john carter

According to the website it was changed to EP in 1955 and updated again in 1983. JC

Thanks Colin.

Somehow, I don't think Mander Forum readers will be reminiscing about the Diane Bish recording in 79 years time! Even considering the poor recording quality, the registration seems to follow neither the spirit nor the letter of the composer's indications. The Dupré is superb and the recording is amazing given its age. JC

We have a video demonstration of this instrument by our (greatly missed) contributor, Nigel Allcoat, in the "Baroque Organ Tone" thread in this forum. JC

I found this a fascinating and surprising performance. Dark and sombre, evoking much more the price of heroism than its triumph; the few moments of optimism trampled by marching armies. I would love to know what was in Harold Darke's mind when he first worked on this piece. JC

And thank you from me, Brian. I was convinced that it was by Eric Coates or Haydn Wood and I spent ages ploughing through dozens of their works, becoming increasingly frustrated at my lack of success. The ear-worm has now been satisfied and I am no longer going round the house humming the tune. JC

If that is what the congregation find helpful in their worship, I am happy for them to interpret the music in that way. But I'm sorry to say that I found no inspiration in it. While listening, I thought of the words of Prince Charles "Like a carbuncle on the face of an old friend". JC

I wonder, Pierre, if you meant to write "awesome" rather than "awful*"? It sounds very fine to me both in the tone colours and the performance. * The word has two different, but opposite, meanings in English, but is most commonly used to mean something bad. JC

Thanks, that is a helpful insight. JC

I have not been to Warwick for many years. Please could contributors explain what it is that makes the present organ unpleasant or incredible? JC

This explains the process. JC

Yes, your edition is certainly different from mine. I have just listened to two recordings I have - David Sanger uses a céleste at that point whereas Colin Walsh does not. I do not know which is correct, but having tried Céleste on its own and Flûtes 8,4 plus trem, I find either satisfactory. The fact that my edition reads Voix Celeste and tremulant makes me suspect it is an error. Confusing isn't it? JC

There is one other that I am familiar with; for the closing 30-odd bars of the Andantino in G minor, Franck indicates Voix Céleste et le tremblant. JC

I do not believe BIOS have any binding over anybody. It is a voluntary body whose aim is to identify and raise the profile of worthy instruments. As I understand it, it is nothing like the situation of a listed building. JC

And the four men behind "Pirate Bay", who provide the bit torrent appear in court in Stockholm today accused of supplying illegal downloads. JC

I am sad to see this leave our shores, but it is good to think it will be appreciated in its new home. JC

Better get the order in quickly then and save £12,500 before VAT reverts to 17.5%. JC

We know, we know! It isn't a serious exercise, but it throws up some interesting snippets of information. Please don't let reality get in the way, we have enough of that outside the window today. JC

Yes, indeed. The Bourdon 8' on the GO would be a valuable addition and the whole scheme would then be just the job for lots of lovely Franck! I think my liking for soft manual doubles comes from the experience of muddy 16' Bourdons voiced more for the pedal than the manual. JC

I could live with that, as I could with Voix Mystique's scheme (Welcome back, by the way!), but I would miss a Trompette on the Récit. The Hautbois would need to be more of a Petit Trompette, or perhaps drop the GO Clairon. I would also have a preference for a double string, Violonbasse, rather than a Bourdon on the GO. Without wishing to go over old ground, having been brought up on a 1939 Compton (Still in good voice after 70 years with no major rebuild) I believe some intelligent extension could add a lot of value with 30 ranks. JC

Q... "What would you like people say about you in fifty years time?" A... "Doesn't he look good for his age"... I hope the postcard will be addressed to somewhere nice and not too hot! JC

I thought it was good apart from the blast on the Trompeta Real. Totally out of place to my ears and detracted from the climax of the last half dozen bars. JC

Hear, hear! JC

I have always played it as printed in the NBA version. It seemed to lose something when I played it the way it is shown in your link. JC

Sorry Pierre, I don't agree. To my ears it fits well with the rest of the organ. JC