The organist librarian

We both enjoyed the concert at St Martin Ludgate Hill. Maria Thomas played Britten and Telemann very well and good to see gallery prommers. Not enthusiastic about the bass but the flute and piano were lovely. Excellent lunch at Joe's diner. Barbara paid the bill which was a big surprise! To Museum of London to see London nights and impressed by GFWatts memorial in Postman's Park. We both went swimming this morning!  I can't say I enjoyed Roger Sayer's recital at Brompton oratory. Magnificent playing but far too much in minor keys and fiery reeds. Mendelssohn, Brahms, Reger and Reubke to finish. A lady remarked "it was all a bit modern for my taste" which is interesting as the most recent work was Reger in 1916! I do think programme notes should tell us what the chorales are about. It cannot be assumed that we know what " Herzlich mit verlangen" means. Brahms "O wie selig" is such a consoling piece which I often start with at funerals but t...

Flight went OK. We got the water taxi early and so we had a long wait at the airport where the internet was very reluctant to work. It was quite a trek from the water to check in. Flight of 2 hours and Gatwick on time and got train to East Croydon. 2 Tablets, 88 emails but not much post. Horrified by the extension next door - no way our fence panel will go back. It's ugly breeze blocks and too high. Unpacked and did some catching up. Left at 5.15 and got to Swanley early for 7.15 Catenian provincial council AGM and I was duly installed as VP. Fergus very good in the chair and we got directories so can plan ahead. Home by 10.30. Wed up early and to Acton. Seán seemed a but subdued and he played happily and enjoyed seeing Tamar again. Picked up Liz and we went to try and get a watchstrap for me but no luck so we ate at Field's. I picked up Ciarán from reading group at 4. Evensong from Exeter. To Westminster cathedral for recital by Roger Sayer - not a bad turnout considering ch...