The Friends have purchased a harpsichord for the Cathedral. Charles Harrison, Deputy Director of Music writes: "The new, two-manual harpsichord is in the style of Taskin, an eighteenth century French builder and was made by Roger Blackburn of Morleys, London.
It has three sets of strings, a coupler (which links the two manuals) and a 'lute' stop which dampens the strings to give a different colour. It is consequently a very versatile instrument and is perfect for the full range of harpsichord repertoire, from the music of the English virginalist composers (such as Byrd) to the virtuoso works of Bach and Scarlatti.
It has already been used many times to enhance the Cathedral's music and worship. With continuo 'cello and chamber organ it accompanied Charpentier's 'Messe de Minuit at the Christmas midnight mass. Early this year it accompanied an anthem by George Holmes, cathedral organist in the nineteenth century. We think that this work may not have been performed for 150 years, no published edition exists and our performing score had to be assembled from two sources. The harpsichord also provided continuo support for Mozart's Missa Brevis when the girls and men were joined by a small string group.
The Cathedral and music department are intensely grateful to the Friends for their generosity in providing this outstanding instrument. It is also perfect as a solo instrument with an unusually resonant and rich tone, and extraordinary power in the bass. Plans for solo recitals are in hand and it is hoped that some of the country's finest players will come and perform on this beautiful harpsichord".
On Saturday 26th May 2007 Charles gave the inaugural
concert on our Harpsichord in the Chapter House to celebrate our
seventieth anniversary.