The organist librarian

Bus, tubes and bus to Ally Pally and arrived early so time for a pint of John Smiths and crisps. Colin played superbly and I sat with David and Sylvia Dibbs in front row - the projection on the screens worked well. He announced his programme as organ had not been in good state. Bach, Gordon Jacob, Scarlatti, Buxtehude, Karg-Elert, Langlais, Franck, Vierne and Yon - he used some lovely softer Willis stops especially the flutes. Well worth the trip and for students it is free! Home in 1 hour 15 minutes - just lucky with buses and train.

We enjoyed the Saturday evening recital on the Klais organ of Bath Abbey by Mark Swinton. Mark is assistant at the abbey and comes from Chester. He studied at the University of York and had lessons with John Scott Whiteley and Francis Jackson. We were able to watch him on the big screen and he introduced all the items. He began with a transcription of the Marriage of Figaro overture taken at a furious pace. Then a selection of Walton from Henry V and the glorious "Crown Imperial". Next the Scherzo in A flat by Bairstow which is almost cinema organ music! Malcolm Archer's "Bluesleeves" (Gershwin meets Henry VIII) and English country gardens in the style of Bach had us all smiling. Bizet's Caprice ws written for harmonium and was followed by Dad's favourite Tuba Tune by Norman Cocker. He was mentioned as a cathedral organist who also played in the cinema - apparently Nigel Perrin (?) also does this? Pietro Yon's Humoresque for one flute is a delight. T...