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And so this year\u2019s season of organ concerts came full circle rounded off in spectacular style by an organist who has become a regular feature and staunch supporter of this annual musical festival. Gordon Stewart brought his customary flair and expertise to present a number of works from different eras and traditions which highlighted the versatility and beauty of the wonderful \u201cFather\u201d Willis organ.<\/p>\n
Opening with the Victorian Town Hall splendour of Hollins\u2019 Concert Overture in C minor<\/em> we knew we were in for another fine evening\u2019s entertainment. Flute stops were to the fore in A Maggot<\/em> \u2013 an 18th Century work by Thomas Arne in this popular later arrangement (including pedals) by Harry Wall. Mendelssohn\u2019s championing of the music of JS Bach was reflected in the three contrasting works which brought the first half to a close \u2013 his Theme and Variations in D<\/em> followed by Bach\u2019s Trio on Herr Jesu Christ<\/em> and Fugue in E fla<\/em>t (often known as \u201cSt Anne\u201d<\/em>).<\/p>\n Throughout the first half Gordon had conjured many different colours from the organ, with his careful selection of stops and use of the various divisions. This continued in the second half where some lighter items were also to be found alongside more classical and romantic repertoire. Noel Rawsthorne\u2019s arrangement of Schubert\u2019s popular Marche Militaire<\/em> provided a suitably rallying opening number. This was followed by Pierne\u2019s Trois Pieces<\/em> \u2013 the Cantilene<\/em> being a particularly haunting piece.<\/p>\n Providing a complete contrast, Prelude on Faithfulness<\/em> by Dan Millar is a quiet reworking of the familiar hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness. We were treated to a particularly sensitive rendition as Mr Stewart expertly brought subtle shades of American gospel and theatre organ out of the depths of this English Victorian instrument, helped in no small part by careful use of the recently re-constructed tremulant. Staying in lighter vein but of a more upbeat English variety Goss-Custard\u2019s Chelsea Fayre<\/em> is a classical pastiche which works so well. This was a very nice piece of programming, highlighting the links with this composer\u2019s family to the local area and connecting with pieces included in this performer\u2019s opening concert in this year\u2019s series.<\/p>\n It is not unusual to end a concert with a Toccata<\/em> but it is rare to hear one in such a context that is completely unfamiliar. Composer F de la Tombelle and this work were both unfamiliar to me. As was explained, this piece bears more than a passing resemblance to the well-loved Toccata<\/em> by Dubois but there was much of interest \u2013 and surprise \u2013 to be heard here.<\/p>\n The performance provided a suitably grand and virtuosic climax to another superb programme which was topped off by a lovely reflective Prelude on Annie Laurie<\/em> written recently for the performer by Simon Lole.<\/p>\n Thanks were expressed throughout the evening to many people involved in the organisation of these concerts. Congratulations to all concerned for another highly successful series. Once again it has been demonstrated that there is a good audience for organ music of all kinds and that we have instruments in this area which are worth preserving and promoting. I look forward to the next series in 2022. Make sure to be there!<\/p>\n oldtownparishhastings.org.uk\/contact\/organ-concerts\/<\/p>\n Stephen Page<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" And so this year\u2019s season of organ concerts came full circle rounded off in spectacular style by an organist who has become a regular feature and staunch supporter of this annual musical festival. Gordon Stewart brought his customary flair … Continue reading