John Robinson

I have always pronounced 'Gemshorn' with a hard G on the grounds that it is based on a German word 'Gaemse' = chamois (chamois horn). Posaune is also a German word, so pronounced correctly as 'po za-oon eh'.

As a fellow fan of M R James's ghost stories, I found this very interesting. I have often thought about dragging my wife along on holiday to Denmark, a country we have never visited, and exploring such churches and organs including those you mention. However, of particular interest to me would be a visit to, or even a stay at, the Golden Lion in Viborg (if any such place really exists) if only to see for myself if the disappearing 'Room 13' really does exist!

My first interest in the organ began one day when our junior school class was sitting in the local church prior to beginning a practice for the oncoming Christmas service, when our class teacher explained to us that "the organ cannot play quite as quickly as the piano, so we must try to slow down a little". Somehow, I wasn't entirely convinced that this impressive instrument (only a typical 3-manual job) couldn't be played very quickly. I now suspect that the truth was that Mr Feather was no organist and was not used to playing the instrument. I have been interested in organs ever since. Although I took piano lessons when a little older, I have never ventured to dare to try to learn the organ, doubting my abilities - no doubt correctly! I have, however continued a life-long interest in the organ in respect of how it works and how it is built and, of course, in its sounds and its music. I enjoy, as an amateur, designing organs structurally and in specifications. Yes, I wish now that I had made an effort to join an organ building firm and learnt how to do it properly!

In all honesty, I feel the same. I can't play the organ, though I have had a lifelong interest in its music and its design and construction. I could ask lots of questions, but I think they would be found to be rather boring by the majority!

I have never been particularly keen on Ralph Downes, but this is something I was unaware of and find disgusting. What would he achieve by destroying them? They could be used elsewhere, or perhaps retained in safe-keeping in case future ideas might suggest their restoration. Actually, the latter possibility is probably the reason for his selfish act.

Is he joking? With the repetitive phrase(!), one could wonder whether this is actually true. Was there any historic pipework in there before any work started?

Perhaps we just live in the wrong country! I may be wrong, but I get the impression that the organ is far more popular in some other countries.

Hopefully, the work being done presently at both Leeds and Manchester town halls might indicate that there is yet hope for the concert attending public's enjoyment of organ recitals.

The closure of churches, the preference of 'praise bands' (or whatever they're called), and the general reduction in the following of Christian religion in this country, has had to have had an effect of the loss of support for pipe organs in some quarters. On the other hand, it is encouraging that several concert halls and educational establishments are finding the necessary money to renew, and even expand their organs. I look at some other European countries (and in fact those further afield: Japan and even China for example) and see that many new organs are being created. If this country is not progressing as far as those are, I wonder why. Money, perhaps?

Thank you. Very helpful in keeping up with current projects.

I suspect that this plummeting of educational standards probably began when some bright spark came up with the National Curriculum.

I'm just relieved that, bearing in mind how things seem to be going in this country now, there weren't any parts of the service devoted to those 'praise bands' with guitars and drums!

There is a brief, but very clear, image of a Haskelled bass pipe (presumably from the 32' Contra Spitzflote) at the Liverpool Met. Cathedral on one of the 'bonus tracks' on the Priory DVD Grand Organ series PRDVD10.

Oh, not as bad as I thought. I was sure it would be something about replacing their organ with a toaster!

I agree. What a brilliant idea, and thanks very much Jenny.

Actually, I believe it does still undulate. Others who know better than I may confirm that.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have a similar venue in this country containing several organs of different national styles in one room for comparison? Well I can dream, can't I?

My mistake!

Thank you, and I agree! Do you have any idea where any of those publications may be found?

I suspect that such historically important organs as the Charterhouse instrument, were they in certain other countries such as Holland and Germany, might be protected as national assets.

True. I'd take my own... assuming I remembered to do it. I agree. Carpets are a definite no!

Yes, I agree that this would be the best way to heat the building. I'd still like some form of cushioning on the pews, though, assuming that they are bare wood!

Thank you both. Perhaps I should just have been born German or Dutch!

Wouldn't it be nice if we had congregations like that in the UK. It isn't just good manners; it's a genuine interest in the music, or I assume it is.

Yes, why change the old version, and the words that appear in the KJV bible? I find traditional wordings far more interesting and attractive.