JOHN VEALE (1922 - )

'If a composer writes "way out" music, it is the subject of hostility and he is labelled a crank or a schizophrenic; conversely, if a composer writes melodic music of obvious quality, as does John Veale, his is castigated as unoriginal and anachronistic. The truth is that there is outstanding music in both camps: one camp impresses the intellect and occasionally the emotions; the other registers more easily with the ear. All discerning music-lovers devoid of prejudice will value music of both types since artistic greatness is not exclusive to one style alone. John Veale's music would be enjoyed anywhere but first it has to be made available. It must not languish in oblivion.'*

In fact, it is almost unbelievable that the music of this composer has, up until now, mainly languished in oblivion. The appeal of this music is undeniable. When PANORAMA was first performed in 1951 at the Malvern Festival under Sir Adrian Boult, the audience were so vociferous in their demand for a repeat performance that Elgar's WAND OF YOUTH was cancelled and this was put in its place. Every one of his premieres has had this sort of reception, as those in attendance at the recent performance of the DEMOS VARIATIONS at the Royal Northern College of Music will testify.

John Veale was educated at Repton School, where, having taught himself the clarinet, he was encouraged by the Director of Music and found great satisfaction in exploring classical and jazz repertoires. He went up to Oxford and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1941. As an undergraduate, his preoccupation with music was apparent and he began studies with Egon Wellesz, also writing music for the Oxford University Dramatic Society. Help and encouragement also came from William Walton.

After some war years in the army, he was awarded a Commonwealth Fund Fellowship, which took him to America for two years. There he studied and composed and came under the influence of the 'ultra-cerebral sophistication'* of Roger Sessions and the 'primitive crudity'* of Roy Harris. At this time he had contact with many American composers and was awarded a junior fellowship at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, to research a book on American composers. His credibility was indisputably established when Sir John Barbirolli personally chose his SYMPHONY NO. 1 for performance at the Cheltenham Festival in 1952. Critical praise abounded, noting the young composer's substance of thought, assurance, clear thinking, ability to sustain an argument in a large-scale form, sense of shape and sincere musical personality.

In the late '40s the conductor, Muir Matheson, introduced the young composer to the film industry by commissioning music for Crown Film Productions. A number of feature film commissions followed, including THE PURPLE PLAIN (starring Gregory Peck) and THE SPANISH GARDENER (Dirk Bogarde). Veale was also the film critic and then film correspondent for THE OXFORD MAIL and film music was his livelihood for many years.
Veale's music is well-constructed, but displays a lush, sonorous freedom of spirit which is irresistible. It is tonal and easy to listen to, but never banal. He uses a rich orchestral sound which appeals to the imagination and the senses. The 'English' influence of mystical modal styles is apparent, as is that of film music and jazz. The music is lyrical and captivating and often profound. The works in this catalogue would make perfect proms material.

Lengnick's John Veale is not ashamed 'to wear his heart on his sleeve' and we are proud of this sort of unabashed romanticism in an age starved of it.

SOME WORKS
Guitar duo

Orchestral:
Kubla Khan 'Some of the harmonies and voice-spacings give the work an ethereal feel...music of a warm, lush, sensuous quality...[has an] an extraordinary capacity to make one feel better...'*
Symphony No. 1 '...impressed by the substance of its thought and the gift it shows for handling the large scale form - a propitious beginning for a budding symphonist.' (THE MUSICAL TIMES)
Apocalypse The end of the world as fashioned by late 20th Century war-mongers.
Demos Variations
Panorama (Inspired by the view of the bay of San Francisco) 'mildly jazzy and, therefore, American flavour'*
Clarinet Concerto
Violin Concerto - newly released by Chandos
Triune for Oboe/Cor Anglais and Orchestra

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