tribunegallery

I came across the following on the Lay Clerk's discussion group this morning............................interesting! This was posted by Peter Bates, one of the Cathedral lay-clerks, so is sure to be reasonably accurate! NS "Advance information that the Director of Music post at Liverpool Cathedral is to be advertised in the near future. The DoM will "assume all responsibility for direction of the Cathedral's music programme ... Chapter seek to appoint a choral specialist." Professor Ian Tracey is to take up an appointment as "Organist Titulaire". Until the post is formally advertised, requests for more information should be made to Canon Anthony Hawley, Acting Dean.

I am also interested to know who drew up the scheme. David Ponsford wanted a new organ at least ten years ago, but I doubt whether this sort of thing would have been his choice. I understand that the Ponsford scheme was for a modern tracker at the West end and to replace the choir with a professional quartet or double quartet! - Not sure if this is actually true or not!! NS

Well, as former Organist at Cirencester, I'll add a few things! The scheme about to be put into place by H+H is very much watered down from the original hair brained scheme drawn up by the previous music "regime". The plan was for a huge 5 manual job with over 100 stops, including a section over the South door, amongst other things. (my predecessor was formerly organ scholar at Liverpool!!). Luckily, Ian Bell made them see sense and an organ committee decided on the present scheme. I hasten to add at this point that the music staff although consulted, were not privy to the discussions of the committee, not involved in the final choice of builder. One organ builder declined to quote as he found the job would not be practicable for him, due to distance. The present Royal Trumpet is going in the bin, to answer one question. My assistant at the time (now D of M) suggested the idea of a divided pedal stop which has been included. We did discuss the idea of a second console. Even with a new console on the North side of the quire, the player will not hear the organ to the full extent. A second (nave) console was quoted for but for financial reasons, the idea was abandoned. The 32's are going down to full length. The majority of the pipework is going behind the South aisle arch (on the quire side) but there is to be a new case on the arch in the South aisle. The choir haven't robed in the area behind the organ for years. In fact, the choir vestry and robing area is on the first floor of the "Town Hall" (the rather ornate South porch). A disabled toilet was built in a corner of the (present) organ chamber - perhaps the most expensive toilet in the Cotswolds (costing some £45,000 !!!) Immaculate casing (with in built cupboards for vestments / servers robes).................not entirely "bog standard"?!!!!!!!!!!!! The organ should have been taken out in 2002 but due to the church of England moving like a mighty tortoise, the organ has had to wait until the rest of the church restoration plan was in place, including ripping up the existing floor to install underfloor heating, then fitting stone slabs instead. The project will be well worth waiting for. I know that H+H will do a superb job and that it will be well worth the wait.

I agree with previous comments - the above mentioned book is excellent and every organist should have a copy! Full of useful tips, advice and above all, common sense. NS

I used to practice on this instrument whilst at university in the late 70's / early 80's. The organ wasn't in the best state of repair. I understand that the condition of the organ is getting worse. There is a rumour circulating in these parts that it is to be scrapped, but I emphasize that this is only a rumour as far as I know. Indeed, Nigel Ogden did run a series of lunchtime concerts, but it seems that these have stopped. A local cathedral organist once designed a scheme to reduce it back to the original three manual Cavaille Coll that it once was.

Slightly off the beaten track although it mentions Schulze, but the current edition of our local Organists' Assn newsletter carries an advertisement ....................................... "Organist and Choirmaster required ........St Peter's Church, Hindley, Wigan. 16 strong choir (many members of local choral societies) backed by a well digitised three manual organ (it used to connect to our Shultz) need help! Basic retainer of £2500pa for two Sunday sewrvices plus Thursday choir rehearsal. Also option for weddings/funerals @ RSCM rates. Contact Rev XXXXXXX" Anyone tempted?!!!!!! The church in question is my "home" church where my interest in the organ first began at the age of 10, and of course, refers to the fine three manual instrument by Schulze which still stands in all it's glory at the West end of the church. The console was turned into the console for the present toaster, installed three or four years ago. One of the finest examples of ecclesiastical vandalism I have ever come across. Neil

This has set me off on one of my pet hates :angry: - the way church musicians are treated by church wardens and PCC's. Having experienced problems with churchwardens at my previous church appointment (a "wannabee cathedral" also in Gloucestershire!!), I have every sympathy. I was appointed by the Vicar, on an agreement for services (self employed) as opposed to an "employed" contract. 14 hours per week, agreed fees being £10,500 p.a . No housing allowance or other perks. During my time there, I enjoyed a superb working relationship with the Vicar (now moved on to be a cathedral precentor). He was ever so supportive and backed me up 500% in whatever I did. I have been ever so lucky that in 22 years of being in "the job" or "ministry" as I prefer to refer to it as, that I have always had excellent working relationships with the clergy with whom I have worked. Prior to my appointment there, I was informed by several church musicians who were "in the know" that there had been a long line of predecessors, most of whom hadn't stayed for terribly long, due to problems with churchwardens, and that I shouldn't touch the post with a bargepole. - This made me determined to put my foot down from square one. The church in question also had a "personnel committee" who liked to rule the roost and keep members of staff in check. Several vergers, organists, assistant organists, bookshop managers and other staff had problems and battles with this committee over the years, and the staff turnover was unbelievable. The said committee had no respect for the church staff, their professionalism or qualifications and experience. This committee regularly took it upon themselves to evaluate staff performances and issue instructions, etc. The two churchwardens were part of this committee. Sadly, at this church, there was a total lack of respect for members of staff who were treated simply hired servants by the personnel committee. There was no pastoral concern whatsoever for members of staff, clergy or our families. The night before my interview there, I received a 'phone call asking "if your wife and daughter (2) would like to join us". She did - for the first part of the day (coffee) then she was put out on the street in torrential rain which lasted all day with a two year old child in a pram, 6 months pregnant with our second child and told to come back at the end of the day. (The 3 stage interview lasted from 10am to 5.30pm!!!). I was a fool and accepted the job, thinking that things couldn't get much worse! It is general knowledge that there is a high divorce rate amongst organists and church musicians in cathedrals and larger parish churches. We work anti social hours for appalling pay and conditions and our family life is disrupted every weekend and at important times like Christmas, Easter, Bank holiday weekends etc. I had a career change and now work in the big wide world where I have a decent salary, company car and a future. Church music is now (sadly) only a hobby but I am organist at a delightful church with three cats and the vicarage dog for a choir, but treated well, respected, supported, encouraged and appreciated by congregation, choir and church staff alike. Appraisals? - Huh. NS

Wasn't there a recent posting on this list?!!!!!!

I, personally, can't talk whilst playing, but on my first visit to Notre-Dame de Paris with my choir a few years ago, I sat at the side of the orgue de choeur (being played that day by Yves Castagnet). At one point, he was accompanying the psalm with one hand and feet and having a telephone conversation with the Titulaire on duty in the tribune! On my second visit there, the same organist, again, whilst accompanying the psalm with one hand, was sending text messages with the other! Entertaining to say the least! NS

Another pet hate! - the Sydney Carter hymn "Sing We A Song of High Revolt" sung to the tune of "The Red Flag" the last verse ends "He calls us to revolt and fight with him for what is just and right, to sing and live Magnificat in crowded street and council flat' Urrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!!!!!! NS

My own nominations are "God is working his purpose out" and "I watched the Sunrise". Although the words of "If I was a butterfly" are dire, it has a fairly rumpy pumpy tune - I once found myself slipping it into a barn dance medley when playing a session in a great Northern ballroom 20 years ago!

Well there you 'ave it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - from the 'orses mouth!

For several years, I was D of M at Keynsham Parish Church between Bristol and Bath. GFH had known (and well documented) associations with the church and the town. His patron, the Duke of Chandos had a mansion in the grounds of Keynsham Abbey and it is documented that GFH made several visits. He used the organ on several occasions. Local legend has it that one day, when short of someone to pump the organ, he "borrowed" the son of the local blacksmith (whose workshop was next to the River Avon, just below the church). GFH apparently wrote "The Harmonious Blacksmith" in honour of his Father. I stress that this particular bit is "legend" whilst the rest is actually documented. Handel's final visit to Keynsham was when he had a "last ditch" attempt to cure his eyesight at the famous Bath Spa - on this occasion, he bought the organ and in return, left an inscribed silver collection plate, still used to this day. There are several references to The Duke and GFH himself in the town including "Handel Road" and "Chandos Avenue".

On the subject of moves, I further note that Malcolm Archer has regretfully tendered his notice at St. Paul's - partly due to family health issues. In addition, the post of Director of Music at Liverpool Metropoltian Cathedral is also advertised. Apparently, there is a suggestion that a certain assistant (who plays on the country's most unspoiled FHW) has expressed serious intent - however, we shall see. The previous D of M at Liverpool Met didn't last long there. He hadn't been in post long when I noticed on their website that one of the Duffy Brothers (a fully paid up R.C.) was back in charge again there. Sad to hear about Malcolm Archer leaving St Paul's though. NS

I agree wholeheartedly! - Was this punishment from the RCO?!!! (Joking of course!!) Neil

There is a well known story of the Precentor of Lincoln announcing the anthem at Evensong one day................................. "The Anthem is "Ave Verum Corpus" with music by William Byrd, one-time organist of this Cathedral" to which a muttering was heard from the organ loft Poor B*****d!! NS

When Runcie invited Pope John Paul II to England, Dr Paisley in Northern Ireland went ballistic; wagging a finger and shouting, "Aye warnnt to 'av wards with the Archbishop o'Canterbury!" MM <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I was present at an ecumenical service in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral during which the Holy Father participated. The said Dr Paisley and his cronies were protesting outside the Cathedral with Paisley screaming "anyone blessed by the Holy Father will suffer eternal damnation". The Pope must have been tipped off because as the popemobile passed Paisley and his gang, the Holy Father turned towards Paisley and bestowed his benediction upon him! NS

We are not here to be bullied.... <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I endorse this comment. Honest, constructive criticism doesn't hurt anyone. NS

I always remember the story told by a well known organist who had to accompany a Mothers' Union Diocesan service on the Wurlitzer then in the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. The Bishop was to make a grand entrance, so the organist in question decided to use the snare drum followed by a big fanfare. The organist in question then erroneously missed the snare drum piston and the said Bishop made his grand entrance to "cuckoo - cuckoo - cuckoo" etc. NS

I thoroughly endorse Lee's sentiments. I was once an RCO member but after two years of receiving nothing but a few boring newsletters, I didn't bother renewing the membership sub. One doesn't need to have an RCO diploma to be good at the job. - During the course of my career, I have seen far too many RCO diploma holders who play reasonably well as far as voluntaries are concerned but haven't the slightest idea when it comes to service accompaniment. It is an outdated organisation. I also endorse a comment made earlier in this thread about the need for a new organisation. I would add however, that the RCO is not the only outdated organisation (with an organ / church music flavour) that I can think of! Neil

I'm presently in Riga for 6 days as part of a 12 day business trip to Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and St Petersburg. Having a few hours off to do some sightseeing around the "Old Town" part of Riga today, I popped into the Dom Cathedral. The building itself is a large red brick ediface - in need of much restoration. The organ (E F Walker and Co) is presently having work done - they are having the complete rebuild of the glorious case. Various ranks of pipes are now stored in some of the side chapels and the case has been taken down, save for the skeleton which holds the thing together. I understand that the majority of the instrument is still in situ. (There is a recital there on Friday evening which I'm hoping to attend. http://www.music.lv/organ/organs/Riga_Dom.html

Having been part of the Truro scene for a few years in the late 1990's, I can vouch that the Truro choir, under Andrew Nethsingha was of the highest calibre. Andrew worked wonders with the choir during the time there and is doing the same with Gloucester. The recently released CD from Gloucester was just absolutely superb. I ttended the Ash Wednesday mass there this year and the quality of the singing (from the men particularly) as astounding. NS

One wonders. However, am I not right in thinking that the House of Bishops several years ago denounced the brotherhood as being "incompatible with Christianity"? N

Thank you Paul (@Serena) and also Steve (D) Yes - life goes on and a small part time church post is not too bad! The Ciren rebuild still hasn't happened although I understand that things are slightly nearer now. I took the challenge of Ciren knowing that that there had been a record number of musicians in the past - I was probably the longest surviving! Simply, the low salary and endless hours of private teaching to make ends meet was not ideal and I decided to do other things. I suppose if I'd have been a member of the brickies, I may have got on better with a couple of church officials who were a constant pain in the **** , although the Vicar was a tremendous support (he was rewarded by becoming Precentor of Winchester and we both left on the same Sunday). It is a known fact that at Ciren, the churchwardens are in charge, not the Vicar (or even God!). Say no more..................... Warmest regards Neil

Keep the Worcester Psalter! - As far as I know, it is now out of print (I may be wrong!). If I remember correctly, the pointing in there is far superior to that of the Parish Psalter with Chants (available through RSCM), which would be one option.