St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church, 159 Ellison Road, Streatham, London SW16 5DE

The Organist's Dictionary of Real Meanings
Horatio Netherwallop

"Horatio Netherwallop wanted to serve the Church in an important leadership role but, finding that he could not master the organ, he became a clergyman instead."

So begins the introduction (a mini biography) to the author of this thoughtfully compiled dictionary. Whilst aimed at church organists and those associated with them, it is also an instructive compendium in so very many ways for a far larger readership. Father Netherwallop does not pull his punches! Many relevant, and often misunderstood, musical terms are aptly defined:

"Dominant": Relationship of the fifth note to the tonic, or of a soprano soloist to the conductor; "Mean temperament": Choirmaster on a good day.

Some less familiar words occasionally associated with music also receive honest attention:

"Gentleman": Someone who can play the trombone but does not; "Optimist": Professional musician with a mortgage.

The largest definition, by far, goes to the word 'Organ', and to read the sanguine words of Father Netherwallop you will really have to purchase the book!

For those that receive or purchase this helpful volume I offer some simple words of caution: if you have a music group in the parish, you would be well advised to consider carefully whether or not you wish to inscribe the inside front cover with evidence of your ownership before leaving it lying around. That said, the single definition of the words "Director of Music" certainly adds a little balance!

Father Netherwallop was clearly a man of deep insight into matters related to church music, and his book will be a very welcome addition to the library of every church musician, and also of huge guidance to anyone with an interest in the ecclesiastical world of music.

This delightful book would make a very welcome gift (buy NOW for Christmas as a stocking-filler) - don't run the risk of missing it.

Cover price £8.00
ISBN 978-0955074912
116 pages, paperback
Published by Saucepan Lid Publishing 2008
Distributed by Organist Publications Limited http://www.organistpublications.co.uk/

To purchase on-line: go to http://www.organistpublications.co.uk/webStore/webstore.html

To purchase by post: write to Organist Publications Limited, 93 Croydon Road, Beddington, SM6 7LU enclosing a cheque payable to 'Organist Publications Limited' for £8.00 (includes postage and packing)

Please: do mention this website when ordering.