Frank Welsman, Canadian Conductor

Originally published in 2006,  Frank Welsman, Canadian Conductor, received the following reviews:

Toronto Star, Dec. 16, 2006, William Littler
Although today's Toronto Symphony Orchestra dates its beginnings to 1923, the Welsman orchestra having disbanded in 1918, Frank Welsman can fairly be called its founding father and like Sir Ernest MacMillan after him, he learned his craft on the job, professional training for conductors being virtually non-existent in Canada at the time. 

From "Whole Note Magazine," February 2007 

Frank Welsman was one of Canada’s finest concert pianists and teachers. But, as his granddaughter Mary Hughes makes clear in this interesting biography, it’s for starting the Toronto Symphony Orchestra  in 1906 he should be best remembered. Like so many musicians from that first generation to be born in this country, his contributions have been largely overlooked.  

Hughes finds a few puzzles in Welsman’s professional life. She investigates why he stopped performing as a pianist when still quite young. He made a recording in 1950, but it is not, unfortunately, available commercially. More perplexing is why he was not involved in the Toronto Symphony, except briefly as a guest conductor, when it got going again in 1923 after disbanding during the war.

 

Hughes’ extensive research provides a rich cultural context for Welsman’s musical activities. Personal reminiscences from family members and early documents like two ‘friendly but definitely circumspect’ postcards he sent to his wife-to-be in 1897 offer privileged insight into this modest, charming man. With a bibliography, index, list of concert programs, historical photos… and comprehensive notes, this book makes a significant contribution to the early history of music in this country. 
Pamela Margles

Canadian Music Newsletter, Vol.4, No. 3, Sept. 2006 Dr. Robin Elliott
Hughes has pieced together a comprehensive account of Welsman’s life and times.… If Welsman were to be given his due … the orchestra would be celebrating its centennial, for Welsman founded a TSO in 1906.... Hughes valuable book … gives us an insight into both what Welsman accomplished, and why he has not been better known and more celebrated.

Dr. John Beckwith, Professor. Emeritus,
Faculty of Music , University of Toronto
“Congratulations on your Frank Welsman book. I enjoyed especially the sections about his studies in Germany and his years at the TSO. The programs of the early concerts make a valuable inclusion.”

Dr. Gordana Lazarevich,Professor Emerita, Univ. of Victoria
A valuable account of a musical figure important to the development of Toronto’s culture scene in the early 20th century.


Dr. Elaine Keillor, Distinguished Research Prof., Carleton University
We need more documentation of the lively Canadian musical scene a hundred years ago and more. There was a very vibrant scene in Toronto and Frank Welsman was a central figure.”


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