Twenty-six celebrated Cornish carols |
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| Title : | Twenty-six celebrated Cornish carols |
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| Creator : | Glasson, Joseph | ||
| Source : | Twenty-six celebrated Cornish carols, traditional and original, p. [i] | ||
| Date of creation : | 1930 | ||
| Format : | Book | ||
| Dimensions : | 280 x 220 mm | ||
| Catalogue record | |||
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| Description : |
Joseph Glasson arrived in Kadina in 1877, where he had many contacts who had known his family in Cornwall when he was a boy. Glasson took over a fancy goods and stationery shop in the town, as well as setting up as a piano tuner, and was organist at the Wallaroo Wesleyan Church for six years. In 1879 he became involved in the Wallaroo Mines Glee Club (choir) and later formed 'Glasson's Glory Band.' Glasson was a prolific composer in a variety of formats. In October 1883 his cantata, 'Flower Queen' was performed locally and in 1920 his major sacred work, 'The name of Jesus,' was performed. As well as religious works he wrote march tunes for the local bands. The first was his 'Hurry-Scurry' march, another was the 'Moonta March' written for the opening of the Victoria Square (Kadina) rotunda in 1887. Three of his marches were published in the Salvation Army brass band journal, under the titles 'Broken Hill' (Hurry-Scurry), 'Kadina' (Syncopation) and 'The Surprise' (Wallaroo). Like Cornish people everywhere, the people of the copper triangle were keen brass band supporters. At one time there were three brass bands in Kadina alone, with a total of 60 members. (Plain dealer, 10 January 1914, p. 2) There were also orchestras such as the Wallaroo Mines Orchestra, founded in 1890. Glasson also wrote carols. In 1905 the publication of his 'See the morn,' carol was reported, "written in the ancient form with fugal chorus to each verse." (Plain dealer, 11 November 1905, p. 2) In 1929 Glasson published a collection of Cornish carols, containing both traditional Cornish carols set to his arrangements, as well as his own original compositions. In the preface to the collection, Glasson explained that for the Cornish people these carols were not only religious works, but a type of folk song. Glasson felt that one of his greatest achievements was the formation and work of the Mendelssohn Choir. The choir was formed under his leadership in 1907 and won the prestigious Marks Cup at national competitions in Ballarat in 1911 and 1912. The closure of the Wallaroo and Moonta Mines in 1923 effectively marked the end of the impressive musical tradition of the copper triangle towns, of which Glasson had played an important part. Many of the musicians and singers moved to Adelaide and elsewhere in search of work. Gone were the days of the Moonta Musical competitions, with 220 entries over 15 nights. (Yorkes Peninsula advertiser, 3 December 1909, p. 3) Out of the remant of musicians, Glasson formed the Grand Orchestra in 1925. Joseph Glasson retired in 1923 and in 1933 moved with his wife and daughter Irene (a talented pianist) to Adelaide. He died at Norwood in 1938. His two sons died before him - John being killed during the First World War, and Joseph having drowned in a boating accident in Tasmania in 1923. |
| Subjects | |
| Related names : | Glasson, Irene Glasson, John Langsford, 1895- Glasson, Joseph, d. 1938 Glasson, Joseph Leslie, 1888-1923 |
| Coverage year : | 1929 |
| Place : | Kadina (S. Aust.) |
| Region : | Yorke Peninsula |
| Further reading : | Bailey, Keith. Copper city chronicle: a history of Kadina, Kadina, S. Aust.: HK Bailey, c1990 Canty, CT. 'Joseph Glasson, noted Cornish carol composer,' Kadina and Wallaroo times, 16 September 1933, p. 1 'Death of Dr JL Glasson,' Plain dealer, 2 February 1923, p. 2 'Kadina Grand Orchestra,' Plain dealer, 19 June 1925, p. 2 'Memories of J. Glasson,' Kadina and Wallaroo times, 12 August 1933, p. 1; 16 August 1933, p. 4; 19 August 1933, p. 4; 24 August 1933, p. 3; 26 August 1933, p. 3 |
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