Stephen Disley; 18 August 2014

Stephen Disley has become a familiar face for the regular Hastings audience. He did not disappoint on this occasion, presenting a varied selection of music, introducing the items with interesting anecdotes and humour.

WT Best’s transcription of Handel’s Overture to the Occasional Oratorio made for a fiery start to the proceedings, followed by two pieces by Buxtehude.  The prelude on Durch Adams fall ist ganz verdebt  could perhaps have been  slightly better balanced by using a softer solo stop against the beautifully restrained accompaniment.  The dramatic Praeludium in G minor provided a good selection of well registered contrasting sections stylishly delivered. Durufle’s arrangement of Sanctify us by Thy goodness by Bach was given a sensitive performance with flutes and clarinet. Two pieces in the English Cathedral tradition brought the first half to a regal conclusion – Norman Cocker’s Tuba Tune and Walton’s Crown Imperial.

The second half contained less familiar music but to my mind was more musically satisfying. Two movements from Whitlock’s Plymouth Suite (Andante Tranquillo & Toccata) were followed by a haunting rendition of Agnus Dei by Martin. Harris’ Fancy was a welcome demonstration of light-hearted whimsy and was followed by the large scale Variations de Concert by Bonnet.

Stephen began the evening by pointing out the need for restoration work to be carried out on the Willis – something performers are becoming more and more aware of. In light of the current state of the organ (the action has become extremely heavy) it would make sense for organists to adjust their approach to concerts here accordingly. Stephen is not the first organist this season who would have benefitted from slightly slowing his pace and working with a more legato approach in order to give the mechanism time to respond. There were a number of occasions during the programme when pipes were hardly sounding – a real shame as Stephen is an excellent performer.

He concluded the evening with an unashamedly schmaltzy rendition of The Londonderry Air. Building from a gentle introduction to a huge American theatre style climax this piece sent the audience happily on its way. I hope he will be back again soon. SP