basdav
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Posts posted by basdav
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There's not a whole lot to argue about really is there? It's a case of removing a tonally excellent organ for another. Regardless of what the merits of a new organ might be, the old organ has a wonderful sound and "eclat", and is steeped in history. The arguments must surely come down to personal taste, not least of the cathedral authorities. I think most would agree that the retention of the current two choir cases, and general layout, with existing pipework, but new action, soundboards etc, would be the logical (and cheaper) solution. This is basically what Manders did at St Pauls during their excellent rebuild, with another similar approach at Rochester in particular. I say this as both organs at Rochester and Worcester are "hybrids", but lovely ones, and Rochester (as Worcester also) sounds truly amazing, when some might well have opted for a wholly new organ on the screen with tracker action. More recently the RAH is another example, we could have ended up with a continental job, but.... the old was respected warts and all, proving it can be done very successfully. We really need a regulating body in this country. How many times have I heard that "Upminster" Cathedral organ is being "restored" or rebuilt, and I think "Oh, what are they are going to do to that?". Recent ones have been Ely, Bristol, Peterborough, and in all cases my fears have been unfounded, and we seem now to generally respect even that which personally we may dislike. A look at some 70s rebuilds will make my point clearer, not least when you see certain organs now being put back more as they were, in the light of experience(!). This will not apply to Worcester if the planned work ever gets off the ground, as the organ will be gone forever. I do urge anyone with concerns to write to the Dean and Chapter, and just let them know how you feel. Local papers and nationals also can be approached. This is a good thing to do, and will prove that people do value to organ at Worcester. In any case, a new organ, with new pipework, new casework etc is going to cost very much more than a restoration of the current, which the poor thing has simply never had fully.
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Wasnt there a Fog Horn at 64ft as well, in variable powers as per Hope Jones?
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Does anyone know what has happened to the organ at the Methodist Central Hall in Birmingham? I believe the building has been convereted to flats and a nightclub....and there were plans to preserve the organ, but can't find anything to saqy what actually happened.
I last saw it 4 years ago, it was a sad sight pipes had been flattened by lighting crews when the building was used for boxing matches and the console had been vandalised.
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You need a better hi fi!! The tuning was poor, and yes the organ does sound poor.....now........but it was a fine organ and can be again in the right hands.
Its a shame the Worcester organ is being scrapped, it does sound poorly at the moment but what is there could form the basis of a very fine instrument rather than the schemes being pushed forward by Lucas. The only good thing coming out of this is the demise of the bradford contraption but they are having an electronic whilst the organ is removed and the 2 new ones installed.
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The organ in St Michaels Brierley Hill is a Sweetland, it is unfortunately silent due to an arson attack on the church and a makin substitute has been installed. This organ was very sweet toned and a very comprehensive 3 manual, I hope that future generations will see fit to bring it back to life.
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Thank you for the information. How disappointing I was expecting something spectacular.
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Can anyone tell me where I can find the specifications of the instruments in St Peters Rome, I have searched the internet with little or no sucess.
Worcester Cathedral's Organ
in The Organ
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I have just been in the Cathedral and there is no leaflet of display showing the stoplist. The Rodgers is installed in the choir and the other load of rubbish minus 3 drawstops is in the Nave. Is the pipeorgan still being used?