The organist librarian

Bank Holiday Monday and nice weather after all the rain yesterday morning. Up early and worked on Michael's suggestions regarding the dissertation. To Bromley parish church for joint recital by Norman and Marilyn Harper. They played a duet by Wesley and divided the programme between them including Dupre, Leighton and Mango Thrist (Lovely girl commented Norman). I left before the Bach Passacaglia to get home for lunch and then to Royal College of Music for 2.30 workshop with Mary King on singing musicals. Muriel was there. Enjoyed singing Somewhere over the rainbow, opening number from Show Boat and the scarecrow song with actions. Also a Waxman song. The light music organ prom was well played by Richard Hills and included Ireland, Sullivan, Waller and German and a fun encore. Excellent talk on film music with David Benedict and the John Wilson prom was excellent with a wide variety of film music and songs. I am playing for Dermot Molony's funeral on Friday at St Mary's.

Wednesday woke late to find Bruce peering round the door - ha had come down as the topsoil and compost was delivered. To Watermans and Seán enjoyed music. We all had a snooze in the afternoon while Louise went to the dentist. I may have to go again as I lost a bottom filling eating the dessert last night! Liz went on RCIA cathedral tour but I went to St Patrick Soho for first recital on refurbished historic organ by Martin Baker. Brilliant improvisations and a good programme - Bach, Stanley, Bull, Wesley. Wine afterwards and saw Martin and Paddy Russill. Met Patrick Ramsay who had been in Vallodolid seeing David Knight. Thursday out all day. LBFForum with Faith exchange at Central hall Westminster on volunteering. Met Bishop Peter of Edmonton and he knew about my St Michael's appointment. he is flying Bishop for 60 parishes. Pascal Ryan and Bishop Tripp were there - so unusual to have Catholic clergy present. To Heythrop for coffee and worked on essay. Somebody hacked our email ac...

Evensong from Gloucester - Wesley In exitu Israel, Vierne - splendid. Enjoyed Easter from King's - lovely singing. Evensong and Benediction at St John's - Stanford in A and Te Deum in B flat. My top A in Hallelujah chorus not as good as usual. Dubois toccata. Antiques roadshow from Wimbledon.

Liz set off early as she was acting as sacristan for the morning so Gerry could play in the folk group. At Coulsdon we sang "If ye love me" by Tallis and Bairstow in E flat. We rehearsed Gibbons and Croft for evensong and I felt so confident after the conducting workshop and was using some of the techniques I had learnt. Vickie says the church will pay for it! I practised and then to Purley for Mass. David Palmer group and it was far too long. Blessing of water with sung responses then sprinkling then Gloria. A good young cantor for the acclamations. Canon Frank went on rather long about the need for all to evangelise. It was a Mass for new members of the congregation followed by a reception in the hall but by then it was 1.15! To Dulwich to meet Liz. Restaurants all full so had soup in cafe and then to Christ's Chapel for excellent recital by Timothy Penrose counter-tenor and Norman Harper. The organ has been rebuilt by Drake and is ideal for Purcell and Gibbons. Timothy...

The choir at Coulsdon sang well today - Nicholson in G (I sang in the tenor in the short unaccompanied sections) and L.J.White Prayer of St Richard of Chichester. I have known this anthem since I was a boy. In the second verse the descant follows the tune just like in the prayer - the pilgrim follows Christ! It is simple and beautiful. I played Walther on "Jesu meine freude" and Pachelbel "Von himmel hoch" as we are still celebrating Epiphany with the crib under the altar. I practised the Hummel from the D minor Mass for Kevin Munro's funeral on Tuesday. Home for lunch (microwaved dinner like Grandma has) and skype to Liz in Dublin. At vespers I was crucifer and the choir superb in Lassus and Palestrina. To M and S for cappucino and cappucino cake - very indulgent! Organ recital was Matthew and Oliver in duet. Amazing Mozart 40th symphony Allegro and Wesley duet sparkling playing. Thomas played for 5.30 Mass and I was cantor. Skipped opening item - no sign of th...