The organist librarian

To St George's Hanover Square for Edward Tambling's fine recital including Dom Gregory Murray's homage to Delius then to the Royal Academy Hockney portraits. Considering he is our greatest living draughtsman they are remarkably similar and after a while I realised how dead the faces were. Reason - no lights in the eyes just black splotches with some exceptions. Compared to Singer Sargent's portraits these are just decorative.  Early at the hall and enjoyed the film of Dame Myra Hess playing Bach and Beethoven in 1954. The Missa Solemnis was spoilt by orchestral and especially organ overload. Stuart Skelton was great but too often the tenors and inner parts got lost in a general sound. The later movements were better. How one missed the hushed amazement of "Et incarnatus est" and "Crucifixus" as Giulini interpreted it. Nice to see Mary Rouse and Martin Barry's mother but surely latecomers could be admitted to the Prom?

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 ...

To the tip on the way to church to dump old compost. As I had my newly cleaned best suit on I donned an apron - there were 2 long queues of cars so I was a little delayed but picked up 2 ladies for church at bus stop as a result. I played Wyton and Thiman on Veni creator and we sang "Spirit of the living God" as an introit. Come down O love divine, Breathe on me Breath of God, O thou who camest and There's a spirit in the air. Veni creator at communion followed by Alan Smith's "Like the murmur". Straight to cathedral for 12.1 5 confirmation with Archbishop Vincent. Liz read the sequence very poetically and a splendid homily without notes. Stunning improvisations from Edward Tambling on Veni creator and I thought Mahler's Adagietto was creeping in too - mind you I am worrying that my copy of that is lost which I need next month! Come down O love divine, Breathe on me, O bread of heaven and Love divine. Lourdes Mass is a little tedious. Reception in the ha...