DQB123

Alas, even my Alexa, which tells me about all kind of international days hadn't a clue that it was International Organ Day. Ah well... there's always next year.

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Yes... I was organist at the Tabernacl for about nine years back in the 1980s. The organ was originally built in 1924 as a residence organ for E Blackburn Esq of Bryn Eisteddfod, Glan Conwy and installed in the Tabernacl in around 1936 and was utterly GLORIOUS. Following its removal it remained in storage in two different locations, Scotland, and Llandudno Junction. The organ was destined for the Mayfield Salisbury Presbyterian Church in Edinburgh I believe, but alas that fell through, and although I gather that there has subsequently been interest in it, there has been no definite news of it and I wonder if if will ever be heard again - certainly it must be on the endangered list.

I have my copy of The Harrison Story open and there is a mention of a "Nelson" on page 243 (second edition revised and enlarged). It says, "We know so little of the Rochdale era, but in the early 1870s the names of Nelson, Mitchell, Pinder, Robinson and Summerscales appear on the wages list; those of Pinder and Summerscales certainly worked at Rochdale and possibly Nelson too." And that seems to be it for Nelson (if in fact it is the same person).

Posted Sunday at 16:04 Variations on this theme... Here is Robert Sharpe accompanying the first hymn at the Eucharist at York this morning. I love the recessional Psalm....

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I heard him "live" only once, when he played the Reubke Sonata on the 94th Psalm at the RAH Proms in the early 1980s - an event never to be forgotten. Also saw him at Evensong in Westminster Abbey back in the day. I guess like many aspiring organists in the 1960s and 70s for me he was a great source of inspiration and greatly revered, and somehow, like Dr Francis Jackson he was always there in the background of my mind.

What would constitute "a major failure"?

And now for a musical interlude...

Just pondering on the instrument in storage which they hoped would play again, it occurred to me that a "1930s style" Compton organ from Wolverhampton Civic Hall went to landfill just a couple of years ago. Wouldn't it be good if the powers that be in that city were offered it as a replacement for the organ they scandelously threw away. I guess it would fit.

Perhaps a clue would be to explore what wind pressure the Salisbury "Wurlitzer" strings are on.....

The person now charged with arson and the destruction of the Grand organ and the stained glass was apparently released, and news is that he has now murdered the priest who welcomed him into the area. The man is described as being of Rwandan origin, and evidently a very troubled individual indeed. This is all very distressing news. Noting the mention of Nantes, I was wondering if work is now afoot to restore the cathedral and if there are plans to replace the organ.

I wonder if any of the brethren noticed a rather interesting flower vase in front of the nave altar.......

Presumably there are a vast number of organists who have no interest whatsoever in directing choirs. Why should it be assumed that organists are singers or have knowledge of vocal technique or choir training? The appointment of a singer as DoM at St Paul's seemed to me to be hugely sensible. Did a similar situation exist in Liverpool during the time of Messrs Woan & Rawsthorne?

As a result of Covid restrictions and social distancing, Liverpool Cathedral's Annual Festival Evensong and 94th Anniversary Recital will take place on both Saturday 17th October and Sunday 18th October at 3.00pm., and will be played, as is customary, by Ian Tracey (Cathedral Organist). This will be his 40th Anniversary Recital and marks the completion of his 40th year as Cathedral Organist. Admission is via the EVENTBRITE website where specific tickets must be booked - all instructions appear there. Admission is £10 and is gratis to Patrons of the Organ, on production of a membership card, (as a result of all recitals being cancelled this season). Programme Minuee (Concierto VI Para dos Organos) - Antonio Soler/Tracey Chaconne in d (BWV 1004) - J.S.Bach/Goss-Custard Fantaisie en La (Trois Pièces) - Cesar Franck Phantasie on "Ein Feste Burg" (first performance) - Noel Rawsthorne Humoresque (Op.101 no.7) - Antonin Dvorak/Tracey Allegro Giocoso (Sept Pièces) - Camille Saint-Saens Ian's recitals are always a great thrill - I am amazed that it's forty years since I heard that Ian had been appointed Organist at Liverpool!