Ripon.

    I am sure that many of my readers from Chennai might have thought of the grand Ripon Building when they saw the title. In addition to that edifice, it is also possible you may have thought of the city of Ripon and its cathedral or perhaps even Lord Ripon himself. However, it will not surprise anyone to learn that I always think of the pipe organ of Ripon Cathedral, one of the finest Harrison and Harrison organs in England. Thus, as a prelude for an upcoming blog-post series on storytelling using the pipe organ, I have the joy of sharing a video made by the Scott Brothers - Jonathan and Tom. This is an animated video of the story of Ripon Cathedral, with music exclusively on the pipe organ. The following paragraph is from the caption to their video.

    "A Cathedral's Story" is an animation that tells the historical tale of the building of Ripon Cathedral - from its earliest beginnings as an Anglo-Saxon settlement and 7th Century monastery (founded by St Wilfrid), to its many rebuilds and historical plights, to the present day. The animation gives an insight into historical ways of life and architecture of the day, with key features of the cathedral used to inspire aspects of the story (misericords, stone carvings, bells, pipe organ etc.). The accompanying music (composed by Tom and performed by Jonathan) plays an important storytelling role and was recorded at the Cathedral's Grand Pipe Organ. The original score was inspired by authentic musical influences of the time, with reflections of the vibrant musical community which continues to thrive in the Cathedral today.