|
|
|
|
|
||
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||
A Picture from my Youth.
|
|
John Webster was a pupil of Dr. John Dykes Bower and Dr. Sydney Watson. In 1938 he became Organ Scholar of University College, Oxford. He was later appointed Organist of the College, and also University Organist of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. He is well known on the continent, having given many recitals and broadcasts there. He is also a Professor of the Organ at Trinity College of Music, London. |
My first organ post, found for me by my organ tutor, Mr John Webster, was at the little village of Holton on the east side of Oxford. I played there for a few years and then moved to Forest Hill.
Forest Hill was combined with the church at Stanton St. John which is the next village. The morning service would be at Forest Hill and the evening service at Stanton St. John; the next week it was the other way round. I would occasionally forget and go to the wrong church in the morning and wonder why nobody came.
I remember John Webster with affection. He taught me to play on the Walker organ of St. Mary the Virgin, The High Street, Oxford. This organ, now moved elsewhere, was a three manual instrument made by Walker of London. I have been told that the organ went to St Mary's in Truro, Corwall.
John also designed the organ in the University College Chapel on the other side of the High Street. He would give me the choice of which organ to play for my lesson. It was at the College that I met an organ where the pipework was some distance from the console. There was a short time delay before you heard the sound after pressing a key. To overcome the phyiscal and mental 'lock-up' that occurs the first time you meet this problem I spent some time playing things I knew very well and concentrated on playing the keys and ignoring as much as possible the sound. After spending some time doing this you get used to the time delay and it never bothers you (much) again.
John died many years ago now but he is still with me when I play the organ. I remember things he told me and try to live up to the standard of musicianship that he would have expected of me.
I look
forward to more lessons when I join the 'departed'. We were half way
through one of Bach's Trio Sonatas. I am told that my playing will be
so much better due to being more awake and 'alive'. I look forward to
that but, in the meantime, I do what I can as best I am able. Some people,
who must be deaf, say it sounds all right.
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
Copyright © John Hardaker, August 2002.
