Dr Francis Jackson, Centenary, 2 October

[Serial_Apologist]

While a large proportion of Jackson's music was written for ecclesiastical purposes, there is an orchestral work from 1961 to be found on youtube, and it is rather fine, with sidelong glances towards the more spiritual side of Malcolm Arnold, as well as harking back to the later Vaughan Williams, reflected in these Variations on a Theme of Vaughan Williams:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn7ujqrrLYE

Then there was this programme from 1993, in which in interview the composer comes across as one of those slightly otherworldly human beings, now probably sadly a vanishing species:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOlNEFReiK4

[ardcarp]

I like the VW Variations!

[mopsus]

The Communion service in G was a standard in my College chapel when I was a student. I've also sung his 'Missa Matris Dei'. He uses fourths a lot.

[Vile Consort]

I suppose the most frequently aired piece of his is the set of Canticles (the Mag and Nunc) known in the trade as Jackson in G. It's well-wrought and most appealing.

https://www.sjcchoir.co.uk/listen/sjc-live/jackson-f-magnificat-nunc-dimittis-g

However, I'm also a friend of a friend of FJ, and I gather his compositions are many and varied, and not just Anglican stuff.

Also known as "Me in G" because that is what FJ often calls it.

[underthecountertenor]

Also known as "Me in G" because that is what FJ often calls it.

Sydney Watson (who used his stammer to good effect) referred to his Evening Canticles as "M-M-M-M-Me in E"

[Miles Coverdale]

If I remember correctly, one of the national newspapers (the Telegraph?) printed an obituary of Sir Sidney Watson.

[Wolsey]

If I remember correctly, one of the national newspapers (the Telegraph?) printed an obituary of Sir Sidney Watson.

It was The Independent. I wish I had photocopied it. Clearly, the writer of the obituary misunderstood "S-S-Sydney".

[cat]

There was also one in the Guardian: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3825...y_watson_obit/

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

103 years old tomorrow.

[Pulcinella]

103 years old tomorrow.

You might be interested in this, if you're not aware already.
Others might be, too!
I have asked if the link will remain active after the concert or if it's only a one-off event.
If I get a reply I'll update this message.

Concert tonight - 'Francis Jackson at 103'
The York & District Organists' Association will broadcast a concert on YouTube in honour of Dr Francis Jackson CBE (Master of the Music at York Minster, 1946-1982) at 19:30 tonight, Friday 02 October.

You can watch the concert through this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4S-Rh8pYoE

Programme:

Fanfare performed by Christopher Too at Bridlington Priory
Gavot and Sarabande from Georgian Suite performed by Robert Sharpe at home
Diversion for Mixtures performed by Benjamin Morris at St Olave's Church, York
St Mary's Bells performed by Amanda Crawley and Josephine Peach at St Chad's Church, York
Prelude on East Acklam performed by Robert Smith at the York Oratory
Impromptu performed by Nigel Holdsworth at St Columba's URC, York
The Sweet Rivelet performed by Maximillian Elliott at St Olave's Church, York
Tree at my window performed by Amanda Crawley and Josephine Peach at St Chad's Church, York
Arietta performed by Keith Wright at St Olave's Church, York
Prelude on Hereford performed by Geoffrey Coffin at home
From a railway carriage performed by Amanda Crawley and Josephine Peach at St Chad's Church, York
Toccata, Chorale and Fugue performed by John Scott Whiteley at St Albans Cathedral

PS: Previous concerts they've done have stayed on for a while.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Now 104 and still working.

[ardcarp]

Yes, Happy Birthday Dr FJ.