ST. PAUL’S ORGAN

Evening Star, Issue 23820, 26 February 1941, Page 12

ST. PAUL’S ORGAN

LAST EVENING S RECITAL In St. Paul’s Cathedral last evening an enjoyable recital was given by Dr V. 11. Galway and the cathedral choir to mark the completion of extensive renovations to the organ. The programme comprised a number of well selected items, and the singing of the choir was consistently of a high standard.

I Purcell’s ‘ Trumpet Voluntary ’ was followed by Prelude on ‘ Rbosymedre,’ by Vaughan Williams, a majestic work well executed, followed by Bach’s popular Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor. The comprehensive resources of the organ were finely brought out in the first movement (Introduction and Allegro) of Claimant's Sonata in 1) Minor. ‘ Fanfare,’ by Lcmmens, was given a spirited treatment, and in direct contrast Bairstow’s ‘ F.vening Song ’ followed with gentle smoothness. ' A very enjoyable performance was concluded with a lively interpretation of a Tocata by Boollmann. The processional hymn was sung by the choir (the descant being arranged by Dr T. Vernon Griffiths), and Miss Blanche Errington gave a faithful rendering of ‘ Love Not the AVorld,’ from Sullivan’s ‘The Prodigal Son.’ Miss Dora Drake was the soloist in the motet ‘ Hear My Prayer,’ by Mendelssohn, her voice being pleasantly c,;.ar and her singing of the beautiful and difficult ‘ 0 for the Wings of a Dove ’ passages was particularly well done. Dr Galway’s ‘ Grant, we beseech Thee, Merciful Lord ’ was sung with fine balance and tonal appreciation. The recital was well patronised, and judging from the all-round quality of the instrument every satisfaction should bo felt with the completed work.