More recently, its principal conductors have included Pierre Monteux (1961–64), Istvan Kertesz (1965–68), André Previn (1968–79) and Claudio Abbado (1979–88). From 1988-1995, the American Michael Tilson-Thomas took over, and in 1995, became principal guest conductor. Sir Colin Davis served as the LSO's Principal Conductor from 1995-2006, and in 2007 took the post of President of the orchestra. On 1 January 2007, Valery Gergiev became the LSO's Principal Conductor. Previn holds the title of Conductor Laureate. In 2006, Daniel Harding became the co-principal guest conductor alongside Tilson Thomas. Richard Hickox is the Associate Guest Conductor of the LSO.
The LSO became the first British orchestra to play overseas when it went to Paris in 1906. The LSO was due to sail on the RMS Titanic for a concert in New York in April 1912 but fortunately had to change the booking at the last minute. It was also the first to play in the United States, in 1912, and in 1973 it was the first to be invited to take part in the Salzburg Festival. It continues to make tours around the world.
In 1966 the London Symphony Chorus (LSC) was formed to complement the work of the LSO. with more that two hundred amateur singers, the LSC maintains a close association with the LSO; however it has developed an independent life, which allows it to partner other leading orchestras.
The LSO has long been considered the most extraverted of the London orchestras. For most of its life it refused to allow women to become members, ostensibly on the grounds that women would affect the sound of the orchestra (there has been a similar controversy at the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra). There is an air of youthful high spirits to much of its music-making that is shown off in performances of such composers as Berlioz and Prokofiev. The LSO has often had internationally-known players as wind soloists, including such artists as James Galway (flute), Gervase de Peyer (clarinet), Roger Lord (oboe), Osian Ellis (harp), John Georgiadis (violin) and Barry Tuckwell (horn). Like most ensembles, the orchestra has a great ability to vary its sound, producing very different tone colours under such diverse conductors as Stokowski (with whom it made a series of memorable recordings), Adrian Boult, Jascha Horenstein, Georg Solti, André Previn, George Szell, Claudio Abbado, Leonard Bernstein, John Barbirolli, and Karl Böhm, who developed a close relationship with the orchestra late in his life. Böhm and Bernstein each held the title of LSO President in their later years.
Clive Gillinson, a former cellist with the orchestra, served as the LSO's Managing Director from 1984 to 2005, and is widely credited with bringing great stability to the LSO's organization after severe fiscal troubles.[1] Since 2005, Kathryn McDowell is the Managing Director of the LSO.[2]
Lullaby
London Symphony Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Neath silv'ry light
Asleep in the dew
They hide from our view
When the dawn peepeth thro'
Slumber sweetly my dear,
For the angels are near
The silent night thro'
And to bear you above
To the dreamland of love
In the first verse, the lyrics describe a serene nighttime scene where roses seem to come alive. The roses are personified as they "whisper 'good night'" under the gentle glow of the moon ("'Neath silv'ry light"). The imagery portrays a peaceful atmosphere where the flowers are at rest, and their beauty is hidden from our view in the dew when the dawn begins to peek through.
The second verse addresses a dear one who is urged to slumber sweetly. The lyrics mention that angels are nearby, keeping a watchful eye over the sleeper. The mention of the "silent night thro'" creates a sense of tranquility and calmness, emphasizing the soothing nature of the lullaby. The angels' presence provides a sense of protection and comfort during the night.
The final lines of the song continue to emphasize the dreamlike quality of the lullaby. The lyrics suggest that the angels will carry the dear one to the "dreamland of love," implying a place of warmth and happiness. This dreamland can be interpreted as a metaphorical realm where all worries fade away, and love reigns supreme. The notion of being lifted above suggests a sense of liberation and escape from the realities of the world into a realm of pure joy and affection.
Overall, the lyrics of "Lullaby" by the London Symphony Orchestra create a peaceful and soothing atmosphere. Through nature imagery, the song creates a serene nighttime scene with whispering roses and silvery light. The presence of angels watching over the sleeper provides a sense of security and protection. The mention of a dreamland of love suggests a fantasy realm where all cares are forgotten, emphasizing the power of the lullaby to bring solace and comfort.
Line by Line Meaning
Roses whisper "good night"
Roses softly bid farewell as the night falls
'Neath silv'ry light
Under the shimmering moonlight
Asleep in the dew
Resting peacefully in the coolness of the night
They hide from our view
Concealed from our sight
When the dawn peepeth thro'
When the first light of morning appears
Slumber sweetly my dear
Sleep soundly, my beloved
For the angels are near
Guardian angels are close by
To watch over you
To protect and keep an eye on you
The silent night thro'
Throughout the quiet night
And to bear you above
And carry you high above
To the dreamland of love
To a realm where love resides in dreams
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FAITH CLARK, JEREMY LUBBOCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Ferguson
One of the most beautiful musical compositions of all time.
David Castenholz
No kidding. This one goes right to the soul.
John Ferguson
@David Castenholz - it certainly does.
Making Music: Musicando
George: You were a very gifted human being and a better musician. Thanks for giving us such a treasure, spending your short time thinking on our emotional and intelectual enjoyment. We have your brightness with us for endlessly. You live still every time we listen to your music. You set up an example of things well done. Thank you so much
madsaint
Allthough I agree, I dont think George has Youtube, wherever he might be now. I hope he has a piano and violins though.
Joseph Fester
@madsaint George would be please that we can remember his music via whatever medium he could never imagine.
Organgrinder1010
I keep returning to this gorgeous performance. Since I discovered it I've been seeking other performances by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Thanks for posting so many!
Sic Synch
The world stops when I hear Gershwin
The Flylooper
The melody of course is wonderful, but the arrangement is what makes this piece work. I've been a Slatkin fan for years.!
Just_Peaches
My highschool is playing this for our next concert. It’s one of my favorite songs by far 💜 I play the cello