The organist librarian

Just caught the train back as we had a Baptism. Had no warning of it! I accompanied the anthem Let all mortal flesh arr Sir Stephen Cleobury on the organ as we had 3 strong singers. Flor Peeters fest Prelude on Innsbruck, lovely tune, Canzona and Ciacona dedicated to my friend Ralph Downes. They went well as I had played them in Jersey. No mention of St John Henry Newman canonised today in Rome but I played the tunes Gerontius and Shipston! Also practised Prelude and angel's farewell from Dream of Gerontius for next Sunday. Love that so much. Drove to Acton - still wet. Lovely birthday lunch roast belly of pork. Prosecco and Liz had ordered a delicious cake. Drove back with Bruce at a slow pace. Claire came to talk about Doterra and I fell asleep. Took her home. Watched Sanditon. Bruce up early tomorrow. 

Dreadful deluge. St Michael and all angels so we sang David Thorne's attractive setting of "God that madest earth and heaven". I played Willan and Thalben-Ball on Darwall's 148th and Hymne d'action de grace Te Deum of Jean Langlais which was much appreciated. It was Dad's FTCL piece and I often turned for him and I am using his copy. We heard about water projects in Uganda and relief for the Nepal earthquake from Alicia from International Funds UK. I forgot diary, coffee flask and fruit this morning but at least I had The Tablet to read and Organisms. Langlais told a master class "The trouble with you English organists is that you want to play ALL the notes". Watching Songs of Praise 10 top favourite hymns. 10. I the Lord of sea and sky (individualistic) 9. Be still for the presence of the Lord. 8. Amazing grace. 7. Guide me O thou great redeemer. 6. I vow to thee my country. 5. Abide with me. 4. Dear Lord and Father. 3. In Christ alone. 2 How gr...

Played Jerusalem, Andrew Fletcher on Was lebet and Willan Chorale and fugue from A fugal trilogy a favourite piece of Dad's. Good to have Jerry Garton and Anne-Marie Garton back from holiday. We sang Flocks in pastures green abiding a favourite of my late mother-in-law. Just watching bits of the last night again. I still cannot understand what the chorus are singing in the Percy Grainger! The Maconchy is a great piece! The men's chorus in the Verdi were rough. Jamie Barton was fab! Evensong with Joe Matthews psalm now plainchant and chants for canticles. As Bob not there David sang the solo in The Call. Decided not to go to Christ's chapel organ recital and watched some Prom bits and Antiques roadshow.  Sanditon is good. Mozart requiem from Proms.