Hastings Unitarian Church, 13 April 2013

The first in the new series of organ concerts opened with a sprightly rendition of Purcell’s Trumpet Tune which had the additional pleasure of the Air which is so often omitted. In a programme of gentle music, which seemed to match the gentle April showers outside, we next heard Charles S McClain’s Prelude on Were You There, which has just enough acid in its textures to keep the mind involved.

Three short pieces by the sixteenth century Virginalist Giles Farnaby suited the Snetzler very well, with its soft flute particularly apt for the Spagnioletta. Jacques Berthier is better known as the composer of many Taize chants, but here we heard his mellifluous variations on Lobe den Herren.

Bach’s Prelude & Fugue No22 from Book 1 of the 48 was followed by Reverie by Vierne. This allowed Stephen to indulge himself in the solo Dulciana, managing to sound far more romantic than it should.

The second movement of William Russell’s Voluntary No5 has a prophetically Menselssohnian feel to it, with a warmth that led us easily into four short pieces by Howard Skempton. Swedish Caprice has jolly syncopation and there is a delightful irony in the extended melody for Well, well, Cornelius.

Edmonstoune Duncan’s Solemn March  should have been the end but – with summer in sight – Stephen gave us Blaze Away to send us home whistling happily.

The next concert is on Saturday 29 June at 2.30pm, and there is an open invitation to the 1066 Choir & Organ President’s Evening on 27 April at Sackville Road Methodist Church, Bexhill, at 7.30pm  BH