Reviews

OHS 2003 - 4th Full Day - 6/23
St. Paul's United Church of Christ, New Schaefferstown, PA

"Let it be known by all that this day began with the earliest morning bus departure of the convention - 7:45! If I write something ill-natured along the way, you will understand why, I hope. I don't recall Thomas Lee Bailey playing at an OHS Convention before. I do hope he does again. He is Organist and Choirmaster of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, NY, whence I have noted a recent upswing in recital activity in reading TAO announcements. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Master of Divinity (!) from Virginia Theological Seminary. He's done lots more than that, but space prevents. His performance testified to his "credentials" amply.

The Organ is by Samuel Bohler, and is now 110 years old! It was built for Zion Union Church, Womelsdorf, PA, and in 1950, was moved to St. Paul's, with some repairs, by Justus Becker. Just this year, it was restored, with also a recreation of the original reservoir and wind trunks, by R. J. Brunner & Company. There are 12 stops, with the Pedal containing only a 16' Sub Bass. The program began with Scherzo in Sol Minore per Organo, Marco Enrico Bossi. A real charmer, which would have been rendered far less charming by a very persistent cipher on a G, where it not for the work of David Storey, who hovered close behind, ready to lift the offending note immediately. He worked hard in this piece, since it was in a key rich in Gs, and moved quite fast at times.

Next, Prelude in E Flat Minor, Vincent D'Indy, another rapid work, deftly handled. The fine Swell Oboe made a successful appearance.

Humoresque from L'Organo Primitivo (Toccatina), Pietro Yon. Played well, this piece has great charm, encased in a serving of corn. This performance was clean and cheerful, enjoyed by all.

The Hymn, "O Master let me walk with Thee," tune "de Tar," by Calvin Hampton. It is quite possible that the tune bewildered the congregation members present, who are used to something rather different, but our gang did it well, even though we were only half of the convention, with the rest coming for the second show at 3:30. I think by the last stanza, the congregation members might have been almost with us. The melody is a fine one, by a master of melody, with an accompaniment that is of more than marginal importance. Named in honor of my late teacher, it has a special place with me.

Andante with Variations (posthumous), Mendelssohn. I overheard the following nearby: "What does posthumous (accent on the second syllable!) mean? - It means, after his death. - Oh, wait just a moment. How can someone write something after they are dead?" In any case, living or dead, this was a quiet and lovely presence in this fine concert. In my Novello edition of the Berlin-Krakov Manuscripts, there is an Andante in D with Variations. Perhaps this was the one. At this remove, the sounds of what was played that day are no longer with me. Roulade, Seth Bingham. There are some players out there keeping this work, and the name of the long-lived Bingham (1882-1972) alive. I know Ken Cowan, whom we will hear later in this week, is another who plays this totally charming work. It's a bit of a finger breaker, but well worth the effort, and is a consistent crowd-pleaser as well. Go for it if you dare!

This was a splendid recital. I must get me to St. Paul's, Carroll Gardens sometime this next season. Going to Brooklyn from up here is like a trip to the moon, but I can manage."

-Malcolm Wechsler, June 23, 2003

"This composition, [Messiaen’s Nativity Suite]... found an engaged interpreter in Thomas Lee Bailey from New York. On the Rudigier organ (4 man. Marcussen) Bailey meticulously explored the filigree musical networks and, in doing so, also allowed the mystical wealth of ideas behind the music to emerge. Sustained applause in the arctic temperatures of the Linz Cathedral."

-Austrian Kronen-Zeitung, Dec. 30, 2002

“Organist’s Recital Resonates”
(Messiaen’s Nativity Suite) The organist ... played with evident absorption and sympathy. Bailey’s experience showed in his skill not just in playing the instrument, but the space in which the organ makes sound."

-Richmond Times-Dispatch, Jan. 14, 2002