Simon Johnson

We have a fine series of October concerts on the new William Drake organ in the OBE chapel of St Paul's Cathedral. The music is sublime, the player first-class, and anyone that hasn't heard the new instrument should certainly acquaint themselves, for it is very beautiful indeed. I'm confident that those that already know it will return; the voicing is rather special. Henry will be playing the 'Great Eighteen' chorale preludes of Bach as part of his Europe-wide Bach project. You can see more about the project here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rglnYGfYQdU#t=167 The concerts are taking place on Mondays October 14, 21, 28 at 6.30 pm. Admission is £5 per concert (or £12 for all three) on the door (season tickets available on the first evening). Entry is via the NW crypt door. Simon Johnson

Mistakes are all too easy to make at St Paul's because the player doesn't hear the full effect of the Swell from the quire console. Particular care is needed when accompanying choirs. Put simply, the Swell dominates the organ and can be quite lethal. Full Swell at least balances Full Great, possibly slightly exceeds it. And there are no octave couplers on any of the in-house settings; they are most often used when trying to conjure up Full Swell effects (not involving the bigger reeds) that aren't too loud for the choir. The practice of using the enclosed Solo reeds continues, not because the Swell isn't powerful enough - quite the reverse - but because you can achieve quieter Full Swell effects there. Perhaps the brightness of the Swell 2 ft is fooling people into thinking that octave couplers are involved? Anyhow, please no more visiting choir evensongs destroyed by our wonderful but incredibly powerful Swell - keep that box nailed shut! Simon J

I have booked an evening in the Cathedral exclusively for Mander website users - Wednesday 25th March 2009, 19.00-20.30. This will take the form of a demonstration of the various features of the instrument, including the new dome reeds, and will culminate in a performance of Cocker's Tuba Tune using, at some point or other, every Tuba in the building. For health and safety reasons (primarily my own: the organ tuner would never forgive me) it will not be possible to clamber about inside the instrument. I will meet all that are interested outside Paul Coffee House - to the left of the steps as you face the Cathedral - at 19.00 (needless to say, please don't be late or you won't be able to gain access to the building). I do need to know numbers for security reasons so please would you reply to this posting indicating that you would like to attend. I hope that this will be of interest. Simon Johnson Organist & Assistant Director of Music, St Paul's Cathedral