunately, it is coming apart at the seams today. (Just like me, in fact )
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