January / February 2012 Number 28 & District Organists' Registered Charity No. 510567 Association

DDOA Events 2012 15th February Talk by Prof Philip Olleson: Samuel Wesley’s Organ Music. St John’s Heritage Centre, Belper. 7.30pm

19th March Tom Leech (Leeds ): Interpreting 19th century French Organ Music on an English Organ. St Werburgh’s, Spondon. 7.30pm

23rd April Laurence Rogers: ‘A world of sound through the eyes and ears of Physics’ Melbourne Parish Church. 7.30pm

19th May Daytime visit to organs in Wollaton, Nottingham

19th June Annual dinner at Willersley Castle

24th July A Russian Finale for 2011 Evening visit to local organs including Ed Chairman’s Evening presented by Prof.James Muckle Stow’s rebuild at Holbrook. 22nd September At the November meeting, our frescos, sumptuous vestments and Annual full day outing, including Leeds Chairman demonstrated that a profusion of rich furnishings and Cathedral and Armley PC precious icons, all of which seem AGMs will never be the same 13th October to be in huge contrast with the again! Having reviewed a very Members’ Recital evening, Sudbury PC successful 2011 programme of greyness one associates with the events for the DDOA and former Soviet culture. As a 21st November despatched the ‘business’ in a frequent and much travelled visitor Chairman’s Event and AGM total of less than 45 minutes, to Russia, James conveyed many James went on to fascinate us with challenging impressions of Russian the sights and sounds of worship liturgy which he described as Concerts & Recitals in the Russian Orthodox tradition. ‘overwhelming’ with ‘so much th The prelude was a mix of onion going on’ in services, not least the Saturday 11 February, 12 noon domes, clanging bells, glorious music. All-night vigils for vespers Lunchtime organ recital by Martyn Noble at St. Andrew's Church Swanwick Tickets £3.50 including light lunch, available at the door or in advance by calling 01773 605291 or contacting [email protected]

In 2009 Martyn became the at as well as playing live on Radio 3 and Radio 4 and has performed in Norwich, Chester and Winchester and . Martyn has invited requests for his programme and if anyone has a particular favourite – or favourites – we will be happy to pass these on (in good time please so that he can practise).

Cathedral Our Lady of Smolensk, Moscow Festival at Sergiev Posad and services lasting two hours or However, such an emphasis on more are challenging thoughts, but singing goes hand-in-hand with a considering that the spoken word is total absence of musical rare and that priests intone instruments. There appear to be continuously, one has to marvel at zero prospects for organists in the their stamina and musical ability. Russian Church! Thus church Needless to say, an ability to sing choirs are essential. These are is a compulsory qualification for usually small professional bodies, clergy! regularly tasked with providing two hours of music for a single service. It follows that there exists an enormous repertoire of church music which at present is generally unknown to Western ears. James gave us a taste of a daunting musical tradition stretching over several centuries. We sight-read a selection of scores, we heard excerpts from CDs and sang along with some of the recordings. Apart from a very small number of well known Russian composers we were Cathedral of the Nativity, Suzdal baffled by the dozens of unfamiliar names of church composers. Our scores included works by Balakirev, grateful to James for introducing it Alyabiev, Bortnyansky, to us, and with such enthusiasm. Tchaikovsky, Arkhangel’sky and If you missed the meeting, for a L’vov. All the music we heard and real treat, try this link to ‘Lord, let tried was very singable, always me know mine end’ (Psalm 39) by sonorous, often slow, but with Bortnyansky (1751-1825): exciting outbursts. Although so www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCKS much was new to our ears, this Rublev frescos at Vladimir kLAo6V4 was a wonderful repertoire and, by general consent, we were very Laurence Rogers

Recent Events Composers’ Workshop presented by Paul Fisher Paul is an Anglican Priest and enthusiastic amateur musician. His early study of the organ and interest in composition led to him being offered a sabbatical from his parish to study for a year at the Birmingham Conservatoire of Music. Paul's compositions are deeply felt and have an improvisational quality conveying his fascination with the journey a melody can take especially when based on modal or "folksy" idioms. Paul explained his interest in Germanic notation, (B.A.C.H etc) and the way in which past composers have exploited a ‘musical spelling’ method of Stephen Johns generating tunes (Durufle, Alain, Liszt). He has dedicated several of his pieces to friends and acquaintances in this genre, and the Bradford Organist Association i.e. "B.O.A.” have been Paul Fisher with DDOA member, Trevor Morris presented with a specially commissioned work. Others of his compositions have been based on plainsong melodies and folk tunes. His compositions Corfield played two pieces from the set he composed for voice always pay particular attention to the for a recital in August at Derby Cathedral; each was a rhythmic pattern of syllables and aim to be accessible portrait of a personality at the cathedral; he combined to singers without too many awkward intervals, at the the use of musical spelling and quotations of favourite same time preserving interest in each choral line. anthems. Paul illustrated his talk with rather brief examples on Altogether an evening of encouragement to us all, the organ, together with privately produced CDs. and our thanks to Paul Fisher, and also to our own The presentation concluded with an open forum, in David Shooter who kindly provided the technical which Laurence Rogers presented his setting of the support. Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus dei which have been sung at Melbourne for a number of years. Finally Tom Terry Bennett 2 Historic Organs Update - Ed Stow

Perhaps I may be allowed to To these may be added Monyash Methodist: follow up on Rodney Tomkins's Derby, St Maksymilian Kolbe RC Nicholson & Lord 1870's (probably) 2-man - article in the July/August now in store at Mackworth St Francis awaiting restoration and installation Newsletter, having undertaken (as Still in existence: readers may recollect from a brief Derby St Augustine - still in situ, minus the detached console. Historic migrants: statement in these columns rather Barrow-on-Trent St Wilfrid and Long Eaton A few qualifying organs have been more than two years ago) to Trinity Methodist - sold for use abroad. moved into the county: produce an update to his book. Belper Convent - relocated at East Leake From the silence which has ensued (Notts.) RC. Alkmonton St John: Middleton Main St. Methodist - relocated at Wadsworth 1-man - from Mayfield Methodist members may, understandably, Derby Grammar School. have inferred that this was just Additionally: Allenton Methodist: another good intention that had Peak Dale Holy Trinity Conacher 1883 2-man from Castleton (Cardiff) Masonic Temple come to nothing. I did in fact make Relocated at Litton Christ Church (parish of a first attempt at it straight away Tideswell) Cromford Methodist: (January 2009), and have tried Nicholson & Lord 1906 2-man - from Sedgley Additional losses: Tipton Street Methodist ever since to keep it up to date, in In addition, the following, which Also the "Clatworthy" 1-man - currently in as far as I become aware of existed at the time that Rodney’s temporary use at Derby St Osmund developments, with the help of book was published but were not further contributions from Rodney known to the author, have to be himself. But what to do with it? It added to the list of losses: is hardly a saleable publication in itself, but at 20-odd A4 pages is Ashbourne URC: too lengthy to be simply handed Keates 1899 2-man - mostly used in rebuilt out ‘gratis’ to everyone. organ at Osmaston St Martin Cliff College Chapel, Calver: I am glad now to be able to Keates 1908 2-man - relocated to Norfolk report that your Editor has succeeded in deciphering my New Houghton Christ Church: Kirkland c.1897 1-man - destroyed after obsolete disc and after much closure tedious tweaking is now in a position to send the current update Melbourne Baptist electronically to anyone who would like it. Hard copies can also be Renovations supplied at a small charge - As might be expected, in 13 years contact him if you are interested. a proportion of the instruments Needless to say it will only be listed have received at least a meaningful to those who have a cleaning and overhaul, sometimes copy of Rodney’s original book accompanied by minor alterations. (which is still available from The following list includes only Scarthin Books, Cromford those which the present writer con- www.scarthinbooks.com) siders to be of prime historic status For the purposes of the present and which have been subject to article, may I first comment on more than just routine attention: Rodney's list of losses, which Cromford, St Mary: perhaps makes slightly grimmer Hill 1859/Lloyd 1861 - full restoration with Ashbourne URC tonal and mechanical alterations aiming to reading than it might. To the best restore Hill ethos (E R Stow) of my knowledge the 16 organs Historic Addenda Derby, St John: can be divided up as follows: Against all the negative develop- Willis 1875 + later alterations - full ments, a more encouraging note restoration with further alterations aiming to Definitely lost, i.e. known to restore Willis-like character (E R Stow) can be struck in relation to organs have been destroyed, perhaps qualifying for inclusion which were Hayfield, St Matthew: subject to some salvage of pipe- Kirtland & Jardine 1849 + later additions (the not listed in the book, and to those work and other useful parts: oldest 2-manual church organ in the county): which have received sympathetic, Blackwell Methodist, restored without alteration (E R Stow) and in some cases long-awaited, Over Hackney SS Philip & James Elmton, St Peter: Derby, Mackworth Methodist attention since 1998. Brindley 1865 - full Lottery-funded historic Derby, Brook Street Wesley Chapel restoration by Goetze & Gwynn Pinxton Wharf Methodist The following had eluded the Handley, St. John the Baptist PC Matlock Bank, All Saints: author's researches up to the time Forster & Andrews 1886: restoration by Probably lost, but full facts not of publication: Henry Groves & Son Buxworth St James: yet discovered (can any member Middleton, Holy Trinity: Alexander Young c.1897 2-man provide details?): Lloyd - historic restoration by T W Fearn & Alfreton Wycliffe URC Dove Holes St Paul: Son Chesterfield, Assemblies of God Richardson c1890 2-man Morton, Holy Cross: Codnor, Waingroves Methodist Brindley 1864 - full restoration inc. reinstate- Matlock, Farley Hill Congregational Elmton St Peter: ment of mechanical pedal action (E R Stow) Denby, Street Lane Methodist (sold to a Brindley 1865 2-man private purchaser - subsequent Melbourne Baptist: (Thanks to Rodney Tomkins for fate unknown). Porritt c1890 2-man photographs. Editor) 3 The Gratians - Belper’s Organ Building Family (Part 3) - Rodney Tomkins

The American Connection Illinois, in 1858 he was quite further comment about it is that it It is a known fact that, by the end definitely Joseph again. Here I can continued (i.e. in 1922) to give of the eighteenth century, Belper only continue with a quotation from good service. Since it now features already had one American the firm’s lavishly illustrated 1922 on the Organ Historical Society of connection in the person of Samuel publicity brochure, “The Gratian America database, we can assume Slater who, while a trainee Organ Builders” : that it still exists in its 1871 form. manager with mill magnate, “Joseph Gratian established an Jedediah Strutt, had clandestinely enviable reputation as an organ builder left for America, taking with him during the trying years before and after sensitive industrial knowledge. the Civil War. He had the true pioneer Having in 1797 established a large spirit to cope with the difficulties of the textile mill in Pawtucket, Rhode time, the lack of machinery, the limited Island, he is now generally knowledge of the organ, and the chaotic regarded as a Father of the financial conditions attending a war”. American Industrial Revolution. The same brochure also claims that his great-grandfather (i.e. Richard Gratian, who married Mary Yates in 1751) was “eminent in the St Paul’s, Alton musical world of England from 1740 to 1760” – a statement for From available information, all which we have as yet no the organs built by Gratian appear substantiating proof. This may, of to have been one or two manual course, just be an early example of instruments with mechanical American “spin-doctoring”, perhaps action. An early specification – that to lend a bit of “Old World” of the c1875 tracker organ in St. prestige to the firm! Patrick’s R.C. church in Kansas City – could, apart from the inclusion of the popular American The Gratian Organ Builders of “Melodia” stop, be by one of the Alton, Illinois English builders of that date. It is worth quoting the stop-list in full: The twenty seven years old Joseph Gratian (Junior), having GREAT Samuel Slater. arrived in America in 1857, was Violone 16 shortly to be joined from Belper by Open Diapason 8 his young bride-to-be, Rachel Melodia 8 The youngest son of Joseph Hartson (or, more likely, Gamba 8 Gratian’s first marriage – Joseph Hartshorn), two or three years his Dulciana 8 (junior) – made a similar move in junior. He managed to set up his Principal 4 1857, though seemingly without organ building business in Alton, Flute Harmonic 4 the secrecy that had surrounded Illinois, in 1858 and was promptly Twelfth 3 Slater’s departure nearly seventy awarded a contract for that town’s Fifteenth 2 years earlier. Other than that he newly completed St. Paul’s Mixture IV was baptized in Belper in 1830, Episcopal Church, where he was Trumpet 8 having probably been born in 1829, also appointed organist. His earliest SWELL we know nothing about his early surviving instrument, it has “spiky” Bourdon 16 years. It seems, though, that a Gothic casework, typical of many Diapason 8 certain “James” Gratian was active early 19th century English examples Stopped Diapason 8 in Belper musical performances Salicional 8 during the 1850s. Could it be that (including the surviving Buckingham/Gratian organ at Violin 4 Joseph adopted the alternative Chimney Flute 4 Awsworth). The Alton instrument name to avoid confusion with his Mixture III originally was of one manual, but it father? Neither are we clear why Cornopean 8 (family disagreement perhaps?) he appears to have been rebuilt or Oboe 8 should, in 1857, leave his home enlarged by Gratian in 1871, still with mechanical action. The firm’s PEDAL town and his father’s business to Double Diapason 16 emigrate to United States. 1922 brochure gives no specification, but the photograph Bourdon 16 Joseph’s earlier use of the name, clearly shows two manuals of 56 Unison couplers James, is further substantiated in note compass; flat jambs with 10 Manuals 58 notes “North American Organ Builders”, drawstops on the left and nine on Pedals 27 notes by D. Fox, which clearly refers to the right; the 30 note pedalboard him as “James Gratian 1829-1897, appears to be flat and straight. son of Joseph Gratian, who Joseph’s grandson, Warren Burke emigrated to America in 1857. Gratian, who pumped the organ as However, by the time he had a boy, recalled that it “contained established his business at Alton, mutations and mixtures”. The only 4 Dr. Robert E. Coleberd, Jr., has fewer stops than some others, “Joseph Gratian A Pioneer Builder but it has more power”, and: “an in the West” (in “The American organ with the equivalent of 20 or Organist” journal, August 1965) 25 stops with an actual use of a much smaller number” – both After Joseph suggestive of the use of high pressure ranks. Another source Joseph Gratian, son of the Belper comments on their “smoothness of organ builder, born in that town in tone”. One of the firm’s largest 1829, died in Alton, U. S. A. in organs (location unclear) had 1897. He was succeeded in the 2,413 pipes plus harp and chimes; business by his son, John William, it also had a small chancel organ. who was by now not only an During the 1920s the firm also experienced organ craftsman but indulged in cinema organ also an accomplished organist. installations. Born in St.Louis in 1861, he spent several years in Europe studying Little is known of Warren Burke organs by the most notable Gratian’s marriage to Doris R----- builders prior to marrying a though it does appear, from reports, Canadian woman, Kate Warren, in that Mrs Gratian was adept at St Paul’s Church, Alton, Illinois 1890. He appears to have been regulating pipework prior to her particularly skilled in organ voicing. husband’s voicing of the same. They By the mid-1870s Gratian was Following his father’s death in 1897 had a son, Joseph Warren Gratian, using terraced stop jambs and, in the firm was styled “Gratian Organ who was born in 1918 and who died 1879, he patented a crescendo Co.” in New York in 2000. He does not mechanism which consisted of a appear to have been involved in any divided pedal, the right half way with the organ business. controlling swell shutters, while the It seems that the firm, like many, left half operated a stop-crescendo had problems during the by which a cam, operated by the Depression. After bankruptcy pedal, drew the sliders in Warren went to work for various succession. The two halves could other organ builders, eventually be used independently, or together setting up on his own with a small to produce a sforzando effect. His service business in Bunker Hill. He earlier organs had (as we see retired from this in 1979 and died in Third Street, Alton above) well developed choruses, 1980, thus ending the story of but later ones began to reflect the John William died in 1933, Belper’s organ-building connection taste for more foundational ranks, passing the business on to his son, with the States. The business was often with fanciful names. While Warren Burke Gratian (born 1891), bought up by the grandly titled remaining faithful to mechanical following re-establishment of the “Schneider Orgelbau Werkstadt Inc” key actions, Joseph was, towards firm in 1922 as “Gratian Organ of Michigan. the end, experimenting with a Builders”. Another son of John Editor’s note: pneumatic stop action. William also in the business, but This is the final instalment of only for a short while, was Elwood Rodney’s history of the Gratians of (or Edward) Gratian. Belper. The complete story is now John William’s particular interest available as a 12-page booklet with was in the application of electricity colour illustrations. Copies costing to organ building. The early 20th £2.00, including postage, may be century period saw the firm’s obtained by post from the editor. development of what they called Please make cheques payable to the “Gratian Electro-Pneumatic” Derby and District Organists’ system. This is described in the Association. Public Square, Alton 1922 brochure as having the “improved Gratian type magnet In 1896 Joseph Gratian suffered and balanced valve, which is an Notice severe head injury from flying exclusive and unique feature of The Sitwell Singers debris during a tornado. He never Gratian construction”. The general Vacancy for an Assistant fully recovered and as a result external appearance of the Conductor/Singer suffered a stroke later that year. instruments is of rows of bare He died at his home in Alton on 11 pipes above lower casework, with Based in Derby, The Sitwell Singers June 1897 and was succeeded by projecting or detached stop-key are looking for an enthusiastic his son, John William Gratian. His consoles – all much as we find individual to join the group in the wife, Rachel, survived him until at over here between the wars. The dual role as assistant least the 1920s. lavishly illustrated brochure conductor/singer: Further details available from their website For much of the information in unfortunately gives no specification details, but certain www.sitwellsingers.org.uk or the this (and following) sections I am choir secretary Sheila Spilling 01332 indebted to the following sources: press comments are included which allow us a little insight. Two 840574, [email protected] E. T. Schmitt, “The Organ : an such reports read as follows: “It Auditions will take place on encyclopedia” (Routledge, 2006) Saturday 14th Jan 2012. 5 DDOA - Your Association Organ teachers volunteer to play pieces he will As most of us know by now, there provide for discussion. The Role of Chaplain to the DDOA is an ever-growing concern about standard will probably vary from For over a year now the the future of organ playing in this anything between ABRSM/TRINITY Association has been discussing the country. The reasons for this need GUILDHALL Grades 4 - 7, so you role of Chaplain. Our Constitution no repetition here but there are can pick a piece to suit you and the requires us to elect a chaplain, who plenty of initiatives afoot to try and music will be provided in advance. does not, however, serve on the raise the profile of the organ. These PLEASE DON’T BE SHY. Contact Committee. While DDOA is a secular include events organised by local the Secretary (email and phone organization, it is largely made up of associations like ours, the work of below.) members who are interested in the the St Giles Organ School and the organ as an instrument used in RCO to name but a few. It occurred New Committee and Officers church worship, and this situation is to me the other day that if I were At the AGM held on 22nd likely to continue. However, the asked who the teachers in our current feeling is that as a November, the following officers Association were I would be hard were elected for 2012: constitutional requirement the pressed to name more than a Chairman James Muckle position of Chaplain is an handful and that seems to me to be Vice-Chairman Denis Littleton anachronism. Our present Chaplain, a pity. So, could I ask that if you Secretary Stephen Johns the Rev. John Bland, is unable to teach the organ and are willing to let Treasurer Chris Darrall attend meetings, but he has stated that be known, you contact me so Gift Aid Secretary Gillian Chatto that he accepts this view, and that if that I can compile a list that would Newsletter Editor Laurence Rogers at any time in the future a pastoral be of use to any ‘would-be’ player. Website Manager David Shooter need should arise, he would be We can then put names on our Auditor D. Hall happy to provide whatever help was website. Many Associations already Chaplain Revd. John Bland appropriate, whether or not he were do this and it seems a very simple, Committee: Terry Bennett officially appointed Chaplain. The obvious step we could take to Peter Gould recent AGM voted to express the support national initiatives. opinion that the Constitution should Peter Williams be changed to remove the Stephen Johns requirement to elect a Officers and committee members chaplain. Formal notice is hereby Volunteer needed may be contacted by email: given that at the next meeting of For our meeting on 19th March, 19 [email protected] DDOA a proposal to this effect will cent. FRENCH ORGAN MUSIC The Hon. Secretary may also be be discussed and the matter WORKSHOP, the presenter, Tom contacted by telephone 01332 decided. Leech, has requested the help of a 764792. Forthcoming DDOA Meeting

The Organ Music of Samuel Wesley Presented by Professor Philip Olleson Wednesday 15th February, 7.30 pm at Belper Heritage Centre

Philip Olleson is Emeritus Professor of Historical Musicology at the University of Nottingham. In a long and distinguished career in university education he has pursued research interests in music in England in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. His many publications include articles for the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians and the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. He is the author of three books on the life and work of Samuel Wesley and of numerous chapters on the Wesley family in scholarly books and journals. As the country’s leading authority on Samuel Wesley, we are very fortunate that he has agreed to present our first meeting for 2012.

Items of news or articles for the March/April edition of the should reach the Editor by Monday 20th February, either via e-mail: [email protected] or by post: Dr Laurence Rogers, 24 St.David’s Crescent, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 4SS. The Secretary, Stephen Johns, may be reached via [email protected] Please visit the DDOA Website www.derbyorganists.co.uk for information about Association activities, past editions of the newsletter, photo gallery and many special features of local interest. www.derbyorganists.co.uk 6