'A Bundle of Time': Harriet Cohen and classical music in Britain 1900 - 1950 (Spring term) (MUS 02)

  • Day and time: Tuesday 11:30 - 12:50
    Weekly
  • Length of course: 1 term. Spring (10 Weeks)
  • Number of places: 30
  • Start date: 13 January 2026
  • Description:

    The remarkable pianist Harriet Cohen (1895 - 1967) was a vital presence in the British classical music scene during the 20s, 30s and 40s. Her memoires, recounted in her book, A Bundle of Time, reveal a close involvement with the music of the composers of the time, especially of Bax (1883 - 1953). She introduced audiences here to the work of contemporary British, European and Russian composers, also taking the music of British composers to Europe and America. In this course, we will discuss aspects of the British music of the period 1900 - 1950, such as Elgar, Bantock, Bax, Bridge, Moeran, Bliss, Vaughan Williams and Walton. We will also consider Harriet Cohen's much praised performances of Bach, her revival of keyboard music from the Elizabethan period, and her connections with the literary, musical and political figures of her time. The discussion will be as free from technical terminology.

  • Format: Lecture

  • Tutor: John Hopkins
  • I am a retired university lecturer in music and an active composer, concerned for the survival and wider appreciation of classical music


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