This show was one of a series of concerts held on Saturdays at 5pm: an early cocktail hour and a time suitable for a quick sharpener before the rigours of the evening. This concert largely fulfilled this role. Duncan Ferguson, the organist of the other St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh gave a half-hour performance to refresh the tastebuds and whet the appetite. The Handel and Guilmant, in homage to Handel, were light pieces that were well-suited to the time of day. The lightness to the footwork in the Guilmant was particularly pleasing. The 4th tune was a meandering piece of Widor, followed by a piece that was closer to usual expectations of Widor sending the audience off with a smile.
The interior of St Mary’s was light and joyous with bright sun lighting up the space, illuminating the various painted areas, especially from the roof, to give a cheerful feeling to the whole venture. Sadly the first piece, by Gigout, was badly out of place, being too heavy and clanking for the location and time of day. In addition, the programme would have benefited from the inclusion of some information about the pieces and the organist. However, after the first piece was over, this was a refreshing start to the evening and there are 2 similar concerts to attend with performances from other soloists.
