Using this database
This database has been designed to afford online access to information about the Reid Concerts at the University of Edinburgh. The project began in 2013 and the starting point was the first annual memorial concert which was given in February 1841. The intention was to include as much information about the concerts for which extant programmes are available, and as is practical, without digitising all the individual concert programmes. Programme notes are not included on the database but are available where selected individual concert programmes from 1841 to 2024 have been scanned. The concert information is entered as it appears in the programme printed at the time and as the works were described at the time. Where a work has been subsequently re-attributed, re-named or re-numbered this has been identified where possible in the notes section of the individual concert.
The site was with new material an ongoing project from November 2013 to December 2024 by which time most of the availabe information has been added. This information, taken from the available concert programmes and press reports, is by no means comprehensive or complete. In January 2025 this database will be archived and further updates or additions will no longer be possible. Work has been underway to make the database as complete as possible before it is archived. Recently the available concert brochure, which include outline information about student orchestra, ensembles, bands, choirs and opera club, have been scanned and added to the database.
Users are invited to search using the menu buttons at the top of the page, some of which have drop-down options:
Concert brochures
Concert date
Concert type
Concert venue
Performer
Composer
Work
Several of the search options will no longer be available after the site is archived in January 2025 and the original format and layout may look a little different but most of the details should still be there.
There are numerous ways of finding the same information - it just depends on your preferred route. The Professor of Music in post at the time of the concert is listed in the right hand column. The Professors may also be listed as performers or composers. Some individuals will appear as both performers and composers, e.g. Paul Hindemith, so don't forget to check both lists.
There is also a SEARCH box where you can put in key words, names or dates. If you click on the image of the magnifying class that will take you to the search page.
Names or words in BLUE are links and will take you to linked pages on the site or beyond. No responsibility is taken for the content of external links.
The timeline at the foot of many of the pages gives brief outline details of historical events or activities. As you move along the time line you have the option to use the forward and back arrows or to swipe along. When you find the date or event you are looking for, click on the timeline and it will bring up the related text - there is a slider to allow the reader to see all this text. In the case of a concert, if you click on the title of the text it will take you to the relevant page.
Images on the site are mostly on the Gallery page, accessed from the Home page. If you click on the image you get a larger view of the picture and to exit click outside the box. Each image has a small piece of written information attached. There are more images to be added but if anyone has pictures associated with the Reid concerts it might be possible to link to them or add them to the gallery.
Unfortunately, after the site is archived in January 2025 many of the search facilities such as 'Most performed works' will no longer be available.
Any questions or comments about the site please contact me.
Thank you.
Fiona
December 2024