THE organist of St Andrew's Cathedral has been asked to tone down his loud musical flourishes at the end of Sunday services because members of the congregation have complained they cannot hear themselves think.
The organist's repertoire is now limited to quiet, slow-paced hymns and recessionals following the intervention of cathedral staff three weeks ago. The move has left some fans of traditional church music wondering about the future role of organ and choral music at Australia's oldest cathedral. But officials deny the cathedral's choir had also been banned from processing down the aisle during Sunday services to save time.
Garrett, George - Music Director at St. John's College, Cambridge (1857-1897)
You might have heard of Andrew Nethsingha, the new Director of Music of the Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge. And you might know that his predecessor was David Hill. And you might own a couple CDs by David's predecessor Christopher Robinson. And from there, you probably know the name George Guest since he held the post for a mere 40 years. Robin Orr, Guests's predecessor, wrote quite a bit and you might have some of his music in your choir's library.
But what about before that? Cyril Rootham? Who's that? George Garrett? He doesn't even have a Wikipedia page!
(Until now.)
I love succession boxes, and Garrett boxes.
Mus.D. gown of George Mursell Garrett
c. 1867. Cream (decorated with floral design) and red silk. A label inside reads 'R. Buttress & Co Ltd' and bears the name 'Robin Orr'. This gown belonged to George Mursell Garrett (Mus.B. 1857, Mus.D. 1867), Organist of St John’s College 1857-97, and University Organist 1873-97. From Garrett the gown passed to Cyril Bradley Rootham (BA 1897, College Organist 1901-38) and from Rootham to Robin Orr (Mus.B. 1932, College Organist 1938-51).
Given by Mrs Doris Orr, April 2008. Garrett box.
The author of this website is an organist whom the New York Times calls “repeatedly, insisting that he pay for his subscription”.
He likes to read parking meters, music, Indianapolis Monthly, and weather forecasts in Celsius, particularly whilst wearing cassock and surplice.
He serves lasagna, overhand, as an example to many, and on ecclesiastical juries. He mixes salads, drinks, and metaphors. He takes photos, lots of dinner mints, and a little bit of time to get to know.
September 12 marks the birth of English organist and composer Caleb Simper who was wildly popular a few years back.
You might have heard of Andrew Nethsingha, the new Director of Music of the Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge. And you might know that his predecessor was David Hill. And you might own a couple CDs by David's predecessor Christopher Robinson. And from there, you probably know the name George Guest since he held the post for a mere 40 years. Robin Orr, Guests's predecessor, wrote quite a bit and you might have some of his music in your choir's library.
A double-sided page of an organ part written by J. S. Bach has been found.