In a series of special films Daniel Moult discusses the history of organ-building in England, and demonstrates the diversity of organ types, with appropriate music.  This first film takes an overview of the development of the English organ, from Tudor beginnings to the present day.

In two webinars Frederick Stocken looks at the fugue question for the FRCO written examination. These classes are directly relevant for students working towards FRCO, as well as being of general interest to students of harmony at this level.

In Q is for Quiet, Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick discusses the use of silence in music, and how composers from Monteverdi and Bruns to Franck and Messiaen have used space within music to give meaning.

Sir Andrew Parmley, Chief Executive of the RCO, describes how Richard Limpus’ vision in 1860 of a college to raise the professional standing of the organist has been fulfilled today, in ways that he never could have imagined. 

John Scott Whiteley discusses the playing of ornaments in Bach, with a performance of Erbarm dich mein, O Herr Gott, BWV 721, on the organ of the Wenzelskirche, Naumburg.

What are organ pistons for?  Anne Marsden Thomas explains their operation, how to set them up, and how a memory system and stepper can be used on a modern organ.

Frederick Stocken looks at the 18th-century two-part counterpoint requirements of the ARCO written examination paper, in two webinars recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Organists really do have something to shout about regarding Beethoven after all, says Richard Brasier, in a new film that is the RCO’s contribution to the celebrations around the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth this year.  In Learning during Lockdown this month we look at Beethoven’s relationship with the organ, and at the wider legacy of organ music from the Classical period.  We also note how two organists took a major role in shaping the content of the live music this year’s COVID-constricted BBC Promenade Concerts in the Royal Albert Hall.

In a film to mark the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, Richard Brasier looks at his working life and short career as an organist in Bonn.