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]
Silver Bells
London Symphony Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It may be parties or thoughts devotional
Whatever happens or what may be
Here is what Christmas time means to me
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you'll hear
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day
Strings of streetlights, even stop-lights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures
Hear the snow crunch, hear the kids bunch
This is Santa's big scene
And above all this bustle you hear
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas Day
Soon it will be Christmas Day
The London Symphony Orchestra's song, "Silver Bells," is a classic Christmas tune that conveys the cheerful and joyful atmosphere of the holiday season in the city. The lyrics represent how the holiday inspires happiness in people, whether it is through the festive decorations or the thought of spending time with loved ones. The song captures the essence of the season by painting a picture of the city sidewalks adorned with decorations, the sound of children laughing, and the hustle and bustle of busy shoppers. It is a reminder of how special and magical Christmas time can be.
The city sidewalks dressed in holiday style, bustling with people and the sound of laughter, is depicted in the lyrics. The streetlights that glow with green and red hues add to the spectacle, as shoppers rush home with their treasures. The sound of snow crunching beneath feet and the joyful chatter of kids enjoying their winter wonderland creates Santa's big scene, a joyful and festive moment that is not to be missed. Through it all, the sound of silver bells that ring throughout the city creates a sense of unity and celebration.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas makes you feel emotional
The holiday of Christmas evokes strong emotional sensations.
It may be parties or thoughts devotional
There are many different things that may cause these emotional reactions, ranging from festivities to religious devotion.
Whatever happens or what may be
Regardless of the circumstances, the following lines describe what Christmas means to the singer.
Here is what Christmas time means to me
The artist is about to share their personal interpretation of the holiday season.
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
The streets of the city are populated and active.
Dressed in holiday style
There is a festive atmosphere with decorations and seasonal attire.
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
There is a tangible sense of the holiday permeating throughout the city.
Children laughing, people passing
Various sounds and sights of the busy city landscape are described, including joyful children and passing people.
Meeting smile after smile
People are greeting each other with positive expressions, spreading the holiday cheer.
And on every street corner you'll hear
The following sound can be heard all throughout the city.
Silver bells, silver bells
The sound being described is the ringing of silver bells.
It's Christmas time in the city
The bells are a symbol of the holiday season taking place around the artist in the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
The sound of the bells is cheerful and musical.
Soon it will be Christmas day
The holiday is quickly approaching, as signaled by the ringing bells.
Strings of streetlights, even stop-lights
The city is decorated with lights, including those lining the streets and signaling to drivers.
Blink a bright red and green
The lights are predominantly red and green, in accordance with traditional holiday colors.
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures
People are busy with holiday shopping and carrying packages home.
Hear the snow crunch, hear the kids bunch
Other audible elements include the sound of snow underfoot and the laughter and chatter of children.
This is Santa's big scene
All these sights and sounds combine to create a lively and magical environment in the lead-up to Santa's arrival.
And above all this bustle you hear
Despite all the activity and noise, one particular sound can still be heard.
Silver bells, silver bells
The ringing of silver bells is again described.
It's Christmas time in the city
This sound is indicative of the holiday season continuing to unfold within the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
The sound of the bells is still cheerful and musical.
Soon it will be Christmas Day
The bells are once again acting as a countdown to the arrival of Christmas.
Soon it will be Christmas Day
The final line is a repetition of the notion that the holiday is imminent and eagerly awaited.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ray Evans, Jay Livingston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sue e
quaint picture lovely music really puts you in the mood for christmas thank you all
Severinus Ngali
20th December 2019.still good
Aaron Joseph
If you only knew..
Stacey Blume-Soper
i like this song
GARRYSMOOD
14 more days until Christmas!!