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john carter

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    I caught the bug at a very early age from the harmonium in my great aunt’s living room. Attempts to lull me to sleep with Vierne’s Berceuse were pointless because I was so excited by the wheezing monster. Studied piano and cello, but preferred choral singing as it was a much more sociable pursuit and gave me more access to the organ. In the early sixties I had a job interview at Compton, with a view to working on the design of electronic instruments, but had a better offer from a well-known broadcasting organisation, where I remained for the following 35 years. Favourite composer – Franck. Inspiration – Fernando Germani. Now, sadly, on my own I find music is a great comfort, especially late in the evening, when I can turn down the volume so as not to disturb the neighbours and lull myself to sleep with Vierne’s Berceu…zzz.

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  1. john carter
    Why not submit a programme about 25 minutes long, comprising interesting items that would appeal to a broad range of Radio 3 listeners? Perhaps even consider pieces that the Classic FM audience might enjoy? Nobody is going to promote the organ if its own players don't try. And we don't need to keep emphasising how many thousands of pipes there are and how clever organists are to drive this technology. The secret of success is in the music.
  2. john carter
    Surely it is no more difficult than trying to keep a 30 year-old car going when spare parts are no longer available? A replacement is of comparable cost to a car, rather than the six figure sums that an elderly pipe organ may require to restore it to health. Owners of electronic instruments could plan for an expected replacement after, say, twenty years or lease the organ in the same way that many people lease cars.
  3. john carter
    I'm so sorry to hear this news. RIP
  4. john carter
    Reginald Foort was BBC staff organist from the mid 1930s. His Möller touring organ could have been anywhere. According to Wikipedia it was set up 167 times at 118 different locations!
  5. john carter
    Colin, so you are "pretty sure" that players have edited midi tracks? I am "pretty sure" some players are interested enough to do whatever they can to improve their performance. Why be so negative about it? I would encourage any young player to use whatever skill and technology they can, in order to interpret the music in the way they choose. If that involves wearing headphones, editing midi tracks, stepping through 200 combinations or playing in socks, I don't care!
  6. john carter
    Returning to the title of this thread, Martin Cooke has done us a great service. Suddenly the forum has woken up! Let's hope it continues to attract more contributions.
  7. john carter
    Thank you Owen! That site includes the recording of Franck Choral 1 by Fernando Germani that first introduced me to Franck - and Germani - as a young teenager. I never thought I would hear it again. The channel could become an excellent source of historic recordings.
  8. john carter
    Companies who make props and sets for TV and Film, or freelance carpenters who work in the entertainment business, would be able to help. Google "TV Set Builders" to find one in your area.
  9. john carter
    A version without commentary was also available on the BBC Red Button, so it may not have been necessary to look elsewhere.
  10. john carter
    There is one on the organ of St Francois in Lyon on the enclosed Positif. A delightful stop, and as another unashamed romantic, I applaud the good taste of the other contributors.
  11. john carter
    Why should anyone interfere with the decision that the school have made? It is their property, it doesn't meet their present needs and they have chosen a replacement. They don't have to justify their decision to anyone in BIOS, members of this board or anyone else who thinks they know better.
  12. john carter
    Martin, I take your point but I think it is unfair to criticise the awards given to other named individuals. Many factors are considered before an honour is awarded, including activities and qualities that may not be well known to you or me. If the status of musicians is to be promoted, it is for all of us to lobby those who submit the nominations to ensure they fully reflect the person whose name they have put forward.
  13. john carter
    As a teenager, it was Richard Ellsasser's Widor 6, recorded at Hammond Castle, that made a huge impression on me.
  14. john carter
    Although to the best of my knowledge he does not subscribe to this board, Chris Lawton is an enthusiast who has in-depth knowledge of, and has played, many of the Compton organs around the UK. If you search for Compton Miniatura on YouTube, you will find Chris's channel, which has contact details.
  15. john carter
    This thread reminded me of the heroic performance by an injured Andrew Dewar with one hand and a stick:
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