The organist librarian

An eclectic programme from Paul Ayres at St Michael Cornhill finishing with Stairway to heaven - I wonder what Harold Darke would have said. To see Clare then preProm talk on Henry Wood and Wagner. The RPO prom under Marc Albrecht was excellent. Weber, Franck and Gotterdammerung exceprts with a brand new score from CML. Harry Bramma was there.

To St Michael Turnham Green for Laurence Long's recital of Christmas music. He plays really well but I thought Wachet auf and the Brahms were too fast! Richard Elliott's piece on Good king Wenceslaus ingeniously reference the Nutcracker. Paul Ayres Exite Fideles was a good end. To the cathedral but 7 guides on so did some better photos for the children's guides and came home early.

Hoovered downstairs and Liz went to the cathedral and evensong at St John's. To St Paul's cathedral crypt for talk on ordinary time by Paula Gooder - excellent. I commented on worship and LCD making the ordinary dull and comparing with the extraordinary in a cathedral. Brought in Andrew Carwood's comment on singing from the heart. Michael Redman was there. To St Barnabas Ealing for organ festival on Hill organ brought from Southsea. Some variable playing and big screen. Chris Eastwood was outstanding in Bach, Wammes and Reger. Paul Ayres own piece Fantasia 150 was the best part of his slot. Mendelssohn Sonata No. 3 rather thick sound and second movement too fast. John Hudson seemed lacking inconfidence - his Bach was cautious. Easthope Martin Evensong with tremulant not to my taste. Guy Eldridge pieces showed off the soft stops. Tea in garden and chatted. Edward Tambling now has a moustache and his performance was a bit offhand. If you are going to play Rhosymedre you must ...

Friday to St George's Beckenham for Norman Harper's recital. Super Liszt BACH and Wachet auf then hilarious hornpipe by Noel Rawsthorne and Departure of the Queen of Sheba by Paul Ayres - great jokes. Gave Mass music to Dorio who is still having problems with bullying priest and bishops have been! Liz went over to Chiswick and to Enfield for Swavek's induction. To St John's for recording of superb evensong by King's London - Vittoria and Bach. At choir Tony Trent came but no Karen or John. Janet went home sick. Oh dear. Saturday to Heythrop for Advent retreat Prof Richard Price Heythrop prof of theology on Augustine - I commented on the words from the Cross. Met Liz and she came for tea int he convent. Sr Hilda gravely ill. Talk on Marie Eugenie Assumptionist founder - a remarkable woman. To Vespers (late) and Downside Abbey school choir sang well at Mass - Bruckner, Christopher Tambling conducted by Edward, Byrd. Farewell party for Sr Bridget with some Irish singin...