Graham Powell

From the BIOS Reporter of 1992: "There is also a question over the dates of Roger Yates's organ building activities - a pity, for he was an excellent craftsman who always produced organs of musical integrity, and who played an important part in keeping a classical spirit alive in the darkest days. The 'New Grove' Organ off-print supplies the remarkable answer: he formed his own business in 1927 and died (still working) in l975".

The Kilkhampton organ is here http://npor.emma.cam.ac.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch...ec_index=N11195 Whilst on holiday in Morwenstow in 1999, I made the short drive to this church to hear a short recital by Martin Richardson, the organist there. He told me that the organ may well contain pipework from an earlier instrument which was once situated in Westminster Abbey, and he also suggested that the old console started life there too. He invited me to have a go, and I was amazed at the variety of sounds to be found in such a relatively small instrument. I certainly didn't expect to find such luxuries as a Sub Bass 32' (down to GGGG), a Rauschquint and a 16' Bombarde on the Pedal. A lovely little instrument, and certainly not what I'd expected! Graham

And don't forget Alan Spedding - 39 years at Beverley.

I can't open it Has anyone succeeded? What's the secret...............

I've just received the latest RCO News, which contained a leaflet publicising Simon Preston's forthcoming RAH recital. It may be my eyes playing tricks, but the photo seems to show damage to the 32' pipes on either side of the central arch. Has anyone else spotted this, and does anyone know the full story? Graham

I totally agree - it's horrible. But it nearly caught me out at a recent RC Requiem Mass - the version they use doesn't use the chorus "........O Master grant that I may never............" EXCEPT after the 2nd (or was it 3rd?) verse - I just spotted it in time

Favourite hymn? "All my hope on God is founded" (Michael). A wonderful hymn, and inspiring music by Howells. By the way, is anyone familiar with NEH446, "Sing Alleluia forth" (to the tune Martins)? I think it deserves to be far more widely known...........

You could also try Prof. Peter Williams' "The Organ Music of J S Bach", published by Cambridge University Press. The text of the chorales is discussed, and from this it's often possible to pinpoint exactly where each chorale belongs in the church year. Graham

Sei gegrusset, Jesu Gutig, BWV 768 (especially the penultimate variation) and P & F in B minor BWV544?

I've got a old copy of William McKie's book from the 1970's, describing the organs of Westminster Abbey. It contains a picture of this instrument http://npor.emma.cam.ac.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch...ec_index=N17892, which was placed in front of the tomb of Handel at the time. Graham

And whilst on the subject of overpriced recordings............ http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Kaikhosru-Sorabji-Or...1QQcmdZViewItem

Apologies, this time with link as follows: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Reubke-Organ-Sonata-...1QQcmdZViewItem Just slightly overpriced?

Posted in error

No, I think this is the first time this instrument has appeared on ebay. Could it be http://npor.emma.cam.ac.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch...ec_index=N15174? Graham

Far too much time on my hands today - at home recovering from flu! At the risk of being branded a heretic, how about Wachet auf BWV645? As a listener, but especially as a player. It really doesn't fit the organ well, and to my mind is the least successful of the Schubler Chorales..........

Thanks, I don't know these pieces at all. Any idea who publishes them?

With reference to Simper and J H Maunder, I found this quote: "....Composers with ridiculous names: their names are about the one thing these composers couldn't help; other aspects of their activities are less innocent." (Ralph Vaughan Williams on Simper and Maunder) Ouch :angry:

Then I think Stephen may have cracked it for you - Chant Heroique? The chords are certainly in triplets - I think it's in 15/8!

If I could hum like that I wouldn't be working for a living, I can assure you!

There's a quick sample here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000006Z...=samples&n=5174

Possibly Mors Et Resurrectio, from Trois Paraphrases Gregoriennes? (Yes, the same volume as the Te Deum!)

Each to their own Colin :angry: What about the quieter stuff I mentioned?

No offence - just a difference of taste, which is what this thread is all about. But there are some gems I think - what about the 4th movement (Communion) of the Suite Medieval, or No.1 of Huit Pieces Modales? Both are beautifully crafted miniatures. Some of the bigger stuff is a bit angular, but I do love the Te Deum..............

Anything by Mendelssohn leaves me feeling short-changed, apart from the C minor Prelude and Fugue which seems to be far better than any of the other organ works. As a fan of Louis Vierne, I have to admit that Symphonie No.5 seems to ramble along aimlessly to my ears. Especially the 4th movement. Sorry.........

Hmmm, I wonder. I first heard this story some 26 years ago, and in the version I heard, the Jane concerned was JPS.