Holbrooke performing Ireland

FR / 2017-10-13

Joseph Holbrooke had a career as composer and conductor, but was also an accomplished pianist. In the latter capacity, on 9 December 1918 he appeared in Liverpool’s Crane Hall, in a substantial programme of contemporary English music. Among the pieces heard were Ireland’s new piano pieces, ‘Chelsea Reach’ and ‘Ragamuffin’. Holbrooke also played works by Cyril Scott, and later accompanied Astra Desmond (1893–1973) in a selection of English songs, including ‘Sea Fever’.