The organist librarian

Played poco adagio and Finale from organ symphony of Saint-Saens. Have been trying some Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Bruch and The Swan. Not sure I would play the latter at a service and some interesting Face Book comments about that.  Mass at St Mary's much better without Fr Michael rabbiting on. But the priest never introduced himself  and spoke about who Jesus is!  Just listening to the repeat of Christiane Karg Cadogan Hall prom - glorious voice but the diction is not great. Heard the rest of the Peckham garage prom including Bantock and Whitley.  Nearly gave the prom tonight a miss as lunch in the garden was so pleasant but glad we went for the Cincinatti SO Prom debut in Bernstein, Copland and Tchaikovsky 5. Brass in stunning form, great strings. I think they loved playing that music at the Prom! Interesting talk on Lincoln. Wierd journey home 452 tube and fast to Selhurst which said it was not stopping there but it did! What Tchaikovsky say to two young men kissing and holding

Listened to choral prom Britten Sacred and profane with score, Hildegard and Stevie Wishart Out of this world - very attractive. To pre-prom event Matthe Barley cellist choosing favourite books - Hesse, Joyce, Pasternak. I asked a question about whether he used literary ideas when teaching. He said to educate was to draw out not fill up! Most interesting and a great love for Russia. Tonhalle orchestra packed Prom - Freda and Ann chatty. Anders Hillborg not impressed. Mozart Piano concerto 27 with score and Eroica (my own score). David Zinman and Maria Joáo Pires pianist. Bus straight away and home by 10.30! Spaghetti western orchestra prom fun!

Liz to cathedral and I to pre-talk with Andrew Litton choosing his literary highlight - Shakespeare, Dickens, Pushkin and Train all read by Charles Dance in memorable style. A delightful discussion. Met a prommer who has been doing it since 1938 and a charming lady on the bus. Liz could not get in and went to meet Dennis. Surrounded by French and Germans. Piano concerto 2 and Symphony 4 with scores - Haitink and Emanuel Ax. Got 452 but 22.07 cancelled. Sunday woke early and listened to Britten chamber prom - Phantasy quartet with score - Nick Daniel on great form and Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge.