Organ matters - Organs matter!

Inspirational instruments => Inspirational instruments => Topic started by: flared_ophicleide on May 09, 2016, 12:45:56 AM

Title: Royal Albert Hall organ... a written history?
Post by: flared_ophicleide on May 09, 2016, 12:45:56 AM
Is, or was, there a booklet/book out there on a detailed history of the Royal Albert Hall organ?
Title: Re: Royal Albert Hall organ... a written history?
Post by: David Drinkell on May 09, 2016, 05:25:57 AM
I don't think so, although it was featured in "The Organ" and other journals from time to time.  It doesn't have that much history - built by Father Willis 1871-2, rebuilt by Harrison and Harrison 1933 (Great, Swell and Pedal first, the rest delayed through lack of funds), some alterations by H&H 1973-3, refurbished with some recasting by Mander 2001-4.  It would be interesting to see other quotes for the job, if they exist, and there is a wealth of stories about the organ and who played it over the years.

Ian Bell and Bill McVicker wrote a pamphlet "The Grand Organ" on the 2004 restoration.