Andrew Benson-Wilson organ

Andrew Benson-Wilson seeks to inspire an appreciation of the fascinating, and often dramatic, organ literature of the 14th to 18th centuries through his concerts, workshop teaching and writing. His playing is founded on experience and understanding of historic instruments and the techniques of performance that give life to the early repertoire. Andrew’s recital programmes are built around the individual organ and venue, and can feature a specific composer, a focused theme or a broader introduction to a period or school of composition. Andrew provides programme notes and is happy to give informal introductions to concerts and pieces. Although all the early repertoire is covered, Andrew’s special interests are the English 16th to early 19th century repertoire; music from late Medieval and early Renaissance times; German, French, Spanish and Italian music from the 16th and 17th centuries; and Buxtehude and Bach.

Sample Programme:

Fantasia: North European chorale fantasias and free works in the fantasy style. A programme of exciting and approachable pieces, showing the developing of the fantasy style from Sweelinck to Buxtehude. This programme is suitable for many modern mechanical action organs and mixed-experience audiences.

Education:

Andrew gives lecture/recitals and informal workshops (which can be related to a concert) and is also available for specialist individual teaching. He is also a regular writer on early music topics. His little book,
The Performance of Early Organ Music has proved an invaluable introduction to performance technique and is a required text in a number of Universities.

Recordings:

The first ever recording of the complete liturgical organ works of Thomas Tallis, complete with plainchant verses, recorded on the early 17th century organ at Knole, is on the Signum label as part of their Tallis series (Vol 5: SIGCD016). The remaining organ pieces are on Vol 9 (SIGCD042). These recordings have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and around the world.

Performances:

Oct 06 Klosterneuburg Abbey, Vienna
Jun/Oct 07 Grosvenor Chapel, London
Feb 07 St Lawrence Whitchurch

Contact:

Christopher Lawrence (General Manager)
Andrew Benson-Wilson,
3 St Mary’s Court, Eastrop Lane
Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4AT

Tel: 01256 358041

Email: ajbw@hotmail.com