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This week saw the 10 year anniversary of the sudden death of organist John Scott.

I still remember where I was when a colleague telephoned with the news on August 12, 2015.

I met John Scott only briefly after an organ recital. He left us too soon, while at the height of his powers. I was then, and remain now, an avid listener to the webcasts from St. Thomas, New York. Though I never had the opportunity to see him work with a choir, I had the privilege to be a student of his musicianship in some small way through the sheer quantity of music and liturgy that eminated from that wonderful place through the internet (usually four Evensongs a week, and Choral Mass on Sunday).

Stephen Buzard, who was working as an assistant to John Scott at the time of his death, has shared a touching remembrance on Facebook:

I think about John often. His exquisite musicianship, deep churchmanship, and tireless dedication to his craft inspire me daily and shape how I approach my vocation. I am the musician I am today because of him.

We are fortunate that John Scott made many recordings during his lifetime. In recent years, the Hyperion record label has made their recordings accessbile via streaming platforms, and it has been a great joy to explore recordings of his — both organ and choral — I have never heard before. This week, I have delved back into the impressive catalog that is eight-CD "The English Anthem" series from St. Paul's Cathedral, London.

Scott was a musicians' musician, and endlessly adaptable. He sounded just at home on the massive organ of St. Paul's, London, as he does on the two-manual Taylor and Boody at St. Thomas.

Labels: John Scott, St Paul's (London), St Thomas (New York), Stephen Buzard