George Thalben-Ball - Elegy

George Thalben-Ball (1896-1987) - Elegy

George Thalben-Ball composed several anthems and organ works, the most popular of which is his meditative Elegy for organ. The piece began its life during World War II at the close of a live BBC broadcast. A religious service that Thalben-Ball was playing for ended a few minutes early, leaving a gap to be filled, in which Thalben-Ball improvised a short piece. Afterwards, many of those listening to the broadcast telephoned the BBC to find out what the composition was. This prompted Thalben-Ball to write it down as best he could from memory and it subsequently became his most popular work, and it was even played at the funeral of Princess Diana. Elegy bears resemblance to a piece entitled Solemn Melody, composed by Thalben-Ball's contemporary Walford Davies. As Solemn Melody likely served as inspiration for Thalben-Ball, Elegy is dedicated to Davies.

[stephenhoneyman]

The Rubato is perfect for this piece, considering it was originally an improvisation. One of the best performances I’ve heard. Well done. !!

[jackvegt]

I heard this piece for the first time in Erfurt and was blown away.
This performance is closest to the religious experience I had four years ago.

[xtrahandz]

Nice registration change using sub-bass. Bravo !!

[bobh]

An always-lovely piece to hear, and beautifully performed. How breathtaking it would be to hear this noble work played on a great English cathedral organ, with all that glorious, enveloping reverberation.

[nicholasscott]

Beautiful!  Just beautiful!  Excellent registration, excellent unrushed tempo... Five stars and two thumbs WAY up!

[ProfSinister]

Just beautiful... Perfect tempo, perfect registration, one of the best renditions on YouTube! Love it.

[taylorharvey]

Beautiful playing of this glorious work of T-Ball....and the old Skinner/Moller/???at WCC STILL sounds great!!!...Thanks for playing and posting, James...

[jonespeterson]

Sublime and neat!! Enjoyed your playing!

[wljmrbill]

Beautiful rendition and well played. My how far you have came since I first heard you a few years ago.Continued Best for your studies.
 Posted this on Magle International Music Forums for my friends to listen to you again. ( you  should join  as is interesting with musician from around the world)

[steviejd]

Well done indeed. A beautiful work performed with grace and deep musicianship.

[mtoshamtosha]

Nicely done, I like your relaxed and unhurried playing style... thanks for sharing.

[daneickmeier]

Well played James. I'm working on this piece actually, and I like the way you play it, nice and slow.

[JLHoopes]

It is very well played and beautiful to hear. However, it would be much more interesting if the audio matched the video..

[agodbee]

Good Jimmy! Have you played Solemn Melody by Hubert Davies? I bet you'd do an excellent job!