Organ matters - Organs matter!

Hi

I thought I'd recorded this series on VHS when it was first broadcast.  It was certainly worth watching.  I wonder if I can find the tapes?  I've not seen them for a long while!

Every Blessing

Tony

A friend pointed me to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhssiBJlER4 which is certainly a tour of the world's instruments claiming fame . . . .

Best wishes

David P

Hi

In common with several other organists, I've been recording music for our "Sunday at Home" worship services.  They are all posted on You Tube (https://www.youtube.com/user/revtonynewnham).  There's a scattering of organ solos in their as well.  Enjoy.

Every Blessing

Tony

Hi

Brownes organ builders in Kent have bought the Mander name & goodwill, etc. and, it seems, will be trading as Mander Organs from the beginning of October.  (Brownes' M.D. used to work for Manders, so there is some continuity).

I agree with David's comments re this forum - why re-invent the wheel?

Every Blessing

Tony

I haven't been following matters in the organ world closely and with shock saw a photo on FB of JPM with boxes of ivory stop knobs having to be sent for destruction. It didn't dawn on me immediately but the news was rather graver than that of mere stop knons.

Manders have been leading builders, restorers and scholars of organs in our generation and their loss is incalculable. I just hope that they leave behind resources in their wake going to other firms but their demise is a most sad loss to the British organ.

It would be appropriate for others to write more about the achievements of the firm in tribute here, and likewise is the loss of the Mander forum which has been a repository of knowledge from which so many have gleaned inspirations.

Whilst the future of the Mander forum is to say the least, perhaps members from there might feel comfortable communicating here and feel "at home". Tony Newnham, PCND, Barrie Davies and Pierre Lauwers are admins and moderators here and anyone else wanting to take part is welcome and we hope also that you'll feel that moderation here is in good hands.

This forum exists to provide enthusiasm and encouragement to organs and organists and organbuilders. It's also a place where organ builders are welcome to indulge in "free advertising", talking about instruments they're building and without inhibition. It's only about enthusing about new things coming along and the best of the old that perhaps new people will sit up and realise that organs are worth talking about, enthusing, and finding enjoyment.

Best wishes

David P

Hi

My good friends Barry & June WIlliams have asked me to post the following announcement.

"There has been concern for some time about the number of disagreements arising over church music.  The Guild of Church Musicians has decided to offer a Mediation Service to churches for cases where there are disputes involving church music. The team of mediators includes a former Director of the Royal School of Church Music, a Bishop with particular experience of church music (previously Dean of a major Cathedral), and two lawyers.

No charges are made for this and the service is available to churches of all denominations, whether members of The Guild or not. However, the mediators would expect to be reimbursed any travelling or other essential expenses incurred.

Enquiries about mediation should, in the first instance, be addressed the Registrar of the Guild, June Williams.


Further details are available at: https://gcm.org.uk/"

Every Blessing

Tony

Recently the organist Paolo Oreni did a concert on his touring pipe organ called the Organo Wanderer which is available on Youtube.

I should however point out that I am posting mainly out of intrigue as I personally feel that the performance was all right but note great.
A lot of the problems with his performance I would attribute to the space the concert is being held in as I feel the room is a bit small for some of the music performed.

But even then I feel even the performance isn't perfect, as I find Paolo Oreni's playing can be a little too erratic at times and the sound of the organ can also be quite piercing.

But I feel that if this concert was held in a better venue it could greatly improve the performance as I find a previous concert Paolo Oreni did accompanying a silent sounded quite good, and I even find his virtuosity to be less in your face.     

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRglwU_4xQs

Concert program

00:00 – Concerto in D Major after Vivaldi BWV 972 – Johann Sebastian Bach
11:21 – Fantasy and Fugue on B-A-C-H – Franz Liszt
23:42 – Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565 – Johann Sebastian Bach
35:20 – Allegro Vivace from Organ Symphony No. 5 in F minor – Charles Marie Widor
46:18 – Gabriel's Oboe – Ennio Morricone   
58:20 – Badinerie from Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor BWV 1067 – Johann Sebastian Bach

I emailed Musicom but got no response I'm afraid.

Hi

Have you spoken to Musicom?  Can they help - or perhaps an electronic organ repair person (a rare breed, but there are still some around)?

Every Blessing

Tony

I have since learned that the system has to be programmed to accept the new stops and so it looks like the Musicom system might have to give way to some replacement midi driver boards.  A pity really seeing as at least the capture side is still working.