Organ matters - Organs matter!

Organs in danger => Organs in danger => Topic started by: organforumadmin on April 02, 2010, 11:19:01 AM

Title: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: organforumadmin on April 02, 2010, 11:19:01 AM
Hi!

Currently on the front page of this forum are photographs of
http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=D07966

These were taken on the last day of existence of that organ, possibly a Willis, and a delightful small organ arranged over three manuals.

Behind the convent chapel was an enormous pile of broken wood - roof timbers and joists, valuable on the second hand market, just heaped. Nothing was salvaged. The heap was as high as the chapel, and a private second hand fire engine was on hand along the drive to deal with the consequences.

The next day the bulldozers moved in. The chapel was bulldozed. The organ was bulldozed inside the chapel.

Noone cared.

If we are to be able to rebuild our civilisation and what we care for, we cannot just sit back. When you are sliding down a hill, you have to make even greater efforts to progress up the hill.

For that reason this forum exists. In order to reverse the decline, we have to be slightly more evnagelistic about why we think that the organ is worthy of a special place in people's hearts  and I hope that all who care about the organ as an instrument might take an active part in showing people why the organ is so amazing.

Best wishes

Forum Admin
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on April 07, 2010, 07:45:47 PM
Occasionally the Organ will sneak into popular culture, "hiding in plain view" so to speak.

Some examples from my music collection include the first minute and twenty seconds of  an Alan Parsons Project "classic", "don't let it show" first appearing on their "I, Robot" album.  Use of a real pipe organ in the beginning of that piece brilliantly sets the stage for the whole song... A friend seemed to think they used a Moog synthesizer but on the CD one trained to listen for such things can clearly make out the sound of the tracker action!  Hauptwerk doesn't do that, at least on the performances I have downloaded from Contrebombarde.com... (Hmmm. topic for another day? ;)

Danny Elfman scored  Batman-The Motion Picture,  and along with the orchestra the organ appears.


All of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean movies feature some really good stuff...  and not just the Organ! 

And the "new-age" modified pedal harpist Andreas Vollenweider has managed to sneak his father
(and the Organ of the Grossmunster) onto a couple of his albums also.

Now it is possible to look at some of the "stats" on "who watches what" on Youtube, and the organ stuff seems to draw an encouraging audience, most of the vids seem to be enjoyed most by males
aged 13 to 18!  Kind of an interesting demographic, eh?

Eric


Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: revtonynewnham on April 08, 2010, 10:27:18 AM
Hi

Keyboard player Rick Wakeman is another example of the use of organ in more contemporary "popular" music.  Right from his first solo album (The 6 Wives of Henry VIII) which features a track mainly on pipe organ through to more recent work (solo piano albums excepted - obviously).  About 3 or 4 years ago he recorded a CD of improvisations on the organ of Lincoln Cathedral - an interesting listen.  He also had a small transportable pipe organ built to use on tour.

Every Blessing

Tony
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: organforumadmin on April 08, 2010, 08:27:11 PM
Quote from: KB7DQH on April 07, 2010, 07:45:47 PM
Now it is possible to look at some of the "stats" on "who watches what" on Youtube, and the organ stuff seems to draw an encouraging audience, most of the vids seem to be enjoyed most by males
aged 13 to 18!  Kind of an interesting demographic, eh?

Dear Eric

Firstly thanks for joining this forum and your enthusiastic posts!

Yes - I have also noticed the same phenonomen on YouTube stats and it really is encouraging. There are places on the net where grey people find comfort in talking to each other but I'm really hoping that this forum may encourage young and young at heart with great experience to talk to each other and hand down wisdom, knowledge and enthusiasm.

I have a great friend who I wish would write here but he says:

QuoteAvec le style de ce forum, je ne suis pas motivé. Le niveau est   celui d'une certaine autosatisfaction. Je n'y ai rien trouvé qui rejoint   notre sujet. C'est semer des  graines dans un désert. Je trouve que You   tube est nettement meilleur. Mais Même sur You Tube, j'ai reçu des   injures, c'est pourquoi je ne fait plus de commentaires publics sur You   Tube.   
He continues
QuoteJe ne peux pas éclairer des gens qui refusent de bouger de leur   rocking-chair.
saying that it's necessary to go _with_ an experienced person to see and to hear and there again, Hugh Potton
http://www.youtube.com/v/fe_eJ60PmtM&hl=en_GB&fs=1&  (http://www.youtube.com/v/fe_eJ60PmtM&hl=en_GB&fs=1&)

http://www.youtube.com/v/0nrvPmirH7c&hl=en_GB&fs=1& (http://www.youtube.com/v/0nrvPmirH7c&hl=en_GB&fs=1&)

implores me never to upload a whole piece as then people won't bother to go to or support live performances . . .

Anyway, I hope for the reason of transferring knowledge from old to young that by posts with requests for enlightenment here such people as my French friend will be persuaded to share their knowledge here.

Best wishes

Forum Admin
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on June 03, 2010, 12:41:01 AM
Found an essay that may be of interest... here...

http://www.organfocus.com/features/essays/modest_proposal.php3 (http://www.organfocus.com/features/essays/modest_proposal.php3)

Eric
KB7DQH
Title: Re: Organs and encouragement
Post by: dragonser on June 03, 2010, 10:53:44 PM

"implores me never to upload a whole piece as then people won't bother to go to or support live performances . . . "
Best wishes

Forum Admin
[/quote]

above  is a good point....
after all if there are not enough people going to concerts then there won't be many concerts being put on. But how do you get people who would not normally go to concerts to be interested in them ? I think youtube does get to a wide audience.
I wonder has anyone done a video basic introduction to the Pipe organ with ( simple ) examples of the different sounds available ( for example the difference between flutes and reeds ) and what all the stops and couplers do ?

regards Peter B




Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: revtonynewnham on June 04, 2010, 09:22:55 AM
Hi

There are 3 introductory presentations that I know of.  There's web site "Young Persons' Guide to the Pipe  Organ" - see http://www.agohq.org/guide/.  This is an American production - not bad.  There's also a DVD with a very similar name "Young Persons Guide to the Organ" IIRC, produced in Australia.  I don't have details to hand, but I have seen it - we used as an exhibit at the Bradford Organists' Assoc organ day last month.  The ending is rather tacky IMHO, but the rest of it is good.

Then there's another DVD (also available on line) "Dan and the Magic Musician" - see http://www.danmagic.org/  This was produced by good friends of mine, Drs. Peter & Lucy Comerford (the inventors of the Bradford Computing Organ, the root of real time synthesis systems used by Copeman-Hart and others).  It's much shorted than the Australian production - but it's British, which can't be a bad thing!  I see that it's won the BBC Education and Communities Partnership Award for Innovation 2009.  I hear rumours that a follow-up is on the way.

Every Blessing

Tony
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on June 07, 2010, 12:09:22 AM
http://kitchissippikids.blogspot.com/2010/06/and-operating-pipe-organ-at-st-francois.html (http://kitchissippikids.blogspot.com/2010/06/and-operating-pipe-organ-at-st-francois.html)

QuoteAnd Operating the Pipe Organ at St. Francois D'Assise Church
What I liked the most about Doors Open Ottawa this year was that the sites we visited weren't busy and they weren't rushed.  The volunteers really had time for us.

The organist - his name is Gilles - at St. Francois D'Assise Church on Fairmont allowed us to "play" the organ, he played us a piece by Bach, he showed us the inside where the pipes are and he brought out a pipe they don't use anymore for us to look at.

Its activities of the type described above that are invaluable to encouraging enthusiasm for the organ...


Eric
KB7DQH
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on October 01, 2010, 08:20:24 PM
An old, short, but interesting news story that appeared on ABC's World News Tonight...
waaaay back in 2003...

Titled... Classical Pipe Organs Making a Comeback...

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=129626&page=1 (http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=129626&page=1)

With all the new, restored, or proposed restorations of pipe organs going on in Texas right now...

I guess you got to start somewhere...

Eric
KB7DQH
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: David Pinnegar on October 16, 2010, 05:48:00 PM
Hi!

When popping into this forum I often see that "Guests" are logged on as well as a few "Registered Users". It really would be great if "Guests" might feel welcome to join the forum and add to discussions, and generally provoke greater interest and enthusiasms in the King of Instruments.

Whilst enthusiasm can be somewhat suppressed elsewhere, here we really do want to celebrate the joys that organs can bring . . . Do you know of some interesting instruments? Some "Must Go To" recitals? If not, the organ might as well enjoy a quiet death . . . but that's not what organs are all about . . . !

Are you giving a recital somewhere? Please don't be shy. Please post details . . .

Best wishes

David P

Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on November 05, 2010, 06:54:07 PM
This blog got dumped into my inbox earlier...

http://stuffchristianslike.net/2010/11/the-rarest-church-musician-of-all-time/#idc-cover (http://stuffchristianslike.net/2010/11/the-rarest-church-musician-of-all-time/#idc-cover)

The comments and replies were as, if not more, interesting than the blog itself.

Could the "pendulum swing the other way" anytime soon?

Eric
KB7DQH
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: Holditch on November 05, 2010, 11:53:56 PM
A very interesting link, and it seems to me that the organ in most parts is misunderstood, I wonder why!?

And also the demise of organs in the parts of the world these posts are coming from seems to me due to lack of organists.

Both of the statements above have many questions attached to them! I may digress at a later date, but time to go out now unfortunately.

Thanks for the link
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: barniclecompton on November 06, 2010, 01:32:07 AM
i think the main problem is "bad" organists, and the stuffy/snobby attitude that many organists have, as well as many churches. Trying to introduce the organ to people who are new to it has become almost impossible. Many people my own age (20s) WONT go near a church, and the word organ says church, old person trying to play, and out of tune/lots of wrong notes etc, wether its a theatre organ, church organ, concert organ, hammond organ, or anything with the name "organ".
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on November 16, 2010, 02:03:46 PM
I took the opportunity earlier today to visit the main branch of my local county public library and found the only book they had on anything remotely associated with organs :o  checked it out, brought it home and read the whole thing save the glossary, index, etc... in one sitting. ;D

"All the Stops-- The Glorious Pipe Organ and Its American Masters"  by Craig R. Whitney.

A fascinating, educational and entertaining read 8)

Its last chapter deals specifically with this topic... ;)

Eric
KB7DQH
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: revtonynewnham on November 16, 2010, 03:59:32 PM
Hi

How times change!  Only one book on organs - mind you, that's better than out local branch library (only open 2 half-days a week) - they have absolutely nothing relevant.

In my teenage years, our local library usually had Sumner's "The Organ" and one of the Alan Douglas books on electronic organs on the shelf, plus a couple of other relevant books (except when I'd borrowed them, which was quite frequently!)

Every Blessing

Tony
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on January 03, 2011, 11:23:08 PM
Follow the link below to something that appeared on the BBC website... and listen to the audio clip embedded...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9327000/9327470.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9327000/9327470.stm)

Eric
KB7DQH
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: Holditch on January 04, 2011, 01:48:28 AM
Excellent , cant belive I missed that on Radio 4 (being an avid listener of the Today programme)

There are also some interesting clips on Youtube of Richard Wright of Pink Floyd in the 60s playing the organ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOwk4BWsiEA

Just goes to show the way the instrument crosses over between musical genre

Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on January 04, 2011, 04:57:31 AM
Excellent! 8) 8) 8)     Being a bit of a "Floyd" fan myself :o and noting that much of their music is begging to be transcribed and performed on the pipe organ 8)  It is worth mentioning that the curator of the biggest
such instrument on the planet feels the same way 8)

Eric
KB7DQH

Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: NonPlayingAnorak on January 04, 2011, 12:52:07 PM
I think it was the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra recorded a load of Pink Floyd orchestral transcriptions... I think they did some U2 too. Now, it doesn't take much gumption to link that to the way that orchestral works - things like Danse Macabre - got transcribed for Town Hall organs... so who's going to be the first to make the leap? Incidentally...

http://www.heraldscotland.com/organ-recital-backers-aim-to-keep-up-the-volume-1.875744 (http://www.heraldscotland.com/organ-recital-backers-aim-to-keep-up-the-volume-1.875744)

QuoteThe recitals have predominantly featured organ and classical music but have also included songs by Kylie Minogue, Coldplay and U2.

And I remember reading in Church Times years ago about such artists' music even being used as a source of themes for improvising voluntaries in church!  :o

What cannot be denied is that these Kelvingrove recitals are frequent... like, pretty much every single day of every single week of every year. Plus, factor in practice time, demand for recording sessions, visiting organists just wanting to have a go for the heck of it... Does that poor organ ever get switched off?! I bet it's got to be pretty much the busiest organ in the country, if not the world...
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on January 04, 2011, 01:48:25 PM
QuoteI wonder has anyone done a video basic introduction to the Pipe organ with ( simple ) examples of the different sounds available ( for example the difference between flutes and reeds ) and what all the stops and couplers do ?

Posted elsewhere on this forum but here it is for anyone reading through this thread...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPCsLtyrmko (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPCsLtyrmko) ;) :) ;D 8)

Eric
KB7DQH

Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on January 07, 2011, 04:49:38 PM
QuoteDoes that poor organ ever get switched off?! I bet it's got to be pretty much the busiest organ in the country, if not the world...

I guess that should be considered a "good thing" ;D at least until its "tuning time" ;D

Another example of an art museum installation can be found here...http://www.organmatters.co.uk/index.php?topic=175.0 (http://www.organmatters.co.uk/index.php?topic=175.0)

Happy New Year ;)
Eric
KB7DQH
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on January 27, 2011, 02:57:18 PM
http://insanity.blogs.lchwelcome.org/2011/01/25/the-organ-is-not-dead/ (http://insanity.blogs.lchwelcome.org/2011/01/25/the-organ-is-not-dead/)

What one organist IS doing about the organist shortage...

Eric
KB7DQH
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on April 21, 2011, 01:45:15 PM
And what one organization has done, and SUCCESSFULLY, to increase appreciation for the organ and organ music...

http://www.nwitimes.com/niche/shore/entertainment/music/article_1824d043-bd2d-5891-9424-a347aaa6e98e.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/niche/shore/entertainment/music/article_1824d043-bd2d-5891-9424-a347aaa6e98e.html)

QuoteA new generation has discovered the centuries-old tradition of pipe organ music, that intoning and imposing beautiful sound usually associated with chapels, cathedrals and classic movie palaces of the past showcasing the silent film era.

College students are among the loyal audience following of the Twin Cities Organ Concert Series, a nonprofit organization that provides frequent organ performances in Saint Joseph, Benton Harbor and surrounding communities.

The Twin Cities Organ Concert Series Committee is a group of organists and local community enthusiasts that endeavor to "increase the level of appreciation for the organ as an instrument and its repertoire."

According to Jenifer Milnikel, a member of the Twin Cities Organ Concert Series Committee, through this teamwork, they are able to present guest organists, provide scholarships to young aspiring organists and promote collegiality among area musicians.

You will have to read the article in the link to find out about their 10th anniversary celebration concert ;D ;D ;D ;)

Eric
KB7DQH
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: organforumadmin on September 03, 2011, 12:02:56 PM
Hi!


The problem that we see of organs and organ appreciation disappearing in England appears not to be unique and the organisers of the Symposium in Zurich later this week identify the problems on a wider European basis:
http://www.zhdk.ch/index.php?id=13400
QuoteWith concern, they note

       
  • that the European organ culture risks losing attention and appreciation,
  • that   the familiarity of the music-loving public with organ music has   dwindled over the last decades due to decreasing church attendance,
  • that   in church services the organ is not sufficiently recognized as an   instrument that can be innovative and open to various musical genres and   is ever more being replaced by other instruments or even recorded   music,
  • that the organ has very little presence in non-ecclesiastical concert programming, nor in broadcasting or the print media,
  • that the interest in organ teaching, especially at a professional in conservatories, is falling sharply,
  • that   in some European countries resources for the maintenance and the   preservation of valuable historic or new organs are scarce,
  • that   due to the change of use of some facilities or lack of interest, church   and concert hall organs are no longer used and thus neglected – or even   being disposed of.[/l][/l]
In view of the links acknowledged here between decline in organ appreciation and the decline in church attendance, it would be appropriate if members of this forum who have shied away from the issue telling us that it is inappropriate for faith to be discussed on an organ forum might reconsider that position and participate again, for it is apparent that the wider European view is that it is appropriate to do so . . .


Best wishes


Forum Admin[/list]
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on September 20, 2011, 02:17:42 AM
The following news article... presents evidence of one country which still appreciates the King of Instruments :o 8) 8) 8)

But the earthquakes have placed many organs out of action and so a "non-pipe" instrument has been
donated to provide a temporary solution...

http://www.3news.co.nz/Auckland-donates-organ-to-Christchurch/tabid/423/articleID/226280/Default.aspx (http://www.3news.co.nz/Auckland-donates-organ-to-Christchurch/tabid/423/articleID/226280/Default.aspx)

QuoteAuckland donates organ to Christchurch

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 6:26p.m.

By Jessica Rowe

Only four of Christchurch's 79 pipe organs survived the city's earthquakes.

With the city's town hall out of action, its magnificent Reiger organ has been temporarily silenced.

But Auckland has come up with the answer.

It is the ceremonial sound of royalty, pomp and celebration.

The Aotea Ali, as it is affectionately named, is one of the largest pipe-less organs in New Zealand and now it is in Christchurch.

The organ was previously housed in Auckland's Aotea Centre but now it is on loan to Christchurch and local organist Martin Setchell says the city has a musical heart again.

"They have loaned this magnificent Allen electronic organ for as long as we need it, to use for our concerts, so it is a life saver for the city."

Many churches suffered significant damage in the earthquakes and Mr Setchell says only about four of the 79 large pipe organs in Christchurch survived, or are accessible after the earthquakes.

In February, this Methodist church collapsed crushing its pipe organ and the three people who were trying to remove it.

And with the city's town hall still out of action, its beautiful Reiger pipe organ is also unavailable for an unknown period of time.

So its temporary replacement, the Aotea Ali has moved to he city's CBS arena, Christchurch's only remaining venue for big public gatherings.

The council says it will help bring the city together again.

Christchurch deputy mayor Ngaire Button says it means they can have some of their iconic events that we look forward every year.

The Aotea Ali is expected to be in Christchurch for several years while the town hall is being restored, playing at many of the city's large public gatherings, including graduations and concerts.

3 News

Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/Auckland-donates-organ-to-Christchurch/tabid/423/articleID/226280/Default.aspx#ixzz1YSGyfIjk


Their organs may be in danger... but not for lack of appreciation!

Eric
KB7DQH
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on December 12, 2011, 07:05:56 AM
QuoteYoung players sustain old pipe organs

QuoteThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Sat, 12/10/2011 12:45 PM


The popular Christmas carol "Angels We Have Heard on High" can be heard anywhere in Jakarta in the days leading up to the Christmas holiday.

But to enjoy it played live on a pipe organ in this capital city, one needs to visit old churches, and hope that the instruments are in good condition, and more importantly to find available players.

Vicky Andreani, 29, was one of the rare pipe organists who made one of Jakarta's only five existing organs come to life.

"Playing a pipe organ requires coordination from many parts of our body: our eyes, our two hands and our feet," Vicky said. "It takes time and continuous practice before your body is familiar with the organ."

Playing the Christmas carol for The Jakarta Post with the 75-year-old pipe organ of the GPIB Paulus church, Central Jakarta, on Friday, Vicky said that performing on the instrument so that the music rose and fell rhythmically was never easy.

However, Vicky found that all of her efforts and the challenges she faced were worth it, equal to the splendid sensation she gets from hearing the beautiful sounds of the instrument, which was developed by Europeans in the 17th century.

"I have a big interest in music, including violin and piano. But the classical pipe organ is more fascinating," she said.

Vicky has been playing piano since she was a child but started to learn the pipe organ six years ago.

Pipe organs, which once were the most complex man-made devices, is a musical instrument that produces sound by driving pressurized air through pipes.

Each organ may have anywhere from a dozen pipes and one keyboard to more than 20,000 pipes and seven keyboards.

Having a skill on piano is not the most important thing, strong will is.

"I am lucky that I was a pianist when I became interested in the pipe organ," Vicky said. "At least I didn't have to learn the basic musical skill, only the technical know-how."

Another young organist, Ariwandira Pratama Siagian, said that he needed three to four months to get himself used to the device.

"Like Vicky, I was a classical pianist before I was an organist," said the-21-year old, who likes being called Ari. The student of the Jakarta Theological Seminary said that the most difficult part was to
adapt to the additional tools in the instrument, such as stop knobs to control the different timbre, pitch and volume.

Ari said that continuous practice with the instrument would quickly improve the organists' skill.

Due to the complicated design of the organ, with all the pipes and stop knobs and multiple-layer keyboards, the organs are only available in few churches in Jakarta.

"To practice, we have to go to churches where the instrument is available," Ari said. "So, playing this thing also requires strong dedication."

Both Ari and Vicky believed that the existence of such instruments relied on the sustainability of organists. "There should be a good regeneration to maintain the number of organists," said Vicky.

"Otherwise, the organs will be abandoned in years ahead."

Calvin Eko Saputro, an advanced organist and teacher to the younger players, said that the instrument was not too popular among the youth.

"It is not about how many young people are eager to play it. It is about how many of them know it," he said. "Sadly, many of them don't even know what the pipe organ is."

Eko, the organ teacher at the GPIB Immanuel church in Central Jakarta, said that there were about 16 organists in the church alone.

"Most of them are young organists," he said.

He said that the instrument, due to its beauty and long history, deserved better attention. "The organ can be performed for many occasions other than religious events."

However, Eko acknowledged that the organs available for playing in Jakarta were too limited.

"Classical pipe organs can only be found in three Protestant churches and two Catholic churches," he said. "Even if there are more people who are willing to play it, there are not enough places," he said.

Suwandi, the only mechanic and organ maker in the city, said that expensive production cost and maintenance had dissuaded people from having more organs.

Cheap organs, with pipes of bamboo or metal, can cost Rp 500 million (US$55,500) whereas expensive ones can cost up to Rp 1.5 billion.

"The maintenance costs range from Rp 8 million to more than Rp 20 million," he said.

Suwandi, who has been an organ maker and technician for more than 20 years, said that restoration costs were also pricey. "If an organ is badly broken, it can take more than Rp 500 million and more than one month restoration time."

He regretted that several people, including the church officials, did not show enough concern about pipe organs.

"I have seen many organs broken because of neglect by church administrations," he said. (lfr)

Hope ???

Eric
KB7DQH
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: KB7DQH on October 11, 2012, 06:29:43 PM
Quote

Hirten speaks about pipe organ in film

The Ventura Chapter of the American Guild of Organists invites the public to "Image is Everything — The Pipe Organ in Film" on at 7:30 p.m. today at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 3290 Loma Vista Road in Ventura.

American composer and organist, John Karl Hirten, is the guest speaker at the free event.

From the "Phantom of the Opera" to "Minority Report," the organ has a distinguished history in film, not only in musical scores but on the screen itself.

Using film clips and background materials, this presentation looks at the various ways that Hollywood views the pipe organ, and how those views may affect how the organ and organists are viewed.

The evening begins with movie-time refreshments in Kahler Hall. The audience will then be ushered into the sanctuary to hear Hirten play some illustrative selections on the Hedgel organ followed by the video presentation.

For more information, call Sara Edwards at 701-6970.

Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/oct/05/hirten-speaks-about-pipe-organ-film/#ixzz290nsxsdO
- vcstar.com

This would have been an interesting event to attend...

Eric
KB7DQH
Title: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: Neil Crawford on July 23, 2017, 12:18:55 PM
I don't know if this organ has been reported before.
St Paul's Hockley Birmingham  - A lovely Conacher two Manual rebuilt by Hill Norman and Beard played by Thomas Trotter during the Mander town halll organ rebuild.
See http://www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=N07367 for specification.
The church has gone happy Clappy !
The organ is in reasonable condition but needs a rebuild.

Church website
https://www.stpaulsjq.church

Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: Rivendor on March 16, 2019, 02:01:27 PM
Hi everybody New to this site/forum,  I would like to inform you, or anybody you may know who would be interested, that myself and Business partner have acquired a Church in Kelso, Scottish Borders which houses a JW Walker Pipe Organ from 1900/1901. One of the Carnegie Organs gifted to Churches in Scotland. A real piece of Scottish and world history.

National Organ Register ref: D08535
http://www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=D08535

We are gutting out the church in order to do some repairs, the organ is going to be sold in order to generate some funds for elsewhere in the building.

Is this something you may be interested in or could you point us in the wrong direction toward someone who would re-home such an instrument.

thank you for your time, Robbie.e.swinton@gmail.com
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: SL on March 17, 2019, 08:00:16 AM
Quote from: Neil Crawford on July 23, 2017, 12:18:55 PM
I don't know if this organ has been reported before.
St Paul's Hockley Birmingham  - A lovely Conacher two Manual rebuilt by Hill Norman and Beard played by Thomas Trotter during the Mander town halll organ rebuild.
See http://www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=N07367 for specification.
The church has gone happy Clappy !
The organ is in reasonable condition but needs a rebuild.

Church website
https://www.stpaulsjq.church

Hello Neil Crawford

What, exactly, are you saying?

I'm surprised the church has gone 'Happy Clappy', are you sure about that? It used to be a 'Book of Common Prayer' church!

As for the organ - it did need work doing to it!

The acoustics of St. Paul's are some of the finiest in the Midlands. I broadcast from there on a number of occasions.


Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: David Pinnegar on March 17, 2019, 09:36:14 AM
Quote from: Rivendor on March 16, 2019, 02:01:27 PM
We are gutting out the church in order to do some repairs, the organ is going to be sold in order to generate some funds for elsewhere in the building.

Well good luck with that. Organs are like stray dogs. To be loved or given away. Getting anyone to pay much for one which needs rebuilding. . .  Well put it another way - who'd buy a stray dog knowing that it will need substantial vets' fees.

Best wishes

David P
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: SL on March 18, 2019, 06:47:22 PM
Quote from: Neil Crawford on July 23, 2017, 12:18:55 PM
I don't know if this organ has been reported before.
St Paul's Hockley Birmingham  - A lovely Conacher two Manual rebuilt by Hill Norman and Beard played by Thomas Trotter during the Mander town halll organ rebuild.
See http://www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=N07367 for specification.
The church has gone happy Clappy !
The organ is in reasonable condition but needs a rebuild.

Church website
https://www.stpaulsjq.church


Paul Carr, the ex Director of Music, has completely refuted that St. Paul's Birmingham has 'gone happy clappy'


Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: Paul Carr on March 18, 2019, 11:52:32 PM
Quote from: SL on March 18, 2019, 06:47:22 PM
Quote from: Neil Crawford on July 23, 2017, 12:18:55 PM
I don't know if this organ has been reported before.
St Paul's Hockley Birmingham  - A lovely Conacher two Manual rebuilt by Hill Norman and Beard played by Thomas Trotter during the Mander town halll organ rebuild.
See http://www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=N07367 for specification.
The church has gone happy Clappy !
The organ is in reasonable condition but needs a rebuild.

Church website
https://www.stpaulsjq.church


Paul Carr, the ex Director of Music, has completely refuted that St. Paul's Birmingham has 'gone happy clappy'

Just for the record...

The church has not gone 'happy clappy, it never did.

The organ is not at risk, certainly no more than the church itself, and that is fairly unlikely with it being grade 1 listed in a highly developed area of the city.

I left, after 13 years as DoM, in August 2016; my position became untenable but this was never to do with style of music or matters relating to music in worship. In fact after I left (followed by the entire choir) the traditional style, with use of the organ continued.

Following a very dark and complicated period for that place, which could be the subject of a very readable book one day, the church finally had a fresh start with a Priest in Charge appointed about a year ago.
He's steadily rebuilding the congregation (which stood at 3) and the place is slowly healing.

The organ is used for the weekly service, played by a RBC Organ Student, and also for concerts such as the run of Carols by Candlelight concerts presented by Ex-Cathedra each Christmas.

The organ is in fairly good condition considering its age, there were of course plans developed for a new organ using the historic pipework alongside new, and extensive surveys and research had been done to ensure that nothing of artistic or historical value was disguarded in the scheme. This had to be put on hold about 6 years ago when it became apparent that the building needed work first and this should have been the priority for any funding.

The building has had some emergency repairs after ceiling collapses, etc. but is still in need of about £1m to restore it, so realistically any organ scheme is a long way off.

I hope that clarifies things.

Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: David Drinkell on March 19, 2019, 09:56:42 PM
Being pedantic - NPOR records the builder as Conacher Sheffield, a different firm from either Peter or James Conacher of Huddersfield. Bernard Edmonds once referred to them as "Conacher Sheffield, upon whom be maledictions".

I hope the rebuilding of the congregation and worship proceeds successfully.
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: Paul Carr on March 20, 2019, 07:38:29 AM
It's not an organ which can be assigned to one builder in its current form, other than dating it as 1964 HN&B. The pipework is a mixture... mainly Bishop choruses, 'pick and mix' reeds, even within ranks, eg the Bassoon has two octaves of the old Cremona resonators on 1964 boots, a Willis lieblich, some of the pedal upperwork is ex Great Diapason with the ears removed and the cut ups lowered. HN&B made it work against the odds in 1964, and added a new Stopped Diapason on the great, actually a gedact with big ears used to tune it and tenor G down is the bass of the Bishop Clarabella the top end of which resides in the swell! In 1964 the console and mechanical great action and electro pneumatic swell were all new. The soundboards are probably original and in a pretty poor state now. The overriding factor is that it sounds very good!
Interestingly, the HN&B plate says "remodelled" rather than rebuilt...
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: Ian van Deurne on March 23, 2019, 12:01:46 AM
This seems rather interesting. Although I have no knowledge if this particular instrument, during my somewhat brief apprenticeship in England at the start of my career, I did come across several organs made by Conacher. It should be said that my master never rated them, regarding the company as " a third rate builder". However, I took a little time to study these organs in more detail and I myself concluded that they were extremely well constructed, although at that time I would have never been so bold as to contradict him. Musically, well that was a different matter. My master was not a musician, let alone an organist. But I was, having studied and played many different organs throughout Europe since I was eleven years old. And of course, coming originally from Alkmaar, I think I already knew what a great organ should actually sound like. So personally, I found that the organs from Conacher sounded extremely dull, inanimate and tonally flat, although sturdily and very well made. If only the original voicer had demonstrated some kind of musical understanding, then these instruments produced by Conacher might well have become far better known and as well received as any William Hill or Henry Willis organ of that same period.

With best wishes,
Ian     
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: Ian van Deurne on March 23, 2019, 12:03:43 AM
This seems rather interesting. Although I have no knowledge if this particular instrument, during my somewhat brief apprenticeship in England at the start of my career, I did come across several organs made by Conacher. It should be said that my master never rated them, regarding the company as " a third rate builder". However, I took a little time to study these organs in more detail and I myself concluded that they were extremely well constructed, although at that time I would have never been so bold as to contradict him. Musically, well that was a different matter. My master was not a musician, let alone an organist. But I was, having studied and played many different organs throughout Europe since I was eleven years old. And of course, coming originally from Alkmaar, I think I already knew what a great organ should actually sound like. So personally, I found that the organs from Conacher sounded extremely dull, inanimate and tonally flat, although sturdily and very well made. If only the original voicer had demonstrated some kind of musical understanding, then these instruments produced by Conacher might well have become far better known and as well received as any William Hill or Henry Willis organ of that same period.

With best wishes,
Ian     
Title: Re: Organs and organ appreciation in danger - the raison d'etre for this forum
Post by: SL on April 23, 2019, 03:24:37 PM
I would say that, in my opinion, that was a very accurate description of Conacher's work

- extremely dull, inanimate and tonally flat although sturdily and very well made!!