Abbey marks 150 years of organ music
A series of recitals will take place at Paisley Abbey to mark the longevity of its centuries-old organ.
The Abbey is a treasure trove of historical artefacts and one of them will be put in the spotlight with the beginning of a special series of concerts to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
That item is the iconic Cavaillé-Coll organ and it has been a fixture of the holy place since 1874 when it was installed in the knave – which was, at that time, the only habitable part of the building.
It was later moved to the newly-built eastern wall in 1902 where it stood on a platform until the restoration of the choir in 1928 when it was also enlarged to fill the larger space.
The arrival of the organ was a big deal – Aristide Cavaillé-Coll being recognised as the most distinguished organ builder of the 19th century.
His organs are scattered around some of the finest churches and municipal buildings in the world, including Notre Dame and Sacré-Coeur in Paris, Manchester Town Hall, Saint Nicholas Church in Ghent, and the Bolshoi Hall of Moscow Conservatory among others.
Paisley Abbey’s Cavaillé-Coll organ is one of only six in the UK – and the only one in Scotland. To celebrate the remarkable longevity of the instrument, the Abbey will be hosting a series of organ recitals, beginning tomorrow at 3pm.
This first concert will be given by the Abbey’s director of music George McPhee. The programme will consist of music by French composers including
Franck’s Chorale No.1 in E as well as J.S.Bach’s mighty Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor.
And the internationally-renowned film composer Patrick Doyle will introduce the first performance of an organ arrangement of his March for Charles lll which was performed at the Coronation.
He said: “The King Charles III Coronation March was first performed on May 6, 2023, in Westminster Abbey. It was written to commemorate the King’s life.
“I describe it as an Overture March in that it tells a story, and at times reflects aspects of His Majesty’s own character. The piece has four identifiable sections.
“It has a bold, heraldic opening, which is ceremonial and full of pageantry. The second section moves forward at pace, reflecting the march of time, carrying a strong Celtic influence. The third part is joyous and fun, and the final section is both romantic and reflective, before building to a triumphant finale.
“The piece is jubilant and uplifting, and was written to embrace the excitement and celebration of such a historic day. The performance will be the premiere of the organ transcription of the piece.
“I couldn’t be more proud to see it performed by the extraordinarily talented George McPhee and on such a world class and historic instrument as the Cavaillé Coll organ.”
Future events in the Sunday organ recitals in celebration of the Cavaille Coll Organ 1874-2024 series will be led by other musicians. Performances will take place on April 21, April 28, May 19, June 2, June 23 and June 30.
For a full list of of those playing, visit: www.paisleyabbey.org.uk