[New Series Radio 3 David Briggs]

Has anyone caught the new series ( only 3 programmes ) Sunday Nights Radio 3 live 11pm.  Organ Roundtrip.  Part 1 St Bavo, Haarlem .   Interesting tracks played. 

Keith Loxam 

[Leeds Town Hall]

Good to see my father's name in print again. He died in 2010 and the anniversary of his death is  on the 14th of March. He would have been 105 this year   I didn't attend that concert but he did talk about it many times with me.  He was always delighted to receive a call from Simon Lindley who on occasions asked him to play at a Town Hall open day.  My Dad was quite a devil and relished the chance to use the positive division as the accompaniment manual and couple down the Swell to beef it up.  As you say the audience reaction tells the tale.   I remember watching him set pistols once at the Town Hall and I thought, surely that can't work.   I surly did.

Keith Loxam. 

[William Davies 1921-2006]

So sorry to hear of William Davies death.

I never heard him play live, but nigel Ogden frequently played his recordings.

I am sure that Wiliam played at one of Carlo Curley's concerts, with the Allen organ at Alexandra Palace in the 1980's ? and he was just fantastic and full of life.

Colin Richell

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On behalf of the BBC Organ Society we would like to pass on our condolences to the family of Bill Davis. We have very happy memories and tales from him playing the Compton Organ at Broadcasting House, London. His unique style of music making on the organ will be sorely missed.

 

With respect

 

Roger Tucker – Keith Loxam.

[Malaga Cathedral]

This may be an occasion to investigate something I wonder about

since long: What did the spanish organists of the 18th century play

on these extraordinary organs? Cabanilles? Really?

These instrument did not only feature the spectacular chamades;

thet were in advance as far as Swell boxes and registrational aids

are concerned. The flue stops were quite varied as well, with both

Principal and Flutes choruses.

There is a belief extemporisation reigned supreme. But do we know

more today?

 

Best wishes,

Pierre Lauwers.

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Around 8 years ago I did hear one of the organs play on a Sunday Evening Mass, it was a wonderful sound and full use of the chamades and all. I understand that both organs do work and agree that it's sad that the only CD about is years and years old. I did visit Malga this year but sadly on a weekday and as you say they look mgnificent. lets hope we can hear more soon.

 

Keith Loxam