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Lebrecht first with the news as usual (though he writes 'Nicholas' rather than 'Nicolas'), so we await official obituaries.
It isn't given us to know those rare moments when people are wide open and the lightest touch can wither or heal. A moment too late and we can never reach them any more in this world. -
Nicolas Kynaston belonged to the top echelons of postwar British organists, up with the likes of Simon Preston and Jane Parker-Smith. The 89p I spent on my first organ record was for NK's Widor & Liszt LP recorded in the RAH on Classics for Pleasure. It still sounds magnificent, as does his even more widely acclaimed Bach on CFP from Clifton Cathedral, chosen by one of the Gramophone organ critics as their favourite Bach organ recording.
Having just begun my first organ lessons, I was taken in April 1971 to a Gala Organ Festival at the RAH where the great Marcel Dupré was to give his final recital. He appeared very frail, only months before his death, but got though two or three pieces. Of all the other organists who played at that gala, I can only recall Kynaston, for the virtuosity of his playing and mastery of the instrument and the music.
Reaching the age of 83 is remarkable in itself, such was his chain-smoking habit. The plate engraved with 'Strictly No Smoking' screwed to the console of the RFH organ could have been aimed at him, along with the Gaulois-puffing organistes from across the Channel, whose ash used to sprinke the keyboards of NDdP and elsewhere.
RIP NK
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Totally agree with all above.Comment
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