In the musical life of England, the town halls of the northern industrial centres (especially their organs) play an important part. Thomas Trotter, organist of Birmingham Town Hall, in his well-attended organ recital on Sunday afternoon, maintained Watford's place in that musical league - though our town is in the Home Counties and not quite so large!

The programme demonstrated the competence of the recently-restorerd organ for performing classical organ works, although its design is really that of a cinema organ, rather than a conventional pipe organ as found in churches and other public buildings. Typical of the church tradition is Stanford's Fantasia and Toccata in D minor, which started the recital. Trotter demonstrated the ability of this organ to provide the necessary contrasts in volume and registration, only barely distinguishable from a conventional organ. He exploited the power of the instrument to fill the hall with sound, which was yet clear in the excellent acoustics; he used a quiet pedal stop that would be the envy of many church organists.

Church organists might possibly also envy, but could not normally emulate, the birdsong, rain and wind effects used in Lemmens' Grand Fantasia in E minor - The Storm, in which Trotter deployed these resources to delightful effect. The piece has flexible rhythms and comparatively simple harmonies, leading, after the storm episode, to a hymn of praise. Addressing the audience, Trotter drew attention to the similar organ at Bournemouth, applying the principles of the famous British firm of John Compton.

During the 20th Century, there can hardly have been an organist better known than George Thalben-Ball; among other distinctions, he was Trotter's predecessor at Birmingham. Thalben-Ball's Variations on a Theme of Paganini for Pedals enabled Trotter to display, with spectacular virtuosity, what an organist can do when using only his feet. Most of us rarely see this done. The bass part is the sometimes humble but vital component of much music, which we tend to overlook unless, as here, we really see it as well as hearing it.

Several equally enjoyable items are not mentioned here - sorry! But thanks to Watford Musical Heritage, who promoted the recital, and Councillor Rabi Martins, who led the appeal for the restoration of this organ. He was present, and deserves the thanks of music lovers for this asset in our distinguished and well-loved hall.

Graham Mordue