Fenby Farewell - extended - (with notes)

‎'Cassock and surplice ruined' - a prank by choirboys - 'Eric Fenby is 'treacled' to the organ bench'. Take a look around the beautiful 'St Martin's Church' - another gem in Scarborough's crown with its Father Willis organ, Pre-Raphaelite paintings and design by William Morris! Click an extended version of 'Fenby Farewell'...enjoy!
This is an extended (i.e. beyond the 15 minute limit) version of the original 'Fenby Farewell'. The nature of video is the same and I do hope a suitable tribute to this - 'unsung hero of music'. Movie clips are included to add atmosphere with seascapes along the coastal path. Since the previous upload I have been able to photograph inside of St Martin's Church Scarborough famous for its Pre-Raphaelite paintings and design by William Morris - It was here Eric played the 'Father Willis' organ featured in the 'Yorkshire Television' docu/film - 'Song of Farewell' - he told the tale of being stuck to the organ bench! - Updated original video details below:-

A tribute to Scarborian 'Eric Fenby' featuring scenes along the beautiful 'North Yorkshire' coast around 'Scarborough' which he knew and loved so much. Also visiting various places particularly associated with Fenby's past,
(List roughly in chronological order with the video)
FIRST - The iconic SCARBOROUGH SPA' suncourt area where in 1925 he first conducted one of his own works for strings. At that time the Spa Orchestra was under the expert baton of SPA veteran 'Alick Maclean' who was a great influence on the youg Eric Fenby.
'THE FUTURIST' theatre/cinima on the sea front where Eric stood-in to accompany the entertainments.
Various of his homes in and around Scarborough are shown.
'GLADSTONE ROAD' Junior School where Eric was first educated, just round the corner from where he was born.
'HOLY TRINITY CHURCH' where he was a chorister and later organist,
'St MARTIN'S CHURCH' - played the famous 'Father Willis' organ for the choir.
Set in this beautiful church, with its Pre-Raphaelite paintings and design by William Morris.
This was featured in the Yorkshire television film 'Song of Farewell' when - Eric tells us - as a prank, he was treacled by choirboys to the organ bench ..............
'cassock and surplice ruined!'
'WESTBOROUGH METHODIST CHURCH' - where he was christened, NORTHRIDING COLLEGE as it was known now WESTWOOD CAMPUS
here he established the music department. This is while he was living on
'THE CRESCENT', A charming regency style crescent where the Sitwells had a home.
'STAINTONDALE' - where he lived when first married to Rowena, all within sight and the sound of that 'husky voiced sea'.
Fenby spent much time walking with his dog Peter upon
'CLOUGHTON CLIFFS' as featured in Ken Russell's film 'A Song of Summer'. This was Eric's favourite place in Scarborough (and mine!) The moods of light and shade playing on seascape and landscape simply must inspire the receptive soul.
Along the scenic old Whitby railway track that pre closures used to take Eric into town from Staintondale Station. Now someones home complete with cat flap!
From here summer fades into an autumn landscape and eventually to Scalby Church.

These original video notes still apply - but there are extra vistas and landscapes and the addition of an extra item on the sound track - The serenade from Hassan. The main theme that runs like a thread throughout is 'How Sweet the Silent Backward Tracings' - this I feel best describes the mood captured.
I do hope you enjoy this modest tribute to the memory of 'Eric Fenby' at least as much as I enjoyed making it.
Jayne Strutt - ('feline' 1104)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Yorkshire
• Fenby
• Delius
• Scarborough
• Song of Farewell
• St. Martins