International Organ Day Recital

This recital, which is part of International Organ Day, celebrates the restoration of the organ at Fyvie Castle. Dating from 1905 and built by Norman Brothers of Norwich, the organ is unusual in its specification, with all the ranks of pipes sub-divided into treble and bass registers. The reason is to optimise the performance of the many organ rolls which enable to organ to be played automatically. Unfortunately, this part of the organ has not yet been restored, but the scope of the collection will be discussed. 

Music was important to the residents of Fyvie Castle, especially in the 18th century, and something of the range of surviving music, which was donated to the University of Aberdeen in 1938, will be outlined.

 The organ will be heard in some anonymous 17th century dances, and in Albinoni’s celebrated Adagio. The instrument’s versatility will be shown in a performance of one of the last Sonatas that was written by the German-born but British-domiciled 18th century composer, Handel. 

The first performance – a World Premiere - of a composition specially written for today’s performance will be given by composer Ronan Malster.

The concert will end with a performance of Sir Arthur Sullivan’s famous song – The Lost Chord – in recognition of this organ’s recent renovation.

Lord Glenarthur will talk about the International Organ Day and the Royal College of Organists, and of the importance of supporting the pipe organ.