John Robinson

Well, thank you - all three of you! 😄 I shall certainly send for a copy.

Thanks for that. I was about to send for a copy when I noticed on the web page it says it is in Dutch. Perhaps I have missed something, or is it possible to ask for a copy in English?

Whilst I would support that, I'm afraid we as a country are lacking in the continuing fervent interest in the organ as found in such places as Germany and the Netherlands. They seem to have new organs springing up all over the place! I don't know exactly why that should be, but that is the impression I get anyway.

Fortunately, not yet a universal attitude! Leeds Town Hall, for example.

I remember visiting Santa Engracia when we were there a few years ago. A very attractive organ but, when I asked the custodian (I think), I was told that it was not in playable condition. A shame.

That makes a lot of sense, but it is also a fact that many churches have only recently taken on the appellation of 'minster'.

Interestingly, it seems that an increasing number of churches are becoming 'minsters'! I don't suppose the new name implies any real practical difference to the building or the establishment, though I could be wrong.

An interesting point, I agree. Also, what interests me is the comparison of a pipe organ crescendo pedal with the crescendo pedal of an electronic organ. I know that the former (like a 'walze') brings on - or off - stops individually or perhaps in groups. I know little of electronic organs, but is it not the case that a crescendo pedal on that sort of instrument would simply act like a volume control knob? Of course, I realise I may be completely wrong, but I suspect that was the case with early electronics, like Hammonds for example. If so, the sound variation would be not the same. Just another observation, if I may. I haven't had time to listen to the comparison video as yet, but am sure I wouldn't be able to differentiate. However, I think that would be an unfair test! My laptop's speakers would be unable to reproduce every small nuance and, even with a top line computer and speakers, I suspect the same would be true. After all, if we are listening to speakers, we are listening to an electronic reproduction anyway!

😂 Sorry!

I can see a happy sleeping monkey as plain as the nose on your face.

I suppose that a non-speaking front could comprise a reflecting board with false pipes in front simply for appearances sake. Expensive, though.

I suppose that this might be due to a reduction in interest in the Christian religion these days. A similar situation, as I'm sure many are aware, is the amalgamation of three dioceses in Yorkshire: Ripon, Wakefield and Bradford, to form a single diocese which I believe is now called the Diocese of Leeds. A fair decision, I suppose, in order not to suggest the pre-eminence of any one of the three constituent parts. There still remain three cathedrals, though... for now!

Hear hear. A sign of the times, I'm afraid. How much longer before we return to common sense?

I'm sure I posted a response to this post, but it seems to have gone.

To be honest, I wouldn't expect a layman to know the difference between a pipe and a stop. Many seem to think that the pipes they see in the case are the sum total. It can be quite humorous really, like the woman at the recital of the new Manchester Cathedral organ who asked me where the loudspeakers were!