John Robinson

I quite agree. I question the necessity of having so many manuals (how many hands do most organists have anyway?), despite the number of divisions the organ may have. With the advantages of modern electric action, including transfers, general combinations, etc., I cannot see why even the largest instruments cannot be controlled from a four manual console, each manual accounting for two or more divisions, if necessary. Moreover, unless the organist has the arms of an orang utan, how can he/she possibly play the 6th (or even 5th) manual comfortably?

You're right! I hadn't noticed. Sorry.

Or http://uk.babelfish.yahoo.com/

No, the description of 'red hot coals' was, I am sure, applied to the Dome tubas. I remember many years ago, whilst sitting under the dome awaiting the start of a recital, jumping out of my skin when the first chord was played on the Dome tubas. So I can concur with this epithet!

Yes, I used to fancy the fit-looking nun. Can't recall the organ music, though.

I see that this is from an American site. I understand that DVDs bought in/from America may not be playable in UK/European DVD players (different regional codes, or something?), but presume that this is not a problem with your copy.

Very well said. As a non-organist I greatly admire the skill possessed by (good) organists. In an ideal world (which I'm afraid this isn't) organists would be much more highly paid. On the other hand, if I were so lucky as to be able to play the organ well, I think I should enjoy doing so without any pay!

Yes, I 'accidentally' watched this. I'd like to know that too. More importantly, when are they going to release the DVD of Series 3? We seem to have been waiting ages.

I quite agree. When I was in Cologne in August, and waiting near the west door to get into the cathedral following a service, I was very pleased to see that everyone, including the priest, sat in silence and listened to the organ voluntary. No-one moved until it had ended. The nave organ, incidentally, was surprisingly powerful for only 53 stops, even from the west door.

I hesitate to reply to this as I am by no means an organ builder. However, as you seem to have had no responses thus far, perhaps you will excuse me if I contribute my 'fourpenn'orth'. I have, for many years, used CAD in my hobby of organ design and use exclusively TurboCAD - currently version 14. This is quite cheap when compared to professional applications such as AutoCAD, yet is very functional and does all I need. Originally I would draw designs only in 2D but later, when I upgraded to a 3D version of TurboCAD, I began to explore drawing in 3D. Although initially this was quite time consuming, when I had become more adept I discovered that producing one 3D drawing could take less time than producing several 2D drawings of different aspects. Moreover, if alterations were made, this would only need doing once. Naturally, the 3D model can be used to produce views of different aspects; obviously, any view/projection is possible: the usual plan, front and side elevations, and also others such as isometric projections if required. Another advantage is that you can be assured that there are no unintentional disparities between the different views. I sometimes recall the 'old days' when I worked with ink drawing pens. Not only were the pens often difficult to get started, but they were occasionally prone to slip or even blot if you weren't very careful. Worse still, if you made a mistake or wished to make minor alterations, the whole thing had to be done again. Happy days! John

I'd be interested to know, too. I was hoping to go, but my wife had made other domestic arrangements, and you don't argue with wives especially if they have been tolerant enough to accompany you to Cologne specifically for an organ recital. John

I have to say that I am in two minds here. I have no doubt that most, if not all, organists and others like myself who have an interest in the organ regard Dr Jackson most highly and believe that he is definitely deserving of such recognition (KBE). If a petition were to be organised, I would certainly add my name. On the other hand, you may call me cynical but, for the reasons mentioned above, I think that the Honours system is becoming increasingly meaningless. Moreover, although I don't know him personally, I suspect that Dr Jackson is not the sort of person who yearns for such rewards. I think the love and respect of all who have encountered him should be enough. John

I'm afraid you are perfectly correct, and the sad thing is that I cannot see things changing for the better.

Try sticking drawing pins in some of the (most frequently used) hammers!

Thanks, Richard. Not a fan of Messiaen, I'm afraid, but will make a big effort to attend FJ's recital. I hope he's well enough by then.

Yes. Must think about going to bed now! John

For those who enjoyed the DVD of Liverpool Cathedral organ, Priory have now sent me details of their second organ DVD. PRDVD2 will feature the organ of York Minster (not King's, Cambridge as originally announced), and is due to be released in September/October. The 'pre-release price' is £19.99 (normal price £25.99), and both DVD and CD (sound only) are included, as for Liverpool. According to the leaflet, the content will be: Vierne - Toccata Albinoni - Adagio for Strings Peraza - Batalla for Trumpets* Gigout - Scherzo Gigout - Toccata Thalben-Ball - Variations on a Theme by Paganini for Pedals Wood - Chorale Prelude Mozart - Fantasia in F minor Elgar - Imperial March Dubois - Fiat Lux Mulet - Rosace Mushel - Toccata Durufle - Fugue sur le carillon des heures de la Cathedrale de Soissons Cochereau - Sortie sur Haec Dies (* Wouldn't this be effective done on Tuba Mirabilis, with Bombarde as an echo, as on Spanish organs with Trompeteria facing chancel and aisle? Will have to see what JSW decides!) King's College will follow later as PRDVD3 'in the late Autumn'. That's my (late) birthday present and (early) Xmas present from t'wife sorted. John

I must have been about fourteen or so when my music teacher - Keith Rhodes - played us the Cocker Tuba Tune on the Francis Jackson, York Minster LP you mention. That prompted me to go out and immediately buy it: my first organ LP (in fact my first LP full stop). Other early organ LPs that had a profound effect were the four 'Organ Magnificent' albums by Gunther Brausinger. I suspect that many who have them/have heard them may regard them as a little trite, but I love them. I bought them individually as and when funds permitted! Incidentally, the only one of which I am not fairly sure of the instrument is the fourth one (the one with the Russian pieces). Can anyone enlighten me? John

What an excellent idea! I have admired this man for very many years. Please include my best wishes! John

Yes. I happened to be in Birmingham on Monday and was pleasantly surprised to find there was to be an organ concert that day. I agree that there would have been about 300+ in the Symphony Hall for the excellent recital by Henry Fairs, Birmingham University organist. By the way, this is the first time I have heard the Symphony Hall organ and I was very impressed. It has to be said that this instrument leaves that in the Bridgewater Hall (Manchester) standing. The latter, in my opinion, is noticeably underpowered. Perhaps, should funds become available, it could be revoiced more strongly. John

Could he, perhaps, have played a fifth on a 32' to create a resultant? John

Interesting. A year or two ago I tried to purchase a publication from the Klais web-site. In the end, the only way I could accomplish this was by posting Euro notes. Fortunately, they arrived at their destination, but I shouldn't like to make a habit of this procedure. You wouldn't think we were in the EU, would you? John

Babelfish translation: From the 21 to July 28, Master-Class will make it possible to the students to look further into their practical and musical knowledge by tackling the questions of technique, style, ornamentation and registration. All the musical repertory could be approached. According to the program presented by the students, the courses will be able to take place on the large remarkable instruments of the area, in particular those of the Cathedrals of Nice and Monaco. Personal work will be possible on the organ of the CRR of Nice (Aubertin, Cabourdin, Bois). Inscription on line on http://nice.hexagone.net/music/academy_nic...CFQIeuwodiQ4B4w

Thanks Pierre Yes, of course, it sounds nothing like the North German organ. In fact, to me its sound is unique. Yes, it can produce typical French tonalities but, apart from that, sounds like no other South German organ I have heard. One of my favourites! One of the attractions to me, by the way, of the South German organ is that they are all different, unlike the North German and French organs, which each seem to follow their own distinctive style. Thanks also for the sound sample. John

This reminds me of the Riepp Ottobeuren organ which is said to be a successful combination of German and French styles and tonalities (although I always thought it sounded more French than German). How successful a combination of these apparently two very different styles of organ do readers consider this instrument to be? John