Voluntary in A Major

This voluntary is often given as being "anonymous," but other's ascribe it to John James (d. c. 1745).

He was organist of St. Olave's, Southwark, and later of St. George-in-the-East. He was an outstanding improviser, and his playing was admired by Handel.

This voluntary is the standard form of the "slow diapason prelude" followed by the "solo allegro" section.

In this performance, both the "solo" and the "echo" are played on 8' flutes. The solo is Stopped Diapason of the Great, and the echo is the Lieblich Gedackt

The "diapason part" is played upon the Open Diapason and Lieblich Gedackt of the Swell with the swell box shut throughout.

The effect is delightful, and I think very successful.

The score and some pictures of St. Olave's, Southwark, and St. George-in-the-East are attached below.

Special and rare music for the Feast of Christ the King, for the 57th anniversary of the assassination of JFK, and of course for Thanksgiving Day - COMING SOON! :-)