|
LIFE
AS A PICCOLO PLAYER |
CONVENTION
VALE LESLIE BARKLAMB | PICCOLO CONCERTOS
LESLIE RAYMOND
BARKLAMB
1905 - 1993
VALE LESLIE BARKLAMB
by Frederick A. Shade
On Friday, 17th September, 1993, Leslie Raymond
Barklamb, described by many as "The Father
of the Flute" in Australia, passed away at
the age of 88 years. On the following Tuesday morning,
the Funeral Service took place at his church, St.John's
Uniting Church in Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick.
The Service was conducted by the Rev.Dr. John Bodycomb,
a long-time family friend. Some of the readers may
know of his work as Chaplain at the University of
Melbourne and on the Victorian Council of Churches.
John's Eulogy was an inspiring portrait of the personal
qualities of Leslie Barklamb - his generosity, humour,
love of family, dedication to his work, and also
his many achievements. It is hoped that this address
will be published at a later stage.
In addition to the eulogy, John invited others
to come forward to share their remembrances of the
man they knew. Several people took up his offer.
Their loving thoughts and often humourous anecdotes
gave those present greater insight into this man
who was in every way larger than life.
In addition to the two hymns there were also two
musical items. By a happy piece of synchronicity,
the first was a flute solo by
Andrew Day, the 1993 winner of the Junior section
of the Leslie Barklamb Scholarship, playing "Jesu,
Joy of Man's Desiring". And the second item
was performed by Glenda Williams, playing "Syrinx"
by Debussy, who was the very first winner of the
Scholarship in 1972! These were a fitting tribute
to Les.
As we know, Leslie Barklamb lived a rich and fulfilling
life. There were some aspects of this multifacetted
life which were known only to a few and some of
these were referred to during the Service. They
included his appointment as a Life Elder of his
Church, his involvement in the Scouting Movement,
his 66 years membership of the Savage Club, his
work in the MSO, as an examiner for the AMEB, and
his long association (63 years) with Freemasonry.
In regard to the latter, he was a member of The
Lodge of the Golden Fleece which had its own orchestra!
Over the decades musicians such as Dr. Kay Scott,
Bert Guy, Lew Coleman and the Shade family, joined
together in the music-making during supper time
at the meetings. And in recognition of this special
association, Fred Shade was invited by the family
to conduct the Masonic Service. In his opening remarks,
Fred mentioned that his association with Les was
unique in that, not only was Les his teacher for
many years, but also that Les was present at his
admission into the Craft some 30 years ago. They
have had many happy years together in this fraternity.
It was announced at the Service that a 'Tribute',
in Words and Music, to the life and work of Leslie
Raymond Barklamb, would take place at Melba Hall
on Sunday, 10th October at 3.00 p.m. This will give
his many friends and colleagues the opportunity
to pay a special tribute to the Founder and Life
Governor of the Victorian Flute Guild, to one who
was a consumate artist, teacher and friend to all.
This event will be reported on in another place.
After the minister pronounced the final blessing,
the casket was conveyed out of the church with the
Piper leading, playing 'Amazing Grace'. The cortege
made its way to Springvale for the Burial Service
with the Piper playing at the curbside. It was a
fitting salute to our departed friend and mentor,
an unforgettable experience for those who were privileged
to be present at the Service.
*******
A TRIBUTE
by Frederick A. Shade
Principal Piccolo, M.S.O.
When I heard that Leslie Barklamb had passed away
on 17th September, I realised that I had not only
lost my teacher, friend and guru, but also that
it heralded the end of an era.
Les, known affectionately as "the Father of
the Flute" in Australia, has made a contribution
in the development of flute playing in this country
which is truly unequalled. His life and work as
performer, teacher and examiner spans many decades,
from his performances with Nellie Melba to his close
association in recent decades with artists like
Jean Pierre Rampal and James Galway.
On Sunday, 10th October a special "Tribute
in Words and Music" was arranged at Melba Hall.
Many tributes were paid at this event, from students
and colleagues from around the globe. The capacity
audience was itself a wonderful tribute to this
great man.
As with all of those present at this special tribute,
I have my own personal memories of this great teacher,
his many acts of kindness, his courage, tenacity
and dedication to his students. He had a profound
effect on all those who came in contact with him
- whether by his charm, enthusiasm, generosity,
deep knowledge, or his extraordinary common sense.
I remember going to the Conservatorium for lessons.
I was only 11 years old, travelling from school
on public transport, entering the hallowed building
and walking down the long corridor. He was always
cheerful and full of enthusiasm, even though my
lessons were usually late in the afternoon. I quickly
forgot my tedious day at school and entered his
world of music-making. But as my lesson was a long
time after lunch and hours away from dinner, I was
more interested in food than music! Les seemed to
know this, as he arranged to have his afternoon
cup of tea during my lesson and would give me the
extra biscuit he snaffled from the biscuit tin in
the staff room. It is often the little things, as
much as the great sacrifices, which we remember
of departed friends.
As John Wion remarked in his tribute, I too remember
the music drawers in his room, full of music, and
the special times when he would open them and find
a new piece for me to study. Sometimes it was a
virtuoso work he had studied with John Amadio. What
a thrill it was to hear him reminisce about his
teacher and his lessons with him. These occasions
were also opportunities for him to extol the virtues
of regular and frequent practise as well as dogged
perseverance! When I played my first concerto with
orchestra (J.S.O.), I was only 12 years old. Somehow,
Les was convinced that I could do it - he had more
faith in me than I had in myself! And during my
preparation he presented me with a copy of the concerto,
suitably inscribed. It is a precious treasure.
It was during these early teen years that Les experienced
problems with his left hand. The operations were
not successful; a bitter blow to an artist who was
at the peak of his playing. Occasionally he would
try to demonstrate something. But, with moistened
eyes, he would have to put his flute away and concentrate
on what he could get me to do.
He had to leave the MSO but he did not give up.
With even greater vigour he concentrated on teaching
and he imparted all that he knew to his students.
He also created opportunities for them to perform
- he had a great network of contacts! I will never
forget the opportunity he arranged for me, to play
a concerto at 'Music for the People' in the Myer
Music Bowl. One of the programmes was designed to
feature young musicians; Diana Weekes was the other
soloist.
When I married Libby in 1966, we decided that the
ideal person to speak at the Reception was Les.
(Libby spent one year with him at the end of her
studies.) Little did I know that I had given him
the perfect opportunity for one of his stories!
With a twinkle in his eye, he reported the following
apocryphal account to the assembled family and friends.
"After a long day's teaching, and the succession
of students who did little or no practice in preparation
for their lesson, just imagine my relief at the
very end of the day to greet a talented fellow who
studies assiduously at all times. 'Well, Fred,"
I said, 'you have no idea how delighted I am to
see you at this moment. All day long I have had
a sequence of students who never do their practise.'
Fred replied 'Don't worry, Mr Barklamb, I won't
let you down... I haven't done any practice either.'
Not true, of course, but no one present believed
me! Such was the humour of Leslie Barklamb.
His contribution to the life and workings of the
MSO from its early days is legendary. He was so
caring of his colleagues, that he would protect
them from unreasonable conductors and inept managers.
He established the Orchestra Committee and was its
Chairman for 25 years! He started the Provident
Fund and was also the Union Steward. He was, quite
obviously, totally committed to his vocation and
to the well-being of his colleagues. The MSO Flute
Section played at the Tribute as a mark of respect.
Two of the current players in the section are former
students.
Les was a man of vision, and the establishment
of the Victorian Flute Guild in 1969 was the realisation
of one of his visions. It is still going well, and
is a wonderful tribute to the skills and dedication
of its founder.
The programme for the special Tribute on 10th October
reflected the many ways in which Les had contributed
to flute playing in this country and was also an
opportunity for some of his former students to pay
tribute to their mentor.
At the Tribute, The Leslie Barklamb Flute Award
was launched. It is designed to be a lasting tribute
to one who had given so much to the music community,
especially in the field of education. (Les devised
the very first AMEB Flute Syllabus!) It will be
administered by the University of Melbourne through
the AMEB in Victoria, and will consist of an annual
prize for the most successful Victorian diploma
candidate in flute. It will be presented at the
annual AMEB graduation ceremony.
Les is no longer with us, but we have our memories
and experiences of this truly remarkable man. We
also have the legacy of his work in the high standard
of flute playing in this country, both amateur and
professional, and of his former students who are
in prominent positions in educational institutions
and orchestras both here and overseas. What more
could any teacher want?
Vale Leslie Barklamb
|
