It is truly sad that there are those who feel it appropriate to bash their peers in a forum such as this. I simply can't ignore Mr. Stettner's thoughtless statements. Apparently he didn't read the first sentence of the User's Agreement before providing his opinion - You agree, through your use of this forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, etc.... Congratulations Mr. Stettner, you nailed all three!
I am the "foolish Allen dealer" you abhor. Unlike you, I had an intimate knowledge of Green Lake's Casavant organ. I had the pleasure of playing this instrument on a fairly regular basis for the past 25 years. I knew the organ inside and out.
As a member of the Green Lake church for many years, I was asked to be on various organ committees (dating back to 2000, long before my association with Allen) to discuss making changes or improvements to the Casavant organ. While we all agreed that the instrument was well-built and well-intentioned, the result of hours of meetings and research brought us to the conclusion that no amount of money would make this organ more than what it was and most importantly, meet the demands of the church's extensive music program. Since you are an "expert" you would know that this 1977 Brunzema-era Casavant was an EXTREME example of a Neo-Baroque organ. To say it was overly aggressive, bright and harsh in tone is an understatement.
After inviting several reputable organ builders to visit Green Lake and offer proposals, and following extensive travel by the Minister of Music and myself to visit several of their installations in churches across the country, it was agreed by church leadership that a new, more suitable, eclectic instrument was in order.
I was asked by the church to work on selling the Casavant AS A WHOLE so we could start fresh. All of the organ builders we talked with agreed that $75,000 was a reasonable asking price given the market and type and condition of the organ. You can dispute that all you like but you weren't there. I did receive numerous inquiries from across the U.S. and as far away as Perth, Australia. Once these folks learned more about the particular style of this instrument, they were generally not interested. Yes, I did contact John Bishop of the Organ Clearing House, who posted the organ on the organization's website. If he indeed had a legitimate "buyer" for this organ, that is news to me as I was never informed of said buyer.
After nearly a year with the instrument on the market with no takers, the decision was made to re-evaluate what could be done with the organ. Also, as the economy had tanked in 2008, it was determined by church leadership that the near $1,000,000 price-tag on a new 35+ rank pipe organ was a 'bridge too far'. Thus, we began to seriously look at alternative approaches.
I knew of the organ builder Burton Tidwell and his excellent work with organs such as Westwood United Methodist near Los Angeles. Perhaps you have heard of this organ, which I understand is the third largest instrument on the west coast behind only the Crystal Cathedral and First Congregational in LA. It was featured in two concerts by Paul Jacobs at the 2004 AGO National Convention to great acclaim and also on the cover of The American Organist some years back. I also knew that Burton had an outstanding understanding of digital technology and how it could be utilized as another tool in the organ builder's toolbox. As opposed to others who take a slap-dash approach to pairing winded and non-winded instruments, Burton's attention to tonal design and the careful incorporation of digital voices has no equal.
Sean Haley's uninformed posting on the OHS organ database (which has since been removed) stating - The Casavant was mostly destroyed upon the installation of a new Allen organ. Part of the Swell division was to remain, altered by Burton Tidwell to augment the Allen. Unused parts of the Casavant including chests, pipework, and the console were completely dismantled, ruined beyond repair, and ultimately thrown away - is 100% inaccurate. As one who spent about 20 minutes in the church, removing a couple of the Casavant's sub-par reed ranks, he sure seems to think he knows a lot about this project.
Allow me to unpack his false statement:
1. The church was not presented with nor did they purchase an Allen organ. Yes, there are some components in the organ that were manufactured by the Allen Organ Company, but this instrument is by no means an Allen organ. The church wanted and purchased a Burton K. Tidwell organ. Period.
2. Over 75% of the Casavant was retained and reused, not just the Swell. Those items include the blower, winding system, two windchests, and the majority of the pipework, which was carefully and properly re-voiced or re-scaled where appropriate. In addition, several new ranks of pipes were added as well as three new windchests and a new swell box.
3. The new console is of the highest quality and was built by the R. A. Colby company.
4. Three windchests and some components of the console were not reused. We tried to give these items away to the Pipe Organ Foundation and Marceau & Associates but those parities were not interested. Unfortunately we could find no other takers. If they were so valuable, you would think we would have had a line-up to take them for FREE!
I would also like to point out that this project had the full support and blessing of those most closely association to the acquisition of the Casavant. They agreed that the organ had musical deficiencies and improvements were needed. In fact, the individual who led the effort to purchase the Casavant in 1977 recently stated that Burton did an outstanding job with his work on the Casavant ranks and that overall it was a superb, seamless instrument that met every goal we set out to achieve. He also stated that it is perhaps the "finest example of a pipe organ that incorporates digital voices." Speaking as a professional organist, I agree. This organ is an absolute joy to hear and play. The congregation has also given it rave reviews. After all, their reception of the organ is the one that matters most.
Finally, your bashing of Burton Tidwell and his work is utterly egregious and unprofessional! I assure you that throughout his 40-year career he has designed, installed and voiced more ranks of pipes on significant organs throughout the country than you will see in a lifetime. He is highly sought after for his keen ear and expertise, and his work speaks for itself. Mr. Tidwell is not one who seeks the limelight nor praise and glory from his colleagues. He is not concerned with others' opinions of him or his work...humility that is rare in the organ industry.
So...before you go posting all manner of false information based on third-party hearsay, I invite you to come see/hear/play the new Tidwell organ at the Green Lake Church anytime of your choosing. After which you are more than welcome to offer an informed critique. Until then, please make an effort to carefully research the facts before posting your comments.
Sincerely,
Ryan E. Dye
B.Mus., M.Mus. Organ Performance, University of Washington
B.A. Religion, B.A. Business Administration, Walla Walla University
Minister of Music, All Pilgrims Christian Church, Seattle
Past-Dean, Seattle Chapter American Guild of Organists
Chair, 2009 Seattle AGO Region VIII Convention
President, North Pacific Organ & Sound
Allen Organs of Western Washington & Alaska
Member, American Guild of Organists
Member, Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society
Member, Organ Historical Society (lest you think I wish to destroy all pipe organs)
(Some of my qualifications, in case you needed to see them)
I am the "foolish Allen dealer" you abhor. Unlike you, I had an intimate knowledge of Green Lake's Casavant organ. I had the pleasure of playing this instrument on a fairly regular basis for the past 25 years. I knew the organ inside and out.
As a member of the Green Lake church for many years, I was asked to be on various organ committees (dating back to 2000, long before my association with Allen) to discuss making changes or improvements to the Casavant organ. While we all agreed that the instrument was well-built and well-intentioned, the result of hours of meetings and research brought us to the conclusion that no amount of money would make this organ more than what it was and most importantly, meet the demands of the church's extensive music program. Since you are an "expert" you would know that this 1977 Brunzema-era Casavant was an EXTREME example of a Neo-Baroque organ. To say it was overly aggressive, bright and harsh in tone is an understatement.
After inviting several reputable organ builders to visit Green Lake and offer proposals, and following extensive travel by the Minister of Music and myself to visit several of their installations in churches across the country, it was agreed by church leadership that a new, more suitable, eclectic instrument was in order.
I was asked by the church to work on selling the Casavant AS A WHOLE so we could start fresh. All of the organ builders we talked with agreed that $75,000 was a reasonable asking price given the market and type and condition of the organ. You can dispute that all you like but you weren't there. I did receive numerous inquiries from across the U.S. and as far away as Perth, Australia. Once these folks learned more about the particular style of this instrument, they were generally not interested. Yes, I did contact John Bishop of the Organ Clearing House, who posted the organ on the organization's website. If he indeed had a legitimate "buyer" for this organ, that is news to me as I was never informed of said buyer.
After nearly a year with the instrument on the market with no takers, the decision was made to re-evaluate what could be done with the organ. Also, as the economy had tanked in 2008, it was determined by church leadership that the near $1,000,000 price-tag on a new 35+ rank pipe organ was a 'bridge too far'. Thus, we began to seriously look at alternative approaches.
I knew of the organ builder Burton Tidwell and his excellent work with organs such as Westwood United Methodist near Los Angeles. Perhaps you have heard of this organ, which I understand is the third largest instrument on the west coast behind only the Crystal Cathedral and First Congregational in LA. It was featured in two concerts by Paul Jacobs at the 2004 AGO National Convention to great acclaim and also on the cover of The American Organist some years back. I also knew that Burton had an outstanding understanding of digital technology and how it could be utilized as another tool in the organ builder's toolbox. As opposed to others who take a slap-dash approach to pairing winded and non-winded instruments, Burton's attention to tonal design and the careful incorporation of digital voices has no equal.
Sean Haley's uninformed posting on the OHS organ database (which has since been removed) stating - The Casavant was mostly destroyed upon the installation of a new Allen organ. Part of the Swell division was to remain, altered by Burton Tidwell to augment the Allen. Unused parts of the Casavant including chests, pipework, and the console were completely dismantled, ruined beyond repair, and ultimately thrown away - is 100% inaccurate. As one who spent about 20 minutes in the church, removing a couple of the Casavant's sub-par reed ranks, he sure seems to think he knows a lot about this project.
Allow me to unpack his false statement:
1. The church was not presented with nor did they purchase an Allen organ. Yes, there are some components in the organ that were manufactured by the Allen Organ Company, but this instrument is by no means an Allen organ. The church wanted and purchased a Burton K. Tidwell organ. Period.
2. Over 75% of the Casavant was retained and reused, not just the Swell. Those items include the blower, winding system, two windchests, and the majority of the pipework, which was carefully and properly re-voiced or re-scaled where appropriate. In addition, several new ranks of pipes were added as well as three new windchests and a new swell box.
3. The new console is of the highest quality and was built by the R. A. Colby company.
4. Three windchests and some components of the console were not reused. We tried to give these items away to the Pipe Organ Foundation and Marceau & Associates but those parities were not interested. Unfortunately we could find no other takers. If they were so valuable, you would think we would have had a line-up to take them for FREE!
I would also like to point out that this project had the full support and blessing of those most closely association to the acquisition of the Casavant. They agreed that the organ had musical deficiencies and improvements were needed. In fact, the individual who led the effort to purchase the Casavant in 1977 recently stated that Burton did an outstanding job with his work on the Casavant ranks and that overall it was a superb, seamless instrument that met every goal we set out to achieve. He also stated that it is perhaps the "finest example of a pipe organ that incorporates digital voices." Speaking as a professional organist, I agree. This organ is an absolute joy to hear and play. The congregation has also given it rave reviews. After all, their reception of the organ is the one that matters most.
Finally, your bashing of Burton Tidwell and his work is utterly egregious and unprofessional! I assure you that throughout his 40-year career he has designed, installed and voiced more ranks of pipes on significant organs throughout the country than you will see in a lifetime. He is highly sought after for his keen ear and expertise, and his work speaks for itself. Mr. Tidwell is not one who seeks the limelight nor praise and glory from his colleagues. He is not concerned with others' opinions of him or his work...humility that is rare in the organ industry.
So...before you go posting all manner of false information based on third-party hearsay, I invite you to come see/hear/play the new Tidwell organ at the Green Lake Church anytime of your choosing. After which you are more than welcome to offer an informed critique. Until then, please make an effort to carefully research the facts before posting your comments.
Sincerely,
Ryan E. Dye
B.Mus., M.Mus. Organ Performance, University of Washington
B.A. Religion, B.A. Business Administration, Walla Walla University
Minister of Music, All Pilgrims Christian Church, Seattle
Past-Dean, Seattle Chapter American Guild of Organists
Chair, 2009 Seattle AGO Region VIII Convention
President, North Pacific Organ & Sound
Allen Organs of Western Washington & Alaska
Member, American Guild of Organists
Member, Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society
Member, Organ Historical Society (lest you think I wish to destroy all pipe organs)
(Some of my qualifications, in case you needed to see them)