Tribute to John Byrt, 1940 - 2021

John’s birthday party was a splendid occasion – his mum was a great hostess and put on a super spread. We sang lots including rounds and of course carols, as it was Christmas Eve; John several times managed to borrow a set of handbells – which caused much fun and we loved playing them. On one occasion John played the impressive cadenza of Bach’s 5th. Brandenburg Concerto from memory – it consists of 50 bars or so of fast moving semi-quaver arpeggios; he then turned round and played some of it with his back to the piano it was an amazing experience! JG