Humphrey Searle was a private pupil of Anton Webern, an Austrian composer and member of the Second Viennese School, who made a lasting impression on him.
Composer Biography
A formative experience for Humphrey Searle was hearing a 1934 BBC broadcast of Alban Berg's opera Wozzeck, which he said "knocked me absolutely sideways."
Composer's Artistic Vision
Humphrey Searle, along with Elizabeth Lutyens, was one of the first composers in Britain to adopt the 12-note serial technique in nearly all his compositions after 1946.
Composer Biography
Humphrey Searle was a pioneer in the re-evaluation of Franz Liszt, playing a significant role in founding the Liszt Society and writing a seminal book, 'The Music of Franz Liszt'.
Recording & Production
Richard Itter, whose collection forms this release, habitually acquired professional recording equipment and made domestic recordings of BBC transmissions from 1952-1996.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Humphrey Searle believed the 12-tone method was a means to an end, not an end in itself, stating, "I am trying to write music first and use the twelve-tone method afterwards."
Composer Biography
Humphrey Searle, the composer, was taught piano at school and received harmony lessons from George Dyson at Winchester College.
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