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nigel parkin

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Posts posted by nigel parkin

    Brompton Regis, Somerset

    in The Organ

    Posted

    Kingsbrompton is indeed a lovely instrument. I've played it a couple of times and did some work on it a while back when I was helping Brian Verrier from Deane Organ Builders with tunings. Not a terribly exciting spec but it really works well. I think that the elderly lady who had played at the church for many years left her house to the parish and they are restoring the organ in her memory. I must go over again soon and have a look.

    Chris Manners RIP

    in General discussion

    Posted

    Chris was also Chairman of the Bath & Wells Diocesan Choral Association and a past Chairman of Somerset Organists & Choirmasters Association. A fine player and teacher and a lovely guy. Condolences to Elizabeth and his family. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

    Major mechanical action problems

    in Nuts and bolts

    Posted

    I hope so. In my church, the old girl (1934 Hele rebuild of an 1850s Hill/Hamlin) is pretty stable, but the humidity yesterday inside the organ was 41% - it's normally nearer 70%. No real problems other than the tuning of the Cornopean, but I even have some ciphers/sticky notes on the house organ which is direct electric action. Humidity in the house is around 40%.

    Bad Organs

    in General discussion

    Posted

    Perhaps a lot of what we consider to be 'bad' organs are those which someone has attempted, unsuccessfully, to change into something which the original builder never envisaged. A lot of 'four square' English organs built in C19 were hacked about in the 60's & 70's to introduce neo-baroque upperwork which often sits very uncomfortably with the foundation stops. Just my two-pennorth.

    N

    A New Organ

    in General discussion

    Posted

    This site lists some redundant organs in the UK:

    http://www.ibo.co.uk/IBO2005/services/redundant/redundantMain.asp

    The organ is likely to be very cheap - even free - but the cost of a skilled organ builder is where most of the cost lies. It might be worth you talking to the firm who look after your existing organ. They are likely to know of suitable organs in your area and will also be able to give you an estimate of costs. If you have a good relationship with your organ builder, they may be willing to let your church provide some volunteer muscle to dismantle, pack and move the organ under their supervision which will save your church a lot of money. It goes without saying that you need a faculty in the C of E (or similar in other churches) and you must involve the Diocesan Organ Advisor. A reputable organ builder - such as our Host - will be able to advise you. Remember that an organ is a long-term investment for the church, and it's false economy to act without professional advice. There are hundreds of worthwhile organs around - Good luck!

    N

    Roger Yates

    in The Organ

    Posted

    The Stogursey organ is indeed a fine instrument. The regular organist is a friend of mine and I have had the pleasure of playing it occasionally. The pedal 8' flute is something of a mystery. There would appear to be plenty of room on the jamb to add another stop control for one of the 16' stops, and use the vacated space for a drawstop for the flute. As it is, the pistons don't include this stop and is easy to forget that it is drawn. The organ is superb for the baroque repertoire, but less effective for the romantic school, lacking as it does, any strings. As VH commented, it sounds best in the chancel and sanctuary area, and it can be very hard to see and hear the congregation in the nave. As a point of interest, has anyone else experienced the ghostly presence of the former monks of Lonlay who can be 'felt' processing from the vestry into the old chancel, particularly during the singing of the psalms?

    Hymns and how to play them!

    in General discussion

    Posted

    Hi Simon,

     

    The old Norwich organs were built with a really solid and comfortable console, and many had drawstops rather than tabs. But, the early organs now sound very dated. Having said that, they are good for home use and the console can be used as the basis of a rebuild with modern sound generating systems.

     

    Good hymn books are English Hymnal and Ancient & Modern Revised. You can often pick a full music copy up for peanuts in charity shops. I can probably find you one if you PM me.

     

    Regards,

     

    Nigel

    pipes wanted

    in Nuts and bolts

    Posted

    S/hand 8' metal gedackt wanted, from tenor C.

    Moderate scale or perhaps smaller.

     

     

    There are quite a few ranks on Ebay at the moment. I know nothing about them, but it seems like an organbuilder or a church is selling off a complete organ in parts.

     

    N

    John Compton

    in Nuts and bolts

    Posted

    I've just read through this thread quickly, so apologies if I'm repeating something which has already been mentioned. Compton's rebuilt an organ originally by Lincoln (1811) in St Pancras Church in West Bagborough, Somerset. The organ boasts a magnificent case on the west gallery and is completely enclosed. Compton added a second division, making the organ into a 2 manual, leaving the original Lincoln as an Echo division. The tracker action is light and a pleasure to play - albeit without much depth of touch. The whole is a simply beautiful instrument.

     

    I believe that the organ in All Saint's, Weston-super-Mare is also a Compton, and very similar to Downside. The DOM is Christopher Manners, formerly MD of Percy Daniel & Co. Re Downside, I remember Roger Taylor (he was formerly R&D but not Compton as far as I know) telling me many years ago of the problems he had sourcing replacement bulbs for the illuminated stop knobs.

     

    Hope this helps.

    Wedding/Funeral fees: Who sets them?

    in General discussion

    Posted

    I vaguely recall having read somewhere that fees for wedding/funerals etc were a matter to be agreed between the parties concerned and the organist, rather than by the Incumbent and PCC - but I may have totally misremembered. There is no reference to this question in the otherwise excellent reference book by Messrs Leach & Williams. Can anyone advise?

     

    Thanks in advance.

     

    Douglas.

     

    In my experience, the church normally have a fee which is agreed by the PCC. The organist is usually consulted and can decline to accept the fee (and the wedding) if the fee is thought to be insufficient. I deputise, and am usually asked by the Incumbent and/or the couple what my fee is. Around here, there is some disparity between churches, with fees ranging between £50 and £80 for a 'normal' wedding. Funeral fees are the same as for weddings.

     

    N

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