Healey Willan at St Mary Magdalene, Toronto 1966

Live recordings of Healey Willan (1880-1968) playing and conducting at St Mary Magdalene, Toronto in 1966
0'00'' Improvisation
2'15'' Willan - Ave Verum Corpus
7'22'' Hymn: Hail, Thou source of every blessing (Redhead No.46)
8'30'' Improvised Postlude on Redhead No.46

[@mungmungie]

I remember once being allowed to sit--very quietly--in the gallery and watch Healey Willan playing. I was never allowed to touch anything, of course, but I was very attracted to the organ and still love the sound of it. Never ended up playing any keyboard instruments as I was not thought to be musical, and never sang in a choir, despite being named after Willan, who probably would have appreciated the irony of it all.

[@stephanierichesharries5902]

My Mom and Dad sang in the St Mary Magdalene choir with Healey Willan, for, I'm guessing, 15 years, and even shared their Toronto apartment with Healey in the mid 1950s. What a treasure this is! My parents are both gone now. They would have been tickled pink to hear this recording.

[@srw1111]

Indeed it was... Willan was well known for his improvisation - it's even more remarkable that he was still playing when he was well into his eighties when this was recorded.

[@paulaayn]

My Great Aunt would have been one of these voices too. Grandpa sang in the ritual choir.

[@srw1111]

It's a 1906 'Breckles and Matthews' organ - now significantly altered. The console in the picture is the old one at St Pauls Bloor Street - Willan held the post there before going to St. Mary Magdalenes.

[@Urbie4]

That's an excellent choir!

[@mstrungify]

How exciting to see this on UA-cam! My parents are singing in this recording, having sung under Dr. Willan's direction for 25 years. Where did you find this recording?

[@MusicPredominates]

... is this an improvisation ... ?

[@fluffylambut]

Believe it is.