Jim Treloar

An interesting reply from the R3 man, however I notice he refers to a "matter of balance". My immediate reaction to that is therefore why so much piano music, hardly balancd there. It seems that every time I switch on, particularly the morning programme or the 6pm - 7pm programme yet more piano music, and often a lengthy piece. I'm afraid it's put me off listening to the piano. There was an interesting comment by a musician on R3 a few weeks ago who said that she couldn't understand why so much music which is obviously written for the harpsichord is played on the piano (and she could have added, broadcast on R3). Some of you may have heard recently where all the 48 were played in order, one per day, they were nearly all on the piano, it was a relief when they used a harpsichord, and even one, a Reger arrangement, on the organ, which caused all sorts of meaningless spluttering and comment by the announcer.

With all the expertise in transcribing from records these days, is there any benefit from listening to the well known recording by Widor himself. I speak as a non-player and I'm sure someone will say that he was very old when the recording was made and cannot be relied upon. Just a thought though.

I can't contribute anything very constructive on this subject, but the piece does appear on a Calliope CD (CAL9939) Hommage a Durufle by Thierry Escaich and the Cambridge Voices. It lasts only 1'55" and is sung wordless by the choir. The booklet states"....he composed (it) for the harmony classes at the Paris Conservatiore. Far from being a pastiche, this piece shows Duruflé's taste for simple and expressive modal harmony, the almost "Gregorian" sweetness of which apparently arises from the linear displacement of the vocal parts." Listening to it just now it is in my view a very beautiful piece.

Following rogbi200's recommendation I sent off for the Elgar DVD and received it yesterday, and I agree it is an excellent DVD even allowing for the sound, some excellent "extras" as you said, even nice to see Mark Venning and the Harrison works. One warning however, don't touch the discs with damp hands as they've used water soluble ink for the printing and they smudge badly. I reported this to the Elgar Museum and after a test they agreed with me although they weren't aware of it previously. The matter is being taken up with the manufacturer. Don't let that put you off though - well worth purchasing.

Returning to the original discussion of the BBC's attitude to both choral music and organ music, I wonder how many of you heard BWV 565 (Ton Koopman - much too fast for my taste) played on R3 just after 7am today. In a blatant piece of anti-organ rhetoric, the female announcer said "of course that piece was first made popular by Stokowski's orchestral arrangement which featured in Disney's Fantasia". (MY expletive deleted!!). Just to ensure there was a balance, after one piece of orchestral music we were treated to yet more piano music - just how much of this stuff can R3 bring out, there's been so many Beethoven Sonatas played recently I sometimes wonder how many he wrote.

I see that Howells is the Composer of the Week on Radio 3 next week, 11th to 15th. Even some, not much, organ music amongst it. Should make some interesting listening anyway.

He didn't come on till about 6.15. Talked about the two B'ham Halls' organs. Two tracks from the new Town Hall CD and one from his Salisbury Elgar CD.

Nachthorn - there's a CD on the Calliope label (CAL 9937) Escaich plays Escaich. "This CD covers most of my organ works and also the Motets for 12 voices and organ. The programme begins and ends with a short improvisation .........." Recorded at St Etienne du Mont where I believe he is organist. As you say, modern and unapologetic, which is probably why it is not heard very often (if at all). Nevetheless I recommend the CD if you want to hear him.

Has anyone noticed that not only has Radio 3 abandoned organ recitals but they seem to think that the only solo instrument is a piano. Everytime I turn the radio on these days there seems to be a piano track playing. Early morning, teatime and, occasionally if I wake up , in the middle of the night as well. I know that there is a lot of good solo piano works but I'm sure if I hear another piece of Chopin, I'll scream. It's put me off listening to piano recitals anymore. Returning to the old "Music for Organ" series, I used to tape these using an old cassette tape recorder, starting I believe in 1972 or 1973. I still have boxes of the things somewhere. The recording quality may not be up to today's standards but I'd wager there's some fascinating stuff tucked away there.

Peter, alias hands off - I was also at Birmingham T.H. today, overall enjoyable but for some reason left me slightly disappointed. I didn't think S.C. gave the music sufficient emotion for want of a better word. Probably so used to hearing Mr Trotter. Since Howells was recently mentioned on this thread, one of the subjects on Mastermind this evening was Herbert Howells, his life and music; the lad did quite well.

The Buxtehude set by Bine Bryndorf, the final volume (6) of which has just arrived. Slightly biased because it's local, but Philip Rushforth playing Vierne and Dupre at Chester on Amphion is excellent.

After this recommendation, for which many thanks, I've just purchased Vol 2. (Fast service from Amazon - ordered day 1 arrived day 3, and I didn't pay postage). Very enjoyable. although I think I would have liked a few more views inside the churches, and someone should tell Chapuis to cut his hair. For all that, I agree, "magic". The microphones were obviously placed at suitable positions within the naves. From what I can make out from the Plenum Vox website, Vol 1 was a DVD but doesn't appear to be available any longer, and Vol 3 isn't as freely available as Vol 2.

Sorry about that folks, clicked the wrong button. I don't think Chester is particularly high - I don't like heights at all, but find I can get up there without difficulty.

Chester - yes, Roger Sayer did leave fairly promptly for this reason. Off topic, but in case you hadn't heard, Philip Rushforth has been appointed DOM at Chester. To avoid any suggestion of nepotism, I understand that the interviews and tests were very vigorous, overseen by an RSCM representative and someone from the clergy at Ely. Well deserved appointment.

It's nearly 30 years ago that I was there but I recall that the approach to the organ at Marienkirche, Lubeck was a hairy experience - not that I went up, I just heard about it afterwards. Has anyone here been up there?

Paul - it was St Thomas, Fifth Avenue, not St John the Divine - and I'm kicking myself as I've just switched on as it's finishing.

This piece is also on a Pro Organo CD called Fast and Sinister, no. CD7147, played by Scott Bennett at Grace Episcopal Church, Charleston, South Carolina, although that may also be deleted now.

Returning to organ music, as a listener. in recent years I have found that Franck bores me more and more, at times it just seems to ramble on. If it appears on a recital programme I know I have to make an effort to stop dropping off. It could just be familiarity since I've heard it so often I can hum along with it. Am I alone in this?

Nick Bennett - I would like to agree with you on this, as I prefer to go to a recital and hear music written for the organ, but one has to accept that it's "bums on seats" and TT attracts large audiences in Birmingham, and I've a feeling that numbers would reduce if he stuck with what appeals to you and me. I attend recitals regularly which, as a rule, only include organ music and often I ask what other people there thought of the recital, and it's surprising how often I get negative comments about pieces I, and I'm sure you, enjoy. Reubke, Alain and Langlais always seem to be particular bete noirs for some reason and anything pre Buxtehude, forget it. They still come but grumble.

Very sad to read that. Some of his organ music was difficult for a listener, but some of it amongst the best. Some nice choral music as well, his Suite liturgica is recorded on Supraphon which I find attractive. Many years ago I met him when he was at Manchester and Susan Landale gave a recital of his music - all from memory I might add.

Lucky man - doing what - ATC?

I know organists are a different breed than the divided factions in N.I. but I recall on a visit there in 1991 that the civic organist post at Londonderry city hall was jointly held by the organists at the two cathedrals in the city. Anyone know if this is still the case?

Sorry, Richard, of course you're right and I wouldn't exclude you during your time.

Tell us more! I was in Chester Cathedral yesterday and not a hint of any such thing, although maybe everyone's just keeping mum. I have to admit though it wouldn't surprise me, Chester's music staff are of the highest quality at present and one, although a fine organist, is also an excellent choir man.