January / February 2014 Number 40 Derby & District Organists' Association Registered Charity No. 510567 Newsletter DDOA Events 2014 10th February (Monday) ‘Those were the Days’ Recordings of famous organists of the mid 20th Century St John’s Heritage Centre, Belper at 7.30pm . (see page 6)

12th March (Wednesday) ’Organ Tourism’ with guest speaker Anthony Burns Cox

7th April (Monday) ‘Lessons with Dad’ – J S Bach as teacher (Peter Williams and Stephen Johns)

24th May (Saturday) Visit to organs in Sheffield, including St John’s, Ranmoor

17th June (Tuesday) Annual Dinner at the Black Boy at Heage

12th July (Saturday) Educational event at the Cathedral, in Victorian Organ Cases: The Legacy of George Bodley association with RSCM

- Laurence Rogers 15th July (Tuesday) Visit to local organs: Hoar Cross and The appearance of many British Bodley was a pupil of Sir George Doveridge public buildings and churches owe Gilbert Scott (1811-1878), one of a considerable debt to the Gothic the most prolific architects of the 8th September (Monday) revival of the 19th century. The Victorian era who designed two of Visit to local organs: English Martyrs and great names of the architects of London’s icons, St Pancras Station restored instrument at Egginton the revival need no introduction; and the Albert Memorial. (Locally George Gilbert Scott, John in , Scott designed the 8th October (Wednesday) Loughborough Pearson, Augustus workhouses in Belper and was ‘The Organ Pilgrimage’ – Peter Gould’s Pugin, and so on, not to mention responsible for restoring the final visit of his marathon project with many local provincial heroes who Romanesque features of St opportunity to play the recently restored fashioned rapidly expanding Michael, Melbourne.) As with organ at St Osmund’s, Derby Victorian cities. In the case of new several of his contemporaries, churches, architects sometimes Scott’s practice was based on November: AGM were commissioned to design an thorough scholarly research organ case as part of the achieved through extensive travel furnishings. During the Autumn I in Europe. Likewise, Bodley was Concerts & Recitals attended a fascinating seminar on much travelled and became th Victorian organ cases at the strongly influenced by Northern Saturday 15 February, 12 noon Church of St Michael and All European late-medieval designs. St. Andrew's Church, Swanwick. Angels, Croydon, a fine Pearson Christopher pointed out that this Lunchtime organ recital by Martyn Noble church with a Father Willis organ influence could be traced in many (Organ Scholar, Southwark Cathedral) housed in two splendid cases by of his organ cases. It particularly Tickets are £4 including lunch, available (1827- fascinated me that there was an at the door or in advance by calling 1907). Much of the day focused apparent empathy between 01773 605291 or 01773 541458. on Bodley’s work which was Bodley’s cases and the Gothic introduced with an engaging organ case at the Jakobikirche in Send to a friend illustrated gazetteer by Lübeck, Northern Germany, where Christopher Moore, a former I had the pleasure of playing Do you pass on your Newsletter or organist at St Michael’s. during August. The notable forward the pdf version to a friend? features were the ‘crowns’ on the This would be a useful way of Photo: The Bodley cases of the Father Willis organ tops of the towers and the broadening interest in our activities (1882) at St Michael and All Angels, Croydon. ornamental pipe shades just below and introducing new members to Photo by courtesy of Oliver Horn. the crowns. I show here two our Association. North transept case, St Michael’s, Croydon Gothic organ (1457/1515) St Jakobi, Lübeck examples of local interest, at Hoar encompasses not only the is at Hoar Cross which the DDOA Cross, Staffordshire, and Clumber proportions and structure of the plans to visit in July. I hope this Park, , which building, but also its furnishings short introduction whets the serve to illustrate this and ornamentation. It is said that appetite of members for the visit - resemblance. Bodley could “close his eyes and one not to be missed! imagine every detail” when Laurence Rogers According to Bodley “Gothic is a designing a new building. Such complete style...which can give attention to ornamental detail was Thanks to Christopher Moore for unity to a building”. The style in evidence in even the most the photographs below. modest village organs. A favourite colour scheme used olive green, terra cotta red and gold as is illustrated here in a another local example to be found at Plumtree Parish Church, Nottinghamshire. One of the finest examples of Bodley’s complete Gothic creations

Hoar Cross Clumber Park Plumtree

teaching A-level music at Derby It has been a most enjoyable Members’ News High School, part time. The exercise and I am now looking forward to arranging the final nine Derby Diocesan Organ position at Derby Cathedral as rural deaneries and 148 organs in Pilgrimage Master of the Music continues, now in its 31st year. My ambition the South. I see this as a piece of Back in the summer of 2012 I was to play in every Anglican outreach work for the cathedral and had the idea of touring the diocese church with a serviceable organ diocese and have had so many and playing all of the organs that over a period of two years. In words of welcome and support from were operable. I don’t think that 2013 I would concentrate on the the parishes, my photo is probably this scheme has ever been seven rural deaneries in the on several church websites by now! attempted before, certainly not Northern Archdeaconary then I have the approval and support of within the Derby Diocese and I tackle the remaining churches in the Bishop and Dean of Derby and suspect not in any other diocese the South in 2014. I have just indeed the Bishop has given me a either. Knowing that this would be finished the churches in the north, grant towards my travelling quite a time-consuming plan I clocking up the 128th in Glossop expenses. Part of my self- imposed decided to give up teaching after on November 6th 2013. brief was to arrive at the first 38 years. I had recently been church of the day and leave for 2 DDOA - Your Association Annual General Meeting 2013 The minutes of the meeting are available as an attachment, but here are some highlights from the meeting. home from the last by public anything between 0 and 79 people! The Chairman, Denis Littleton transport. Those who know me The average head-count is about 6 thanked the officers and committee well know that the train is my – 10 but some places have for their support throughout the preferred mode of travel and produced school parties if the year. He reflected upon a varied every deanery has involved the church has been close and I have and successful programme of the rail network on several occasions. been happy to talk to the children year’s events, highlighting the The journey between churches about how the organ works as a entertaining contribution made to during the day has been by car, prelude to the short concert. I the Annual Dinner by our guest kindly driven by someone in the have had a nursery class, years 5 speaker Alan Thurlow, the trip to locality, often the rural dean, an & 6, a music A-level class and in Oxford, Peter Williams’s session at organist or a church warden. By one case, the whole school! I have Repton on Service Accompaniment, using a wayfarer ticket for each even had four dogs (separately) in and the work of the Children and day I have been able to travel my audience and one cat too! I the Organ Project (CATO) which around the county quite cheaply have played on one manual organs showcased its activities at the July and so far have only spent £249 without pedals (difficult to find concert at Belper with children and on buses and trains on this much repertoire here so tend to parents from Pottery School. pilgrimage. improvise!), organs in a sorry state The Secretary, Stephen Johns, of repair, a range of electronic Upon arrival at each church I aim reported that, sadly, the instruments including a Hammond to play a short programme of Derbyshire Organs CD Project has in a worship centre (so included ‘I three works, a short prelude and been abandoned due to many do like to be beside the seaside’ as fugue by Bach, followed by two frustrations in the recording an encore!) though I much prefer pieces from the English romantic process (unheated churches, the traditional pipe organs and repertoire, often Stanford, untuned organs, unheralded have found many gems in my Whitlock and Vaughan Williams to arrivals and interruptions from travels. In a few places I have show off the colours and sounds noisy power plant and industrious managed to fit in a longer recital that each organ can produce. The flower ladies). The need for into a lunch-time regular slot like great joy is that every organ is innumerable re-takes got quite out Swanwick and Chesterfield and unique just as the buildings are of hand. The player, Peter have also given an evening concert too, and for me it is the first time Williams, and recording team were at Glossop where attendance rose that I have visited some of these thanked for their persistent but above normal levels. I have also beautiful buildings and made them ultimately daunted efforts on the played before a service, at the end come alive. (Some I have known project. of a service, included a hymn and from the past when I have taken have been able to accommodate The Officers and Committee for the cathedral choir there to sing at various requests. 2014 were elected as follows: services or concerts over the years.) I do encourage the areas At the end of each concert I ask Chairman: D Littleton to publicise the event and some for a collection to support two Vice Chairman: J Maxwell-Jones are more successful than others in charities in equal measure, one is Secretary: S Johns this area. I have played to the restoration of the cathedral Treasurer: C Darrall organ which is becoming Gift Aid Secretary: Mrs G Chatto increasingly unreliable and also a Newsletter Editor: L Rogers. local charity, the choice of the local Committee: T Bennett, P Gould, rural dean. So far I have collected M Eades, J Muckle, D Shooter over £2,000 and most of this has been gift aided. Subscriptions for 2014 The only sad thing that I am The treasurer’s proposal to hold picking up from my travels is that the DDOA subscription rates for the organ has much less use than 2014 was adopted at the AGM. was originally intended. Pedal However, the Organists’ Review boards sometime look very dusty subscription will increase to £25. and I am often told that the organ The rates are as follows: is only played infrequently by a Standard rate: £15 visiting organist for weddings and Family rate: £20 funerals. I hope that through my (two members in one household) playing I can help to awaken the Student rate: Free possibilities, showing how versatile Organists’ Review: £25.00 the instrument still is and what it is Subscriptions are due now, and capable of in the service of notification letters from the Almighty God. treasurer are attached. Members Canon Peter Gould are requested to pay their dues as Peter Gould at Glossop soon as possible. 3 Gift Aid patchily. We have no constitution Members’ News This is a reminder that, if you are before 1980, and the earliest list of We are happy to welcome a taxpayer, you can help boost the members relates to 1966. Matthew Gibson to our finances of the DDOA by It is possible to compile from these membership and hope he will completing a Gift Aid declaration relics a straightforward, but enjoy our events and meeting form. This allows the Association relatively unilluminating account of other members. Matthew is to reclaim tax on any donations the activities of our predecessors. Organ Scholar at Derby Cathedral. (including subscriptions) which you The records lack ‘flesh’, while make to the DDOA. A declaration confining themselves to bare facts. need only be made once and will A few press cuttings do, however, be ongoing thereafter, as long as Recent Events enliven the story, and it is possible you remain a taxpayer. (Should sometimes to read between the you cease to pay tax at any time, Johann Ludwig Krebs lines and construct a more then you should inform the DDOA interesting picture. Immediately following the AGM, Gift Aid secretary that this is the our Chairman, Denis Littleton, case.) The form is available from Until recently the greatest gap was gave an illustrated talk on the the Gift Aid Secretary, Gillian the early years: 1904-16. However, organ works of this German Chatto, 22 Guide Post, Nether a digital archive of local newspapers composer and pupil of J.S.Bach. Heage, Derbyshire, DE56 2AQ, recently became available, and we The music we heard was email: [email protected]. have to thank our former Secretary, impressive for its vitality. Mrs Siann Hurt, for exploring the Books & CDs Exchange Derby Daily Telegraph archive on Visit to organs at Osmaston our behalf. In fact, those early years A sizeable quantity of second- and Ashbourne now appear more vividly than hand piano music is available at no almost any other in our more A dank October afternoon found cost to anyone wishing to give it a distant history as a result of her a small group of us at Osmaston new home. It could be very useful discoveries in the columns of that and Ashbourne. to a piano teacher for giving away newspaper. One account of our to pupils. Please let the Editor 1905 dinner has been recently In 2000 Ed Stow moved the know if you are interested or can reprinted in a recent issue of our Brindley & Foster organ from think of anyone who might be newsletter. Journalists have brought Ashbourne URC to Osmaston, to interested. our history to life in a way that our replace their original one-manual own minutes do not! instrument. I remember playing Children and the Organ the instrument in its original There are still many gaps, In the new year the CATO team location not long before it was however, but Siann may well has two bookings for workshops moved and being impressed by it discover further interesting material. for young people: First on 15th then. The organ is situated at the It is perhaps rather unlikely that February at St Peter’s Church, west end of the church, set a little anyone present has access to , at the invitation of Dr higher than the pews, is a 2- material that we ought to preserve Peter Siepmann, President of the manual instrument with 14 stops in our records, but if you have, Nottingham Organists’ Association; and speaks clearly into the please let us know. For example, we Secondly, negotiations are building. Playing the organ is an lack events cards for 1958, 1967, progressing to hold a workshop at enjoyable experience, the 1980-84, 1986-88, 1999-2004, St Matthew’s, Darley Abbey in the congregation at Osmaston is 2006, 2007 onwards. Someone Spring. We are grateful to our fortunate to have such an must surely have these, at least. member Geoff Howell for instrument. promoting our work with contacts I should like to propose that Siann in local schools. This is a useful Hurt is officially thanked for her Having enjoyed the hors reminder to members to use their work on these early records. d'oeuvre, we moved on to the local knowledge and contacts to main course, the recent restored Secondly, will members please help us broaden awareness of our and renovated organ at consider whether we should deposit service to education. If you know Ashbourne. We arrived just as a these records in the City or County of or can recommend primary wedding party was coming out, archives in due course? The City schools who might be interested in having taken their photos inside librarian/archivist has expressed participating in a CATO workshop, due to the miserable weather. interest. I suspect, however, that please contact the Secretary. there may be difficulties over We were welcomed with tea and photocopied/offprinted texts (for cake, by Michael Halls, who told reasons of the long-term Archives of DDOA. us something of the history of the preservation of such material), and organs at Ashbourne. The first Report to AGM, November 2013 by over material stored in digital documented instrument dated James Muckle, Vice Chairman format on disk (because technology from 1710. This was replaced in changes so rapidly that such The Association was formed in 1858 when William Hill built a 3- material may not in a few years’ 1904, but until recently the only manual instrument which formed time be retrievable.) The expertise records we had were from 1917 the basis of the present organ. It of anyone here or in the Association onwards, mainly committee and was moved in the 1880s to its will be gratefully listened to. ‘general’ meetings. These present position on the south side of the choir. Its next rebuild was comprise a complete run, as far as James Muckle we can see. Other documents and …. Continued on page 6. correspondence are represented 4 “This man is a phenomenon” - Alexandre Guilmant in Derby

Delving into the archives of the Part 1 concluded with a verdict in Derby Evening Telegraph, Siann Hurt favour of M. Guilmant. has recently uncovered reports of Part 2 opened with Mendelssohn’s three recitals given in Derby by the Sonata in D minor (No.6). I had looked great French organist and composer, forward to this number, but on the whole Alexandre Guilmant. Reprinted here is met with disappointment. The rendering a transcript of the report on his recital was unsympathetic, and in some parts of 1883, published shortly afterwards even rough – the first variation, marked in December of that year. It is a pp by the composer, especially so; the wonderful piece, giving fascinating beautiful contrapuntal accompaniment to insights into the sensibilities of the the theme was too loud, and the melody time, not least to those of the author, was played on a coarse reed. In this work, about whom Siann writes: one of the very few objectionable features in M. Guilmant’s playing was also “John Henry Gower, who reviewed noticeable, sustaining the final tonic the Guilmant recital in 1883, was a triad too long. The enormously heavy teacher at Trent College, Long Eaton touch of the great organ coupled to the at the time of the 1881 census. He swell, interfered with the manipulation in was born in Rugby, Warwickshire in the rapid semiquaver variations of M. 1855 and emigrated to Denver, Guilmant’s fingers, as I believe it would Colorado, in 1886, so was not one of be in any fingers in the world. No.6 has the founding members of the DDOA. been judged from the highest standpoint, At the time of the 1920 US Census, Dr consequence, the execution of the as of course M. Guilmant would wish it. Gower is still in Denver, teaching No.7. Caprice in B flat (Alexander music privately from home.” ascending sequence of 5ths was somewhat uneven. The subject and Guilmant): an admirable and effective In each case, the recitals were given answer in the exposition was given on a composition admirably and effectively at the Drill Hall, a substantial building combination of stops unsuited (to my played. originally built in Becket Street, Derby, mind) to the dignity of the Fugue. At the No.8. (a) March, with hymn of priests; in 1869, but now demolished. The moment M.Guilmant was working the fugue in C (Buxtehude). Of the March only reminder of the former grand movement to a grand climax, a pedal note little can be said but it proved acceptable premises is the ‘Drill Vaults’ pub on ciphered most persistently, and not until in the hands of the . The fugue the nearby corner with Newland the coda was it induced to stop. No.1, all is excellent and was magnificently played, Street. things considered, was a masterly and roused the audience with performance. enthusiasm. – No.8 admitted of no appeal No.2. Offertoire on two Christmas from the verdict pronounced in favour of Themes (Alex. Guilmant). This M. Guilmant. M.Alex. Guilmant, the celebrated French composition did not strike me as being Mr. Crowther here came forward and organist, is well known in this country. For in any particular , and indeed I was informed the audience that No.9 would many years he has paid us periodic visits and rather surprised to find the piece had be an improvisation on two themes, given us every facility for hearing him. At first finished. The opening, however, afforded selected without the knowledge of M. he was somewhat handicapped by the opportunity of judging the Guilmant. The great organist then inexperience in English organs, but now he “Diapasons” of the organ; they are displayed one of his most remarkable may be said to fairly represent himself on undoubtedly of round, even and powerful gifts, and fairly astounded everyone. No.9, instruments of either home or foreign make. tone. The stop, however, is rather an extraordinary feat. As a sound and conscientious musician, as a thin. No.2, a little disappointing. The recital concluded with No.10, marvellous executant, M.Guilmant takes first No.3. (a) Prelude, Clerambault, (b) Grand Chorus by Salonie. M. Guilmant rank. His compositions, too are popular, and Pastorale, Lemmens. The latter work was then left the platform. deservedly so. Indeed there is every reason , chiefly owing to the magnificent I must now find fault with the audience why they should be. They almost invariably playing of M.Guilmant. The Prelude is – who, by the way, had been very form part of his own programme, and the name quaint and pretty. The Pastoral is appreciative throughout the evening, for is familiar in the right-hand columns of the irregular as to form and construction. the scanty applause finally bestowed “bills of fare” of scores of organ recitals. They No.3 beautifully played – well received. upon him – for if there is any sense of are tuneful, graceful and well written, though No.4. (a) Scherzo Symphonique, (b) justice or good feeling in , M. perhaps lacking in originality and power. Elevation – both by Alex. Guilmant. The Guilmant should certainly have been The programme of his recital at the Drill Hall first named of these two compositions is recalled again and again to receive a on Thursday was interesting and instructive, undoubtedly the better, and is one of the ringing cheer, three time renewed. I both historically and musically. The most successful of M. Guilmant’s works, remarked to a well known Derby organist performance of it was well in keeping with his while the “Elevation” is tuneful and as we left the hall, “This man is a reputation. A short criticism of the rendering graceful. Both were admirably played, as phenomenon!” His reply was, “Yes, of each number of the programme is here might be imagined. In No.4 Mons. indeed, he is splendid.” Much praise and appended. Guilmant scored a great success. many thanks to M. Guilmant, who is a No.1.*Toccata and Fugue in D minor, No.5. Passacaglia, Frescobaldi (1591- great man, and gave us a great musical J.S.Bach. The Toccata was splendidly played, 1654): tonic, sub-dominant, and dominant treat. and, considering the heavy touch of the Drill harmonies, with variations, grace notes, JOHN H. GOWER, Mus.Doc., Oxon. Hall organ, the semiquaver and appoggiaturas, from page 1 to finish. demisemiquaver work was clear and distinct. Probably appreciated 200 years ago more *A Toccata is a prelude or overture. The fugue was taken a little too fast, and, in than now. 5 Michael explained the problems organ to play and I think we all the organ had prior to the recent enjoyed the experience. work. Due to its location and the building itself, the sound of the Thanks to Stephen Johns for the organ was not at its best in the arrangements, to Michael Halls for nave, and not really adequate for allowing the visit and his account supporting the singing of large of the organ and its history, and congregations. to the church warden at Osmaston. As a result Henry Groves of Ilkeston was commissioned to Denis Littleton carry out work on the organ in 2011. This comprised addition of a sound canopy to reflect sound into the building, rather than lose it in the roof space; some ranks were turned round to speak into the nave; the choir stops were changed; a nave division of 8', 4' The console at Ashbourne 2' and Mixture IV was added (this is not in the nave but within the in 1951, which involved replacing case and speaks down the nave); the tracker action with electro- new blowers were installed and pneumatic, and the console shutters were added to the west detached; apparently this was a side of the swell box to direct condition of the appointment of sound towards the nave. Daley Atkinson as organist. He must have liked it, as his tenure After all of this, which cost in lasted for 48 years. A further the region of £80,000, the church restoration was carried out in as a 3-manual 47 stop instrument 1982 by Hill Norman & Beard in which should serve them well into which the console was made the future. It is a comfortable movable. St Martin’s, Osmaston

Forthcoming DDOA Meeting

New Season 2014 Monday 10th February, 7.30pm St John’s Heritage Centre, Belper ‘THOSE WERE THE DAYS’ Recordings of Organists from early - mid 20th century presented by John Maxwell-Jones and Stephen Johns: Schweitzer ~ Dupré ~ Sumsion GD Cunningham ~ Reginald Goss-Custard Conrad Eden ~ Thalben Ball ~ et al Stephen and John welcome members’ offers of recordings of these organists or any of their contemporaries. The evening should provide a fascinating comparison of styles of playing as fashions changed during the 20th Century.

Access to the close-by cark park is from St John’s Road which is one-way from High Street.

Items of news or articles for the March/April edition of the should reach the Editor by Monday 17th 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.

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