Episode 5 - Richard Pinel

It's episode 5 of Chiff Chat - The Organ Podcast and today Ben has a chinwag with Director of Music at St Mary's Bourne St, Richard Pinel.
This week features plenty of organ stories and anecdotes so trivial, you'll be left with a funny sense of cold indifference, wondering where your life went wrong. The big boy himself, Max Reger, is finally discussed in detail and there's even a bonus edition of the quiz - what more could you want?!
If you'd like to support the podcast, you can contribute via Tipjar - tpjr.us/chiffchat
Do send me an email with any organ-related questions you have to [e-mail] and they may get read out on next week's episode!
For more information on your host, visit www.benbloor.com
0:00 - Intro
3:33 - Welcome to Richard
5:54 - Windsor and Transcriptions
11:34 - Competitions
16:55 - Pressure
20:06 - St Albans
22:24 - St Mary's Bourne St, & Freelancing
28:47 - Weddings
30:39 - Quick-Fire Round
33:33 - Organ Heaven
38:51 - Organ Hell
43:00 - Quiz Time!
49:27 - BONUS QUIZ!
51:12 - Thanks to Richard
51:53 - Outro

[@barbaraclark7133]

Thanks for your podcasts! I've listened to the previous 4. Love the answers to your questions and quiz. Thanks and keep up the good work

[@funky_monk_9796]

I'm with Richard on the Reger v Karg debate, well said that man. It's all subjective, but for me, nobody does a final resolution like Reger, truly life-affirming stuff. I mean, his Op. 73, come on!! K-E is a great composer though, ngl, but he doesn't have the fire of Reger. This is a great episode, lots of funny nuggets. Looking forward to Serie Zwei ⚡️🤌🏼

[@grahamtwist]

How time flies when you are enjoying yourself, Ben, with such entertaining organist chiff chat. Eavesdropping on your conversation with Richard with all that reminiscing was easy listening, though I did get a bit peckish when you raised the tone and got onto cooking for one another with vegetable moussaka and angel delight (presumably the Michelin starred variety?). And talking about raising the tone . . . you naughty wag with the AL humour towards the end (I'm sure she'll forgive you . . . though I'm not sure if Diane Bish ever did? However, be wary of the organist misogyny trap! The fair sex tend to steal the limelight simply because so few of them ever reach the top . . . and I doubt you or Richard would look good pedalling in stilettos). I was delighted when Richard outed atonal 'music' when it is for the sake of being atonal - not a great way to encourage wider enthusiasm with the general public for the King of Instruments. But sad to think this is the penultimate episode of series 1. There better be a series 2!

[@grahamtwist]

Oh! Many organists seem to think that the 1738 Christian Müller organ at the St. Bavo Church in Haarlem has a truly glorious façade and is one of the world's great organs in a majestic acoustic. But for novelty and width, and to honour RD, as well as being closer to you, I could suggest the Royal Festival Hall . . .