Short stories featuring musical instruments and those who play them!
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Sitting in the organ loft, he arranges his sheets of music, flexes his fingers and prepares the magnificent instrument.
Members of the congregation shuffle their way into the wooden pews which are bathed in tinted sunbeams beneath the glorious stained glass windows of the ancient building.
They mutter to one another as the organist’s fingers lightly dabble the ivory keys, a mantle of delicate tones creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Then, hush.
With a blast from the organ, the melody of a much-loved hymn fills the air. A procession of meditative ecclesiastics makes its way down the nave followed by a score of choirboys and lay clerks in their gowns of red and white. As they burst into song the dulcet tones of their mellifluous voices reach heavenward.
Upon reaching their stalls they turn, and their soaring decant enchants the worshippers as they sing along.
Prayers, hymns, anthems and a sermon follow.
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Too soon the service is over and the organist plays his closing piece.
The doors are flung open and the congregation makes its way out into the dappled sunlight. The organ falls silent.
His footsteps echo as he walks through the empty cathedral, and leaves.
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Previous posts
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Years past
2020 – Stories featuring obsolete words – O
2019 – Stories for children – O
2018 – My friend Rosey – O
2017 – The village of Amble Bay – O
Click on the letter of the day to revisit.
My grandfather was the organist for his church. I always enjoyed listening to him play. He used to intersperse songs such as Happy Birthday into the processional music as we came into the church if it was relevant to a member of the congregation.
What a lovely thing to do. Thanks, Anne.
The unseen hero.
Perfectly put!
Thanks 😊
Don’t ask me why, but organs don’t do anything for me. I think that if an organ was the accompaniment, I would not have studied voice for so many years. Nice story though.
I absolutely adore the organ and go to recitals in Cathedrals whenever possible. You don’t just hear it, you sometimes literally feel it! But, as they say, each to their own!
Sounds like a beautiful service. I almost feel as if I were there. Positively heavenly, Keith! Have a great weekend.
That’s most kind of you, thanks so much.
We do love our organist, and all of our musicians.
We certainly do Mimi!
You captured that atmosphere fabulously. The organ is a lovely instrument!
Here is my letter O: https://writingiscommunication.wordpress.com/2021/04/17/o-originator/
Thanks so much, it really is.
Enjoyed your post. For many of us older ones, hearing an organ automatically inspires reverence and evokes memories of high-vaulted old stone churches. Whatever one might say about theologies & opinions preached there, I think the old village church with its chimes and organs did give residents a certain stability.
I agree with every word Christine. Being a village dweller for much of my life I know how important the church is, not just to believers but to all. Thanks so much.
Enjoyed this Keith, especially the silence before and after the moment. And appropriate that the story fell on this day too, with the funeral on TV.
https://iainkellywriting.com/2021/04/17/the-state-trilogy-a-z-guide-o/
Thanks Iain. When I layed our my stories I was not aware what the day would hold. I’m only pleased it worked the way it did.
Keith, I so much enjoyed this lovely prose passage and saw and heard it as I read. The beauty of the scene truly is heavenly.
My “O” song:
http://tao-talk.com/2021/04/17/a2z-2021-jethro-tull-songs-day-15-old-ghosts-from-stormwatch-1979/
That’s really kind of you, thanks so much.
You’re very welcome.
Beautiful imagery there with stained glass and sun beams. Music touches ones soul and is always the perfect accompaniment for prayers and worship.
By the way whenever I see the word ivory it makes me sad . If it’s the color it’s ok but if it’s the material some elephant somewhere had been killed to get it out . I personally feel strongly against hunting and using animal based products .
http://pagesfromjayashree.blogspot.com/2021/04/o-for-occlumency-o-for-order.html
I totally agree with you regarding the killing of elephants for their tusks. Many of todays major catherdal organs date back to the late 1800’s when ivory trading was the norm. Thanks so much for your comment.
I remember planning our wedding and meeting with the organist to pick our music. It is such a beautiful instrument. Weekends In Maine
Indeed it is. I only wish I could play it!
Hi Keith – I love being in a church or cathedral where an organ is playing … it has such an ethereal feel as we listen. Excellent … ‘O’ – enjoy your sunny, if chilly, walks – cheers Hilary
I belong to the Friends of Cathedral Music and the Friends of Winchester Cathedral so before everything got locked down I spent a lot of time listening to organ music. It’s like a complete orchestra in one instrument.
Off for my daily stroll now! Thanks Hilary.
Your story took me back to when we used to live in the UK and to all the church services (especially around Christmas) I’ve been to. Beautifully written Keith.
Really? I’m pleased. Thanks so much, Arti.
I don’t really enjoy churches, but the organ music is just wonderful!
I hope my comment will appear, as I tried 3 times before this one…
Same here! I sometimes feel a bit of a hypocrite attending cathedral services purely for the choir and organ
For some unfathomable reason, I found your lost comments in my spam folder. Why I have no idea but thank you for your perseverance.
That’s such a lovely post, Keith. I could see and hear it, the sounds and the silences. The procession is just glorious!
Thanks so much for your generous words, Jenne.