Sad, I need to explore his three solo albums.

R.I.P. Sir Stephen Cleobury.

Sir Stephen Cleobury, who has died of cancer aged 70, was director of music at King’s College, Cambridge, in charge of one of the world’s best known choirs, from 1982 until his retirement earlier this year. He continued the 500-year tradition of choral music at King’s, following on from his immediate predecessors AH Mann, Boris Ord, Sir David Willcocks and Sir Philip Ledger.



In an institution associated with gradual evolution rather than revolutionary upheaval, Cleobury’s major contribution to progress was his incorporation of contemporary music into the choir’s repertoire, especially his commissioning of a new carol each year for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, broadcast live on BBC radio on Christmas Eve. Leading composers who have written new work for the service include Thomas Adès, John Tavener, Mark-Anthony Turnage and Harrison Birtwistle.

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The chef Gary Rhodes passed away suddenly today, only 59

Gosh, Clive James and Jonathan Miller were both proper characters. I feel old.

Yep, it's a real shame and I love some of his excellent recordings for the Chandos label.

Here's a really interesting interview with the great man. I remember hearing him speak at an exhibition some years ago. His passion came through very clearly.

zstereo.co.uk/2019/02/11/ken-ishiwata/

"What was the driving force? It was always music ..."

Ken Ishiwata - what a great man, as witnessed by his speech when accepting a Lifetime Achievement award at What Hi-Fi only this year. Have a listen, I found it very moving and beautiful.

I've always fancied the Marantz KI Pearl, and more latterly the KI Ruby, ranges.  I just like that battleship build quality, and I think that they seem to strike the perfect balance between retro and modern.   It's all aesthetics on my part, I've no idea what they actually sound like.