Sir Granville Ransome Bantock (Aug. 7, 1868 - Oct. 16, 1946) was a British composer and conductor, born in London. His parents hoped he would enter the Indian Civil Service, but poor health would prevent him from that. He turned to chemical engineering, but around 20 years old, he started looking at musical manuscripts. His first teacher was at Trinity College of Music, and in 1888 he entered the Royal Academy of Music, studying with Frederick Corder.

Bantock's conducting took him around the world, and he was known at times for devoting an entire concert to one composer. He was professor at the University of Birmingham (succeeding Sir Edward Elgar) from 1908 - 1934, and elected Chairman of the Corporation of Trinity College of Music in London. He was knighted in 1930.

Bantock was highly influenced by music of the Hebrides, and Richard Wagner. Additionally, he was a champion for the music of Jean Sibelius (who would eventually be the first president of the Bantock Society, established after his death).

The Pierrot of the Minute , an orchestral work, was one of Bantock's most popular pieces in his lifetime. Written after a dramatic phantasy of Ernest Dowson. Bantock wrote a program for the piece, which sheds much light on it:

"Pierrot enters a glade in the park of the Petit Trianon at twilight, led thither in obedience to a mysterious message, which bids him come to sleep one night within these precincts if he would encounter Love. Half whimsical, half fearful, he wonders why he, so careless, thoughtless, and gay, should now be filled with wistful longing; and in the fast-falling darkness he lies down on a couch of fern, and falls asleep. A Moon-maiden descends the steps of the Temple of Love, and, bending over the sleeper, kisses him. He awakes and throws himself at her feet in rapt devotion, though she warns him that the kisses of the Moon are of a fatal sweetness, and that

"whoso seeks her she gathers like a flower
He gives a life, and only gains an hour."

But Pierrot, reckless, demands the pure and perfect bliss, though life be the price to pay. With gay laughter and sprightly jest they learn together the lore of Love; but daybreak approaches, the birds awaken, and he Moon-Maiden must leave him. Together they gaze at the coming dawn; then Pierrot, sinking back on his couch, falls softly asleep once more, and the Moon-maiden vanishes.  The Prelude ends with he awakening of Pierrot, his love-dream being but the illusion of a minute."

From the start of this work, there is an element of magic, mystery and adventure. The bassoon plays an important part in the introduction, sounding like intrepid steps, and are important throughout. Pizzicato strings and a chromatic descending theme with little chirping woodwinds open the main section of the work, and the piece positively takes off from there, with capricious moods throughout----one moment it's whimsical, the next is mischievous, followed quickly by a tranquil section. Even without the program notes, anyone listening can tell this work is quite the fun adventure!

Here are some recordings of this fun work for you to enjoy:

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Bournemouth Sinfonietta