Learmont Drysdale (1866-1909)

 

Learmont Drysdale was a prolific composer who enjoyed considerable success in his time. Born and brought up in Edinburgh, he trained at the Royal Academy of Music where he studied composition with Frederick Corder. 

He returned to Scotland to earn his living as a composer, conductor and teacher. His sudden death in 1909, at the age of 42, occurred just as his creative talents were reaching maturity.  Drysdale wasn't assertive in promoting his music, maybe relying on the efforts of family and friends too much. The subsequent lack of published work led to his music falling into obscurity.

Spirit of the Glen - 1889 

A student work, given it's first performance in St John's Hall, London conducted by Sir Alexander Mackenzie. Unfortunately it was after a disagreement with Mackenzie, the principal, Drysdale left the Royal Academy of Music in 1892 without graduating.

It's both refreshing and endearing to hear the orchestral music of a young Drysdale incorporating a Scottish lilt within a formal structure probably overseen by Frederick Corder. One of the main themes/motifs is heard early on in the cello/viola and is characterised by a type of sextuplet turn.

SAMPLE: Spirit of the Glen - start

The other main theme is a more expansive, lyrical theme, again with a Scottish flavour. This is repeated for full orchestra at the end of this Ballade.

SAMPLE: Spirit of the Glen - final section

Other orchestral works:

1890 - Through the Sound of Raasay (Overture to a Scottish Comedy) 

1891 - Tam O' Shanter, concert overture

1893 - Herondean, overture 

1895 - White Heather, polka de salon for orchestra 

1904 - A Border Romance, orchestral poem

Hopefully these can be looked at in due course with the help of Glasgow University Library.