St Albans Waltz

As part of his after dinner speech at the AGM on 14 February 2009, Piet Kee introduced us to the St Albans Waltz:

"The St Albans Festival has so much magic. Now on the 'eve' of the 25th edition, I would love to add some more magic. I'll end my speech musically with the St Albans Waltz; a piece of music in honour of your Honorary President as it is based on the musical letters of his name, sounding on the tiniest instrument I could find. And I hope it will please you."


Click here to play the video!

Nicholas Hare explained it as follows:

Piet Kee's little piece for musical box is based on the notes EBFDE, subtly derived from the name of our Honorary President pEtEr HurForD. (H = B natural in German notation, and the first E is moved to the end.) The musical box has a compass of 20 white notes (ie no sharps or flats). In his words, "these limitations - and the enchanting sound - are an inspiring challenge to make music!"  The sequence EBFDE creates a haunting theme in the Phrygian mode, but the mood lightens as he introduces references to Peter's beloved Bach (Toccata in F, BWV540, Trio sonata in C, BWV529a and the famous Toccata in D minor, BWV565) and a cheeky bit from a certain Blue Danube waltz!  Peter's theme finally returns to end gloriously in C major.  Piet tells us that "it was a pleasure to surprise and entertain you all with the St Albans Waltz on February 14th!"


[This, and the full text of Piet Kee's speech were printed in the IOFS Newsletter, June 2009]