Peter Clark

Actually David I did address this issue and even attempted an analysis of this "extra bar"..... look again! Peter

The fourth bar of the hymn tune Lord of the Years (by Michael Baughen), popular on SoP and Morning Worship, contains what I have always thought a quirky and somewhat unnecessary rhythmic element in that the first two notes are quaver - dotted crotchet. The tune itself is strong and the harmony (by David Illif in my hymnal) is imaginative without being off-puttingly adventurous. Does anybody else think this, and that the tune would works equally well were the two beats I referred to simply crotchet/crotchet? Peter

Concerning the AGM setting: there is an almost unforgivable error on the cover, taken from the first part of the Kyrie.... how many have spotted it? (Cynic, I hope you have 'cos I gave you a copy when you were at St P's! ) P

I did a non-chopsticks phrase yesterday before the last verse: hold pedal low F and play triplet crotchets: f minor, g minor, a flat major (all first inversion) then shift to pedal B flat and play (triplets again, with a bit of a rall) B flat, C minor (first inversions) then B flat 7 (second inversion without the B flat) and a full E flat chord leading into the last verse in which I reduce the speed slightly. Peter edit: someone, can't remember who, said of this tune (in another thread) that it is not the easiest to play and I agree that it doesn't lie too comfortably under the fingers.

I too went to many concerts there, Hector; in fact my school speech day took place there (as well as at other times Croydon Parish Church); I wonder if we may have been contemporaries? Peter

Some Cardiff organs played by Tony Lister who has now clocked up 1002 innstruments! Yours truly also visible. http://picasaweb.google.com/GeorgeChryssid...ster1000Organs# Peter edit: the organ at St Bridgid's in a Mander.

Ah yes, I did it under "Bermondsey"... P

Thanks for this Graham: my memory of the organ isn't quite what I thought - or it's just old age creeping up. Can't think how I missed it on NPOR though (he says as he reaches for another G&T ). Peter

Drd's topic about the Jamaican High Commission reminded me of an organ I played for a year or so whilst my main appointment was Holy Trinity (RC) Dockhead SE16. The Finnish Church, situated in Albion Road, had at that time (20 or so years ago) a one manual Marcussen (pedalboard to D). I would play for the main Parish Mass in the morning and then at 6 in the evening the Finnish Mass, which followed more or less the same pattern as the Catholic. The appointment, such as it was, came about by quite by chance as I had been past the church many times and seen the organ through the window, and one day decided to visit. Up till then the priest's wife had been playing, something she did not want to do and so I was asked if I would be interested. She sat with me for the first two or three services, since I didn't then, and still don't, speak any Finnish! I was therefore very happy when, after my 5th or 6th service there the priest and wife greeted me with the congratulatory words that I MUST speak Finish because I seemed to match the words of the hymns musically in terms of dynamics and registration! Divine inspiration? After the service there were always goodies to be had - very sticky and sweet - and strong coffee. I was quite sorry when there was a change of pastor and I was "no longer required", since I had permenent access to the organ and took quite a few collegues along, all of whom pronounced it a fine organ. I also enjoyed playing a service in a language I didn't understand, as it was a challenge both musically and liturgically. I would be interested to know if it still is used and if anyone here has played it. NPOR doesn't have any mention of it. Peter

Indeed; I used it at the funeral of a good friend, and former chorister, just last Monday. Peter

There is a fine setting of these words by the late Alan Rees OSB, a refrain for the congregation (which can be supported by 4-part choir) and then 4-part verses for choir only. It can be obtained by applying to Belmont Abbey, Hereford. Peter

why, that could have been written with me in mind.... P

I saw Paul's reply to this but I wonder if the question refers to the bit at the beginning where the pipes dance onto the stage? It sounded to me like that bit from Facade which used to be the theme tune to Face the Music. I've just downloaded the film onto disc by the way and will be going, armed with this, to wherever they will allow me access! Peter edit: a priest of this parish who saw the film last night swears he heard a Harry Potter theme in the music used - having not seen the Potter films I cannot comment - any thoughts?

Has anybody looked at the "German Mass" by Schubert, published by (I think) GIA publications in an English version. Parts of it - Kyrie and Sanctus particularly, work well but the Gloria has some infelicitous word setting. 4 parts throughout but "easy tunes" for the congregation. Peter

Did anybody catch this? It was based arond Thomas Merton's writings. It included a beautiful setting for soprano solo, choir and organ of what sounded to me like "Be Thou my Vision". Any thoughts? Peter

As I said, the Gloria has never been IMHO a great setting but my altos have never complained about the other stuff nor, more importantly, have members of the congregation - you know, those we serve. Remember them? P

Please point out the parallel 5ths, bass/sop consecutives and "clumsy and inept harmonic progressions" to which you refer, Colin. Thanks. Peter

I quite like the How setting but can't help wondering whether the Agnus Dei was an afterrthought as it sits uncomfortably with the other movements. Also, so far nobody has mentioned the Latin plainsong settings - Missa de Angelis, Missa Orbis Factor, Missa cum Jubilo and so on. Peter

I don't think the Gloria is too successful but the rest of the setting - or the parts I use, Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus - seem to do what it says on the tin as it were - a Mass setting for the people rather than a professional choir. Peter

I've used Richard Proulx's Mass of the City from time to time: challenging, certainly, but well worth the effort. The Murray setting is always a good one to fall back on. Out of loyalty I must mention Alan Rees's Papal Mass (the Sanctus is particularly fine), and Paul Inwood's Eucharistic Liturgy (an early work of his), with a sung Eucharistic Prayer surrounded by a Preface/Sanctus and an Agnus Dei. Incidentally I am totally opposed to a sung Our Father. This is the one prayer that all Christians know, and to sing it risks excluding visitors or those who simple cannot sing. But what I find myself doing these days more and more is a mix and match. A Kyrie from here, a Sanctus from there and so on. Besides which, I think it time we started to move away from the classical 4-movement Mass setting and use the music to emphasise the mood of the celebration. While the Sanctus and other eucharistic acclamations should always be sung, the theme of the Mass might suggest a spoken Kyrie or Agnus Dei, for example. Just a few thoughts... Peter

Roger has redesigned his website. It looks very good and can now be foud here: www.usedorganmusic.co.uk He invites customers to submit picturres of their instruments. He has included a pictures of himself. P

Thanks Paul for reminding us of this very worthwhile project. I am looking forward to getting involved. I hope other "regulars" out there will be contributing as well. I reckon that, given the wide range of musical tastes and indeed wide range of instruments we could put together a very interesting programme. I'm also looking forward to the launch party - champers and canapes? Seriously though, let's give this some support! Peter

I've just finished a piece called "If Frank Zappa Had Written Organ Music It Might Have Sounded Like This". No, honestly! P

Was this an extract or the whole thing - 8 munutes? Do we know how much the DVD costs? (BTW has the November issue of OR been sent out yet? Ain't got mine...) Peter

Great????? Peter