The organist librarian

Back to work on Saturday and 55 emails! The reading group had a lively discussion on India and "The white tiger". After Vespers and Mass (celebrant Canon Christopher and some fine organ playing from David Grealy who is playing 11 liturgies this weekend) to Gillian's flat to watch Hitchcock's "39 steps" starring Robert Donat. Hugh Laurie and Peggy Ashcroft in small parts. Surprised how much the plot was changed! Delicious mackerel pate! Low Sunday played for service with no choir so we sang Rutter Gloria and Vickie cantored Celtic alleluia. People didn't know "Up from the grave he arose" at the end but enjoyed the Hallelujah chorus. I played the Bach variations on "Christ lag in todesbanden". Practised Mendelssohn, Bach Orgelbuchlein and Handel. Meeting and children's service after service next 2 weeks so thinking ahead. Bought Fairtrade tropical muesli and my favourite yoghurt raisins! Grainne is expecting again! Great news!

Wed March 25th to the Queens gallery to see the beautiful Breughel to Rubens exhibition with excellent commentary featuring our friend Jenny Scott! We had tea at a nice Italian place nearby and I went to Lent group and then to extra chorus rehearsal. Thursday Liz went to Birmingham with Jet in the van to take Bruce's stuff and she returned on Saturday and all is well. I went to chorus on Thursday evening and to choir practice on Friday on public transport so decided to go straight there and practise. I am not playing Bairstow's Toccata prelude on "Pange lingua" this Maundy Thursday. I have revived a fine piece by William Wordsworth on "Nicht so traurig" instead. The tune is set to "Go to dark Gethsemane". I kept up the pace at rehearsal but at one point I told choir to shut up so I could explain the plainchant pointing of the psalm. I was mot embarrassed but really there was no alternative! Friday's interfaith lunch gathering at All Saints was ...