The organist librarian

Service went well at Coulsdon. I played Tears of grief from St Matthew Passion even though most folk went outside for the interment of Ron Anderson's ashes. Short rehearsal with Ellie then Adrian and Graham's for an excellent lunch. Cantemus sang Liszt's Via Crucis in a liturgical Stations of the cross. I sat in front of Stephen Roberts who is singing as well as ever. Fr Andrew Wilson is now retired! The work is moving and uses plainchant and chorales effectively. It brought back memories of the Stations in Jerusalem and Oberammergau. Watched Antiques roadshow and programme about royal weddings. It seems chorus is to sing in 2 proms!

A glorious day and I spent some time in the garden cutting up the remains of branches of lilac which were cut down last year and hanging out the washing. Liz had somehow volunteered to operate the lift in the cathedral tower! About 60 people went up during the day to enjoy the views! I went to the RSCM 80th anniversary evensong at 5 p.m. at St Paul's cathedral. I was disappointed and I have written to the RSCM about it. There were insufficient copies of the hymn and no commemorative leaflet. I had never heard the Nicholson tune for the hymn before. The large choir was placed in the choir stalls with the result that the sound of the men was distant and muffled. Howells in G does not inspire. "I was glad" was grand and so was the Karg-Elert Nun Danket at the end (we had the latter at our wedding). There were 2 new anthems one by Professor John Harper but neither were announced. In the prayers the Royal Society (sic) of Church Music was mentioned but nothing was said about S...