O gentle presence, peace and joy and power - Chris Lawton at First Church of Christ Scientist, Bournemouth

  • 11 years ago
Another of me playing the magnificent 3 manual Compton organ installed at First Church of Christ Scientist in Bournemouth.

Percy Whitlock, a name synonymous with Bournemouth, was a composer of beautiful post-romantic organ works. He was also the Bournemouth borough organist and appeared regularly at the nearby Pavilion Theatre playing the magnificent 4 manual Compton which is still there and played regularly for concerts. Whitlock also composed several hymn tunes including this one 'Presence' which is the tune used for the hymn 'O gentle presence, peace and joy and power'. I am playing this from the Christian Science hymnal and is an ideal hymn for demonstrating the quiet sounds on the organ as well as the beautiful Clarinet.

Sadly the church building is currently up for sale and the future of the organ remains uncertain.

Many thanks to the church officials for allowing me access to this magnificent Compton organ.