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]
Porgy and Bess: Melodies
London Symphony Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And de livin is easy
Fish are jumpin
An de cotton is high
Oh yo daddy's rich
An yo ma's good lookin
So hush little baby don you cry
You goin to rise up singin
Den you'll spread yo wings
An you'll take the sky
But till that mournin
Deres a nothin can harm you
The lyrics to the song "Summertime" from the opera Porgy and Bess, as performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, evoke a serene and idyllic setting. The song describes the ease and tranquility of summertime, highlighting the harmonious relationship between nature and people. It portrays a scene where fish are lively and jumping in the water, while the cotton crops have grown high. The references to wealth and physical attractiveness of one's parents suggest a sense of security and beauty in the singer's family.
The second part of the lyrics introduces a hopeful message. It speaks of a future morning when the singer will rise up singing, spreading their wings and taking flight into the sky. This symbolizes a metaphorical journey towards freedom and self-realization. The lyrics suggest that despite any current hardships or struggles, there is a promise of a better tomorrow. Until that morning comes, the song reassures that nothing can harm the listener, implying a sense of protection and comfort.
Overall, the lyrics of "Summertime" capture the essence of hope, tranquility, and the aspiration for a better future in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Summertime
The season of warmth and ease
And de livin is easy
Life is comfortable and effortless
Fish are jumpin
Fish are leaping in the water
An de cotton is high
And the cotton plants have grown tall
Oh yo daddy's rich
Oh, your father is wealthy
An yo ma's good lookin
And your mother is attractive
So hush little baby don you cry
So, calm down, little baby, don't shed tears
One of dese mournins
One of these mornings
You goin to rise up singin
You will rise and sing joyously
Den you'll spread yo wings
Then you will extend your wings
An you'll take the sky
And you will soar through the sky
But till that mournin
But until that morning
Deres a nothin can harm you
There is nothing that can cause you harm
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, ACUM Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Heyward, Du Bose Heyward, George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind