CE Eton Choral Course Wednesday, Dec 13th 2017

[Braunschlag]

Certainly was. A very fine organist. Anyone with an interest in organ music should check out his various recordings for Naxos (Messiaen, Malcolm Williamson), Resonus (L & M Berkeley, McCabe, Stanford) and Toccata (Williamson, Joubert).

Interesting that his recorded output includes some ‘more recent’ composers. Which leads me to comment, why yet another arrangement (and, to me, a double insult as it was Mendelssohn:) was played as a voluntary? I thought overtures were to announce something.
It’s clear enough he has the wherewithal to tackle much of the repertoire, choosing instead to churn out another ‘transcription’.

[mw963]

Was it not Mr Winpenny, designated as 'organist' who played the Mendelssohn so finely?

Sorry, I obviously read the credits above in too much of a hurry.

[Keraulophone]

I think the Ledger descants are wonderful

More Ledger here, back in 1978, with King’s in fine form:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=REy_bS1j2vY

[Vox Humana]

Interesting that his recorded output includes some ‘more recent’ composers. Which leads me to comment, why yet another arrangement (and, to me, a double insult as it was Mendelssohn:) was played as a voluntary? I thought overtures were to announce something.
It’s clear enough he has the wherewithal to tackle much of the repertoire, choosing instead to churn out another ‘transcription’.

It's quite the fad. I hardly see a recital programme these days that doesn't include some orchestral arrangement. I think it's an acknowledgement that the British Romantic organ evolved specifically to do duty as a one-man-band - especially in our town halls. Personally I dislike such arrangements. If I want to hear orchestral pieces I'll listen to the originals which are always more colourful and expressive than any organ - but organ buffs are a law unto themselves. Such arrangements can be wonderful things for showing off an organist's technique, though - if that's what turns you on.

[jonfan]

More Ledger here, back in 1978, with King’s in fine form:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=...&v=REy_bS1j2vY

Thank you for alerting us to this. Superlative singing and all Ledger’s beautiful arrangements included with his red book prominently displayed. ( I liked the way the choir sang from bits of paper and old tattered Carols for Choirs; before the days of easy copying!). Any famous to be faces?

[DracoM]

listening to the Eton Ch Course a second time was even more enjoyable in terms of singng, until.........
[a] the engineers bled into Tom Winpenny's excellent Mendelssohn some Christmas in Europe stuff upcoming - grrr!
[b] Chris Berrow - link presenter - helpfully informed us that there would be a repeat on Sunday - clearly using the same script from last Wednesday!!

[fsharpminor]

listening to the Eton Ch Course a second time was even more enjoyable in terms of singng, until.........
[a] the engineers bled into Tom Winpenny's excellent Mendelssohn some Christmas in Europe stuff upcoming - grrr!
[b] Chris Berrow - link presenter - helpfully informed us that there would be a repeat on Sunday - clearly using the same script from last Wednesday!!

I've complained - no reply so far, of course. Do you think they actually listen to what's broadcast? The 'bleeding' went on for some time.

[Michael C]

Was it just my hearing at fault, or did I catch a soprano perhaps mistakenly begin - and swiftly end - the descant for the refrain of v.2 of O come, O come?

[Nick Armstrong]

Well, some of the finest young voices, blended, disciplined - best singing I've heard in a while.
Naylor is a huge sing, Howells is not for shirkers either, and the tenor solo was exquisitely done.

Just caught up with this today - and I agree, a top-drawer service: the soloists all exceptionally good, and singing all round really fine (ditto the Mendelssohn voluntary).

Exemplary

[ardcarp]

Was it just my hearing at fault, or did I catch a soprano perhaps mistakenly begin - and swiftly end - the descant for the refrain of v.2 of O come, O come?

Well, I just had to listen again after that! Yes, I think your hearing was spot on. Nothing to detract from an excellent CE though.