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philip lowe

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  1. On 27/04/2020 at 18:06, Philip Moore said: When I first arrived at the Minster in 1983, the Octave and Suboctaves worked on the Tuba Mirabilis. Unless every note was bang in tune, it could sound terrible even with either one of the couplers. Those stops are at their best in single notes, iMHO. In 1990 we decided not to connect them and I never missed them. There is an amusing tale related to the above function being removed from that stop during the 1993 rebuild (with all due deference to Philip): One of the pieces for which Francis Jackson has been closely associated with is Healey Willan's "Introduction, Passacaglia & Fugue in Eb minor" which was famously set down on disc in the EMI "Great Cathedral Organ Series" in 1964 and which Dr Jackson continued to include in programmes particularly at York as late as Summer 2009 (having just whisked off Vierne's "Naiades" to precede it as one does! In the Willan there is at the end of the fugue a glissando for which the big tuba was always employed at the climax. Geoffrey Coffin well remembers being quizzed by FJ as to why the octave function no longer worked on the Mirabilis since the glissando is in octaves legato and he always found it a helpful work around! Such corners are no doubt few and far between.
  2. All best wishes, John. Apart from the continuation of your father's much admired work , the provision of this forum is something for which we are grateful!
  3. I can well imagine that there will be a variety of opinions about a possible return to the levels of decibels in former days! There seems to be so much history to this greatly admired instrument set in a building that (?) Dallam described as being "greedy for sound" I really hope that the consultants and chapter will have given proper consideration as to whether a dynamic/proper long term solution addressing the need for adequate and generous support for congregational singing, after the manner of more than a few Cathedrals in the UK and places abroad, might not involve siting of a larger or smaller division elsewhere in the building (...in other places deemed a success.. eg St Paul's, Liverpool, Cologne, .. bearing in mind that previous small scale experiments with pipework in the nave at York have also shown that this would be effective. Though the previous Nave organ was not the prettiest its voicing remains quite remarkable as can be heard at St Thomas, Radcliffe nr Manchester I'm sorry to hear about PPO losing contracts. Their extensive restoration at Selby amongst other work seems rightly to have merited high praise. All good wishes
  4. This strictly speaking is not an appointment either... However the matter has been discussed in these parts before now and to cut to the chase its good news! The Archbishop of Canterbury has today conferred Lambeth Degrees on (amongst others): Dr Francis Jackson and Dr Martin Neary A cause for rejoicing... http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/2649/archbishop-of-canterbury-awards-lambeth-degrees
  5. Hello again, It has been announced (on the Canterbury Old Choristers website): that there will be a Service of Thanksgiving in memory of Dr Wicks to be held in Canterbury Cathedral on Friday 21st May at 2.30pm. There is also an extensive obituary in Friday's Church Times by Philip Moore - Organist Emeritus of York ( & assistant at Canterbury 1968-74) Regards PL
  6. The notice in the paper gives the following information: Dr Allan WICKS (CBE) died peacefully at home on 4th February. Dearly loved husband of Elizabeth and loving father of Lalu and Jo, grandfather of Charlotte, George and Charlie. Funeral Service in Wye Parish Church (Ashford) Kent at 2.30pm on Monday 22nd February 2010. Thanksgiving Service in Canterbury Cathedral to be announced. Family flowers only, donations to The Alzheimers Society or The Voices Foundation c/o Earl & Co, Albemarle Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent TN24 0HL Tel 01233 620522. PL
  7. [quote name='Paul Walton' date='Apr 5 2009, 09:37 PM' post='45414' Norman Cocker's original scheme, for those interested, was as follows: Screen Great 59. Bourdon 16 60. Major diapason 8 61. Geigen diapason 8 62. Claribel flute 8 63. Octave 4 64. Flûte harmonique 4 65. Rauschquint (12 15) 66. Harp celesta (tenor C) 8 67. Harp celesta 4 (from 66) not affected by octave couplers (Screen Gt excluded from final scheme - I believe on cost grounds) Hello, There was disagreement about whether the Screen Organ should be re-instituted following the destruction of the former instrument during the Blitz. One factor being that an organ case in that location prevented an uninterrupted view of the length of the Cathedral, as can - in fairness - be seen from earlier photographs, elegant though Scott's case was. William Greer, Bishop of Manchester was, in the end asked to adjudicate and stated that it would go back "over his dead body." I think I am right in saying that only a limited amount of the new instrument had been installed at the time of Norman Cocker's death in late 1953, and there are also some fascinating tales about his ingenuity in playing & getting a "quart out of a pint pot" from the temporary Harrison instrument - which have become the stuff of legend. Best Wishes Phil Lowe Rochdale, Manchester.
  8. Thanks Its knowing where recent examples exist so one can make ones mind up - the problem being they are a little thin on the ground! I am in the North West. I presume the Bolton Town Hall Organ is probably the closest example nearby with such a stop. Best Wishes PL
  9. Does anyone know of recent examples produced in this country by Walker / Pennells & Sharp and how good they are? Am thinking of 16' Trombones or I suppose Fagots, and the like. Any opinions and thoughts/information would be welcome Thanks Philip Lowe Manchester (Previously posted in "Nuts & Bolts" Forum but little response!)
  10. Does anyone know of recent examples produced in this country by Walker / Pennells & Sharp and how good they are? Am thinking of 16' Trombones or I suppose Fagots, and the like. Any opinions and thoughts/information would be welcome Thanks Philip Lowe Manchester
  11. Thanks for asking Malcolm... I'm sure I can't have been the only one who was present to see and hear Francis Jacksons recital in York Minster yesterday evening.. Canon Webster introduced the.recital by saying that this year has been a very full and busy one for Francis and his family.! "His (and Mrs J's) 90th birthdays, his receiving the CBE,…… and Dr. J has also acquired a new hip joint..! Please will you welcome our Organist Emeritus and Medical Miracle Dr F.J. ..." The applause was longer than most get after the recital. I think the thing to say was that he got through the programme which considering he had only returned to the organ stool a fortnight before is in itself an achievement. Yes of course there were odd slips here and there, Yes he did struggle with the impromptu, the tempos were on the whole very steady. However I wasn’t aware of problems for example with those hazardous pedal passages later in the Bach Prelude. For me the characteristic magic and imagination which make his musc-making special shone through. It was absorbing listening. A spring freshness in the Bach chorale Prelude, the drama of his 2nd Sonata, some marvellous heavenly registrations (flutes and strings) and a pointer to a source of his own extemporizations in the Ravel. A marvellous climax in the Durufle, though the sequencer caught him out on the last chord which should have been FFF+ The years are certainly telling and he looks quite frail - but having come down from the loft console before the last piece and played the St Anne Fugue on the Nave console, which as it should thundered away at its conclusion, then declined to use his stick and with great dignity walked unaided into the Quire to take his bow. I'm sure you can imagine the rest. .......He patiently spoke to everyone who wished to afterwards. Prelude in Eb BWV 552 - Bach Chorale Prelude "Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu ... JSB Impromptu for FJ on his 70th - Moore Sonata Giocosa - Op. 42 - Jackson Prel & Fuge on the name of Alain Op. 7 - Durufle Pavane pour une infante - Ravel Fugue in Eb BWV 552 (St Anne) - Bach There were over two hundred people present. An amazing recovery - An amazing Gentleman, very moving – well at least I thought so! Best Wishes Phil
  12. PETER VAN DE VELDE (Antwerp Cathedral) Symphony I (1899)-- Guy WEITZ Offertoire: Assumpta est Maria-- Hendrik ANDRIESSEN Paraphrase - Carillon -- Charles TOURNERMIRE (L'Orgue Mystique 35: Office for the Assumption) Four Transcriptions:---- J.S.BACH Ertodt uns durch dei Gute - Cantata 22 arr Flor Peeters Sicilienne (from Sonata for solo flute BWV 1031) arr Louis Vierne Loure (after the Bourees of the suite for cello BWV 1009) arr Joseph Callaerts Presto (from Cantata 35) arr Alex. Guilmant Salve Regina --- Naji HAKIM & Bach'orama --- Naji HAKIM Best Wishes Phil
  13. Hello, If people wish to try again to pursue a knighthood for FJ, then they should not be discouraged from so-doing, and there is patently no lack of support. A petition might make the difference. I will happily add my name. However with these things it often feels like "banging one's head against a brick wall", and it is very "hit and miss". He was overwhelmed with the CBE and the writer who commented that the "good wishes, respect and affection of all concerned probably is what means most" speaks wisely. 'Himself' still plans AFAIK to give the annual minster recital on August 16th which is to include 'lightweight' pieces such as the P & F on the name of Alain and a certain "Sonata Giocosa" - Op. 42. Yes, this is the nonogenarian who was in hospital for a broken leg..... A video of the occasion ought to be sent with any petition!! In respect of PM, I believe a nomination to Lambeth and to York University with considerable "heavy-weight" backing has thus far - incomprehsibly and sadly - been unsuccessfull. However Abp. Sentamu - Praise the Lord - has done us all a good turn and bestowed on him (as was on FJ by Stuart Blanch) the Cross of the Order of St William, Thank Goodness! Goodness knows he deserves it. http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story235/p...st-william.html Best Wishes Philip
  14. Hello, I thought you might appreciate an update regarding "FJ". He is now out of hospital and making a slow but steady recovery. He has every intention of giving the annual minster recital on August 16th, but I suppose we will have to see. In his own words, he achieved two "firsts", yesterday evening: the first being present at a farewell concert for his successor Philip Moore - a splendid occasion given by the gentlemen of the Minster choir accompanied by Richard McVeigh and conducted by Lee Dunleavy - as he said, Noble nor Bairstow were present in a similar capacity for their successor, and he hoped this would start a precedent! The second achievement was named as being his "first public appearance in the capacity of "Old Crock"! arriving in a wheelchair & using a frame. He was greeted with much warmth and applause, and I'm sure we wish him all the best, as also to Philip Moore for happy years ahead. FJ's wife says he tires very easily, but it was tremendous to see him ( performing Gershwin's Promenade "Walking the Dog" with considerable aplomb.) Best Wishes Philip
  15. Yes, the later recording (which I received as a favourite 15th birthday present!) happened (I think) in the period after the upheavals of restoration to the minster in the early 1970's, prior to the 32' reed being resited in the South Transept from its former home in the North Choir Aisle c. 1978/79. Thus being inactive at that time. Various parts of the organ had needed to come out for the work on the Central Tower including the sections within the screen (Solo & Pedal). During the this time the main case was enveloped in what was effectively a huge plastic bag, but according to Dr.Jackson had surprisingly little effect on the egress of sound. Best Wishes PL
  16. Dr Jackson is in good spirits and making steady progress. It sounds as though "slow and steady" is the best way it should be for healing of the fracture, at this stage. I understand he was naturally very disappointed to have to cancel several recitals including the premiere of Fantasy & Fugue on 'Clerkenwell' - at Clerkenwell and a recital at Sheffield, but hopes to play at the Minster in August, which will clearly be a great 'spur to recovery! Without doubt the good wishes and affection which abound, and have been voiced in these channels have reached him. Best Wishes Philip Lowe
  17. Will this actually be four? What is happening to the Organ Scholar post - not advertised this year as far as I know. Best Wishes PL
  18. Peter, The composers name is Caleb (E.) Jarvis. I have a vague recollection of something of his having been published by Peters / Hinrichsen and there were other pieces in - but now long since- out-of-print regards Philip
  19. Hello, I played the choir organ in St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral, Brussels to accompany a large choral group , 2 years ago. The people at the Cathedral were most helpful. A problem I did have was recognising which stop did what. Some of them are divided, and if I recall rightly the departments of the instrument are not shown, though I think the stops do have names! I was very glad of having some (removable) coloured sticky labels with me, which saved the day, in the limited time available prior to our performance, these greatly helped recognition of the right stop. It seems quite powerful sat at the console, but in the body of the building the sound swims around and gets absorbed in other ways. I found it important to use some bright toned stop even when playing quietly to increase definition, for the benefit of the singers Hope this helps! Best Wishes Philip Lowe Rochdale Parish Church, Manchester
  20. * Could Mr Mander fill us in on the background to this news?? * Thank you
  21. Hi, There is an arrangement in an RSCM Festival Service Book (Purple cover I think ) No. 8 . The organ arrangement is by Francis Jackson. See: an old review which mentions this http://www.jstor.org/view/00274666/ap030880/03a00430/0 Best wishes Philip
  22. I suppose its hard to single out one particular work - many of those mentioned: e.g. the Willan, the Statham Rhapsody on a ground, the Elgar op.28 are marvellous pieces- The Elgar Sonata always "comes over" to me as an orchestral work(very successfully) transcribed for the organ (look at the last movement) in contrast to one of my favourites, the Bairstow Sonata of 1937 which is a marvellous 'canvas' conceived & written mostly on the Isle of Arran, and to my mind - in a generous acoustic - akin to a depiction of a great seascape with many atmospheric moments (e.g. the haunting 2nd theme) and then the rollicking waves of the "Scherzo"(Allegro Giocoso) - I rate it very highly, and consider it more idiomatically conceived for the organ than the Elgar - it reads through as one piece ... I'm glad the Noble Tocc & Fugue in Fmin has been mentioned in addition to the very fine Tocc. Chorale & Fugue by FJ Possibly one might wish to include (in the runner-up category) the Fantasia & Toccata in Dmin by Stanford, particularly for the latter movement! Best Wishes PL
  23. I think there is a most important future for the IAO & local associations, working hand-in-hand with other organisations I do feel quite strongly about this and think we would do well to take a more considered view of what the IAO and local associations achieve, specifically & more generally - reaching those who for example cannot or do not wish to subscribe as a member of the RCO It is my impression that there are more than a few associations that do a tremendous job, work hard at "outreach" - that realise there are benefits to be had from having a "presence" on the web ie having their own website - that cater for a wdie & differing constituency of members. Yes, it isn't always easy when you are running a society with a group of volunteers - Our Local Association will clock up its centenary later this year, and I am optimistic that we spend time thinking about how we can promote the organ and its music, not being content to plan the same format of events each year. I do enjoy the 'chat and information gleaned from discussion groups like these, but we ought to remember that our own individual experience is but a very small slice of the "bigger picture" Best Wishes Philip Lowe Oldham, Rochdale & Tameside Organists Association
  24. It has been announced that Philip Moore, Organist & Master of the Music since 1983 is to retire at the end of summer term 2008 having held the position with distinction for 25 years. I understand he played a fine recital on Saturday evening concluding the 2007 minster recital series. No doubt the betting shops will be open in due course with regard to a successor! Best Wishes Philip
  25. "There is also a problem with some(!) of our bellows, they leak air therefore the wind pressure is not tip top which does lead to a rather anticlimax when using some of the louder stops, the effect sounds rather French as the whole pitch of the organ suddenly drops." Having attended several of this years recitals and experienced audibly the drop in wind pressure on some of the organ stops, I understand from the minster organ builder, ( & in fairness to Mr Coffin - who continues to produce work of the highest quality) that the problem Richard mentions relates to the c.1930 Harrison High Pressure "Bellows" which were assessed as not requiring re-leathering when the Minster Organ was rebuilt in 1992/3. Dr. Jackson's annual recital was attended by large numbers yesterday evening, when we heard Bach BWV 544 played at a majesterial spacious tempo, enjoyed a kaleidoscope of colour during the Smart Andante and Franck Choral - (at the conclusion with the 16' contra Tuba + sub octave coupled up on the manuals! ) My favourite work, which received a magnificent performance was his own Tocc. Chrale & Fugue with its beautifully spacious middle movement - an oasis of repose- after the excitement of the Toccata and then its stalking Fugue subject with a thrilling build-up as all the other themes tumble over one another - Marvellous! : Best Wishes Philip Lowe Rochdale, Greater Manchester
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