John Robinson

I'm not completely familiar with procedure, but doesn't Stephen Cleobury hold a doctorate (I think it may be an honorary one)? If so, wouldn't he wear the more 'senior' hood, or does the Cambridge one take precedence? Why does he decide not to wear a hood on some occasions?

Damn! I've been waiting since 1998 to hear once again the Praetorius version of 'In Dulci Jubilo' in Latin and German! Still, an interesting and well-balanced programme, as always.

Well done. Carlo would have been proud of you!

Now you mention it, that's a perfect description of the organ in the church where I was brought up and served as a choir boy: St Stephen's, Bradford. What a shame. Off-topic apologies, but I distinctly remember one Sunday immediately after the organ having been 'cleaned' (by whom?) we were showered by a fine drizzle of what looked like black dust when the display pipes were played.

At least it would be preserved.

Sadly, and being the cynic that I am, I wonder whether there is more chance of a foreign buyer for such instruments.

As you wish to 'let your hair down', and bearing in mind that we have recently lost Carlo Curley, how about one of his favourite recital pieces: Gaston Dethier's 'Christmas'? According to CC, though, it's a bit 'challenging'!

A belated thanks for this. I have just finished downloading ALL the pieces along with the organ specifications and details of stops used for each piece. A marathon effort, yes, but certainly worth it.

Me too. I remember borrowing it from Bradford Central Library on more than one occasion. If you'd like a copy, I have just ordered one here: http://ukbookworld.com/book-for-sale/philipmartin/6985/klotz-hans-gerhard-krapf-the-organ-handbook for £8 + £2.30 p&p

Try Laphroaig!

I'm sure that is quite true. There were experiments some time ago in using an alternation of white noise-type sound and deeper-toned sounds on emergency vehicles' sirens on the basis that this would assist other road users in identifying direction of location of the emergency vehicle. It was proven to work but, for some reason, you don't seem to hear them on the streets now.

But what about release of the note? Is that more feasible?

Yes, that's good as well. It can certainly make its presence felt!

...as they so often are in Holland and Germany. I do wish our recitals had the same support.

Presumably you are referring to St George's Hall. I went to see Carlo there once, a long time ago, participating in a 'Battle of the Organs' ( the Willis monster v. his Allen touring organ). The Willis won!

Who's joking? What you say is absolutely correct.

Memorial service and interment of ashes both to be in the UK. I never realised Carlo was such an Anglophile. I was expecting these to take place in his native USA.

Very interesting information. Bearing in mind that he was exactly three weeks younger than me, it makes you think, doesn't it?

Very sad to hear this.

Apologies for returning to 'normal' comments, but I think this chap misses one of the most important aspects of the organ, that is, its variety and I mean by that the fact that every organ is different, especially when comparing those of different 'nationalities'. According to his comments, CC would like all organs (toasters) to comprise sounds from 'all' schools of organ building. This would surely result in an impossibly large and consequently expensive 'instrument', yet lacking any individuality.

I found MM's last post very interesting. However, the thought occurred to me that such musical events abroad seem to benefit from a much better attendance, at least in my admittedly limited experience. Why are we different?

I have all the Priory DVDs so far issued. Highly recommended. Order when first advertised (before issue) to save money.

I thought the organ sounded very impressive - that's from what I could hear of it behind someone telling us all about who was wearing what hat!

I have found this a fascinating thread. My thanks to all concerned. More like this, please!

Sorry, I missed that.