My father – a city librarian – had many readers over a 50-year career. None were more precious to him than Mr C, born in the East End of London. Their friendship lasted several decades, yet I don’t believe either knew the other’s Christian name. It was always Mr...

Mr C told my father that in his class, not one child had shoes – but every child could read and write.

He gave me a vinyl copy of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, which I played again and again in my room. I adored them; I think of Mr C to this day with pleasure, for introducing me to the work of JS Bach.

I also loved Bad Moon Rising, by Creedence Clearwater Revival. JS and Creedence vied for my attention, along with Radio Caroline, and Batman and Robin.

Imagine my joy this weekend when I was able to attend a concert in Dorchester Abbey in which not only were all the Brandenburg Concertos played over two nights – but Sir James Galway was a star soloist, accompanied by his glamorous flautist wife Jeanne.

Founded 48 years ago, by Galway’s friend, director John Lubbock, the Orchestra of St John’s (OSJ) stages a September festival every year at the Abbey. Originally based at St John’s Smith Square in Westminster, the orchestra has strong links with Oxford, including performing a series of Proms at the Ashmolean Museum throughout the year.

“I love Oxford,” Galway told me, “and I love performing with these musicians. They’re a lot of fun to be with. I’ve known John since the 70s. We go back a long way.” His Irish eyes twinkled, and with his golden flute, his damask suit and his hand- embroidered waistcoat, he looked beguiling even before he lifted the flute to his lips. Then, oh then! Lady Galway looked like an exotic bird of paradise beside him, gorgeous in yellow.

Between them, and the rest of OSJ’s balletic performers, Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos danced and sparkled – the audience’s feet tapping irresistibly. JS Bach’s incomparable masterpiece soared into the vaulted hammer beamed roof. Surely even the gargoyles and stone faces must smile.

Lubbock’s ability to attract some of the world’s most iconic soloists also included Maki Sekiya, a diminutive Japanese pianist who nearly melted the piano with her thrilling performance of Bach’s Piano Concerto in F Minor. She received a cascade of ovations from the audience, who, as they stepped out into the warm night air might have agreed with Sir James: “When you hear what you’ve heard tonight, you can’t be in any doubt that Bach was the master composer.

“The variety and complexity of construction, the combinations of instruments: it’s Bach at his greatest.”

I agree, and thank Mr C.

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.