5th January 2007
Musical Author hits historical note
Yarmouth Mercury 5th January 2007
North Norfolk Advertiser 5th January 2007
Town & Country News February 2007
Book Signing: Timothy Thirst
5th January 2007
Musical Author hits historical note
Yarmouth Mercury 5th January 2007
North Norfolk Advertiser 5th January 2007
Town & Country News February 2007
Book Signing: Timothy Thirst
LIFE OF AN UNSUNG HERO
James Ord Hume would
not perhaps be the first name to come to mind if you were asked to name a famous
composer, but to anyone whose interest is brass or military bands his name would
be surely be at the top of the list.
James Ord Hume (1864-1932) was one of the most prolific British composers and
arrangers of his time. Born in Edinburgh to a poor family he rose from being a
bandboy in the British Army to become Chief Adjudicator, British Empire and one
of the most revered authorities on music and performance.
His invitations to judge national and international competitions took him around
the world many times, and the British Brass Band Movement throughout the world
owes much to his guidance and nurturing.
For such a famous personality it is unusual that no record of his life and music
had ever been written. However, that has now changed with a new book by local
author and musicologist, Dr. Tim Thirst (pictured, signing copies of his new
book). Dr. Thirst is probably better known in his native county of Norfolk as
the director of music of the famed Stalham Brass Band and for his voluntary work
training young people taking up brass playing. However, he has made a name for
himself as an author with his book 'James Ord Hume - The March King', the result
of three years painstaking research around the world. Over seventy years since
Ord Hume's death, records of his life and work had been scattered throughout the
family and around the world, so it is unsurprising that the result of Dr.
Thirst's research has received acclaimed reviews throughout the world.
The International Military Music Society described his book as "an
outstanding contribution to our musical knowledge," while the
Australian Brass Band Association said it was "interesting, well
illustrated, with plenty of detail. Long overdue." Lt. Col. S. J.
Smith, Principal Director of Music (Army) - who wrote the book's foreword - said
it contained a "wealth of information in a readable format, which was
rigorously researched." and no less a person than Dr. Ray Steadman-Allen,
President of the National College of Music and Patron of the London
Musicological Research Society, described Dr. Thirst's book as a "highly
valuable contribution."
The book is priced at £15 inc p&p and is available on the web at
www.oocities.org/james_ord_hume or via the Stalham Brass Band site at
www.oocities.org/stalhamband
"a
fascinating book, thoroughly recommended!"
British Bandsman
"especially
recommended"
International Military Music Society - Netherlands
"wealth
of information in a very readable format, rigorously researched"
Lt. Col. S. J. Smith, Principal Director of Music (Army)
"this
account of his life and music is long overdue"
Brass Band World
"interesting, well illustrated, with plenty of detail. Long overdue."
Australian Band Association of New South Wales
"a
fascinating account"
Brass Review
"outstanding
contribution to our musical knowledge"
International Military Music Society
"a very
well researched account"
The Conductor
"highly
valuable contribution"
Dr. Ray Steadman-Allen, President, National College of Music; Patron, London
Musicological Research Society.
copies can be purchased from the website:
www.oocities.org/james_ord_hume