peter ellis

He was the first towering musical figure I remember - conducting a Halifax Choral Messiah in the late 70s, I wasn’t yet school age. I reached out online a few years ago and I was able to thank him. I actually think I saw him in the congregation of the Christmas broadcast from Halifax Minster. Can anyone confirm? His Ave Maria is delightful, and there’s a Whitlock recital of his on YouTube. Great playing.

Thanks everyone - there are various mentions here of pieces I’d genuinely forgotten I’d learned, and certainly some music in boxes somewhere in my house. You’ve all been very helpful.

Thanks - quite a few to try here.

I have neither the time nor the interest to learn 40+ major postludes. The organ playing I do in church, I want to accompany singing and deliver a liturgy of quality. I have no interest if people stay to listen after the service, but some do, and I'd like to offer up something. I have the usual potboilers to fall back on - Karg Elert, Widor, TandF but I'd love some recommendations of relativly accessible organ works for the passing sundays. You can take the simpler Bach and Buxtehude as listed. Thanks - in advance.

Are organist remuneration rates in the UK lagging? I remember the money from my first Anglican church job when I was at uni made an enormous difference to my lifestyle, but there must be a point where the reward is outstripped by the effort. I've been in Australia now for 20+ years - the Diocese I'm in is not known for its liturgical standards but there's still work to be found in parishes that are prepared to pay for good music.

Hi Scharff - I think I may have encouraged you to introduce yourself so the least I can do is welcome you.

Welcome Scharff - I believe there's still an introduce yourself thread on here somewhere if you'd care to flesh out the details.

Probably too late for everyone, but I downloaded this a couple of weeks ago and played it after Carols last Sunday. Congregation loved it.

Graham Koehne's "to his servant Bach" is a beauty, even though it's accidentally seasonal https://youtu.be/WyRL9qxhjWs?si=4jBBszgHoqJCG94Y

I know it's not strictly an organ recording but I've been blown away by Ken Cowan's playing on the Houston Chamber Choir's recording of Duruflé's choral works. https://signumrecords.com/product/durufle-complete-choral-works/SIGCD571/

wow - not only that but the church closed in 2003 - had been redundant for some time.

Doesn't even come up on a google image search - truthfully looks a bit disproportionate - almost CGI

I’m trying to find the details online - proving rather difficult.

I’ve been enjoying this thread so much I’ve stayed out of it. Yes I’m in Australia, and I have a two manual instrument, quite sizeable but is called upon to support congregations into the hundreds on a regular basis. Could do with a little more chorus, a little more brightness but there is little extra space and any major work would raise justifiable questions about ripping out and starting again. It’s great to see what can be done and I’m grateful to all for the suggestions.

Thanks all - and keep them coming. I’m working with an instrument that could be hugely improved with a bit of cosmetic attention and light tonal alterations - I’m just doing my background research.