Souvenirs de Torquay

It was a special morning at the Museum today. Elizabeth French, a freelance musicologist, pianist, and postgraduate researcher at Leeds University gave a talk on F Edward Bache and played his piano pieces, Souvenirs de Torquay.
The title is in French because in those days it sounded better.
It was a brilliant performance. It was at Elizabeth’s suggestion that the performance took place here. All we did was import a piano and facilitate it. Elizabeth has fully researched the composer for her PhD. He left a legacy of music which she did more than justice to, honouring his memory in a remarkable way.

The British composer-pianist F. Edward Bache (1833 - 1858) visited Torquay in the final year of his life, seeking alleviation of the symptoms of the tuberculosis that would kill him. Whilst in the town, he composed a set of piano pieces, called Souvenirs de Torquay.
https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/c.asp?c=C2824

The photo is from the Museum entrance hall and is unconnected to this uplifting morning. The performance was filmed so one day I am sure it will be available.