Organ matters - Organs matter!

In France recently, I bought a copy of the quarterly "Orgues Nouvelles".  This turned out to be more than an exercise in reading organ news in French because it came with volume 28 of "Cahier de partitions".   This is a little selection of very attractive short organ pieces by (in this edition) French and German composers across the centuries.  I'm going to subscribe to this - if I can find it - and would definitely recommend it for the music inside!
Nicolette

Thank you KB7DQH - interesting idea.................

However, it's good to see that tickets for the RSNO's concert with Thierry Eschaich (Poulenc and Saint Saens) on 20th November at the Edinburgh's Usher Hall are selling well and with still over two months to go.   

One of this season's concerts by the RSNO features both the Poulenc Concerto and Saint Saens' Organ Symphony in the same programme, which is great.   They obviously like the instrument, anyway!

But there certainly is some misguided intolerance of the organ, around.  My mother-in-law used to maintain that it was not an expressive instrument; and a church minister once told me he thought the organ was very over-rated.   However, the orchestra I'm lucky enough to be playing the Poulenc with, myself, soon, are enthusiastic about it and not long ago performed the Saint Saens, too. 

There is support out there for the king of instruments; as organists, we need to find ways of fostering it.   And rather urgently.

Then let's hope the RCO's recent "150-for-150" recital series/year has gone some way to waking people up to the artistic and devotional value of the pipe organ.   
We need more outreach.  More piano pupils, young and not-so-young, should be introduced to the organ if the opportunity arises.   (It could work two ways and introduce people to the church at the same time...)
Orchestras could help by including more organ concertos in their regular concerts, particularly the 20th/21st century ones.  Somebody said to me recently that they'd never thought of organs and orchestras playing together, before, and they were intrigued!
Radio 3 could and should play more organ music.
As you say, David, plenty of redundant instruments are for sale online.   Are people buying them?
Praise bands are definitely a challenge.   I just wish churches that have good organs, but that want to introduce praise bands, would include both, rather than dispose of their organ.   I think that would help to make church attendance more appealing to all age groups, too. 
Of course, above all this is a general standard of organ-playing that is sky-rocketing!! 
N.

Just to remind - violinist Alina Ibragimova is on again tonight.   Programme includes D Minor Chaconne.  BBC4, 7.30pm.   Would highly recommend.

I was wondering if anyone saw Alina Ibragimova play three of the Bach solo violin sonatas on BBC 4 last night (20th Aug.).    It was like a window on Bach.  I think musicians on any instrument could learn a huge amount from hearing her stunning performance.   Looking forward to next Thursday, when she's doing the other three sonatas   

(And of course you can still see 20th Aug.concert online.)

Not played enough - Lamentation in c minor    Guilmant  (short and heart-rending: great for Lent/Good Friday)
                               

I use headphones for my home console (a Viscount Recitative), Tony.  They give dynamic/tonal freedom without upsetting the neighbours, as we're in a flat.  Have you thought of getting any?

Nicolette

I was allowed a go on the 4-manual Hill, Norman and Beard at the Royal Hospital School, Ipswich, a couple of years ago.  This is a very powerful instrument with some lovely solo reeds.

When on home ground, however, I'd have to nominate our 1931 3-manual Rushworth and Dreaper at Inverleith St. Serf's, Edinburgh.  It has a wonderful tone and beautiful solos, and is set within a lovely acoustic.   It was recently renovated by Principal Pipe Organs of York, who have brought it back to its former glory and beyond.   A super recital instrument and soon to be put through its paces with the Poulenc.

I certainly did.  It was just what I needed to raise my awareness of this very varied art.  Now to start putting it into action! 

Having just been on the 2015 London Organ Improvisation Course (an annual event), I would recommend it highly:

http://www.loic.org.uk/

Likewise. This forum covers such a wide variety of topics and is very easy to navigate. I really value it.  I was wondering if it's advertised anywhere. 

Tragedy.   :'(

Oh, to be in France, now that summer's here!

Great concert coming up at Edinburgh's Usher Hall, on November 20th, if you're here -
Thierry Escaich doing the Poulenc Concerto, then playing in Saint Saens' Organ Symphony.  The concert starts with Liszt "Les Préludes" - and the Orchestra is the RSNO.   Still plenty of tickets, by the looks of things - I've got ours!

Quote from: Barrie Davis on June 04, 2015, 03:45:13 PM
How is your foot now Nicolette, I have 3 metal bolts in my left ankle from a nasty fall and know only too well the time needed for a full recovery.Best wishes Barrie

Thanks very much indeed for asking, Barrie.  It's well on the mend now and I'm back playing with both feet, although occasionally I have to compromise with some movements on the pedal board that can be a bit uncomfortable.

Goodness, sorry to hear about your ankle! 

I read recently that organists' ankles have a tendency to be less strong than those of pianists - the reason is that the pedals on a piano are heavier and so demand more "push" than on the organ.   Apparently, pianists' ankles are constantly getting a work-out, while organists' less so, even though we use our feet all the time.   

pcnd5584 - I read your posting about Buckfast Abbey's forthcoming new organ, and nearly replied but didn't. Sorry.  Anyway,  I'll reply here, although it's not the right thread - but simply to say that the current organ (the one designed by Ralph Downes) at the Royal Festival Hall divided opinion when it was new and I think this one may do the same.   
Nicolette

I don't think so.
N.

Thanks, David.  It's getting better and I am now able to do most of what's required with the right foot, again.  Sorry to hear about the rabbit hole, though!
Nicolette