In 2008 Ernest Hall published a fascinating autobiography, How to Be a Failure and Succeed. The book was put together by the late Graham Barker, who had produced a variety of texts for Ernest.
The latter’s sense of determination was evident from his army days. He was asked and then ordered to play the piano at an officers’ dance, but refused. His defence – successful – was that his duty to obey orders applied only to military commands: entertaining officers and their guests was not covered by military law.
Richard Holt
Ernest Hall and I were In contact for several years when we discovered that we had both attended a recital in 1945 by Eileen Joyce, at the Victoria hall, now theatre, in Halifax. I had written and lectured extensively on the pianist, and Ernest invited me to give a talk at Dean Clough Mills, the magnificent arts centre that he had created.
He sent me part of his recording of the complete works of Chopin, an amazing feat accomplished by few professional pianists, asking me for comments. Taken with his recordings of the piano music of Bartók and the Busoni Piano Concerto I cannot think of a similar achievement, accomplished as it were on the side – truly amateur in the sense of being done with love.
Bryce Morrison
