Frustration 1: Organ Access

       I mentioned two of my greatest frustrations.  The first one having to do with being an organist in Philadelphia and not having access to a fully functional decent sized (3 manuals) organ on which I can prepare for a recital or, a possible regular position at a church.  I suppose that part of this problem is my own doing since I'm not well connected to the organ community in Philadelphia.  Oh, I'm a member of the AGO and all that; but, the inner circle is a bit difficult to penetrate (hmm, maybe that's not a wise choice of words).  Moreover, the number of good organs in Philadelphia (that is, Centre City) is small and the churches are at best not very welcoming.

     Part of it is the luck of the draw:  numerous times I've been lucky to have access to a good organ and managed to put together some decent repertoire — even play the occasional recital — only, due to circumstances beyond my control, to have the rug (pedalboard?) pulled out from beneath me leaving me stranded.

     Part of the shame right now is, the organ upon which I now practise is essentially a fine instrument, but, as is with so many city instruments, in need of serious repair and restoration.  For what and how I play it's essential to have a full working combination action, all the swell motor working, and all the notes working.  It is very distracting, and therefore, impeding when most of the pistons either work only partially or, not work.  Sometimes it's just too much aggravation and I just go home and work a little more on manual technique.  Of course, that can only get you so far.  It doesn't help that much with the Bach Prelude & Fugue in a, BWV 543.

     It's a shame, money could solve a lot of problems.  Maybe I'll win the lottery.

I have two frustrations in my life right now:  being an organist and not having access to a proper instrument upon which to practise serious repertoire, and being composer and knowing that nobody will perform my music. The latter more frustrating and anger inducing than the former.  I'll dwell on these further soon.

Two equal voices; i.e., of same or very similar timbre.  It helps on the 4th verse.  Please feel free to use.  Just let me know or send me an mp3.  Thanks.