Tag Archives: Organ

by | April 15, 2020 · 3:27 pm

Online organ lessons – a triumph!

David Baker has taught his first online organ lesson this week and it went superbly. Read below for a glowing review from his student –

“I really enjoyed my organ lesson with Professor David Baker via Zoom.  I had my laptop sitting on a plant stand so the camera angle was more at less at shoulder height, which I hope enabled David to see both my face and my hands on the manuals.  David was able to teach more or less as normal: the sound quality from Zoom was obviously sufficiently good for him to analyse complex chords and identify wrong notes, and also to suggest adjustments to the registration.  If there were any differences from a face to face lesson – apart from the obvious – we relied much more on bar numbers than we would normally, and in order for David to hear the pedal line adequately I sometimes added the Pedal Trombone 16.  I greatly value my lessons with David and being able to have a lesson so effectively and enjoyably in these difficult times was a wonderful bit of quasi-normality.  I warmly recommend it!”

Please contact David’s PA (pa@davidbakerconsulting.co.uk) if you would like to book your online lesson.

Comments Off on Online organ lessons – a triumph!

Filed under News and Views

Tagged as

by | July 28, 2019 · 7:58 am

Sigfrid’s Unbeaten Tracks

Graham Barber has been making organ recordings for over 40 years. The current project that he is working on is a CD of spectacular organ music by Sigfrid Karg-Elert. The main work is his Harmonium Sonata Op.46, arranged for organ, an emotional roller-coaster lasting over 40 minutes. The stunning organ is at St. Paul’s Church, Ulm, Germany. As a bonus, there are six of Karg-Elert’s miniatures, written in the style of popular composers. To make this a reality, financial support is being required – for a minimum pledge of £10 plus shipping you will receive a copy. Please click here to view a short video and further information.

Comments Off on Sigfrid’s Unbeaten Tracks

Filed under News and Views

Tagged as ,

by | June 17, 2019 · 8:08 pm

The Royal College of Organists – upcoming events

The following is a summary of forthcoming RCO events. ‘Y’ indicates events geared to young organists, while ‘SC’ denotes a small class for maximum 6 people (plus observers as appropriate). Please note that the 24-hour clock is used throughout.

Saturday 22 Jun 2019 (10:00–17:00)
Preparing for CRCO, ARCO and FRCO
London SE21: St Barnabas, Dulwich

Study day for those preparing for or considering CRCO, ARCO or FRCO; booking now open. Places available. Read more >>

23–28 July 2019
The Organ Student Experience (TOSE) (Y)
Cambridge: Trinity College and others

The essential course for teenage organists of Grade 7 standard and above, offering expert tuition in repertoire, keyboard skills, choral conducting and accompaniment. Artistic Director, Daniel Moult. Read more >>

Saturday 27 July 2019 (14:00–17:00)
Building a Repertoire: Music from the Classical French era (SC)
Newcastle: King’s Hall, Newcastle University

Newcastle University’s new Aubertin organ is the perfect instrument on which to unlock the magic of the French Classical era. Music by composers such as F. Couperin, Marchand, de Grigny and Clerambault will be the starting point for the class; six players (any standard) are invited to bring along movements (or sections of works) for coaching with Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick, an experienced exponent of the style. Places available. Read more >>

29 July–3 August 2019
RCO Summer Course
City of London: St Giles, Cripplegate and others

The big course with the personal touch for all ages and stages; seven levels of study; and up to 20 different City organs. Directed by Simon Williams. Places available. Read more >>

6–8 September 2019
OrganFest 2019
Cardiff & Llandaff: various venues

A collaboration between the College, the IAO and BIOS, this is a splendid weekend of concerts, presentations and lectures covering all aspects of the organ. It takes place across the city in venues as diverse as St David’s Hall, Eglwys Dewi Sant, St John the Baptist church, the National Museum of Wales and in Llandaff Cathedral. Online and telephone booking now open. Read more >>

Saturday 14 September 2019 (13:30–16:30)
Building a Repertoire: Music for Advent and Christmas (SC)
Northumberland: Hexham Abbey

Looking to test out a new piece on one of the country’s most inspiring instruments, or to explore fresh musical ideas for Advent and Christmas? This class, led by Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick, will provide practical assistance and encouragement for players of all standards and will include short presentations of relevant repertoire. Read more >>

Saturday 12 October 2019 (18:30–21:30)
Performance class (SC)
Lincoln Cathedral

A chance to perform on one of only two ‘Father’ Willis organs in English cathedrals to retain its original tonal scheme. Bring a suitable piece to work on under the guidance of Jeffrey Makinson, Director of Music at Lincoln and an RCO accredited teacher. Booking opens soon.

Saturday 19 October 2019 (10:30–16:30)
Hymns and voluntaries (SC)
Windsor: Holy Trinity Church

A day of practical advice with RCO Regional Consultant John Halsey, focused on improving your hymn and voluntary playing. Suitable for all ages and levels of experience up to CRCO diploma, and especially good for anyone new to playing in church. Read more >>

Saturday 19 October 2019 (11:30–14:30)
Teach the organ! (1 of 6) (SC)
London EC2: St Giles, Cripplegate

All places taken for this ground-breaking, comprehensive series of six classes with Anne Marsden Thomas MBE, covering key aspects of teaching the organ. (One place currently remains for the sixth class. Please email events@rco.org.ukto be added to the waiting list.)

Saturday 26 October (11:30–14:30)
Teach the organ! (2 of 6) (SC)
London EC2: St Giles, Cripplegate

All places taken for this ground-breaking, comprehensive series of six classes with Anne Marsden Thomas MBE, covering key aspects of teaching the organ. (One place currently remains for the sixth class. Please email events@rco.org.ukto be added to the waiting list.)

Thursday 31 October (18:00–21:00)
Adlington’s time-capsule (SC)
nr Macclesfield, Cheshire: Adlington Hall

A chance to play Adlington’s historic 17th-century organ, known to, and almost certainly played by, Handel. A class on repertoire and style of the period with Daniel Moult. Booking opens soon; make a note of the date or email Tom Bell to register your interest.

Saturday 16 November (time tbc)
Walond and his contemporaries (SC)
Oxford: Lincoln College

Gabriele Damiani invites you to explore the music of William Walond, an English organist and composer born in Oxford in 1719, and other English 18th-century composers.. Booking opens shortly.

Wednesday 20 November 2019
La révolte des orgues
London SW1: Westminster Cathedral

Promoted by Westminster Cathedral in partnership with the College, here is rare chance to hear an astonishing organ work by Jean Guillou, composed for nine organs, percussion and conductor. Booking not yet open, but reserve the date.

Saturday 23 November 2019 (14:00–17:00)
Improvisation for Beginners
Durham: College of St Hild & St Bede

The first of three classes in which Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick sets out his inspiring approach to improvisation, working in a structured way with demonstrations and console time for each player. This first session, for organists with limited or no experience, or for those wishing to refresh their improvisatory skills, is designed for a group of up to eight players. It will cover harmony, melody, rhythm, and organ management in a format designed to generate confidence and creativity. Further sessions in 2020. Read more >>

Saturday 30 November (time tbc)
Console management (SC)
London W1: All Saints, Margaret Street

Too much choice and no spare hand? Using the church’s 4-manual Harrison & Harrison organ with its 66 speaking stops, Jeremiah Stephenson coaches you in managing seamless registration changes using pistons and the swell box. Especially useful for those involved in choral accompaniment. Booking opens soon.

Saturday 7 December 2019 (14:00–17:00)
Bach’s feet (SC)
Manchester: Cathedral

Learn from Christopher Stokes about the pedalling techniques ofBach’s day and how this informs our playing of repertoire of the period. Booking opens soon; make a note of the date or email Tom Bell to register your interest.

Saturday 15 February 2020 (11:30–14:30)
Teach the organ! (3 of 6) (SC)
London EC2: St Giles, Cripplegate

All places taken for this ground-breaking, comprehensive series of six classes with Anne Marsden Thomas MBE, covering key aspects of teaching the organ. (One place currently remains for the sixth class. Please email events@rco.org.ukto be added to the waiting list.)

Saturday 4 May 2020 (10:30–13:30)
Teach the organ! (4 of 6) (SC)
London EC2: St Giles, Cripplegate

All places taken for this ground-breaking, comprehensive series of six classes with Anne Marsden Thomas MBE, covering key aspects of teaching the organ. (One place currently remains for the sixth class.)

Saturday 4 May 2020 (14:30–17:30)
Teach the organ! (5 of 6) (SC)
London EC2: St Giles, Cripplegate

All places taken for this ground-breaking, comprehensive series of six classes with Anne Marsden Thomas MBE, covering key aspects of teaching the organ. (One place currently remains for the sixth class. Please email events@rco.org.ukto be added to the waiting list.)

Saturday 30 May 2020 (11:30–14:30)
Teach the organ! (6 of 6) (SC)
London EC2: St Giles, Cripplegate

See also Saturday 19 October. Class 6 covers registration, and the particular skills required of the church organist. Only one place available for this class. Read more >>

Comments Off on The Royal College of Organists – upcoming events

Filed under News and Views

Tagged as ,

by | · 8:02 pm

The Northern Ireland International Organ Competition (NIIOC) 2019

The competition will take place Monday 19 – Wednesday 21 August in the cathedral city of Armagh. The jury will be chaired by Martin Baker, Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral in London and President of the Royal College of Organists. He will be joined as guest adjudicator by New Zealand-born Katherine Dienes-Williams, Organist and Master of the Choristers at Guildford Cathedral, Surrey. David Hill, music director of the Bach Choir, London, principal conductor of the Schola Cantorum at Yale College, Connecticut, US and artistic director of the Charles Wood Summer School, Armagh, which runs concurrently with NIIOC, completes the jury.

The 2019 competition will see the second award of the Dame Gillian Weir Medal for the most outstanding performance of one work by a performer in the senior category of the competition. The medal will again use the design made in collaboration with Belfast College of Art by jewellery and silversmithing specialist Declan Coyle from Londonderry. The inaugural award was made in 2018 to Donal McCann from Belfast, currently organ scholar at King’s College, Cambridge.

NIIOC is for organists aged 21 and under. It offers substantial monetary prizes, prestigious recital opportunities and masterclasses with leading organists across the globe. Founded in 2011, from the outset it has attracted exceptionally gifted young players; early winners Ben Comeau, Ben Bloor, Richard Gowers and Andrew Forbes are already establishing successful careers. Last year’s competition was won by Johannes Krahl from Leipzig, Germany. The first winner from outside the British Isles was Mona Rozdestvenskyte from Russia in 2016.

The first NIIOC CD recording was launched in 2017. It features performances by the senior winners of the 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015 competitions, playing the Walker organ of St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh, which is used in the competition.

A partnership with the St Albans International Organ Competition was established in 2016, with the aim of creating both competitive and performance opportunities for organists aged under 21 (NIIOC) and under 33 (St Albans).

Richard Yarr, founder and artistic director of the competition, said: ‘We created the competition to discover talented young players and give them a platform to show everyone what they can do. Our competition continues to grow year on year as we attract top organists from across Europe and beyond. It has been a real privilege to see how past NIIOC winners have grown and developed their playing over the years.’

NIIOC is organised in three categories:

The Senior Category for Post-Grade 8 players takes place on Monday 19 August in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh.  Entrants must perform a balanced 20-minute programme, consisting of at least three pieces and including a major work of J S Bach. The first prize for 2019 consists of £1,500 plus promoted recitals at seven internationally-acclaimed venues, including St Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, New York; Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral, London; and King’s College Chapel, Cambridge. They will also give a recital at a Royal College of Organists The Organ Scholar Experience event.

Entry is limited to 12 competitors, chosen on the basis of CD or MP3 recordings, which must be submitted with application forms. 

The Intermediate Category for players of Grades 6-8 standard takes place on Tuesday 20 August in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh. Applicants should not have gained an organ diploma. There is a free choice of repertoire for recitals which must consist of two or three pieces, lasting in total no more than 12 minutes. 

This year will see the first award of The Dunleath Organ Scholarship Trust Prize, a £200 prize for the best overall performance by an Irish competitor in the Intermediate category.

The Junior Category for players of Grades 4-5 standard takes place on Tuesday 20 August in St Malachy’s Church, Armagh. Applicants must not have Grade 6 organ or above. There is a free choice of repertoire for recitals which must consist of two or three pieces, lasting in total no more than eight minutes.

No shortlisting recordings are required for the junior or intermediate categories. 

The closing date for entries for all three categories is Friday 19 July 2019 at 6pm.

More information and downloadable application forms can be found on the competition website www.niioc.com or contact the competition organisers by email info@niioc.com.

Comments Off on The Northern Ireland International Organ Competition (NIIOC) 2019

Filed under News and Views

Tagged as ,

by | June 14, 2019 · 7:57 pm

Halifax District Organists’ Association Centenary – celebratory organ recital, 15 June 2019

As part of Halifax District Organists’ Association’s centenary, Sean Montgomery will be giving an organ recital at St Martin’s Church, Brighouse on Saturday 15 June at 7.30 pm. Entry is free, there will be a retiring collection.

The hour-long programme, designed to showcase the chancel and west gallery organs, will feature a selection of organ music first published in 1919, together with music that celebrates the Feast of the Ascension.

Comments Off on Halifax District Organists’ Association Centenary – celebratory organ recital, 15 June 2019

Filed under News and Views

Tagged as

by | May 13, 2019 · 2:46 pm

Halifax Minster: Organ Recital by David Baker 16 May 2019 13.00

Halifax Minster: Organ Recital by Professor David Baker; Thursday 16 May, 2019; 13.00. Food served from 12.15. Varied programme including works by Bach, William Herschel, Charles Wesley, Lefebure-Wely and a new work by Paul Mealor. Both the Harrison and the Snetzler organs will be played.

Comments Off on Halifax Minster: Organ Recital by David Baker 16 May 2019 13.00

Filed under News and Views

Tagged as

by | September 23, 2018 · 2:49 pm

PITS FOR THE UNGODLY: PART II

Joyful are those you discipline, Lord,
    those you teach with your instructions.
     You give them relief from troubled times
    until a pit is dug to capture the wicked.

[Psalm 94 vv12-13]

In an earlier essay – ‘Pits for the Ungodly’ – I talked about some of the pitfalls that can befall organists when playing on an instrument with which they are unfamiliar – or even when they are familiar with a particular example of the king of instruments.

But organists face other challenges apart from the management of the beast itself. If familiarity can breed contempt, then unfamiliarity can lead to many unforeseen bloopers, especially when it comes to playing for church services.

As someone who has had the fortune (and occasionally the misfortune) to play across a wide range of denominations over some 60 years, I offer you a few anecdotes and the periodic warning about performing in a strange venue.

The very first time I played for a church service, I was confronted with the ‘mists of time’ syndrome. Most of what I had to do for the liturgy in the local church where I had sung in the choir boy and almost-man was clear. But one set of responses was less than obvious. I asked the choir members where the music was; nobody knew. I asked the choirmaster: he had no idea. The organist was baffled: he played these responses every Sunday but did it from some distant memory going back more than 20 years. There was no score for me to borrow and use. All I could do was listen to him play it over and then take the notes down. That is not the only instance of the MOT syndrome. How often do we do something (including if not especially in church) without thinking. The ritual has become almost subconscious. Perhaps visiting organists have a role to play in helping congregations out of their torpor occasionally.               

Related to the MOT scenarios such as the one above is that of the ‘We always sing it to that tune’ situation. I remember as a very young adult hearing the then Bishop of Bradford, Michael Parker, state (with more than a little regret) that, if a major tenet of faith were changed in the Church of England, there would be little protest, but change a hymn tune and civil war might well ensue! I subsequently had first-hand experience of this when holidaying on the Isle of Arran, Scotland. My then wife, her sister and husband and I were staying in a cottage on the far side of the island, rent free. The generosity of the cottage’s owners was conditional on my playing the organ at the local non-conformist church where their brother was the minister. This was not a problem for me, except that the said brother was away on holiday the week we were there, and a visiting minister from the other side of the island (it might as well have been Hades, given what happened) had been hired in to lead the worship. The priest was friendly enough, though somewhat nervous given that he had never preached at this church before. One of the hymns chosen had two possible tunes: which one should I play? ‘The second one’, he answered. ‘We always use that tune at our church’. But that was the problem: this was not his church. As a result, when it came to the hymn in question, it was not long before he and I discovered that what was sung on the east of the island was not done in the west. And to prove it, the congregation resolutely refused to try and master the alien melody. As a result, my family and I – along with the bemused minister – bravely attempted to get through both hymn and the stares of the locals. ‘What was that tune ye played?’ The steward bellowed to me afterwards. ‘We no sing that tune here’. That was me told off.  

These are but two of the many pits into which I have fallen over the years alongside such as: not using the alternative psalm chanting (unhelpfully printed in the smallest possible type at the foot of the page); not realising that there were four collects instead of three at the end of evensong (though I believe that I am fool proof on that one now); not realising that there are more verses of the hymn on the verso of the page (why do so modern hymnals do that?).  Indeed, a recurring nightmare of mine has me playing the organ for a service; the choir is processing in and suddenly I find that I have no idea what music I am supposed to be playing. Fortunately – very fortunately – I have yet to be in this position in real life – just!             

I take some comfort from the fact that vicars may have similar problems when deputising for their clerical brethren. Many years ago, the priest in our local parish where I grew up was asked to take a communion service at a neighbouring church. He was low church and the place where he was going was very ‘high’ Anglo-Catholic. He was nervous to say the least. He arrived to find the vestments all laid out for him; he robed in them and took the service as best he could. Afterwards, he felt confident enough to ask one of the servers how he had done. ‘Very well’, said the acolyte, ‘but don’t wear the bookmarks next time!’

 

Comments Off on PITS FOR THE UNGODLY: PART II

Filed under News and Views

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | · 1:50 pm

ON GIANTS’ SHOULDERS: PHILIP TORDOFF AT 80

Philip Tordoff

Philip Tordoff, Organist Emeritus at Halifax Minster

Last September (2017), Philip Tordoff celebrated his 80th birthday. I was asked to say a few words at the end of the lunchtime recital at Halifax Minster. The recital was given by one of my students, Ted O’Hare. Below is a resumé of what I said.

‘Today we celebrate a very special birthday – that of Philip Tordoff, Organist Emeritus at Halifax Minster and before it Halifax Parish Church.

I am honoured to be the person to say a few words on this occasion. Indeed, I would have it no other way. Philip has played such an important part in my life, as he has of so many people in this region.

I first met Philip when I was about 13 and my parents had written to him saying that I was keen to learn the organ, and would he take me on as a student. I went for a very informal audition, but despite my enthusiasm, was told that I needed to develop rather more before I was ready to be taught by PCT (as my parents and I often referred to him subsequently).

Another few months, however, I tried again, and had obviously made enough progress to be taken on. This is not the place to talk about my subsequent career as an organist, except to say that much of my success was down to Philip’s expert tuition. I learnt so much from him in terms of technique, interpretation, organ registration and performance practice. I shall always be grateful to him for the lessons on that wonderful organ on which he used to play at St John’s Church, Bierley, near Bradford.

But I am not alone. Generations of organists have benefited from Philip’s tutelage. I am sure that they would all agree what a wonderful teacher he has been. And what a player! It was indicative that there was a full church here when the 1000th recital was given (by PCT himself of course!) since he started as organist at what was then Halifax Parish Church. And only Philip could ensure that there was a unique ale being served at the event – Snetzler Special!

Having had the benefit of Philip as a player, teacher, colleague, role model and friend, it was only natural that when I retired back to Yorkshire  a few years ago that I would set up the Halifax Organ Academy (HOA). I was keen to ensure that wherever possible people wanting to learn to play the organ could have the same kind of expert tuition that I had had as a youngster. For me, setting up the HOA has been a way in which I could both honour Philip and give something back for all the benefits that I have had through being an organist.

Today’s recital was given by Ted O’Hare, one of my students, and a product of the HOA. Turning the pages was Robbie Lumb, also a product of the HOA and Organ Scholar here at the Minster. As I passed by Philip on the way to the front of the nave to give this speech, PCT beckoned me over. ‘There’s a lot of you in that playing’, he whispered. That is true and what a compliment! But Philip also needs to realise that there is a lot of him in Ted’s playing today, just as much of what I am – always have been and always will be – is Philip.

I am reminded of the famous phrase attributed to Sir Isaac Newton: ‘if I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants’. What a giant Philip is in the world of the church organ and its music, and how many are the people – of whom I count myself privileged and fortunate to have been one – who have seen further by standing on his great shoulders!

Thank you, Philip, for all that you have given – and continue to give – and a very happy 80th birthday!’               

 

    

 

Comments Off on ON GIANTS’ SHOULDERS: PHILIP TORDOFF AT 80

Filed under News and Views

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

Image

USHAW Organ Weekend, 4th – 7th May – Durham

Comments Off on USHAW Organ Weekend, 4th – 7th May – Durham

by | April 4, 2018 · 8:34 pm
by | February 13, 2018 · 9:44 pm

RCO Easter Course – 5th – 7th April 2018,Oxford

This much appreciated annual course offers comprehensive tuition for those preparing for or considering CRCO, ARCO or FRCO. You can attend as a resident or non-resident; special timetables can be devised for those preparing for specific sections of CRCO, ARCO or FRCO rather than the whole examination.

Accommodation
We are resident at The Queen’s College, home to the ground-breaking Frobenius organ of 1965. In addition, tuition will take place on several other of Oxford’s varied collection of fine organs, including Keble and Merton Colleges where Johannes Geffert and Gerard Brooks will give public recitals.

Accommodation is in single rooms––ensuite or standard at your choice. Standard rooms have a wash basin with shared toilet and bathroom facilities nearby.

Teachers
Johannes Geffert returns having taught to great acclaim on the Easter Course in Cambridge in 2015. He will teach across the course strands but will bring his specilaist knowledge of German Romantic organ music to the ARCO strand where the written paper history topic for 2018–2019 is Germany, 1850–1920 and the set works are the chorale preludes by Brahms. He will also play a recital on the Tickell organ at Keble College.

Gerard Brooks will also teach across the course and will bring his extensive knowledge of French Romantic organ music to the CRCO set works for 2018–2019, Vierne’s 24 Pièces en style libre (book 1), and to the FRCO history topic France 1860–1940. He will also play a recital incorporating this repertoire on the Dobson organ of Merton College.

David Ponsford will lead a seminar for FRCO students on de Grigny’s Livre d-Orgue (set work July 2018-January 2019). He is an expert in French Classical organ music and has recently prepared a new edition of de Grigny’s organ music.

Frederick Stocken brings wide experience of teaching harmony and counterpoint in general and the written papers of RCO Diploma examinations in particular, both to individuals and on courses.

James Parsons, formerly RCO Head of Student Development and organ tutor, Birmingham Conservatoire. Like Gerard Brooks, he has extensive experience as an RCO examiner.

Simon Williams, Director RCO East, South and South West region and Director of Music, St George’s, Hanover Square. This will be the 20th Easter Course that he has directed.

What to prepare:
Pieces from the lists in the examination regulations for CRCO, ARCO and FRCO (work in progress is acceptable)
Examples of your work in preparation for the written paper(s) as appropriate

Fees (all prices include VAT)
RCO Member (standard room with wash basin) £695
RCO Member (ensuite room) £745
RCO Member (non-resident, included lunch and dinner) £530
Non-member (standard room with wash basin) £715
Non-member (ensuite room) £775
Non-member (non-resident, included lunch and dinner) £560

You can also book extra nights Bed & Breakfast for Wednesday 4 and/or Saturday 7 April at a cost of £75 (standard room)/£100 (en-suite room) per night.

For further information and to book a place, please click here.

 

Comments Off on RCO Easter Course – 5th – 7th April 2018,Oxford

Filed under News and Views

Tagged as , , , , ,