Chaplaincy

Prelude in C minor BWV 546

J S Bach (1685-1750)

This prelude must be one of the most majestic of Bach’s organ works.    There is a ritornello-concerto construction with the opening theme returning flanked by running triplets.    It has stature and authority. 

Pieces de Fantasie, volume two

Louis Vierne (1870-1937)

 Lamento

This is a highly chromatic and brooding piece of a contemplative nature that uses the softer stops. 

Sicilienne

Vierne introduces his melody at the beginning of the piece, and it recurs in complete form three times with different accompaniment on flute stops. 

Hymne au Soleil

Let us bless the power of the reborn sun,
With all the universe let us celebrate its return.  

Crowned with splendour, it rises, it soars.  

The waking of the earth is a hymn of love. 

Feux Follets

"Feu follet" means "Will o' the Wisp": the most common name given to the mysterious lights that were said to lead travellers from the well-trodden paths into treacherous marshes. They are spirits either of the dead or of non-human intelligence and have a mischievous and often malevolent nature, luring unwary travellers into dangerous situations. 

Clair De Lune: A Symbolic Title in Impressionism

The title and the inspiration of the piece is possibly derived from a poem by Paul Verlaine.   There is a strong sense of atmosphere and Vierne succeeds in highlighting the strength of the organ through the undulating rhythmic idea and a mixture of string and flute stops.

Toccata

This is short, fast and virtuoso piece, which shows the glory of the organ and ends the programme with an air of exuberance.

Stephen Pinnock 

Stephen Pinnock received his early musical training at Canterbury Cathedral where he was the first articled organ pupil. He went on to read music at Leeds University and then went to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge where he gained a Certificate in Education with distinction in the practical work. He also became a Fellow of The Royal College of Organists.  On graduating he was appointed Assistant Director of Music at Whitgift School in Croydon and then moved to Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester where he taught “A” level and subsequently became Head of Choral and Organist of Manchester Cathedral.  He was also conductor of Salford Choral Society and performed the major choral works ranging from Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius to Tippett’s  A Child of Our Time. He has been Director of Music at Ardingly College in Sussex, The King’s School, Canterbury and Millfield School. 

In 2000 he was appointed as the first Director of Aberdeen City Music School - Scotland’s newest national specialist music school.   Many of his pupils have gone on to study at the Royal Schools of Music and subsequently moved into the profession. 

In July 2011 Stephen gave up his full time post and is doing more examining for ABRSM, as well as organ performing. 

The Wednesday Series 2021 

November 24: Kevin Bowyer (L’Orgue Mystique, Suite No. 1, by Charles Tournemire)