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Thalben-Ball's "Elegy" performed by James Roman, young organ student I have followed

kas

New member
Gorgeous piece! And beautifully performed by this young man. The solo voice he used near the beginning is amazing! Well registrated throughout and great dynamics. In fact, I was so taken by this piece that I just looked it up and ordered a copy! Thanks for sharing.


Keith
 
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pcnd5584

New member
This piece began life as an improvisation sometime during the 1930s. Thalben-Ball was assisting [Sir] Henry Walford Davies with a live radio broadcast of choral evensong and, prior to going on air, Walford Davies asked Thalben-Ball to 'play a beautiful melody' at the conclusion of the service. The British Broadcasting Corporation received many letters from listeners asking about the piece. Subsequently Thalben-Ball wrote down what he had played* and had it published.

The Elegy is not at all difficult and could be sight-read by any competent organist. However, care should be taken with the registrations and dynamic levels, In addition, it requires a seamless crescendo and diminuendo, in order to realise to composer's intentions.



* THere is also documentary evidence to show that Thalben-Ball, in addition to remembering his own improvisations, was able to produce entire sections of the imrpovisations of other virtuoso organists, with a surprising degree of accuracy.
 

pcnd5584

New member
Beautiful church and Great looking organ by looking at console and review of history.. Lucky to have such a fine instrument to play.

The Minster is indeed fortunate to have such a fine organ.

Now all we need is a decent acoustic ambiance....
 

Dorsetmike

Member
Not long after the 1965 work by Walker on the organ I spoke with the then organist, Michael Austin, who said that in a review published after the work, that the organ was rated as the second best 3 manual instrument in UK, second only to one of the Oxford colleges (don't recall which college though) What would be your view on the current ratings?

I also recall from that meeting that Michael Austin had a pedal harpsichord, first time I ever saw or heard one.
 
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pcnd5584

New member
Not long after the 1965 work by Walker on the organ I spoke with the then organist, Michael Austin, who said that in a review published after the work, that the organ was rated as the second best 3 manual instrument in UK, second only to one of the Oxford colleges (don't recall which college though) What would be your view on the current ratings?

I also recall from that meeting that Michael Austin had a pedal harpsichord, first time I ever saw or heard one.

I should certainly rate it as one of the best three-clavier instruments which I have played in the UK.

I am not sure about the pedal harpsichord. However, I can tell you that, when Michael Austin was interviewed for the post at the Minster, at the point where the panel asked him to play, he said "What would you like to hear?" One of the panel suggested Bach, and Austin said "What piece shall I play?" One of the larger preludes and fugues was requested, whereupon, Austin played the entire work perfectly - and from memory.

 
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Dorsetmike

Member
We actually saw and heard him play the pedal harpsichord, I was with three others just off an RSCM course at the RAF chaplains HQ near Andover. We made a detour on our way back to our bases. We listened and talked in the Minster then adjourned to his house for coffee and more listening and talk round his harpsichord.

I got the impression that he was quite heavily "into" Bach. I believe he studied under Lionel Rogg. From his website I note he moved to Denmark back in the 70's
 

pcnd5584

New member
...I got the impression that he was quite heavily "into" Bach. I believe he studied under Lionel Rogg. From his website I note he moved to Denmark back in the 70's

Yes, I think that this was the case; and, yes, he did indeed move to Denmark. The last time that I looked at his website, I believe that it stated that he was still there.

I do not doubt your story of the pedal harpsichord, I simply have no knowledge of it. Co-incidentally, both my previous and present colleague own harpsichords - without a pedal-board attachment. Both were kept in the Minster.
 
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