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?

My last Sunday at St Michael's 17 in church. An interesting piece De Profundis on Aus der tiefe by Andriessen, Bach Erbarm dich and the Dorian fugue. Hurrah no more Murray setting for a while I hope! A very nice farewell from St Michael's - white wine and very appropriately a transfer from Westminster Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham. John and Debbie Williams were conspicious by their absence and Bob was not there. Call the midwife, Bolshoi ballet intrigue, Populaire a French comedy about a typing competition in the 50s. Portsmouth.  Edge of the Sistine chapel ceiling jigsaw done - it will be hard! Played Tchaikovsky on the piano.

Saturday to the Festival hall for Roald Dahl festival. The concert was sold out but the story bed was great and Ciaran loved posting dreams in a jar and then sorting them out downstairs -  a very simple but clever installation. Also chalk on the floor, audio books and story telling boats. Lunch at Giraffe sitting outside with blankets! Story of suitcases and an excellent guided tour through the wonderful world of Roald Dahl. Lovely meal at the Canteen with the family which was a nice surprise. Watched Dickensian and the 70s. Had a wierd dream about an ordination with PM and Louise Sage.  Went to 8 a.m. Mass at St Mary's West Croydon. Arrived at church to find a large skip full. I have now brought nearly all my organ music home! It seems a pity that the paper was not recycled but a clearout was certainly needed! I played Bach Lenten preludes and Fantasia in C minor. Only one more week of the Murray setting - hurrah! Have played it nearly every week for 3 years apart from Chris...

Liz served at the funeral Mass for Helene La Rue. I had to stay at work due to staff shortages. Fr Peter celebrated the Mass and lots of old friends were there. I played for Jo La Rue's funeral. She loved music and danced in "Job" for Vaughan Williams. She knew Dom Gregory Murray and Holst. Helene looked after the Bate collection of musical instruments in Oxford and was a kind and delightful host when I sang in the concerts at the Sheldonian. She helped so much with the organ tours as she knew all the organ scholars. Lunch with her at St Cross College was a delight. I shall miss her so much. She sang in the choir every Sunday and played the organ when needed. She stood in for Easter Vigil for me at Addiscombe when I had my knee op. The set psalm today was "Horse and rider he has thrown into the sea!" as for the Vigil. She was only 55. May she rest in peace. I will go to the memorial service in Oxford.I am so pleased to have found these photos of her from the fir...