Book Reviews - "From The Sanctuary of His Heart" by John Sant

 

 

Reflections on the life of the Birmingham born composer By: - JOHN SANT

Published in August 2000 by Manifold Publishing ISBN 0 9538058 0 8

Available on Amazon here

“This long overdue book faithfully and sensitively captures the remarkable career of one of England’s finest composers” Major Patrick M.H.Dunn R.M.

 “Programme notes for Ketelbey’s music have long been bedeviled by factually inaccuracy and biographical uncertainty. John Sant's biography provides for the first time a reliable guide to the composer’s life. And essential background for the understanding of this reticent, yet extravagantly colourful musical personality”. Tom McCanna – Music Librarian, Sheffield University.

 John Sant was born in Aston, Birmingham. He was educated at North Birmingham College, where his studies included Economics and Business Studies, following which he gained a Diploma in Industrial Purchasing at Birmingham College of Commerce (now part of The university of Aston). He worked for twenty five years in the purchasing department of the West Bromwich based company Metal Closures Limited.

 Early retirement from his post as Purchasing Manager provided the gateway for him to spend three years researching the life of the composer who was born just a few hundred yards from his own birthplace and whose charateristic music had fascinated him for many years

 John is a member of The Light Music Society The Johann Strauss Society of Great Britain and the International Military Music Society. John lives in Sutton Coldfield with his wife Roberta. He currently works as Head Messenger for Birmingham based Lawyers, Anthony Collins Solicitors.