R.I.P. John Scott

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  • Simon Biazeck
    • Sep 2024

    R.I.P. John Scott

    Very sad news just in. A huge loss to church music. An organist and choir trainer of exceptional ability and achievements. If I may quote a colleague and fellow Forum member "One of the few great church musicians of our time."

    Saint Thomas Church is heartbroken by the sudden death of its beloved Organist and Director of Music, John Scott. A Solemn Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, September 12 at 11am at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue.Read more...
  • Vox Humana
    Full Member
    • Dec 2012
    • 1248

    #2
    What very sad news. My thoughts are with his family in their untimely loss.

    Comment

    • Keraulophone
      Full Member
      • Nov 2010
      • 1943

      #3
      Such a tragic and devastating loss to his family (his wife Lily is expecting their child in September) and to the world of church music. He was an extraordinarily brilliant organist and choir trainer, and a true gentleman.

      May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

      Comment

      • Wolsey
        Full Member
        • Nov 2010
        • 416

        #4
        I am shocked and devastated by this news. "May the angels lead you into paradise."

        Comment

        • terratogen
          Full Member
          • Nov 2011
          • 113

          #5
          No way.

          No words. May peace be with his family.

          Comment

          • Op. XXXIX
            Full Member
            • Nov 2010
            • 189

            #6
            Originally posted by terratogen View Post

            No words.
            As above.

            Comment

            • mw963
              Full Member
              • Feb 2012
              • 538

              #7
              The first time I became aware of him was at a "penultimate night of the Proms" - probably 1978 when the first half was devoted to the Reubke. A noisy and restless audience was quickly reduced to an awed silence as Mr Scott absolutely *ripped* through the piece; I've never ever heard it played better (by a long chalk too) and most other performances rate as "dainty" in comparison.

              Years later I was able to reunite him with a recording I'd made of the broadcast, and he wrote a very nice letter thanking me for replacing his own recording which had been lost years before.

              What a loss.

              Comment

              • DracoM
                Host
                • Mar 2007
                • 12912

                #8
                This is desperate news.

                St T NYC's reputation as one of the finest liturgically based men and boys choir in the wold is unrivalled, and it is in a large measure due to his expert, sensitive and magisterial guidance.

                They will be in deepest shock.
                Last edited by DracoM; 13-08-15, 09:37.

                Comment

                • Simon Biazeck

                  #9
                  The last time I saw him was after a recital at Westminster Cathedral several years ago in which he played Duruflé's Variations on Veni Creator Spiritus and Messiaen's Messe de la Pentecôte - it was extraordinary playing: faultless and supremely musical. My mother (not a natural Messiaen fan) was very taken with it and begged to meet him afterwards at the reception.

                  He gave me some my first professional work at St Paul's. I can recall so many of the services I sang for him as if they were yesterday - Howells Collegium Regale and St Paul's Evening services, Tippett 'St John's' and so much glorious Stanford. His stately and finely nuanced approach to the psalms (immortalized in the Psalter he produced there) was always the most moving part of a service and came straight from his profound faith.

                  His work at St Thomas, Fifth Ave. needs no more approbation from me, but I can wholly recommend their recording of the Howells and Duruflé Requiems.

                  Vale.
                  Last edited by Guest; 13-08-15, 10:11.

                  Comment

                  • DracoM
                    Host
                    • Mar 2007
                    • 12912

                    #10
                    Absolutely endorsed.

                    The St T's singings of Howells St Paul's Service was thrilling and moving, and of course via their website, always live. Nowhere to hide.

                    Comment

                    • BBMmk2
                      Late Member
                      • Nov 2010
                      • 20908

                      #11
                      John Scott, a fabulous organist and a great person as well. Very sad day today RIP
                      Don’t cry for me
                      I go where music was born

                      J S Bach 1685-1750

                      Comment

                      • Keraulophone
                        Full Member
                        • Nov 2010
                        • 1943

                        #12
                        Praised in this month's Gramophone...


                        Comment

                        • Keraulophone
                          Full Member
                          • Nov 2010
                          • 1943

                          #13
                          Short clip here from St Paul's, 1997:

                          Comment

                          • Pulcinella
                            Host
                            • Feb 2014
                            • 10681

                            #14
                            Originally posted by Keraulophone View Post
                            Short clip here from St Paul's, 1997:
                            https://www.stpauls.co.uk/news-press...s-dies-aged-59
                            That link did not work for me.
                            I hope this one does.
                            Discover the latest news from St Paul’s Cathedral, including updates from our latest projects, details of special events and more.

                            Comment

                            • DracoM
                              Host
                              • Mar 2007
                              • 12912

                              #15
                              On back row of boys, current England Test Cricket Capt, Alastiar Cook.

                              Comment

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