View From The Organ Loft, A [Music Matters]

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Comments

Walt Disney Concert Hall Los Angeles

20241019

Anna crosses the pond to visit the organ of Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California. The Frank Gehry designed building opened in 2003, and its modern concert hall has a striking appearance, as does the organ with its higgledy-piggledy pipes. Anna shares her experiences of performing there alongside her own musical discoveries linked to this part of the world, like the film music of John Williams, an instrumental work by The Beach Boys, and Meredith Brammeier's wonderfully pictorial Flock of Geese. She also speaks to Meghan Umber from the Los Angeles Philharmonic about how the organ got its nickname.

Plus, Anna admires Cameron Carpenter for finding a way to solve the most time-consuming part of being a touring organist -

Anna Lapwood appears courtesy of Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment.

A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3

Organist Anna Lapwood admires quirky organ design in California.

The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters

Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine.

[LISTEN NOW]

Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles

20241019

Plus, Anna admires Cameron Carpenter for finding a way to solve the most time-consuming part of being a touring organist -

A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3

Organist Anna Lapwood admires quirky organ design in California.

The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters

Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine.

[LISTEN NOW]

Glasgow Cathedral

20241026

Anna travels to Scotland to visit the oldest building in Glasgow: its cathedral. She admires the beautifully smooth, round sound of the Father Willis organ there, and shares her tips on how to build a crescendo on different instruments. She also explores orchestral music evoking the Scottish landscape by Mendelssohn, a lament by Errollyn Wallen, a colourful vignette for oboe and piano by Scottish-born Thea Musgrave, and an organ duet performed by two Scotland-based organists. We also hear from Director of Music Andrew Forbes, both speaking about the unusual shape of the cathedral and performing an organ classic.

Plus, a piece that sounds Christmassy without having anything to do with Christmas -

Anna Lapwood appears courtesy of Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment.

A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3

Organist Anna Lapwood heads to an ancient cathedral in Scotland.

The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters

Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine.

[LISTEN NOW]

Nidaros Cathedral Trondheim

20241102

Anna finds herself in Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. This building is home to two organs, both of which we'll hear in repertoire ranging from Buxtehude to Grieg. Anna explores the history of Trondheim and shares a concerto by Joseph Meck, enjoys the sounds of traditional Norwegian fiddle playing, and indulges in some choral music at the jazzier end of the spectrum.

Plus, a touching composition by Nidaros Cathedral's Director of Music, Petra Bjørkhaug, who also speaks about the organ's human qualities.

A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3

Organist Anna Lapwood finds surprising and familiar sounds in Norway.

The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters

Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine.

Anna Lapwood appears courtesy of Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment.

[LISTEN NOW]

Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim

20241102

Plus, a touching composition by Nidaros Cathedral's Director of Music, Petra Bjørkhaug, who also speaks about the organ's human qualities.

A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3

Organist Anna Lapwood finds surprising and familiar sounds in Norway.

The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters

Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine.

[LISTEN NOW]

Boardwalk Hall Atlantic City

20241109

Anna is in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to visit the Boardwalk Hall organ, which holds multiple world records. Anna demonstrates how much slower she has to play a piece to make it audible in such an enormous space, and shares some of the few recordings that have been made on that instrument. She also finds that there is more to Atlantic City than its organ with 1,235 stop tabs. She explores a barbershop quartet that takes you back in time to the area's days as a holiday resort, and discovers recordings by musicians based in and around New Jersey including composer Betty Jackson King and the Attacca Quartet. We also hear from Nathan Bryson, Curator of Organs at Boardwalk Hall, about the second, smaller organ lurking in the same hall.

Plus, an exclusive version of Widor's Toccata for spontaneous organ duet where Anna is joined by 9-year-old Nykoda -

A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3

Organist Anna Lapwood visits the biggest organ in the world - or is it?

The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters

Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine.

Plus, an exclusive version of Widor's Toccata for spontaneous organ duet where Anna is joined by 9-year old Nykoda -

Anna Lapwood appears courtesy of Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment.

[LISTEN NOW]

Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City

20241109

Plus, an exclusive version of Widor's Toccata for spontaneous organ duet where Anna is joined by 9-year-old Nykoda -

A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3

Organist Anna Lapwood visits the biggest organ in the world - or is it?

The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters

Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine.

[LISTEN NOW]

Llandaff Cathedral

20241116

Anna travels to the outskirts of Cardiff, Wales to visit Llandaff Cathedral. Unlike the majority of cathedrals in the UK, Llandaff has a new organ rather than one that has been repaired and renovated over the years, meaning that it suits the space to perfection as Anna explains. As well as several recordings featuring that instrument, Anna also shares a Welsh hymn, Grace Williams's Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes, and music by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. Director of Music Stephen Moore also explains how such a wonderful instrument came to Llandaff.

Plus, a song by three sisters from Aberystwyth with an amazing blended sound.

A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3

Organist Anna Lapwood goes to Wales to find one of the UK's newest cathedral organs.

The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters

Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine.

[LISTEN NOW]

Royal Albert Hall, London

20241123

Anna is in home territory visiting one of the organs she knows best - that of the Royal Albert Hall in London. It may be the second largest organ in the UK, but that's not why Anna loves it. Instead, she is amazed by the atmosphere of the hall and how easy it is to play an instrument of that size. As well as recordings made on that organ, Anna also shares music by Joseph Haydn and Eric Coates that's inspired by London, some of her favourite film soundtracks, and pieces she associates with the BBC Proms. We also hear from Daniel Spencer, Managing Director of Bishop & Son Organ Builders, who tells us how impressive a feat of engineering the instrument was when it was first built.

Plus, Anna's recording of the piece she gets asked to play the most, featuring bass drum and tubular bells -

A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3

Organist Anna Lapwood explores one of the instruments she knows best.

The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters

Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine.

[LISTEN NOW]

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Comments
01	Walt Disney Concert Hall Los Angeles	20241019	Anna crosses the pond to visit the organ of Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California. The Frank Gehry designed building opened in 2003, and its modern concert hall has a striking appearance, as does the organ with its higgledy-piggledy pipes. Anna shares her experiences of performing there alongside her own musical discoveries linked to this part of the world, like the film music of John Williams, an instrumental work by The Beach Boys, and Meredith Brammeier's wonderfully pictorial Flock of Geese. She also speaks to Meghan Umber from the Los Angeles Philharmonic about how the organ got its nickname. Plus, Anna admires Cameron Carpenter for finding a way to solve the most time-consuming part of being a touring organist - Anna Lapwood appears courtesy of Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment. A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3 Organist Anna Lapwood admires quirky organ design in California. The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine. [LISTEN NOW]
01	Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles	20241019	Anna crosses the pond to visit the organ of Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California. The Frank Gehry designed building opened in 2003, and its modern concert hall has a striking appearance, as does the organ with its higgledy-piggledy pipes. Anna shares her experiences of performing there alongside her own musical discoveries linked to this part of the world, like the film music of John Williams, an instrumental work by The Beach Boys, and Meredith Brammeier's wonderfully pictorial Flock of Geese. She also speaks to Meghan Umber from the Los Angeles Philharmonic about how the organ got its nickname. Plus, Anna admires Cameron Carpenter for finding a way to solve the most time-consuming part of being a touring organist - A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3 Organist Anna Lapwood admires quirky organ design in California. The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine. [LISTEN NOW]
02	Glasgow Cathedral	20241026	Anna travels to Scotland to visit the oldest building in Glasgow: its cathedral. She admires the beautifully smooth, round sound of the Father Willis organ there, and shares her tips on how to build a crescendo on different instruments. She also explores orchestral music evoking the Scottish landscape by Mendelssohn, a lament by Errollyn Wallen, a colourful vignette for oboe and piano by Scottish-born Thea Musgrave, and an organ duet performed by two Scotland-based organists. We also hear from Director of Music Andrew Forbes, both speaking about the unusual shape of the cathedral and performing an organ classic. Plus, a piece that sounds Christmassy without having anything to do with Christmas - Anna Lapwood appears courtesy of Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment. A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3 Organist Anna Lapwood heads to an ancient cathedral in Scotland. The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine. [LISTEN NOW]
03	Nidaros Cathedral Trondheim	20241102	Anna finds herself in Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. This building is home to two organs, both of which we'll hear in repertoire ranging from Buxtehude to Grieg. Anna explores the history of Trondheim and shares a concerto by Joseph Meck, enjoys the sounds of traditional Norwegian fiddle playing, and indulges in some choral music at the jazzier end of the spectrum. Plus, a touching composition by Nidaros Cathedral's Director of Music, Petra Bjørkhaug, who also speaks about the organ's human qualities. A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3 Organist Anna Lapwood finds surprising and familiar sounds in Norway. The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine. Anna Lapwood appears courtesy of Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment. [LISTEN NOW]
03	Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim	20241102	Anna finds herself in Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. This building is home to two organs, both of which we'll hear in repertoire ranging from Buxtehude to Grieg. Anna explores the history of Trondheim and shares a concerto by Joseph Meck, enjoys the sounds of traditional Norwegian fiddle playing, and indulges in some choral music at the jazzier end of the spectrum. Plus, a touching composition by Nidaros Cathedral's Director of Music, Petra Bjørkhaug, who also speaks about the organ's human qualities. A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3 Organist Anna Lapwood finds surprising and familiar sounds in Norway. The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine. [LISTEN NOW]
04	Boardwalk Hall Atlantic City	20241109	Anna is in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to visit the Boardwalk Hall organ, which holds multiple world records. Anna demonstrates how much slower she has to play a piece to make it audible in such an enormous space, and shares some of the few recordings that have been made on that instrument. She also finds that there is more to Atlantic City than its organ with 1,235 stop tabs. She explores a barbershop quartet that takes you back in time to the area's days as a holiday resort, and discovers recordings by musicians based in and around New Jersey including composer Betty Jackson King and the Attacca Quartet. We also hear from Nathan Bryson, Curator of Organs at Boardwalk Hall, about the second, smaller organ lurking in the same hall. Plus, an exclusive version of Widor's Toccata for spontaneous organ duet where Anna is joined by 9-year-old Nykoda - A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3 Organist Anna Lapwood visits the biggest organ in the world - or is it? The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine. Plus, an exclusive version of Widor's Toccata for spontaneous organ duet where Anna is joined by 9-year old Nykoda - Anna Lapwood appears courtesy of Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment. [LISTEN NOW]
04	Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City	20241109	Anna is in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to visit the Boardwalk Hall organ, which holds multiple world records. Anna demonstrates how much slower she has to play a piece to make it audible in such an enormous space, and shares some of the few recordings that have been made on that instrument. She also finds that there is more to Atlantic City than its organ with 1,235 stop tabs. She explores a barbershop quartet that takes you back in time to the area's days as a holiday resort, and discovers recordings by musicians based in and around New Jersey including composer Betty Jackson King and the Attacca Quartet. We also hear from Nathan Bryson, Curator of Organs at Boardwalk Hall, about the second, smaller organ lurking in the same hall. Plus, an exclusive version of Widor's Toccata for spontaneous organ duet where Anna is joined by 9-year-old Nykoda - A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3 Organist Anna Lapwood visits the biggest organ in the world - or is it? The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine. [LISTEN NOW]
05	Llandaff Cathedral	20241116	Anna travels to the outskirts of Cardiff, Wales to visit Llandaff Cathedral. Unlike the majority of cathedrals in the UK, Llandaff has a new organ rather than one that has been repaired and renovated over the years, meaning that it suits the space to perfection as Anna explains. As well as several recordings featuring that instrument, Anna also shares a Welsh hymn, Grace Williams's Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes, and music by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. Director of Music Stephen Moore also explains how such a wonderful instrument came to Llandaff. Plus, a song by three sisters from Aberystwyth with an amazing blended sound. A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3 Organist Anna Lapwood goes to Wales to find one of the UK's newest cathedral organs. The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine. [LISTEN NOW]
06	Royal Albert Hall, London	20241123	Anna is in home territory visiting one of the organs she knows best - that of the Royal Albert Hall in London. It may be the second largest organ in the UK, but that's not why Anna loves it. Instead, she is amazed by the atmosphere of the hall and how easy it is to play an instrument of that size. As well as recordings made on that organ, Anna also shares music by Joseph Haydn and Eric Coates that's inspired by London, some of her favourite film soundtracks, and pieces she associates with the BBC Proms. We also hear from Daniel Spencer, Managing Director of Bishop & Son Organ Builders, who tells us how impressive a feat of engineering the instrument was when it was first built. Plus, Anna's recording of the piece she gets asked to play the most, featuring bass drum and tubular bells - A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3 Organist Anna Lapwood explores one of the instruments she knows best. The stories that matter, the people that matter, the music that matters Anna Lapwood invites us to join her on tour and on the way discovers an organ whose pipes look like french fries and one that's as loud as a jet engine. [LISTEN NOW]