“The Viola of Winnie The Poo”
Walton - Benjamin - HowelLs
The whimsical world of "Winnie the Pooh" finds an intriguing link with the British music landscape of the early 20th century, a time of profound transformation and artistic exploration. Amidst the aftermath of a devastating war and societal hardships, creators sought solace in crafting narratives that transported them to a realm of innocence and wonder, much like the enchanting Hundred Acre Wood inhabited by Pooh and his friends.
The resonance between the two emerges from the shared experiences of their creators. A.A. Milne, the author behind "Winnie the Pooh," had lived through the horrors of World War I, marked by trauma and loss. Seeking solace from his own internal battles, he turned to storytelling to provide his son, Christopher Robin Milne, with a world of warmth and companionship, creating characters each embodying unique psychological traits.
In a parallel vein, British composers like Herbert Howells, William Walton, and Arthur Benjamin, among others, were grappling with the echoes of war and societal upheaval. These composers, affected by the conflict's carnage, turned to their art as a means of healing and rejuvenation. The music they crafted resonates with a blend of resilience and hope, much like the way Milne infused the world of his stories with resilience and enchantment.
The emergence of jazz in this period also played a vital role in shaping both "Winnie the Pooh" and the British music landscape. The vivacity and rhythm of jazz, with its roots in African American culture, symbolized a shift towards positivity and new beginnings. This sentiment seeped into compositions like Walton's Viola Concerto, characterized by elements of jazz-inspired rhythms and harmonies.
In the end, the connection lies in the transformative power of art. Just as Milne sought to create an oasis of innocence for his son amidst a world scarred by war, British composers weaved their own tales of redemption through music. Both "Winnie the Pooh" and the music of early 20th-century Britain stand as testaments to the resilience of the human spirit, transcending the darkness of their times to offer glimpses of hope, imagination, and a brighter tomorrow.
Release date TBD
Mathis Rochat, viola
Abigél Králik, violin
Howard Griffeths, conductor
BBC Wales Philharmonic