Description
Book SynopsisJust a Little From the Top is an autobiography of a lifetime in music. Roderick Elms' love of music throughout his childhood and secondary school at The City of London School led to the Royal Academy of Music, and a full time career at the highest level of music-making in London. It includes a multitude of anecdotes, many humorous, and reveals some of the workings of the music profession, including occasions when things have gone wrong, as a result of practical or mechanical failures, or due simply to incompetent leadership. In addition to his freelance performances for the BBC from the late seventies until the present, Roderick Elms describes the periods he spent with the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. There is a chapter about his work and travels as pianist with the eminent cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. He has made numerous solo recordings with the London orchestras and these are detailed together with the many film soundtracks to which he has contributed, notably the complete The Lord of the Rings, trilogy. Composing and arranging has also been a big part of his life and there is a chapter about this and the CD recordings made of his music (including 'A Little Fall-ish!'; 'Festive Frolic'; 'Moody Moves'; 'A Windy Christmas'). A little early biographical information takes the reader through the wonderful experiences gained by many from musical opportunities provided by the Redbridge Music Service and its music advisor, Malcolm Bidgood OBE. It also takes a trip through some of the Redbridge-based musical groups which played such a big part in the lives of young musicians living in that area in the late-sixties, seventies and eighties. Not least, the internationally unknown Gnaff Ensemble.
Trade Review"A truly enjoyable account of Roderick Elms' life in music, peppered with stories, from the hilarious to the educational! This lively account of the life and times of a valued friend includes plenty of entertaining anecdotes, plus details of musical mishaps and triumphs along the way. A great read for anyone interested in the workings of today's classical music world." Aled Jones
Table of ContentsPrelude v 1. Early Years 1 2. Big School 8 3. The Redbridge Youth Orchestra 16 4. In and Around Redbridge 23 5. The Royal Academy of Music and Beyond 29 6. The Redbridge Youth Choir 38 7. The BBC 44 8. Auditions 65 9. Gnaff Days 70 10. The London Symphony Orchestra 75 11. Slava 86 12. The London Philharmonic Orchestra 91 13. When Things Don't Go According to Plan 104 14. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 125 15. This 'n That 142 16. Ongar Music Club 150 17. Writing and Recording 153 18. Family 168 19. Coda 174 20. Photographs 184 Abbreviations and Other References 186 Index 187
