Nunc Dimittis

Birthday concerts in Hamburg for Heinz Wunderlich

Part 1 was published in the October issue of The Diapason, pp. 22–25, and Part 2 in the November issue, pp. 26–29

Part 1 was published in the May 1996 issue of THE DIAPASON, pp. 10-13.

The use of voluntaries became common in some churches after about 1810, although in other churches (particularly those in rural locations) voluntaries were not played until much later in the century. The common complaint of too much showmanship, which had been levelled at the performance of interludes, was also carried over to voluntaries. Virtuosity was generally considered distracting to the tone of the service. In non-Episcopal (or less wealthy) churches, this problem would probably have occurred somewhat later in the century due to the later technical development of native players, but it
became a problem nonetheless.

A prominent composer, music educator and administrator, a first-rate improviser and performer, Bonnal was indeed a dignified successor to his master and friend, Charles Tournemire, as titular organist at the Sainte-Clotilde Basilica in Paris. In spite of the numerous obstacles he encountered during his lifetime, Bonnal’s noble aspirations, along with the faithful support of his friends, enabled him to pursue his ongoing quest for perfection.