parsfan

Slightly off topic, Richard, but does the Minster Organ have a cymblestern? I am sure that I heard JSW use it during Mathias's Jesus College service. What are you doing next year?

Incredible that Francis Jackson is till giving recitals in his 90th year.

On the Cathedral's website: http://www.stpauls.co.uk/page.aspx?theLang...qfY9J9153Zh4XPd Quite amusing that the advertisement for the post stated criteria such as organist of distinction and an improviser of note. Mr Carwood appears to be neither of these. Not exactly recruitment best practice !

I think the tempi of the SPC recordings a bit dreary and overall the series is dull compared to the invigorating Priory recordings. Of these, I think that the Gloucester and York recordings are the best. Also interesting to look at the list of choristers and play 'Where are they now?' On the SPC series disappointing that so many discs were produced given the amount of real music that could have been recorded. Can't imagine Hyperion embarking on such a venture now !!

Yes, one complete large work would have been welcome. Lets hope his improvisation will be better than the one he gave at his recital at the RFH. I fear that, like many improvisers, his art declines outside the liturgical environment. Worth noting that Roth is at Southwark on the 27th June: Wednesday 27 June, 7.30pm - Daniel Roth (organ) Widor: Symphonie 7: Final, Choral Lefébure-Wely: Offertoire sur un Noël en fa majeur, Sortie en sol mineur Clérambault: Récits de cromorne et de cornet séparé en dialogue, Basse et Dessus de Trompette, Flûtes Nivers: Offerte en fugue et dialogue Widor: Symphonie 8: Adagio in F# major Daniel Roth: Fantaisie fuguée sur Regina caeli Grunenwald: La mélodie intérieure Dupré: Paraphrase sur le Te Deum

I once owned a record by the St Alban's Choir under Darlington. One of the tracks was the Te Deum by Bryan Kelly. A tuneful melodic setting. Why then has it never gained currency in Cathedral music lists? Too tuneful? Below the salt?

I think AP was assistant at Worcester under Donald Hunt, so he has been out the cathedral loop for a while. So, obviously when he chose to re-enter the cathedral scene he was obviously going to be a strong candidate for DOM. His previous 3C experience at Worcester and his work in Wales would, in my view, appeal to the Gloucester Chapter.

On the whole I think the video screen has enhanced the recital experience save that, personally, I do not think I listen quite as well when a screen is used.

I think it might be still available on the HMV Classics series where it is coupled with recordings by Wayne Marshall.

I think that headhunters are useful in identifying outstanding candidates that might otherwise not apply. The mention of two singers leads me to think that the model of DOM having to be an organist may be approaching the end of its shelf life. Saying that the SPC job description appeared to be tailored for some one currently working in Victoria St !!

Yes, not one of the Abbey's greatest moments. EJ's banal unmusical utterance at no place on such an occassion.

I wonder, on the topic of St John the Divine, if it is still planned to re-install the Skinner next year-2008.

Not quite sure what this is got to do with Organs !

I suspect the Wakefield Cathedral Compton is not regarded as being an instrument of note. However, a few years ago the then sub, Louise Marsh, recorded a disc of Messiaen

Many thanks Adrian. Its quite remarkable. Its now sixty years since both David Willcocks and Francis Jackson started their careers as Cathedral Organists and both are still going strong. Must be something about the stress free nature of the job !!

Here we are: http://www.thsh.co.uk/ Talk of a two week festival and a mailing list to subscribe to ! Ed

I must say I admire Adrian for expending the time to reply to comments on this topic. I agree that we must now look forward and be constructive with our comments. Otherwise Adrian might go the same way as the much missed SJF. I must say that I look forward to hearing the new organs, especially the first 3CF they will be heard at. Ed

The organ they built for the west gallery of St Thomas's 5th Ave NY is particularly fine.

There seems to be problems at Ely. A recent CD got a luke warm review. Its a shame as one of the first Choral LPs I bought was 'Service High and Anthems Clear' which was wll worn by the time I finished. I wonder how Louise Reid is getting on with the gals? Talking abt Louise, I see that her husband's foundation-Peterborough-have advertised for a new post of Assistant Director of Music.

It is not difficult to argue that JSW is the most accomplished organist in this country at present given his familiarity with the repertoire at large. As Richard says his psalm playing is distinquished and imaginative. I particularly love to hear him accompanying the Ivor Atkins chant that concludes Psalm 55 on the 10th evening. No mean improviser either ! It is a matter of regret, however, that Saturday Evensong no longer ends with JSW extemporising after the last verse of the hymn.

As a listener I like the middle section to be brisk. It doesn't really work otherwise. What does really spoil a performance is when an organist goes all shy and quiet in the final section.

Obit in today's Times: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,60-2577058,00.html

Both Sarah Baldock (Winchester) and Matthew Martin (Westminster Cathedral) have recorded Fete so it might be worth contacting them to find out how they secured a copy. Ed

Fascinating possible moves ahead. Maybe it was a big ask for MA to move from Britain's smallest city to its largest. I can't imagine that Amen Court is an ideal place to bring up a young family especially at the weekends when the city is empty. St Paul's is a souless institution. The Sung Eucharist on Sundays is overblown. Perhaps, MA is a teacher at heart? I can't imagine that JO will wish to move from the Abbey. How abt Martin Baker who was assistant at St Pauls some years ago? Most WC organists move on to an Anglican post. If Lumsden were to move to St Paul's might Stephen Farr succeed him at Winchester? I know assistants rarely get the top job at their cathedral but after 30 years it would be good for JSW to succeed Moore at York.

I find that 'Thou didst leave thy throne and Kingly Crown' is pretty grim.