Richard Fairhurst Posted February 8, 2015 Share Posted February 8, 2015 † 'Aware that my qualifications as an organist were higher than those of anyone else in the country'. p.63; At Cross Purposes; Michael Smith. Self-published (through Amazon); 2014. (In any case, I doubt that he was correct; take just one example: Paul Morgan, MA (Oxon), BMus (Lond.), FRCO(CHM), ADCM, ARCM, LRAM, who was at that time the Sub Organist of Exeter Cathedral.) I haven't read the book and so may be missing the context, but might the "country" in question be Wales rather than the UK? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcnd5584 Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 I haven't read the book and so may be missing the context, but might the "country" in question be Wales rather than the UK? I considered this point, too. However, he appears to be so arrogant (in some respects) - and given that there are only five other Anglican cathedrals in Wales - that I believe he may have meant England as well; not least because in a similar context, he cites the qualifications of the organists at three or four English cathedrals. In addition, he rarely seems to speak of the situation in Wales, but rather compares Llandaff (and himself) with many other English cathedrals and organists at several points throughout the book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Drinkell Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 I think his point, with regard to qualifications, was that he claimed to be the only cathedral organist with a Doctorate in Music by examination. This was included in his biographical notes for the Essex Man Organ Gala held at St. Paul's in 1993 in aid of the Chelmsford Cathedral Music Foundation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcnd5584 Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 I think his point, with regard to qualifications, was that he claimed to be the only cathedral organist with a Doctorate in Music by examination. This was included in his biographical notes for the Essex Man Organ Gala held at St. Paul's in 1993 in aid of the Chelmsford Cathedral Music Foundation. He certainly mentioned this as well - although he also assured us of the former on a few occasions, citing his ADCM as 'proof'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shropshire Lad Posted February 13, 2015 Share Posted February 13, 2015 I too have read Dr Michael Smiths book and have found it to be a thoroughly disheartening read. I think there are certain lessons in life and careers that are not appreciated in his account: 1. Life is not fair. 2. You make your own luck. 3. Positive people generally progress further in their chosen careers. 4. You don't become a Cathedral organist to be rich! Point 4 I have some sympathy with in view of how much hard work and dedication is required to achieve such a position especially when I see how much some relatively modest sports people and entertainers earn however I refer back to point 1! I have absolutely no doubt as to Dr Smiths ability and in a way feel a little sad that he will look back at his own career with a lot of regret. In his defence, I guess that the attitude of the clergy must have been incredibly frustrating at times and after so many years would have doubtless made one very defensive and intolerant in equal measures. The book is an interesting insight as to why there are so many very fine organists around who have chosen different career paths outside of the traditional Cathedral route. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelwilson Posted May 12, 2018 Share Posted May 12, 2018 Things are by all accounts going very well under the new DOM, Stephen Moore. They are currently raising funds for a new recording: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/llandaffcathedralchoir Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Cynan Jones Posted May 15, 2018 Share Posted May 15, 2018 I also think that a great deal of credit should be given to Rev. Gerwyn Capon the Dean for some inspirational leadership in re-establishing the Choral Foundation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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