Although I knew his work from
countless recordings, I only heard Neville Marriner conduct once, in a
concert held at the Royal Festival Hall more than two years ago, to
celebrate his ninetieth birthday. In Mozart and Elgar, with his beloved Academy
of St Martin in the Fields, time had not stood still, but rather had brought
great joy and wisdom. I was also delighted to write the English-language programme
note for a
concert he conducted as recently as the end of August, this year, at the
Salzburg Festival. His abiding civilisation, thoughtfulness, musicality, and
sheer good character, always lightly worn, unmistakeable to those with ears
to hear, will remain with us longer still.
