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desert island discs

A friend recently asked me to play Desert Island Discs. I was dubious at first, after all if I were to be washed up on a desert island I doubt I would have the luxury of choosing what to take with me. But then that’s not really the point, it’s a chance to consider what music and possessions are most important to me. So, here goes (in no particular order)...

Prelude, Fugue and Chaconne in C - Buxtehude. I do like the organ, it’s such a powerful, versatile instrument. Funny, though, I thought I would choose a piece by Liszt but this brings back memories of my first record player (amongst other things), and Buxtehude is probably the finest composer for the organ, JS Bach notwithstanding.

Strawberry Fields Forever - the Beatles. I remember this playing over the strawberry fields in Happisburgh, Norfolk, in the 1970s when a group of us went on a strawberry picking holiday. It was only a week but very memorable. Pork pies and tinned rice pud for tea. Strawberries with cornflakes for breakfast. Alas these strawberry fields are not to be forever as I know much of Happisburgh has already disappeared into the sea.

Toccata - Sky. Well, I couldn’t have another organ piece, could I?! So this is almost cheating - correction, it’s serving two purposes. I have recently rediscovered some of the music I still have - but can’t play - on vinyl. This is one of them. Reminds me too of when I worked at Pye Records, a brief but interesting time.

There are Candles in the Windows of Brickendon Church - Margaret Knight. Margaret gave a harp recital in the village chapel a few years and it was enjoyed so much that her visits have become an annual event much looked forward to. She is a lovely lady as well as a talented musician.

Song for Ireland - De Dannan. Such a beautiful song. Mary Black has a wonderful voice and this is a lovely arrangement with a delightful accompaniment.

Shepherds Arise - ah but which version? Probably Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band (under the title Sing Sing); I have to take something by Maddy Prior, she has such a lovely voice. I saw her at Hertford once and the band collected for charity during the interval and Maddy herself was wondering among us with a bucket. I was impressed with that. It’s not the words - I have no truck with the concept of sin which is merely a device of the ancient churches as a means of control.

The Lorry Ride - Graham & Sheila Nelmes. The harmonium, another lovely instrument! This has been a favourite song for many years and one I’ve recently managed to transfer from vinyl to MP3. Who could not take with them a song about death in the coffee plantations of Guatemala? Such a haunting tune (said to be Casadh an tSugain).

Holborn March - Peat & Barley. One of my favourite dance tunes, although I can’t remember the movements. I had great difficulty finding the tune on CD anywhere and this one on violin and hammered dulcimer was the only one I could find to buy, so I’d like to take it with me to the island.

Oh dear, and I would have liked some Fairport, Strawhead, the Druids and Loreena McKennitt’s Dark Night of the Soul too, and the Rolling Stones, the Strawbs and the Hollies, perhaps the Enid.

As for books, I’m not much of one for re-reading books. I don’t imagine I would touch the Bible, but maybe I would read some of the psalms. I’ve never read Shakespeare in my life but I guess I could make a start.

It sounds rather egotistical to suggest taking one of the books I've written but I would be tempted to take Enlightenment for Beginners, partly to remind myself of what I already know and partly so I could redo the exercises and meditations.

I might also take Julia Latchem-Smith’s Daddy’s Little Girl which I’ve recently finished reading. A touching story if ever there was.

I’m assuming that I will be stranded with Lucy, that she wouldn’t be one of my luxuries.

One item I would take would have to be my guitar or melodeon, I’m not sure which. I haven’t played either much recently but I guess I would have more time on the island.

T’other I guess would be my laptop. I could pedal to excite the little electrons and keep fit at the same time... It would have to have all my software - and perhaps if it came with all my MP3s I could have hours more of my favourite music too!

Signed by Graham