The Rudolf Kempe Society In support of young musicians · 1980–2021

Roundelay

Roundelay, a poem for Rudolf Kempe by Hazell Hills – "Here may he rest where cypress, cedar and the olive grow" – set in the garden of The Muses.

Rudolf Kempe in a white polo-neck, resting his chin on his hand, listening intently

In 2008 Rudolf Kempe’s remains were laid to rest in the terraced garden of The Muses, the Rudolf Kempe Society’s home at 58 Waterside in Stratford-upon-Avon, overlooking the park and the River Avon between the theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company. The Stratford poet Hazell Hills – whose words were also heard in the Society’s word and music programmes – wrote Roundelay for that place.

A roundelay is a short poem with a recurring refrain; here the refrain “Here may he rest” returns through the birdsong, music-making and changing light of the garden by the river.

Roundelay

Rudolf Kempe seated at a table, hands clasped before him, listening
Listening

for Rudolf Kempe

Here may he rest where cypress, cedar and the olive grow – and, sacred to Apollo, the sweet bay. Where robin, wren and blackbird flute arpeggios, ring-doves vercroo in oboe tones and sparrows chirp staccato plainsong to the day.

Here may he rest as music structures time: the held, collective silences of birds in afternoons, and music-making humans in his studio, as they find expression of a guiding human mind and spirit sharing notes assembled.

Here may he rest while daylight dims and every bird its compline sings till constellations holograph the inky sky, the ever-changing river, and lilting lights of Waterside become one with the Avon’s glide in gold and silver dressed.

Here may he rest.

© Hazell Hills

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