Jim Treloar

Indeed, the details are in the recent excellent book on Widor by John R. Near. It was a fact that always amused Widor.

Don't know whether it's true but I heard on the night that Warrington have agreed not to "tip it out" until a definite home is found for it. I'd like an expert comment on whether such an organ is suitable for cathedral work, after all it's very difficult to play without console assistants, RF had two although BS got away with one; no playing aids which a church organist would need as I see it. Discuss, as they say. Rather mystified by MM's comment that Warrington is "remote" - it is on the main west coast main line, one London colleague came up non-stop from Euston. and the hall is 5 minutes walk from the station. By car the town is quite close to the motorway system.

Maxime Patel - This is an extract from a DVD where he plays the complete Demessieux. Readily available and thoroughly recommended.

Messiaen - I would suggest a difficult one with both Dame Gillian and Jennifer Bate but for me it has to be Olivier Latry at Notre Dame.

For me there's two from Roger Fisher, the first in 1970 and the second in 2004 - and if you've not heard it I can recommend John Hosking on a CD from Truro, in my view a very underrated recitalist, he's given a couple of magnificent performances of the piece (unrecorded) at Chester.

I wonder how many, like me, remember him as scholar at St John's peeping over the loft. Makes me feel old.

This is the title of a new book by John R. Near, published by the University of Rochester (U.S.). A hefty volume, nearly 600 pages including a 50 page list of his works (did you know he wrote that much?) and correspondingly expensive, but looks to me the last word on his life and work. I'm part way through it. Enter the title in Amazon if interested, I was promised delivery in 1 to 2 months but it arrived within 5 days of my order so obviously have it stock.

I agree with you on that Barry, talented and enormous flair and one has to admire him, particularly at such a (to me) tender age, just that the programme was too heavy for me. One could compare him in some ways to that other player with flair, Cameron Carpenter, and I will even admit to having his CDs. I didn't attend his recital at Bridgewater Hall last year, but I understand that a lot of people left at the interval, possible that it was just too much of a good thing.

Truly a unique performance, played without scores, a true virtuoso, but I have to say I found it all a bit overwhelming. The first and last pieces were really too long for both to be in the same programme, one or the other would have been fine - I was just longing for something quiet and relaxed. I enjoyed his Bach though.

He played at Victoria Hall Hanley last year, an amazing performance, I think it was his only recital in the UK in 2010. See him at Bloomsbury if you're able. Another star performer at Victoria Hall today (Saturday), Nathan Laube - see him on youtube as well, fantastic technique.

Sackcloth and ashes re my comment on Elton John, I understand your points Colin and Muso, it's just that I don't like the music.

At least they're not having Elton John!

Barking mad?? Never, just people who enjoy the good things of life, rewarding companionship and sensible discussions.

Although he's not mentioned it yet, I think our contributor D. Drinkell can be added to the list. Many years ago when he was at Belfast I came across him and his choir on the Isle of Man. I was there visiting the railways and tramways and I mentioned this to him - he said that really that was what he was there for but don't tell the choir. I doubt that he'll recall it now, it must be about 15 years ago.

James Lancelot is a well known railway enthusiast. He talked of Brunel, inevitably, when he gave the recital at St Mary Redcliffe two weeks ago. Stephen Cleobury used to give his interests in Who's Who as reading railway timetables (I don't know if it's still in there). In Roger Fisher's music room I think there's almost as many railway books as music books, and one of his CDs has a picture of him driving a loco on the Llangollen Railway (something I've done myself, on Flying Scotsman, no less).

I persuaded Philip Rushforth to play two pieces at yesterday's Chester recital, the Jannequin Variations and Le Jardin Suspendu. A reminder for those that don't know, there's a recital every Thursday at Chester at 1.10, although there is now a charge for admission, unfortunately brought in as the retiring collection was very poor for the number of people attending.

I find I have a fairly recent recording of the Sokola piece. On the Pro Organo label (CD7147) called Fast and Sinister, Scott Bennett on the Reuter organ of Grace Episcopal Church, Charleston, South Carolina. It's dated 2002.

I'd not heard of Chrobokova either, but looking at her website she won Oundle one year and played in the UK following that including St Pauls. How did we miss that? I see she's made a CD on an historic Czech organ as well (check Amazon).

Bob Cowan mentioned it and played a track from her RAH disc yesterday morning. In the pop obsessed BBC that's probably it!

Sheffield, but I think that has fallen through (I stand to be corrected).

As far as I know it's still there gathering dust. The Council were keen to get rid of it but there was such a feeling against its removal that they've just left it. It's probably worth contacting David Wells for the latest.

As well as the applause for a superb recital we were also invited to applaud the memory of George coupled with the organ, a nice gesture which took the sadness out of the occasion. For those who haven't been to St Werburgh's it's worth mentioning that the priest there, Father Paul, is knowledgable of music, ensures the organ is appreciated and has a nice line in dry humour which added to an enjoyable afternoon.

AJJ - I've seen this new CD mentioned on the Aeolus website. I find difficulty getting hold of this label, there doesn't seem to be a UK distributor, although I did get a couple from Amazon. Others I've got direct from Aeolus but with postage that turns out to be pricey. Where do you get yours from? As an aside, I was fortunate once to attend a recital by FP, 1973 I think it was, he played here in Chester. Roger Fisher used to play his music quite a lot at one time. Ian Tracey still does at Liverpool, he's done the Leid Symphony a few times and last year, I think it was, Suite Modale. Like you I go for repertoire when buying CDs, I've far too many already. OT but my last, well recommended, is David Briggs, Messe pour Notre Dame, both choral and some organ pieces, with choir of Trinity College, Cambridge at Gloucester, Hyperion label. Marvellous. Seasonal greetings to all. Jim T.

I made one of my infrequest visits to London last Wednesday. I usually go to St Paul's for evensong but I have to admit this put me off. I recall the last time I went some months ago the verger was very reluctant to let me into the quire but relented at the last minute. All very strange.

Oscar - yes, I've also heard it, received last week. Agree with everything you say; Adrian's playing of Tournemire is always superb, easily comparable to Delvalee's. The choice of the ND d'Auteil instrument, which he knows well, is also welcome. I thiink it an underrated C.-C., the Organ Club visited it last year and both Frederic Blanc, the Titulaire, and Adrian played for us, and for me it was one of the highlights of the tour.