In the first photo, it’s a shame that Klemperer’s left-arm is covering the leader’s face, it could be Manoug Parikian (Philharmonia leader 1949-57), although it’s easy to identify Hugh Bean (a future PO leader) to his left.
As a postscript, I have no real memory of writing this…
https://philharmonia.co.uk/who-we-are/our-history/
… but as I am credited, I must have done!
Bloody good article that will send me back to the record shelves. Interesting that WF is credited with developing the unique sound of the Philharmonia. What a glorious history of recordings. Would love to come to London again and hear this grand band in person before travel becomes an impossibility. Our future is in the hands of the vaccine!
Belated Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day. Although you have no memory of writing this – it was five years ago, well in the BCE (Before Covid Era), when everything has faded into a dim past – you did remember enough to find it. Thanks and best for a better year.
In fact Eric the Philharmonia article found me! I was searching for a list of Philharmonia concertmasters, spotted a likely source, and found myself reading me. The more I think about it the more I recall doing the piece – emails to Ashkenazy, Mark and Robin and a phone-call to CvD… can’t remember how Esa-Pekka was contacted.
May I add that I am very proud to claim Raymond Clark as a relative, my grandfather’s cousin.
Raymond led the cellos soon after the orchestra’s foundation and retired in the 1960’s saying, in his best Yorkshire accent “that’s enough”!
I believe he was held in high esteem up with Anthony Pini among the best of his era.
If anyone has any memories of Raymond or of his playing please do share them here. I nearly achieved two
meetings with ladies from the orchestra of his era but both died before I could hook up with them alas.
Thanks.
David Whelton, formerly Philharmonia MD, dropped me a line … “I think it might be Max Salpeter sitting next to Hugh.”
“Left arm covering the leaders face” I believe the leader in this photo could well be Emanuel Hurwitz. I was a frequent “extra” in the2nd violin section of the E.C.O. in the mid to late 1960’s and the posture revealed in the image is very reminiscent of “Manny”. Added to this I did read recently that he did do a short stint as leader of the Philharmonia