Profiles: Philip Langridge
Philip Langridge
Philip Langridge
Photo: Richard Davies
'The ghost has been laid to rest'
I caught up with Philip on the 24 of January 2007, when he was at the Britten–Pears Programme in an Aldeburgh Residency with Allan Clayton, preparing Britten's War Requiem for a performance in Perth, Australia.
When did you first come here?
I remember it was in 1963, as a member of the Purcell Singers, led by Imogen Holst. She would do late night a capella concerts in the Aldeburgh Parish Church and I remember that Roger Norrington and Ian Partridge were also in the group at that time. I had done an audition for the English Opera Group for a role in Acis and Galatea and had been offered the role of understudy of Acis. I asked Imogen's permission to do it and she said no - at that time it was understood that you did not mix choral singing with opera. I do remember that it was a very hungry week in Aldeburgh!
What was the atmosphere like when Britten and Pears were here?
I recall that the atmosphere was quite 'stiff and starchy' and very intimidating for young singers, but the magnetic attraction of Peter Pears and Benjamin Britten made it (along with Glyndebourne) the premiere place to perform in the UK for young emerging musicians. I think it was intimidating because everyone felt like they needed to make their voice sound like Pears' when they were singing in front of Britten. However, 'the ghost has been laid to rest' and it is truly remarkable how they have sustained the atmosphere of a great composer having lived here, created this festival and built the school. It still remains true to this day to creating and championing new works, performing and maintaining the works of Britten, developing emerging young talent and showcasing them. The facilities are amazing here and the legacy of Britten and Pears is an essential part of the atmosphere.
How is the Residency going with Allan?
It's fascinating - and because our lives and careers are so busy at the moment, we were saying why can't we just meet up in London and work there? It is such a hassle to come all the way down here. And now we are here, surrounded by such wonderful facilities and atmosphere, it has been absolutely conducive to our work on the Requiem. The link to Britten is still palpable here in the surroundings.
[When Allan was asked he said 'I've never spent this much time in a room with Philip Langridge - three days on one piece!']
It's very interesting because a few years ago, I went to sing in Rossini's birthplace and there was no awe, no atmosphere and so it is something very peculiar to here.
How do you feel about the Masterclasses here at the Britten–Pears
Young Artist Programme?
[Philip ran a highly successful English Song Course in 2005]
It is essential for teaching young singers how to find their own voices and interpretations instead of mimicking CDs and other singers. It helps young singers to discover their own process. It gives them the opportunity to work in a quiet place, with the freedom to pursue artistry and to find their own voice. Also, young singers need experience in concert, which is very hard to come by so the concert at the end of the course is also valuable.
Going through the archives, I have found that Aldeburgh has been a bit of a family affair for the Langridges - almost all of your family has been here in different capacities at some point.
Yes, [laughing] and my son Jonathan is a musician at Clare College at the moment so there should be more in the future!
[Philip has been here as a performer and as Guest Teacher, as has Anne Murray in the same capacity. Jennifer and Anita have played in the orchestra and Stephen has been the Course Director of 'Training for Education' at the BPP since 2001.]
Editors note: There was a lovely moment in the interview, when Philip was talking about how his hotel room looked over the Moot Hall and he got completely over-excited about his view - he said, 'How much better can it get!'. I had to pinch myself as I watched one of the world's most pre-eminent exponents of the role of Peter Grimes get excited about the view from his hotel.
