Old Fashioned
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Posts posted by Old Fashioned
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I played a little village organ back in August and, given it had no NPOR entry, I dutifully noted it all down and sent it off for inclusion.
Last week (i.e. 5 months later) I got an email saying 'thanks for the info - sorry for the delay, we have a big backlog'
Anyone else had a similar experience? If NPOR are that pushed to actually process the information sent in, why don't they go for a wiki-style approach and allow anyone with a registered interest to update the records? I appreciate they want to be a 'golden source' but right now it seems they are struggling to keep pace with contributions...
Hi I have made enquires about several redundant organs to the NPOR over the last two years never had a reply, and even if I had the organ would have been long gone. They are a complete waste of time.
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You are correct. Digital organs and pianos are no substitute for the real thing. Digital organs are way overpriced. Cheap nasty junk.
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And to extend that argument, chefs would do better always to use powdered eggs and milk since neither of these could contain harmful bacteria.
Come on!!! For anyone to seriously suggest that an electronic reed is preferable to a real one.....sorry but IMHO this standpoint has totally lost it!
Electronic organs are getting better, electronic sounds can be entrancing but neither are real sounds in the way that any conventional instrument or the human voice make musical sounds. Their sound is not 'in the room'; it is pushed into the room via loudspeakers. Electronic organs are in many cases a very acceptable replacement/substitute for the real thing however they are not themselves the real thing.
Would you go to a theatre to watch a computer generated performance? Would you be happy for opera companies to use backing tapes as some Musicals have done? Would you treat your honoured guest to alcohol-free wines and lagers and pretend that these are the real thing? They are a damn sight closer to real drinks than electronic sounds are to pipes. This is not margerine and butter, this is someone advising us that we would be better off substituting engine oil for either.
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And to extend that argument, chefs would do better always to use powdered eggs and milk since neither of these could contain harmful bacteria.
Come on!!! For anyone to seriously suggest that an electronic reed is preferable to a real one.....sorry but IMHO this standpoint has totally lost it!
Electronic organs are getting better, electronic sounds can be entrancing but neither are real sounds in the way that any conventional instrument or the human voice make musical sounds. Their sound is not 'in the room'; it is pushed into the room via loudspeakers. Electronic organs are in many cases a very acceptable replacement/substitute for the real thing however they are not themselves the real thing.
Would you go to a theatre to watch a computer generated performance? Would you be happy for opera companies to use backing tapes as some Musicals have done? Would you treat your honoured guest to alcohol-free wines and lagers and pretend that these are the real thing? They are a damn sight closer to real drinks than electronic sounds are to pipes. This is not margerine and butter, this is someone advising us that we would be better off substituting engine oil for either.
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I think loudspeakers are the weakest link in the chain. There is no way loudspeakers will move the amount of air like a 32' open wood at large volumes. When digital organs have been used at the Royal Albert Hall, they always fail to impress on low pedal notes. It just does not happen. And it cant happen. Loudspeaker cones and their suspension just cant handle the punishment at high sound levels at 16hz. to try and make it sound like the real thing.
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Having "lurked" on this highly informative forum for some time now, I've finally decided to take the plunge and post! Please treat me gently, for my subject is somewhat contentious.....
I should perhaps first explain that although I'm somewhat "out of the loop" as an organist these days, not having held a post for the last twelve years or so, I have in the past had the privilege of playing many fine instruments in this country, particulrly in my university days when "visiting choir" duties allowed me to accompany services at several cathedrals. These day much of my work involves using computer technolgy to produce music, orchestral arrangements, scores etc.
Everyone who posts here is obviously a lover of the organ, as I am myself, so please be assured that I'm not trying to start some sort of "pipe v digital" argument here, since that would be shot down in flames very rapidly, and deservedly so. However, as technology advances, I think we would be foolish to argue that digital organs not only HAVE improved vastly, but will continue to do so.
There are certainly issues with regard to harmonic development as touched on by Mr. Mander in the thread on Southwell Minster, but given the accuracy of current digital sampling, I'm inclined to think that the main problems are in reproducing the sound to the listener, i.e. loudspeaker systems.
My question, therefore, is -
a) can we forsee a point where a point where digital technology faithfully reproduces the sound of pipes, and
b)if a) is is achievable in theory, what are the implications for traditional organbuilding given that electronics will become cheaper as the cost of craftsmanship and materials rises?
I hope this won't just produce a lot of sniping from entrenched positions - I see this as the biggest threat to the organ as we currently know ( and love ) it.
Thoughts.......?
Npor Slowness
in General discussion
Posted
Hi I have made enquires about several redundant organs to the NPOR over the last two years never had a reply, and even if I had the organ would have been long gone. They are a complete waste of time.