Organ-isms: Anecdotes from the World of the King of Instruments

Jenny Setchell peeks behind the facades of some of the most famous concert venues and churches around the world to reveal what the life of an organist is really like. Over 120 men and women - from concert artists to Sunday church organists - relate the trials and triumphs of playing what can be the most difficult instrument in the world. Their amazing tales prove that there is nothing "organized" or standard about the lives they have to lead. Whimsical, often poignant and frequently funny, these tales will change your view of the king of instruments, and those who play it, forever.

How did Mark Quarmby come to be scaling a cliff in Australia when he should have been playing a funeral service? What was Fred Swann doing with a tiger on the Crystal Cathedral console? Did Christopher Herrick really play the first topless organ concert? What on earth is a Vox Baleana? More than 120 men and women -- from concert artists to Sunday church organists -- tell of the trials and triumphs of playing what can be the most difficult instrument in the world. Whimsical, often poignant and frequently funny, these tales prove there is nothing 'organised' or routine about the lives they lead. Fellow organists will rejoice to learn they are not the only ones to have had ciphers at the wrong times or fallen asleep during a service -- or worse! You will want to buy two copies of this compelling collection; - one for yourself and another to give away! With laughter or crying assured, this book is a must for anyone who has a modicum of curiosity about life aloft. Musicians of any kind will identify with the problems faced by many of these world-famous organists, and non-musicians may be astounded to hear what it takes to get a 'simple' show on the road. The book about organists, by organists, for everyone, and has a foreword by the Queen of the organ, Dame Gillian Weir.