BBC Choral Evensong: St Thomas’ New York 1995 (Gerre Hancock)

[@harryscher5762]

Dear Gerre! You are loved and missed. I also miss the Aolian Skinner - hearing your improvisations was an uplifting, religious experience. It's so hard to believe you're gone. St. Thomas was your realm! It will never be the same without you. Rest in peace - beloved and talented servant!

[@marisemcneeley581]

Glorious memory of Gerre Hancock, his legacy , love for choral music , choirs, and especially his choristers.

[@rrickarr]

I remember well attending those weekly and Sunday Evensongs. The days of Gerre Hancock and John Andrew -- never to be matched again. So wonderful we have these recordings.

[@OpusDogi]

Despite its upscale address and imposing façade, from the few times I attended services on visits to New York, I remember St. Thomas as a very friendly parish. The interior, although beautifully carved, actually has a homey feel. They had a schedule of I think twice a week vespers, which for a place like New York City was a great public service.

[@robertbowman5331]

An unbeatable trio: John Andrew, Gerre Hancock, Gordon Clem. All 3 of you are dearly missed.

[@luckyman1071]

Perhaps unknown to you, this troika was often at loggerheads--sometimes, and more than occassionaly, severely so. At about the time this recording was made a particular administrative decision went against Gordon's wishes. He nodded in his characteristically phlegmatic way, left the meeting at the church, packed his bags at the school, and departed the institution immediately and forever. No notice, no 'good-byes', nothing. A very odd man. Another tale, this one rather more charming: at Gerre's memorial service, John related an anecdote that detailed the repercussions following a disagreement he had with Gerre on some matter or other; feelings were hurt, you know the deal..John went on to say that Gerre wouldn't address him for several days; then, 72 hours later, Gerre telephoned John to clear the air. In John's eulogistic words, "And on the third day..." Classic.

[@danhesko]

For such a talented man and so well known, it never 'went to his head.' I had opportunity to meet him in a diner in NJ many years ago. He had played a concert in Red Bank and u suppose was getting a quick bite before catching the train back to the city. He was so very gracious and friendly, as if we were no bother at all. I was impressed.

[@stephensimonroth4722]

Oh Uncle Gerre, I pray that you are at peace, you are most sorely missed. I fancy picturing you playfully bickering and at once laughing and singing with JA, your Texan drawl and his studied RP, great memories. I hope that you are not too puzzled with what goes on these days on W. 53rd. A wonderful Rector, truly a good man. All is quite perfect, clean, pert and normal, registrations are as one expects. Sad that we shall never hear your improvisations on the new chancel instrument. One hopes that it will not remain silent during the chanting of the psalms as has the Hauptwerk been over these last few years...yes, one can only hope! R.I.P. Dr. Hancock.

[@hudsonbailey674]

Mr. Stephen Simonroth, thank you for this wonderful eulogy, musical enough to be sung as elegy. I've had friends who sang on W. 53rd Street as far back as eighties. I've often worshipped there. I vividly remember Father Andrews and if recalling clearly, Mr. Gordon Clemm --- pardon please, a possible misspelling. God's speed.

[@SomeoneHasToSayIt2525]

I’ve been attending St Thomas since 1987. With all due respect for post 1995 choirs, In the 33 years since the era of this recording there has been no equal perfection in the choir’s performance of Psalm 150, bar none. Simply miraculous perfection and synchronicity.

[@HiringAPtAdvocate]

I remember the G. F. Adams gallery organ dedication with the Vierne mass for 2 organs and choir. There have been many liturgical and musical changes since the Fr. Morris/William Self years at St. Thomas.

[@richardsedding8444]

Lovely service, the Noble was magnificent, as were the anthem and psalm accompaniment. I especially liked the Psalm 150 to the chant we sang at Lincoln cathedral after Sunday morning Eucharist.

[@daveartvideo6088]

31:29 Rorem's music is so wonderful! I really understand mr Hancock performed his works so often.

[@91Durktheturk]

Evensong is the best thing I encountered since moving to the UK (yes I know this one is from the USA, but you guys get my point).

[@hudsonbailey674]

A fantastically arranged score for Evensong.

[@SarumChoirmaster]

OH WHAT GREAT PERFECTION. BUT THE MAG AND NUNC - WOW!!!

[@Pipe-organ-recordings]

Uncle Gerre !!!!!

[@OldPost661]

Great days.

[@scarlattienthusiast7934]

I know Dr. Hancock would probably not accept such a complement, but there really isn't anyone today improvising with the range of musical ideas at their immediate disposal and the same degree of good musical sense at the pipe organ.

[@organ444]

Gerre Hancock was indeed a gifted improviser. But would not the sub-organist be playing here, as Hancock would be in the stalls with the choir?

[@nadalinorganist]

Matthew Breen Gerre often improvised and then hopped over to the podium.

[@organ444]

@@nadalinorganist Thanks for your reply. I thought it sounded like Dr Hancock, but being unfamiliar with St Thomas' Church, I assumed the console was in the organ loft.

[@HiringAPtAdvocate]

@@organ444 have a look at the organ history of St. Thomas. www.nycago.org/Organs/NYC/html/StThomasEpis.html as you see there is a separate organ in the rear loft. To this day the 1956 Trumpet en chamade speaks from under the 'west' window although now extended to 16'.

[@organ444]

@@HiringAPtAdvocate Thanks, I will. How does the new organ sound?

[@luckyman7923]

Glendower!

[@OldPost661]

Only the BBC would call it Saint Thomas's Church. . .

[@magister5691]

Remembering 9/11 today 🌹🙏📿