Two of A Kind – Review
On Thursday 5 October Malcolm Archer and Barry Rose, two of Britain’s most distinguished cathedral organists and choral directors, entertained us with a personal tribute to the memory of Martindale Sidwell by presenting an evening of music, memories and mirth in what would have been his ninetieth year. Their affectionate accounts of singing and playing under Martindale’s irascible but demanding and inspiring direction were greeted with volleys of enthusiastic recognition from those in the audience who had shared their experience, as well as from those of us whose musical education was acquired under the baton of similarly memorable if less gifted tyros elsewhere.
Some of their memories, and their irreverent perceptions of church life and liturgy, were presented in musical form, modelled on the patter songs of Offenbach and Gilbert & Sullivan, though the Anglican chant depicting the chorister’s nightmare when faced with all 176 verses of Psalm 119 was entirely their own invention; and their diction, of course, was such that not a word was lost.
These entertainments, in what was more of an event than a concert, were interspersed with thrilling performances of Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in B minor, which Malcolm had played when auditioning with Martindale for the post of assistant organist here at Hampstead, and Dubois’ Fiat Lux, played by Barry. As well as allowing us to enjoy their exploitation of the rich resources of our splendid Willis organ, these performances paid their own tribute to the consummate musicianship that was the bedrock of Martindale’s contribution to the musical life of this parish, as well as St Clement Danes. Barry and Malcolm joined at the piano to give a delightful account of Constant Lambert’s Siesta and Nocturne, and with Lee at the electronic keyboard, gave us an arrangement for organ, piano and keyboard of Dubois’ Toccata in G.
But the loudest and longest applause of the evening was reserved for a recording of Barbara Hill (Sidwell) playing Bach’s harpsichord concerto in F minor at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in 1979, with the London Bach Orchestra conducted by Martindale. It was a wonderfully convincing performance, the tempi perfectly judged, sensitive in the slow inner movement, inexorably robust in the outer movements, and we were all moved as Barbara stood to acknowledge our applause.
There is talk of putting together a CD of Martindale’s recordings; if that were to happen, this would surely have to be on it. Meanwhile we all went home with many a memory affectionately rekindled. Handley Stevens
Two of a kind – review
Handley Stevens