Prelude on 'Amazing Grace'

Lindsay Lafford (1912-2014) was born in Gloucester, England and died in Phoenix, Arizona.

He was a choir boy at Hereford Cathedral as a choir boy and articled pupil of the Cathedral Organist. He was organist and director of music at St John's Cathedral, Hong Kong, and met his future wife Anne in French Indo-Chinai. They married in England in 1939, emigrated to the U.S. and raised three children, while pursuing careers in music, linguistics and academia.

I recently received this attractive work from one of our members. It was unknown to me, and I found it quite attractive. It was published by Paraclete Press in 2013 and is dedicated "For the Community of Jesus and the Church of the Transfiguration, Orleans, Massachusetts".

It is a pretty setting of the famous and well-loved tune, with some nice harmonic touches, and a fine sense of climax and balance.

In the opening section, the "solo" is played upon the Bassoon-Hautbois with tremulant of the Swell, and the accompaniment is on the Gamba 8', Vox coelestis 8' and Lieblichgedackt 8' of the Positif.

I think that the sounds of the foundations is warm and effective, but I do miss the ability of using the Basson-Hautbois or Oboe into the foundation mix. They are both too "vibrantly intense," and while ideal for French music, are too dominant for the English style.

Yesterday, the Rev. Billy Graham passed away at the age of 99. Known as "America's Pastor," he brought the Word to many.

I offer this upload in his memory, and wish him a smooth and happy voyage home to the God he served.

Several interesting photos of Lindsay Lafford, including his coat of arms, WITH organ pipes (!) are attached below.

MORE COMING SOON!