Fanfare

I have been given the privilege and opportunity of playing and reviewing the sample set of the great Stahluth/Jann organ in Luxembourg. This is my first "demo" recording, to be used a "musical illustration" in my review, which I hope will be both enjoyable for listening and helpful in contemplating purchase of the set.

Dr. Francis Alan Jackson CBE (born 2 October 1917) is pre-eminent as a British organist and composer. A popular figure in the musical profession, both nationally and internationally, Jackson was born in Malton, Yorkshire and received his early education as a Chorister at York Minster under his precursor, the legendary Sir Edward Bairstow. Himself Organist of York Minster from 1946 until his official retirement in 1982, Jackson played for the wedding of Elizabeth II's cousin Prince Edward, Duke of Kent to Katherine Worsley on 8 June 1961.

As well as having given recitals and concerts all over the world, Jackson has made numerous recordings of solo organ music, and of choral music with York Minster Choir.

This "Fanfare" was written in 1956, and is dedicated to "John Bradley." It can be found in the Oxford University Press book, "A Festive Album." This is NOT "The Archbishop's Fanfare," a piece that seems to be more well-known.

I've always regarded this is the "best" organ fanfare, and I had the great pleasure of getting a personal performance by Dr. Jackson in 1981, standing next to the console as he played it!

This performance begins with 16' & 8' reeds on the Swell & Great, with the 32' reed appearing just before the first entrance of the Positif Tuba mirabilis, which is a grand stop.

Wanting still more power to the solo, I coupled the 8' Trompette en chamade to the Tuba, and the effect is very successful!

The full organ is heard in crisp chords, before a final accent leaves the solo reed standing alone.

Attached below are two photos of Francis Jackson, and a photo of the great organ of York Minster.

MORE COMING SOON!