William Reynolds’s thought-provoking, well-documented introduction to early organs and their use in Wales and the Welsh borders is a major contribution to national organ history, opening up a range of organological and musical perspectives about local practices.

This week’s Learning during Lockdown introduces new films on iRCO, which, coupled with recordings of recent webinars, form an introduction to practical harmony for the beginner, and a course in keyboard harmony and the structure of Bach chorales for RCO examination students.  During lockdown many organists have been taking to keyboard instruments other than the organ: we explore the results, and the music they’ve chosen to play.

Tom Bell explains how organ builders exploit the archetypal organ pipe, the Diapason.

Simon Williams explains the circle of fifths, and shows how it is useful for both keyboard and written harmony.

The recent Couperin anniversary (2018) and the appearance of a new edition of Couperin’s Pièces d’orgue from the Stavanger-based Cantando Press was an opportune moment for David Ponsford to reflect not only on the edition, but also on the state of Couperin organ studies at this time.

The second of two films on harmony for beginners is particularly suitable for anyone preparing for the ARCO Diploma examination, where harmonising a melody is part of the keyboard skills tests.

This is the first of a series of two films on harmony, presented by Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick.  The films are aimed at complete beginners as well as those with some knowledge, and also will help those preparing for the ARCO exam.  This first film begins with introducing terminology, and looks at the seven chords of the major scale, cadences, and popular sequences of chords. 

Not all cathedral choirs are silent and choir leaders furloughed. We look at how some cathedrals and choral societies are finding ways to keep singers engaged with meaningful activities without a huge investment in equipment or new music, and investigate the practical issues around creating virtual choirs.

Anna Lapwood discusses three very different but engaging pieces by Bach, which will enrich your repertoire and stretch your technique.