PERCY WHITLOCK CD RECORDING PROJECT
Hello, I'm Harvey Stansfield currently in my final year studying organ at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. As part of my studies, I am delighted to share with you that I will be recording my debut CD, a selection of Percy Whitlock’s organ music. This period of light organ music is something I feel passionately about and look forward to bringing this to a wider audience.
As one of our great English Composers and Organists of the 20th century with his roots being at Rochester Cathedral, and studying with Stanford and Vaughan Williams. Sadly, he passed away at the tender age of 42. Since this time his music has been rather neglected but with this extraordinary project, I hope to bring the composer’s music to greater prominence and produce a unique recording which gives a special insight into an authentic instrument of Whitlock’s time.
(Whitlock seated at the organ of St Stephen's Church, Bournemouth where he was Organist from 1930-35)
Southampton is home to the spectacular Guildhall which houses the magnificent dual console organ designed by John Compton. This is where I have chosen to record my CD as it is another venue Whitlock was associated with. He played at the inaugural recital in 1937 alongside the Organ Consultant George Thalben-Ball and on a later occasion gave a recital playing his own Fidelis and Fanfare. The Fanfare is one of the pieces included on the CD bringing it back to where the composer played it himself.
(Southampton Guildhall)
In order for this project to proceed, I need your help. Please donate to this Whitlock CD recording and help me cover the costs of professional services and materials I will need. Your donations will help make this recording become a reality. Thank you so much, and if you are able, do play your part in this unique and exciting project.