Simon Bell

17 August 2015

Simon Bell has been a regular contributor to this series of concerts in recent years. He has consistently presented thoughtful programmes which have demonstrated his superb musicianship together with the potential of the wonderful All Saints Willis organ.

Tonight’s recital opened in grand style with Guilmant’s rousing March on a theme of Handel (“Lift up your heads”). This was an excellent way to begin as the organ crescendos throughout to build to a dramatic climax which reveals the extent of the organ’s power.

Two less familiar pieces by JS Bach followed. The gentle but intricate Fantasia in C minor coupled with the exuberant Fugue were given a thrilling performance. Trio in G (an arrangement by Bach of a Concerto for Viola da Gamba and harpsichord) was an opportunity for the lighter flutes to be heard.

Mendelssohn’s Sonata No 6 in D minor took the audience back to the Romantic repertoire. This interesting work begins with the Chorale (with variations including a Toccata) Vater unser im Himmelreich. It then moves to a Fugue and finishes in subdued manner with the Andante.

The first half concluded with an arrangement of Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance March No 5. A rousing, rhythmic rendition gave further evidence of Simon’s technical ability and excellent command of the instrument, contrasting the rapid staccato sections with legato passages.

The second half was given over to just one work, Widor’s Symphonie VI in G minor. It is one of the delights of this series that sometimes larger works are included. So often we hear movements played in isolation and so it was a treat to hear a compete work such as this. I would describe all of the music in this concert as substantial but this is especially true of the Symphonie. In four movements we heard a range of colours and moods, including mellow  solo Swell Oboe in the Cantabile  and thrilling full organ in the Finale. Meticulous stop changes were effected by both organist and assistant and together with expert control of the expression pedal contributed to a fine musical performance. As well as dexterity of fingers and feet, understanding and harnessing of the acoustic and sheer stamina were in evidence throughout. The result was extremely satisfying.

Looking remarkably unscathed after this tour de force Simon then gave a beautiful rendition of SS Wesley’s Largetto in F#minor  as an encore.

He has been invited back. I hope he will accept the invitation.

Stephen Page