[Visiting Leipzig]

So, after a lot of trawling around on the internet for good deals, we're off to Leipzig in a couple of weeks for a short and highly musical break. Never been before, so it's something of a journey into the unknown. Visits to the Thomaskirche and Nicolaikirche are obvious, but I'm sure there are plenty of hidden jewels in the city too. Have you been? What did you find compelling? Hints and tips gratefully received...

 

 

The Gewandhaus and Opera House are both on the main Augustus Platz. If you have the former on your right, and latter the left, walk straight ahead to the left of the Post Office you will soon come to the fabulous three part Grassi Museum which comprises a Musical Instrument, Ethnographical and Applied Arts museums. Also there are many music places such as both the Schumann and Mendelssohn House museums, that for JS Bach is currently closed.

[Hlf Grants For Organs]

And interesting reading they both make, too.

 

One wonders just what sort of professional advice the Committee was given over Cornhill when one reads, "The Committee noted that the Organ at Michael's was unique because it tells the story of three centuries of organ building in the UK". What are we supposed to make of that sort of vacuous statement? It appears also that the total cost of restoration will be £485k.

 

The restoration of the Abraham Jordan organ at St George's, Southall clearly has the backing of BIOS, who seem conspicuously silent on the Cornhill case (I wonder why?) The Committee notes that the restoration of the St George's organ "would involve the removal of all later additions seeing the organ returned to the original Abraham Jordan specification".

 

JS

 

While agreeing with much of the comment on this topic, both objective and subjectice, we know virtually nothing about the Application Document itself which lead to the HLF Committee decision and the minutes are no real assistance either - as all Friends of Sir Humphrey will know already!

 

The use of the word 'unique' may well be a good clue as to why the HLF agreed to this sizable grant for Cornhill.... Care also has to be taken with 'Heritage' and how it is applied to each grant application. The HLF handle many forms of applications and undoubtedly have wide experience and may also have taken other reasons into account rather than just the instrument itself.

 

No doubt in time more details will emerge to substantiate, or otherwise, people's reactions.