#imogen holst

[lesser-known-composers]

Imogen Holst (1907-1984) - String Quintet: III. Theme and Variations ·

Court Lane Music

[cup-of-chamomille]

Samuel Barnett and Victoria Yeates in "Ben and Imo"

[holisticdirkmuppet]

posting SB content like my life depends on it

[holistic-midnight-snow]

Ben & Imo & Sam & Victoria

I went to see Ben and Imo over the weekend - despite having zero personal interest in Benjamin Britten it was well worth seeing - it's a play about an unlikely friendship between a moody, immature and insecure composer (Britten) and a bright, independent and spirited 'assistent' (also a composer) Imogen Holst who incidentally, was a total badass and deserves more recognition. They share a passion for music and put the art above all else.

Also Sam has a perm.

Ben is a very difficult character to like, which is why I think it was a smart move casting Sam in the role. Sam has the ability to bring sympathy and humanity and depth to even the hardest to like character, and having perfect comic timing doesn't hurt either. So by the end you know you should dislike Ben, but you can understand why Imo sticks around and the complexity of him as a rounded human being rather than just a dick. Or at the very least, you get a sense of understanding of why he is that way, psychologically, because of the pathos and nuance of Sam's portrayal.

Victoria Yeates is also outstanding in the play, and they have great chemistry/ rapport. Both of them had the stage presence and skill to be completely absorbing, and the range was impressive.

I've never seen Sam be so scarily angry before - I think it's a great role to pick up after Feeling Afraid, it's such a different role but with just as much range and diversity.

I also got to see Sam after the show and he was his usual charming and lovely self, continuing to consistently be The World's Loveliest Human Person <3

I have scoured the reviews and can confirm that even those who didn't like the play, noted that Sam and Victoria were exceptional and - to quote - "award worthy" (yes please Sam should be winning more awards generally)

Some of the reviews:

All of this human complexity and more is brought vividly to life through the subtle, engaging and moving performances from Samuel Barnett and Victoria Yeates. Barnett is mercurial as he moves through the rapidly shifting emotions of Britten’s personality. He captures a man who can be waspish one moment, a little boy lost the next. Angry then joyful, loving and ultimately cruel and dismissive. It is a brilliant characterisation. Barnett and Yeates give award-worthy performances.

Source: Review

"Samuel Barnett brings out nervous excitement, rage and depression from his portrayal of Britten, his mood swinging in all directions with a popping volatility. It is rare to see such an intense performance which utilises such brilliant skill and attention to detail."

Source: Review

The play is a two-hander, but the two central performances are its highlight. Britten is played by Samuel Barnett, who manages to bring depth to a character who is at times erratic, unreasonable and infuriating. Imogen Holst is played by Victoria Yeates, whose bright exuberance has an undercurrent of depth and grit.

Source: Review

[classical-nerd]

A look at the second-most-famous Holst.

Classical Nerd is a weekly video series covering music history, theoretical concepts, and techniques, hosted by composer, pianist, and music history aficionado Thomas Little.

[lesser-known-composers]

Imogen Holst (1907-1984) - On Westhall Hill ·

BBC Concert Orchestra · Alice Farnham

[lesser-known-composers]

Imogen Holst (1907-1984) - String Quartet "Phantasy" ·

Simon Hewitt Jones · David Worswick · Tom Hankey · Oliver Coates

[holisticdirkmuppet]

more stills!