timothyguntrip

His 'Exultemus' was the final voluntary after Choral Matins yesterday at Guildford. Great piece - just a shame I don't have a tuba to do it full justice! VA

I was under the impression that Whitlock suffered from a deformity of the thumb of his right hand, although this would need checking.

...with a 'sortie-improvisee' on a theme of Huey Lewis and the News, perhaps? Would be quite an interesting theme for a recital programme. Glad to hear the Bernard Rose work mentioned - I find the Hovingham Sketches an invaluable collection - particularly the fine Epilogue by Howells which concludes the set. VA

I have usually found a Double Diapason to be a stopped rank. As Vox Humana stated above, this seems to be quite common on the Swell. The stop name 'Double Stopped Diapason' seems to be much rarer, although there is an instrument just five minutes walk from my home which has one!

I'm pretty sure that this hasn't been published to date - although it might be worth contacting Yves Castagnet himself to see if a future publication is forthcoming... It is a really excellent work, and we are lucky to have a of it on Youtube! VA

Thank you very much! Some other great items there, this could end up being expensive...

Does anyone know where I can pick up the Bairstow arrangement of the Purcell Sonata for trumpet and strings? I had it on a cassette recording a few years ago, and rather liked it. The score seems to be quite elusive, so if anyone here can point me in the right direction, I'd be most grateful. Best regards VA

Just found this - a whole concert from St.Bavo Haarlem. Olivier Latry plays Vierne and an interesting sonata movement by Jean-Pierre Leguay (I confess to not previously having heard any of his music - check out the terrific glissando at the end!). He is then joined by his partner Shin Young Lee in a transcription of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. An hour well spent. VA

If this article is at all available - I too would be most interested in having a look! VA

I just tried this with the organ stoplist of Passau Cathedral and got: Pomeranian 4 Funnel Flute 4 Swiss Whistle 2 Drone 8 (nest of bees in the organ chamber?) Prong 2 Overtones IV Saucer 32 Geigend Shelf 4 Most amusing!

Excellent summing-up, MM. I highly doubt I'll be watching any of his offerings at the forthcoming Proms, though (even with the television on mute!). Now is a man who is quite a showman in his own respect, but displays much more musicianship and modesty, in my humble opinion. I gather he is not everybody's cup of tea, but I'd choose him over CC anyday. VA

This is exactly the kind of egocentric viewpoint I have come to expect (and detest) from this particular performer.

I'm not overly impressed with the above performance of the Dupre B major (one of my favourite works of the XXth century) - why is everything so detached, as though the keys were red hot? Perhaps it's just me. VA

I am so very saddened to hear this news. Rest in peace, Carlo. VA

I must admit, having watched a number of videos online of this performer, I find little to like in his performances. As mentioned before, there seems very little musical point in his adaptations other than to draw attention to himself. I would prefer to hear a performance of a slow movement of a Stanley voluntary played from the heart than ever go and watch these egocentric frivolities. Indeed, he has an envious technique, but I do wish he would showcase it in a much more tasteful and reserved manner. Perhaps someone should book him for a recital on a Casson Positive - that would be most interesting.... Sorry if I seem negative! VA

This is a very interesting thought too. I find Rheinberger also loses the plot a bit in his quieter movements. Having only ever played a few selected movements from these, I'm not sure how I would sandwich those I actually DO play together!

Certainly agree with the tendency of some movements to 'ramble'. I may then take a look at the 2nd Symphony then. Completely agree about Vierne - excepting his 5th, which seems to prattle on endlessly without going anywhere!

Having just spent an enjoyable afternoon listening to various movements from the symphonies, a couple of thoughts: Firstly - we often see the same movements turning up time after time in programmes (although I'm not complaining - hearing Gerard Brooks play the first movement of the 6th at St.Sulpice a few years ago was particularly fine). It would be interesting if we could share some of the other movements that we play / enjoy, which don't get so much airplay. As an example, I find the Choral from the 7th Symphony a most charming movement, which hardly ever seems to be played. Any to share? Secondly - which symphony would you nominate as the most cohesive whole? I've never played any in their entirety, but many colleagues and organists I've discussed this with consider the 6th to claim this title. I would nominate the 4th as very fitting to this category as well. What's your thought? (With a lot of time on my hands at the moment, I'm looking back into some of them - in between watching the Olympics and waiting for my toaster to be mended...) VA

What are these sets of pieces like? I've never come across them at all - have they been recorded? VA

I had a similar experience a couple of weeks ago. The Townend ones do it for me - execrable stuff.

He played this too - along with the Meditation. Quite interesting writing.

Indeed - that's been a rather common occurrence around here too over the past few weeks!

Sorry to bump up an old topic! Just returned from Southwark Cathedral, where Ludo Geloen opened today's recital with some Becker - the 'Toccata' from the First Sonata (not the one mentioned previously). Having looked it up on IMSLP, it seems to be fairly playable and quite listener-friendly. There was some other interesting repertoire, including a Sonata by Edgar Tinel, who I'd not come across before. As ever, the Southwark instrument was sounding great - although as PW explained, the two big solo reeds were out of action due to rain damage. Indeed, throughout the recital there was a multitude of buckets placed in the crossing, catching drips! VA

Many thanks for this link, Martin - some of the pieces on there look rather good! VA

I shall certainly try!