madorganist

I believe MM was (is) organist at St Jospeh's Ingrow. Perhaps a call to the parish priest might be worth while. https://www.ourlady-stjoseph.org.uk/contact/

Sad news indeed. RIP Tony.

I've found that the top notes of the Fifteenth can no longer be heard, but I can hear the top notes of the 2' flute - I wonder why?

You might get some response if you try one of the organ related "Book of Face" pages. Google assistant admitted defeat and Shazam gave plenty of hopelessly wrong suggestions. A rather tedious piece I thought.

Whilst not strictly on the theme of unusual musical requests, I have played for a couple of funerals where the local Constabulary was out in force. In one case it was the funeral of “ The Chief Executive” of a mobile tarmacking firm. The precession to the cemetery being escorted front and rear by tarmac wagons – with several police cars at a discrete distance . In another, the sons of the deceased had to sit on opposite sides of the church in case things kicked off. Both sons being heavily restrained, handcuffed to two officers each and completely surrounded by members of prison staff and the local constabulary. Playing for a wedding at a packed church, people standing round the console and other leaning against it, I overheard one young lady say to her intended “ When we get married we aint ‘avvin no ‘imms, cos no-one heffing sings ’em” – charming !

I’ve been fortunate enough to hear some amazing organists over the years : GTB, Jackson, Alain, Langlais, Kynaston et al. Some of these performances have been amazing and fully deserving a ten out of ten score. Nathan Laube’s recital to mark the rebuilding of the Canterbury Cathedral organ was a clear eleven (it can be found on YouTube).

Found it !https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwic6IqOyL31AhUMi1wKHdH7BdAQFnoECBMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Flivrepository.liverpool.ac.uk%2F3000433%2F1%2F200021607_March2016.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3evuZgj_7Wf0ZsaJ9PPIQt

Somewhere out in the ether ( maybe in the depths of this forum ? ) a dissertation can be found which chronicles the demise of R&D. The author appears to have had remarkable access to various individuals, accounts and company records. My recollection of the conclusion was that the organ building side of the business was turning a profit, whilst everything else was haemorrhaging money. The organ building part of the business was effectively bled dry , with the (one of?) final death knell being the loss of a major contract in Italy (?)

Probably removing all the asbestos laden plaster.

The much delayed opening recital was last night. I thought the organ sounded quite different to its previous incarnation. Previously I would have used words such as cold and steely to describe the tone - not any more! I think re-siting the pipe work away from the vertiginous edge of the triforium arches has allowed some warmth to appear in the tone. The new Double Open Wood is quite remarkable along with the re-pressurized Contra Posaune. The Tubas have migrated east and have their own enclosure which I think has slightly tamed their previously ear splitting sound. If you have some free time do listen to the YouTube stream from last night, it really was very, very good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeF74Dq8v7w

We're starting to sing on Sunday, but it's only going to be the last hymn. The risk averse will be given the option to leave before it's sung .

As injections are involved, perhaps some variations on "A Whiter Shade of Pale" might be appropriate.

No plans at all. Our circuit is closed until 17 Jan 2021.

Great news indeed.

Very sad news.