I Lost A Pianist Friend Today Options

[clavicembalo]

Having spoken to my friend's wife on the phone for over half an hour last week, it transpired that we would be attending a Thanksgiving Service, as opposed to a funeral service (that took place earlier at the Crem). Consequently, my choice of Howells' piano music might have seemed a little dour; so in the end I didn't play.

No matter, Herbert Howells was not to be missed!

The organist, a mutual friend, who used to play for our Carol Concerts, had been left to choose the music himself and had by chance chosen to play pretty much the programme that I would love to have prepared, as the congregation assembled:

Howells Psalm Prelude, Set 1, No.1

Mendelssohn Andante tranquilo (Sonata No.3 in A)

Thalben-Ball Elegy

Howells Rhapsody No.1 in Db

Vaughan Williams Prelude on 'Rhosymedre' ('3 Preludes on Welsh Hymn-Tunes')


Bach's Fugue in G minor, BWV 578 closed proceedings, as we mingled and chatted with refreshments afterwards.



The church was truly packed; there were enough teachers to have covered most of the Secondary School syllabus! A few pupils from the past too, some names of whom I actually remembered (including a cellist, to whom I had lent recordings of Bach's Cello Suites, back when she was 11 yrs old - she's now in early thirties!)

(Many years ago I played the organ for the funeral of a colleague, in a local Catholic Church. The address had been so impersonal and generic, that it could safely have been delivered for any male from 20 - 60!)

However, today witnessed the complete opposite, with contributions made by members of the family, of literature and writing groups, music colleagues and church members.

Lots of old acquaintances with whom to catch up on news - although there was underlying sadness, there was also a real vibrancy to the occasion; very much in keeping with the character of the man himself.

We who are teachers are truly privileged to touch so many peoples' lives.

[scotliz]

Clavicembelo, it sounds that your friend was well and truly remembered today. A loss of someone who has been so inspirational is hard...I hope you find comfort in the legacy of music you have been left by your mentor and friend.

[Crotchetymum]

Sympathies for your loss. And thank you for writing about him in this way.