The organist librarian

Swam, Mass, new watchstrap at Aurum, Post Office, no art. Scores to Westminster music library and was relieved to find the Webern on the shelf. I knew I had returned it! Peter Jones to get memory card for my Amazon Fire so the 10 hours flights can be eased a bit, lemon meringue bar and tea. Yummy! Had booked for V and A Frida Kahlo. Too crowded and what are looking at? Photos, videos, dresses, some paintings, prosthetics? Did not like the post miscarriage lithograph. The attitude to religion is weird as Kahlo rejected her faith. Retablos are votive paintings which should be in churches. How did they get them? Why did they collect them? Primitivism? I conclude that the purpose of all this is so the shops to sell a lot of colourful stuff. It is not about art at all! Don't go. Have a look at the book in the shop. Henry came - Dennis has tummy bug. Packed. Listened to Verdi requiem from Prom. On Iplayer Ravel with Magdalena Kozena and Sir Simon Rattle and the LSO.

Swam, Mass I was late as dropped Liz at doctor. Car to Battersea park and on the way dropped scores at Balham and got 2 guides to USA. To St Matthew's Westminster to hear Nigel Groome. Got calendars at Church House bookshop. Lunch at uni. Fell asleep in talk on aurora Borealis! Petrenko conducted Royal Liverpool Phil Elgar In the South, Strauss songs and Iain Bell sung by soprano replacements (songs were changed and no announcement in the hall),  Bartok concerto for orchestra and a lovely encore Rachmaninov. Sir Andras Schiff playing Bach from memory. We left after fugue 12 I was tired and could not follow the score. The mental activity required is huge. What an achievement but I do think concerts should not be an endurance test! He was still playing by the time we got home on buses and car! 

Woke early, read then slept to 8.45. At end of Mass Sunith stopped - after I had lit my candles (5) spoke to him - he said with MS the body just stops. I said it was a miracle he is still with us! Scores back to Penge library - at bus stop chatted to lady who goes to Mass. Invites to public speaking done. One judge has cried off! Have two hearing aids again but have to go back to Guys in October. To Guildhall library to see the Tylers and Bricklayers display which was not well presented. Who knew Ben Johnson was a bricklayer? The new mosaic at Westminster cathedral won an award the martyrs one!  Guildhall gallery De Morgan Symmetry surprised Battersea not mentioned on the map of De Morgan London connections. Victorian landscapes. Interview with Sebastian Faulks fascinating. We need to remember massacres so they do not happen again. Above all the arms trade must end if we want a better world. Fabulous Bruckner 4 Rotterdam Phil Yannick Nezet-Seguin. Bravo the horns. Yefim ...

Up early so to the hall - redcoat made us stand in a line! Cadogan for tickets - we were on the back row?? The National Army museum is free and splendid. I spent some time in the Army and Society section. The Special services exhibition a bit disappointing - the black walls and plastic flap screens are confusing. All a tad depressing. I cheered up with a fruit tart at Peter Jones with Marilyn! She had been to Vanessa at Glyndebourne. Have been to G twice for our silver wedding and Magic flute on the day we won the London Olympics. Black tie and champers! Now that's an idea for next summer! A delightful Cadogan prom from Wallis Giunta amazing to watch! Tribute to Lennie. Marin Alsop conducted Baltimore Symphony orchestra in Bernstein and Shostakovich 5. Brilliant but I was tired. Saw Lawrence briefly, the Sopers and Brother John.

I played Dad's Bishopthorpe suite, Adagietto from Mahler Symphony No. 5, Elgar Ave verum, Richard Knight on Duke Street and 2 short interludes to cover to and from the font for the baptism. Service was rather long. The congregation seemed reluctant to leave perhaps because of the rain. At the offertory the hymn was announced so I started then was asked to start again!? Speak O Lord. That has to be a first although once at a wedding the priest cut On eagle's wings after the first verse. At communion I did not hear much singing in Be thou my vision but One more step at the end was obviously known. I look forward to getting hearing aid mould 2 on Tuesday. Relying on one ear is not great and the loop seemed indistinct - perhaps the lapel mike was too low down? Also if the celebrant adds in comments it means you have to listen hard! The Tablet has an interesting article on the art works at Lichfield cathedral where Ian Knowles and his team are creating a beautiful crucifix. Heard ...

Returned scores to Westminster. I love the cafe at the Estorick delicious custard tart and cappuccino. The Campari exhibition is rather fun. Did a sketch. A most enjoyable Bernstein workshop with Ed Price and BBC singers including Emma Tring. On the town, his warmup and West Side Story. To Design museum for Alaia fashion design. I don't normally go to fashion designer shows but his sense of line is great. Edward Seckerson fascinating radio 3 interval talk on On the town. Very struck by the dynamic and rhythmic subtlety of Bernstein's scores. A great prom Bernstein On the town. John Wilson does it again!

Swam, Mass, meeting with Mrs Boyle at BTG and plans for public speaking heat well in hand. Great to have the boys with us this week and they took art work and origami home. Mick came. Liz went with Henry to Gambado which they all enjoyed. Early to the hall so ate at the Union. The talk on Bruckner 5 was anarchic. Benjamin Grosvenor played Mozart 21 and a Rachmaninoff encore. Sakari conducted the Bruckner very well indeed.

Had a great day taking Sean to Grangewood Park for family forest fun which he loved. Had a rest and listened to some preProm talks. The discussion on Romanies was fascinating and the answer to my question about religion revealed a strong evangelical outreach and Romanies tend to join the local religions so in Turkey they are Muslim, in UK RC or C of E, in France RC. A super concert from Budapest Festival orchestra Liszt, Brahms, Sarasate on the gypsy theme. Saw Michael, John East and Chris Tew. Also listened to some Handel and Copland. 

Took Ciaran to his diving course and he did really well. Liz took Sean for a swim. We enjoyed sketching at the Edward Bawden exhibition at Dulwich picture gallery and then made a beachhut out of lollipop sticks in the garden and the boys did some more drawing. Met Pauline Kirwan and Carol and Roger from St Michael Beckenham. Roger told me the organ is covered during the works and several people have died or are seriously ill. I had a seat for Inspire new music at Broadcasting house but it would have been difficult to get to the Prom so Liz went. Budapest festival orchestra Enescu, Mahler 4 and encore Laudate dominum sung by orchestra! Watched university challenge. I complained to the gallery about a staff member who was officious about the stools! 

Swam and Mass with Fr Stuart. Wrote a letter to the Tablet about the review of the Proms Brahms requiem and checked the TV broadcast. Soprano and chorus were just not right at all. Organ too loud - result chorus sang too loudly and had nothing left by the final movements. Golda Schultz just not the right voice - needs a light pure tone above the stave. Ciaran enjoyed the first day of the diving course. Watched the repair shop. Enjoyed the Mozart clarinet concerto prom and it was a joy to see the 3 cousins playing so happily. Henry was full of smiles. Bergen Philharmonic under Edward Gardner Flying Dutchman overture and a thrilling Sibelius 2. The discussion with Rolf Wallin told us little and the violin concerto did not impress. It felt like he ran out of paper or ink.

Listened to BBC singers prom from Cadogan Hall on radio. Good programme. Parry, Holst with scores. Had falafel salad at Union.Sparse attendance at Prom 51. Parsifal prelude, Strauss 4 last songs sung by radiant Malin Bystrom. Dausgaard launched into Per Norgard Symphony No. 3 an impressive opening organ and bells but oh dear it was just loud waves of sound. The talk had not really told us much - "a modern masterpiece" always makes one nervous! Home to find match just ended. Ontrain watched Proms extra and spotter prommer in NYO, 2 songs of praise. 

Buses to Euston we were early. Watched Fake or fortune on William Nicholson. Marigolds hotel in Udaipur. Tram to Radcliffe from Manchester. Gill and Chich met us and drive to Bolton. Visited loudly church of St Stephen and all martyrs Lever Bridge hot chocolate! Met Ian who taught Peter Stevens. Nice chat and meal. Sewed poppies. Friday Gill and Chich set off for Edinburgh. Mel Plomley picked us up and All Saints Stand has a most impressive 3 manual organ and we also went to St Paul Astley Bridge where Mel plays. A Hill messed up by Cowin. Mass at St Patrick's with 2 hymns. Practised and Carole and Kevin came as flowers came. Nice soup and crumble at vegetarian kitchen. Bolton Parish church shut.  finished Proms plus. To Tavernfayre in buses. Got off too early. Delicious steak and kidney pie, Lemon meringue pie. Malcolm and family. Couple who are Prommers.  Uber back at 11. Slept well. Sat a quiet morning. Elgar and Schubert from the Proms. Got wrapping paper for present wh...

Met Henry and family at the new playground at the lake - you can play music! I went off the Mass St Maximilain Kolbe. Greenwich picture House for 2007 Met Eugene Onegin conducted by Gergiev. Renee Fleming, Dmitri Hvorostovsky (what a loss he was) fab acting and singing, loved the bare sets. And the tenor Ramon Vargas was moving and impressive. Had a good meal at Imperial College Union and the discussion on ecstasy was fascinating. Barenboim added Eugene Onegin polonaise and violin concerto changed to Tchaikovsky. I brought the Brahms score as that was in the prospectus. Very well played. East West divan orchestra.Hamilton too long and never heard a single word! Scriabin was impressively loud well done the brass.  12.30 Mass at Chiswick for the Assumption. Carluccios in Chiswick is shut so we had an excellent meal at Kitchen and Pantry. Sean enjoyed his icecream. Discovered we had managed to leave the keys inside the house so got a locksmith who eventually changed the loc...

Swam, late at mosaic thanks to roadworks at Royal hospital but we had a great view at Cadogan Hall. I liked the first piece by Xenakis. Colin Currie is amazing. Interesting to watch but would have turned it off on radio! Trying to draw a percussionist impossible but interesting to note that his head stays more or less still! Saw Steve Murphy. Returned scores to Westminster music library. To Ben Uri gallery lovely David Bomberg exhibition. Interesting discussion about Sibelius 5. Estonian Festival orchestra with Paavo Jarvi Arvo Part who was present, Sibelius 5, less happy with Grieg piano concerto - poor tuning from woodwinds, too fast for the hall. Encore Claire de lune. 

To match first reading played Mendelssohn Elijah "It is enough" and "Lift thine eyes". Quite tricky as solo voice on choir clarinet and cello solo on Great. Stanford on St Columba and Finale from Saint-Saens No. 3. I thought I played it rather well but John remarked it needed more practice and a rallentando and drums! Cheek! Rehearsing Mahler Adagietto, Pachelbel Canon for the wedding and Dad's suite also Brewer Marche heroique. Anne-Marie Garton sang well and a good sermon. What a frightening experience! Mass at St Mary's 25 minute sermon on Elijah. Fr Celestine again! Tony Moynihan has died aged 93. Lunch then to two great Proms with a fine discussion on Dona nobis pacem with A. C. Grayling. Joshua Bell Mendelssohn, Saint-Saens, Bridge and Beethoven. Boulanger, Elgar, RVW. Beautiful singing from Sophie Bevan and Edward Gardner conducted BBC. Saw Chris Tew.

Cleaned the white plastic window surrounds and porch and back windows. Cleaned up the patio. To the wedding at Addiscombe of Clare Kingman and Anthony Longhurst - it was lovely! To Dave West's 60th birthday party - lovely house and garden. The Prom of West Side Story was great. Packed. Good talk.  Brilliant tenor and soprano and John Wilson at his best. Liz went to the party after the cathedral Mass.

Swam, Mass. To St George's Beckenham Colin Andrews Indiana University. Piece heroique at a steady pace. Bach Passacaglia big pedal Reed nearly throughout tended to obliterate the manuals and tiring on the ear too which was a shame as he plays really well. Bonnet Variations de concert a great showpiece. After delicious lunch at home returned scores to Balham and went to the Foundling museum to see Joyce Carey's Sea. Had I known this was 3 sculptures I doubt if I would have bothered. It always worries me when an artist has to explain the works. Fascinating discussion with Salley Vickers on chaos and prophecy. Pappano conducted Haydn leading into Bernstein Jeremiah symphony and Mahler 1. Excellent. Met Bella and Mink Bex.

Heavy rain. Swam, mass by the time I came back roofers had fixed chimney and roof and cleared gutters. Art and started Lourdes painting. Lunch then to Keats House Hampstead Heath. An excellent tour. I have been to the Rome House and his grave. Sitting on bus at front buggy got on kid holding wet umbrella open which mother took off him. Guess who got wet? In depth discussion on Wagner with Stephen Fry and John Deathridge. It overran and had to rescue my bag from stage door. Super Philharmonia Prom. Webern went seemlessly into Mahler 10. Act 1 of Walkure great singing and playing. I dropped off and had to find place in miniature score! 

Liz to prom I went to St John to hear the excellent Jonathan Vaughn. He signed his Tchaikovsky CD for me. Good to see Crydon Minster folk including Martin How and  Andrew Scott. Interesting programme Parry, Sowerby, Alain and Elgar. 

A delightful day at Kew gardens with the boys. We followed the Dragon trail and found all but one of them, saw the monster, the wonderful temperate house the largest greenhouse in the world, the pagoda and Dragon activities and actors as Princess Augusta, Sir William Chambers and the mason who were excellent.

Swam (swimming lesson in fast lane which is not good) Mass (fire engine in road when I arrived) 2 cars parked on double yellow line at bottom of our road! Hot again. Played Elijah and Brahms Requiem plus RVW and Howells songs on piano. Such wonderful music. Middle E flat not working but no sign of a dead animal inside the piano thank God! Fabulous exhibition at the Wallace collection and had a lovely chat to a curator.  Talk Revd Lucy Winkett and Sarah Hamilton discussed Brahms's requiem. Best pre Prom talk so far this season. The problem with having sung in a great chorus like the Philharmonia for so long is that the memory of that great choral sound stays. As a result the BBC efforts at Brahms's Requiem under Richard Farnes were disappointing. Yes the sopranos coped well and there was some soft singing but too much loud organ and orchestra exhausted ATB so some lines were inaudible. Faster tempi did not help. The text was unclear. The soprano soloist just did not have ...

Tree surgeon came, mosaic and a super Cadogan prom with Dame Sarah Connolly. You could hear a pin drop! Played the organ at St Mary Cadogan Street. It is a basic 6 rank 1964 Walker and such a fine large church deserves something bigger and better. No reed or strings. No swell to great. Crescendo pedal. Excellent lunch at Cote Sloane Square calimari, seafood linguini, peach crumble with ice cream. Looked at hats in Peter Jones. I would not pay £40 or £119 for a hat! Talk on Ives Symphony no. 2. Prom 1 tonight Candide overture, Gershwin piano concerto and Ives which I slept through. Minnesota orchestra. Prom no. 2 the amazing Aurora orchestra Shostakovich piano concerto no. 2 and symphony no. 9 from memory. Could not follow scores as lights turned off. Now on bus to Battersea Park to pick up car. Home 12.45.

Liz had the scores for last night's concert. Ligeti's Lontano is almost impossible to follow and must require great courage to know when to play! Bravo National Youth orchestra! The trains have been changed yet again so going later as the bells seem to be on holiday! Bells were back and actually started again while I was playing! Played Karg Elert Nun danket for our wedding anniversary also Peeters and Philip Moore on All Saints. Mozart Ave verum at communion. Fr Jerry got me to illustrate his quiz with Jerusalem and Panis angelicus which is top of the charts! Had a good chat about the washing of feet and Lourdes. The congregation sang Shrine Mass 1 well. The 2 Brandenburg Proms did not come over well in the hall. Harpsichord was lost. Brilliant trumpet and solo playing but I dropped off and the same at the talk on classic literature. Marilyn brought lovely cakes from Oakham bakery. Organ had been tuned which was a treat but piece of stone found in clarion rank! Brian is inves...

Listening to the super Halle prom with Mark Elder Warner, Debussy and the Firebird. Seems the folk prom now on TV was packed and enjoyable. Got no 9 in queue for Liz.  Reading Barbara Boehm's Jerusalem in the fab National Art library Victoria and Albert museum.  Beautiful book. T shirt wringing wet after Vespers and Mass. Glad I wore my shorts. Listening to NYO Prom on phone (lost end of the Benjamin) Liz is at the concert. Shower, cold beer, cone. Ligeti, Debussy La Mer, Ravel left hand piano concerto, Mussorgsky, Benjamin. 

Swam, we both went to Mass. Bravo Fr David Price for splendid playing at St Michael Bedford Park. Good to honour Francis Jackson, Bach Toccata in F and especially Langlais Te Deum one of Dad's FTCL pieces so know it well. Must go back to playing it! Also Stanley and Franck. It is 32 degrees. Glad I put my Indian cotton shirt on. A warm afternoon welcoming at the cathedral. There was a wedding rehearsal with a lot of kids - what looked really silly was the mother carrying a toddler - far too young to take part in a procession down the main aisle!  I was delighted that the children were enjoying the children's guides.Excellent meal at Mantanah Thai which I cannot believe has been open 25 years and we have lived up the road for 43 years and NEVER been there! It was delicious!

Swam, Mass. On phone regarding car insurance and Liz finally got £14 back for the interim of the change to the new car which is costing more. Enjoyed art group garden party and the boys at Go Ape Battersea Park. Jody Talbot and Christopher Wheeldon most engaging at the talk. He has choreographed his music. Delightful prom Nutcracker, Glinka and Talbot guitar concerto. The late night Prom was good Baroque arias with Anna Prohaska.

Swam 20, Mass. A very special day on a New commandment. We washed each other's feet accompanied by Taize Ubi caritas and shared the peace and reflections. 12 plus me! I spoke about Lourdes and Wintershall. CD player played up but phone was OK. 3 new people there. Excellent talk on Czech uprising with Sir John Tusa and Rostropovich playing the Dvorak concerto at the Proms on the day the Prague spring was suppressed. Alas at the concert the orchestra were often too loud for the cello soloist. Dame Ethel Smyth and Strauss Heldenleben OTT.