Edward Taylor plays: Thalben-Ball Elegy in B flat.

This piece started life as an improvisation which George Thalben-Ball played at the end of a live BBC daily religious service during World War II, when the service finished a couple of minutes earlier than expected. So many listeners to the broadcast telephoned the BBC to ask what the composition was, that he decided to write down his improvisation. Thus the Elegy was born.
Thalben-Ball was a virtuoso organist and pianist. He performed Rachmaninov's third piano concerto at the age of 19 and could improvise, transpose and sight-read to a very high standard. He was organist of the Temple church in London for nearly 60 years.
Performed on the organ of Carlisle Cathedral.
This recording was made to commemorate Armistice Day 2021

[@philippowell3320]

Played like an elegy, well done with the tempo!

[@EdwardTaylorOrganist]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it

[@ubertuba]

One of my favourites too. Beautifully and expressively played and registered. Masterful.

[@theremin137]

This is an exquisite and touching rendition. Thank you.

[@johnhastie3692]

Thank you Ed for this. I've played this piece for years without realising it began life as a GT-B improvisation.

[@davebarclay4429]

I'm sure I read somewhere that before GT-B could write it out he had to listen to the tape of the broadcast to remind himself what he had played.

[@MarioPearson]

One of my favorites. Edward, you play it so beautifully.