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Stanley the Celebrated Organist

Donald Macleod explores how John Stanley overcame blindness to be a celebrated organist.

After a tragic accident at home which left him blinded at the age of only 2, John Stanley started studying music at 7. By the time he was 11 he had his first professional job as organist at All Hallows Church in London and became the youngest person to obtain a BMus degree from Oxford University at 16. It was just the beginning of a career which would end with a Royal appointmentment. Presented by Donald Macleod.

1 hour

Music Played

  • John Stanley

    Allegro from Voluntary in C

    Performers: Edward Caroll (trumpet), Steve Hendrickson (trumpet) William Neil (organ)

    • Newport Classic: NPD85539.
    • 18.
  • John Stanley

    Overture and March from The Choice of Hercules (c1729)

    Performers: English String Orchestra, John Wallace (trumpet), William Boughton (conductor)

    • Nimbus: NI5155.
    • 6.
  • John Stanley

    Concerto for Strings in B minor Op.2 No.2 (1742)

    Performers: The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman (conductor)

    • Hyperion: CDA66338.
    • 6.
  • John Stanley

    Solo for flute and basso continuo in B minor Op.4 No.4 (1745)

    Performers: Parnassus Avenue

    • BIS:SACD-1595.
    • 4.
  • John Stanley

    Concerto in A major, Op.2 No.5 (1742 rev. c1747)

    Performers: The Little Orchestra of London, Harold Lester harpsichord, Leslie Jones, conductor

    • ORYX: 1742.
    • 2.
  • John Stanley

    Voluntary in D minor Op.6 No.5 (1752)

    Performers: Ton Koopman (organ)

    • Capriccio: 10256.
    • 3.
  • John Stanley

    Voluntary in A minor Op.6 No.2 (1752)

    Performers: Ton Koopman (organ)

    • Capriccio: 10256.
    • 6.

Broadcasts

  • Thu 7 Feb 2013 12:00
  • Thu 7 Feb 2013 18:30

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