Stepping into a room where a musician practised or composed can give you a new understanding of their work. Here are a few places around the UK where you can immerse yourself a bit and say ‘thank you for the music’.
1. Ralph Vaughan Williams at Leith Hill Place
In the Surrey Hills, just outside Dorking, sits Leith Hill Place, the childhood home of 20th-century composer, Vaughan Williams. You can see the piano on which he composed some of his works, and wander the beautiful surrounding woodlands with views over the North Downs. It’s suddenly easy to see how The Lark Ascending came to him as you look out from the highest viewing point for 50 miles around. Stirring stuff.
2. Gustav Holst at the Victorian House, Cheltenham
Holst’s birthplace at 4, Pittville Terrace (now 4, Clarence Road) Cheltenham is a wonderful example of a Victorian home, with much to see and learn about the era, as well as about Holst himself and his life and family. The highlight though is obviously the piano upon which he composed ‘The Planets’.
3. George Friedrich Handel at 25 Brook Street, London (Handel Hendrix House)
Handel was the first owner of this Mayfair house in 1723 and remained here until his death. There are four fully restored rooms where you can see period instruments and learn more about Georgian London and there are regular Baroque performances to really up the atmosphere. And if you’re a true music fan you will definitely want to pop next door…
4. Jimi Hendrix at 23 Brook Street, London
The top floors of 23 Brook Street were home to Jimi and his girlfriend Kathy between 1968 abd 1969. On learning about his former next door neighbour, Jimi went out and bought Handel’s Messiah and Water Music from a record shop on South Molton Street. Entry is included with a ticket to Handel Hendrix House.
5. John Lennon and Paul McCartney at 20 Forthlin Road and 251 Menlove Avenue, Liverpool
Another two-for-one tour that is sure to delight music fans. The National Trust does a private tour of Paul McCartney’s childhood home, a 1950s council terrace on Forthlin Road, followed by a nose around 251 Menlove Avenue where John Lennon lived with his Aunt Mimi and her husband George. Certain to Please, Please You if you’re a Beatles follower.
This blog was inspired by the ‘My Place’ feature in our March issue, which this month looks at music rooms, including the one pictured above, which belongs to Meaghan Keating @the.narrows.project.
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