biggestelk

I've always had a soft spot for the 540 fugue. I think I'm right in saying it's one of Bach's few double fugues? Please correct me if I'm wrong! I love the way the 2 distinct rhythmic phrases come together at the end with the pedal bouncing the 2nd subject against the first more sedate chromatic one. I also like it taken at a pace which allows you to hear what's going on and not just rattled off as quick as possible as it is so long.... Just my thoughts, Oliver.

I have the Kynaston CD. PM me if you are interested..... Oliver.

Thanks! Great Claribel Flute 8; Swell 'Lee Blick' Gedeckt 8, Gamba 8, Voix Celeste 8 & Subbass on pedal. Oliver.

OK, I've done another version of the Thalben-Ball that hasn't been compressed to hell by YouTube. Go to http://www.biggestelk.com/gtb.mp3 Enjoy, mistakes and all.... Oliver.

Hmm, must be 'here's mine' time! Bach, Herzlich thut mich verlangen BWV 727. So, try http://www.biggestelk.com/bach1.wav (I can't trill, shake, turn or even boogie for toffee I'm afraid)! Current generation Wyvern Sonata, recorded on little digital multi track and wav'ed (if there is such a term...) A decent reverb unit is an absolute must in my opinion, it can help to distance you from the 'pipes' and help the sound blend more naturally. I've just ordered a Lexicon MX400 as a replacement for the TC current one I've got. If you want boring tech details, please do ask! Best wishes, Oliver.

No targets here! So hold your head high! Just curious about other peoples instruments. This was never meant to be the Wyvern Owners Club! Whilst browsing the Compton website, I see they offer a Salicet which looks terribly like the Sonata! Methinks Content offer their organs to various brand names.... Any Allen or Johannus/Makin or Eminent people out there? I used to sell Rodgers back in the early 1990s and their original machines were nice, but I find they're now obviously showing their Italian birth sound wise. (On the less expensive instruments anyway). Oliver.

If you really (?) want to hear me playing mine, go to http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=kWgR2fwK5Ug I videoed in widescreen, but youtube didn't like it so everything is a little fatter than it should be. Please excuse all the mistakes! Oliver.

Whilst following various threads, It seems I'm not the only one around here with a Wyvern Sonata, so I'd thought I'd throw the question to the floor; What's your Toaster?

Oops. Oh well......

I use the Grado SR 125 open backed headphones on my Wyvern Sonata (which I heartily endorse as a good old wholesome English voiced instrument) as they offer a wide sound stage with very good bass response without clouding the mid and treble. If you do get a toaster, I would seriously invest in a separate reverb unit as the on board ones are normally limited in their scope. Feel free to PM me if you want. Best wishes, Oliver.

Oh, and here too.... http://www.hoffrichter-organs.co.uk/html/pictures.html

Try http://www.hoffrichter-organs.co.uk/html/products.html They seem to have what you need... Cheers, Oliver.

I e-mailed Harrisons and got this reply: Dear Mr Horn Thank you for your enquiry. One third of the RFH organ is back in place (see information below, from our website), but there is no money at present for completion of the project. We are hoping that we can complete reinstallation in 2011-12, but there will need to be further discussions with the South Bank Centre before this is confirmed. In August 2005 the organ was dismantled and stored in a separate warehouse in Durham. The Hall has been completely reconstructed with improved acoustics; it reopened in June 2007. The organ is being reconfigured to suit the new architectural and acoustic requirements: its depth has been reduced by 1.1m but the basic principles of the layout have been respected. The Great and Swell Organs and the Pedal Principal 32ft (forming the left-hand portion of the organ) have been reinstated, together with the console, and will be followed by the central and right-hand sections at a later date. Yours sincerely Katherine Venning Harrison & Harrison Just thought I'd let y'all know. Cheers, Oliver.

Great sounds, beautifully recorded, but, in my very humble opinion, played far too fast to enjoy. I have a double cd of 'standard' organ works played by Ton Koopman, and although I really can appreciate the skill and technique required for this, I just don't enjoy performances at these sort of speeds (Waynespeed anyone?).

True enough! I was think more along the lines of mrbouffants' position, would a church/client etc choose not to place an order with a 'better' firm in favour of a 'lesser' one that is more to the clients beliefs?

What about organ builders? Are their instruments any less because the designer/builders/workspersons (!) do not subscribe to the beliefs of their clients? Regards, Oliver.

"Maybe the distinction here is between the two types of Wyvern instruments. Their custom instruments use Phoenix electronics and consoles made in Devon by Renatus. I believe these use Kimber Allen pedal boards, which I guess are standard RCO dimensions. The other, less expensive, instruments are manufactured in Holland - I think the sample data may be to Wyvern specification, but not the hardware. Maybe these instruments are the ones with narrow pedalboards?" Yes, the less expensive (budget) organs are made by the Dutch firm Elpro. They have almost identical models under the Content brand. The voicing on the Wyvern is more English than the Content. They had a Content and the Sonata back to back in the showroom, I played both and bought the Wyvern. Instrument aside, my (limited) playing is improving and I am really enjoying trying to learn to play, not just tootle like I used to. So, money well spent for me! Regards, Oliver Horn.

Well, I have my new Wyvern 'toaster', and yes, the pedals are rather narrow. A friend of mine who is a real organist found it almost impossible to play in shoes. I have resorted to v.thick socks or a pair of very thin soled trainers (with some furniture polish on the soles to lessen the friction of the rubber)! However I have found that you can adjust with time, and as I don't play anywhere else, it suits me fine. I must also thank Paul and Annette at Wyverns in Surrey for being so helpful to an organ nut like me! Cheers, Oliver Horn.

As a limited player I can just about get through the manual parts of the double F major fugue (540) and am waiting for my toaster to arrive so I can learn the feet! I also find most recordings of this too fast, but perhaps the learning and appreciation is better at a slower speed, then let it out when you can detach yourself as a performer? If I had single out one single piece (other than the Trios) for me it is Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (BWV 659). Exquisite! (I'm sure Bach would be a great Jazz composer if he were around today.....) Regards, Oliver.

Yes, the 'less expensive' ones are made in the same factory as Content, the voicing and disposition are different though. When I went to Chobham in february, they had a 2nd hand Content which was almost identical to the Sonata (which I ordered) except the voicing was 'european' and there was a noticable difference in the action. (Most actions for most mass produced toasters are made by Fatar). I found the level of 'pluck' very comfortable and enjoyable to play. I hope this extra resistance and positivity will help me improve my technique. (I am really rotten piano player!) Regards, Oliver.

He he he he he! Try sending that to The Times! Regards, Oliver

Hi there. I am organ nut and always enjoy this message board. I have been fortunate over the years to able to 'pootle' here and there on local instruments. (Now, considering I live in Cambridge that's no bad thing!) I have just placed an order for an electronic instrument (toaster?) so I can knuckle down and try to learn properly the music of the instrument which I love the most. Yes, I could practise in a church when it's convenient for everyone, I will be taught how to play the instrument by it itself (remembering learning can be a 2 way street) and I can remember to allow for the ears of others when practising. My free time doesn't really allow for this, which is why I've decided to 'toast'. I can practise when I want/can with headphones when nessecary and record to evaluate my progress etc. I will probably never be 'an organist' anywhere but at home, but I will be able to explore and enjoy the music I love. To me, a 'toaster' will be worth every penny, and perhaps the home is where 'toasters' should mainly be? (It is a Wy***n 2 decks & feet). Regards, Oliver.

Yup, thats the one. Many thanks all. Oliver.

Thanks, I was under the impression that it was played from the main console but over the years the stops for the division were removed from the console during various rebuilds etc. Also, the thought is that the pipes are still there, (maybe in a swell box?) just not connected in any way. Regards, Oliver Horn

I recall a conversation with a friend who sung as a chorister for the coronation of Her Majesty, who showed me an article from the friends of the Abbey (or somesuch) newsletter which shows a small division of the Abbey organ possibly in Poets Corner or near the grave of G Handel. Anyone know anymore.......? Regards, Oliver Horn.