Colin Richell

Last Wednesday I attended a carol concert at the RAH, and this venue is the only one where I bother to go, mainly to hear the wonderful Willis/Mander organ. The concert was not really my cup of tea (too classical), and because a famous orchestra was taking part, plus trumpeters, the organ was not used as much as I would have liked. I do not know who the lady organist was, but she was very competent, and frankly I was disgusted that when the conductor gave out credits at the close of the concert, he did not mention the organist at all. The organ is always an intregal part of these concerts, especially when the audience is invited to participate in carols for all, so I feel that it was bad manners, but perhaps the conductor did not acknowledge the importance of the organist. Any views? Colin Richell.

I intended to write about the open day as soon as I returned home, but I find that two people have beaten me to it. I can only offer my thanks to John Mander and his staff for being so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about organ building. I was also pleased to meet John and his children, and having spoken to John at length, it is obvious that the Mander family are steeped in true organ building tradition, and did not become organ builders on a whim. The workshops were very impressive, and we are all pleased that Manders have so much important work at present.but then there is no doubt that Manders has always been a respected Company.known for quality work. The free tea and biscuits were a nice bonus.too. Once again a pleasure to meet real organ builders, and I look forward to the next open day. Colin Richell.

Aren't organists rather like disc jockeys who just play the music they like, rather than what the punters want to hear ? Wouldn't the average audience be happy with light classical ? Colin Richell.

My only connection with John Rutter was when I persuaded him to be a patron of the APOA, something I was very grateful for. considering he had just lost his son. He has since resigned this position. I am well aware of his star carol which is often performed at the RAH, and I consider this to be brilliant, and I wonder whether others would agree. Colin Richell

A great idea of John Manders for contributors to meet each other. I have never visited a real organ works, so I look forward to the visit. Do we have to book ? Colin Richell.

I own part of an ex-BR steam locomotive, I miss very much the London trolleybuses and routemasters, and the double decker trams. I detest the continental single decker Croydon ones. I visit Blackpool every year just to ride on a tram and listen to the Wurlitzer, but even they, I suspect will eventually dispose of their old double deckers to go continental. Colin Richell.

Cynic, Never worry about what you might say about organ builders, dead or alive, providing you can back it up with evidence, which most of us are able to do. We are waiting with baited breath ! We all mourn the passing of Rushworth and Dreaper, but I suppose more work for those who are left ! Colin Richell.

Organ building like any other business is competitive, and consequently organ builders are in competition with each other for business, which may be thin on the ground. I just do not think that the obvious dislike, or even jealously of another firm should be made public on the Mander site. Forget the past and get on with the future, and make yourself better than the competition. Colin Richell.

Why would Roffensis regard a reference to the St Georges Hall organ as being silly?. I feel that the point made was very relevant. Colin Richell.

My many contacts in the organ world, do in fact confirm that David Wells are Liverpool's leading organ builders, so it is rather childish to get "sour grapes" over such a matter Not everyone can be wrong. Just try and make yourself better, and stop aleinating so many good people. Colin Richell.

Thanks for that Alan. obviously my publicity skills worked. It is good to hear of an attendance of over 100, when some large venues in London can barely attract 20 people.and do not attract emminent organists in the audience. I await details of further recitals, and I am now convinced that my donation to an organ which does have a future, was warranted. Colin Richell.

Did anyone manage to attend the recital on the 1859 Bryceson organ, by Martin Stacey, last Saturday at St Dominic's Priory , as I was unable to ? If so, how did it go, and I hope that there was a good attendance ? Colin Richell.

There is an inaugauration concert at St Dominic's Priory Hampstead, of the 1859 Bryceson organ, by Martin Stacey on Saturday 15th September at 7-30pm. The first half will include Liseta Da Silva, a Bach Flute Sonata and Parfita, and the second half will include the ELGAR Sonata on the 1883 Willis. All welcome- enquiries 0208357 7913 Chiplands@Aol.com. Colin Richell

For those people who subscribe to "Pipedreams", this month's contribution includes a recording of what is described as the Willis/Mander organ of the RAH. Unfortunately I am unable to listen to it on my computer, but hopefully others will have more success. Colin Richell.

Thank you Barry for explaining that David Wells was responsible for the organ prior to the appointment of Ian Tracey. I was obviously misinformed that other organ builders were anxious to take over the contract, but that Ian was adamant that David Wells should be retained. It would be nice to hear from David Wells,about his involvement with the organ, but he obviously is too busy to take time to contribute to the Mander site!. Colin Richell.

Having sat in on a recording of the Ally Pally organ, I was totally memorised by Ian Tracey's abilities as a recitalist, and I hope that he will continue in some capacity at Liverpool. He, has I believe also been instrumental in appointing David Wells to maintain the organ and what a great job they have done.! Colin Richell.

Enjoyed the pictures, but I ask why with the calibre of Companies such as Manders, Harrisons, David Wells etc, the Church could not have avoided employing a foreign organ building firm, to build the instrument, or is it all about money ? Colin Richell.

Richard is correct when he refers to the very successful Carlo Curley concerts on the Allen organ at Ally Pally when the Great Hall was packed. This proves that with a high profile recitalist the punters will attend concerts at a building which many people think is inaccesible. The attendances at subsequent concerts with the partially rebuild Willis are dismal, and I am not sure whether Carlo would be prepared to play the Willis in its present condition, but the organ needs him. We need to persuade Carlo to return with his touring organ, to ascertain whether attendances of more than 50 or 60 people can be attained, and this will happen when the new lessees of the Palace sign the relevant contract. Colin Richell

Richard is correct when he refers to the very successful Carlo Curley concerts on the Allen organ at Ally Pally when the Great Hall was packed. This proves that with a high profile recitalist the punters will attend concerts at a building which many people think is inaccesible. The attendances at subsequent concerts with the partially rebuild Willis are dismal, and I am not sure whether Carlo would be prepared to play the Willis in its present condition, but the organ needs him. We need to persuade Carlo to return with his touring organ, to ascertain whether attendances of more than 50 or 60 people can be attained, and this will happen when the new lessees of the Palace sign the relevant contract. Colin Richell

I bet I know who the organ buider was ! Colin Richell.

Thanks to all for your help and assistance. I hope that someone can advise of any concerts, because I have never heard the organ live. sincerely Colin Richell.

Having heard the Central Hall, Westminster organ on "The Organist entertains" can anyone advise me of the history and specification of this organ, whether regular recitals are held, and which respected organ builder maintains the organ ? Thanks Colin Richell,

yes it is good to be back. I honestly thought it was my computer which has been playing up recently. As I cannot understand how to create new subject matter, can I take the liberty of asking a question about the Westminster Central Hall organ ? Having heard a recording of the organ on "The organist entertains" recently, can amyone provide a full history and specification of the organ and which respected organ builder maintains the instrument ? Is the organ used for concerts ? Many thanks Colin Richell.

Just to remind you that "The Organist Entertains" is now broadcast at 10pm on Tuesdays. I normally record the programme, but if it is going to feature Hammond organs, then I do not bother, because I am not a Hammond organ lover at all. I can just about cope with Allen organs. Colin Richell.