Harmonium Hire (oxford)

[pwhodges]

I am involved in the earliest stages of planning a performance of Rossini's Petite Messe. This, of course, requires hiring a suitable harmonium at concert pitch. Can people suggest suitable sources I could approach to quote for such a hire in the Oxford area, so that I can prepare a budget?

 

Paul

[DQB123]

[DHM]

I am involved in the earliest stages of planning a performance of Rossini's Petite Messe. This, of course, requires hiring a suitable harmonium at concert pitch. Can people suggest suitable sources I could approach to quote for such a hire in the Oxford area, so that I can prepare a budget?

 

Paul

 

Paul, If your Hauptwerk set-up is portable, there is an 1874 Debain harmonium available.

Check out the "Sample sets" page of www.crumhorn-labs.com and scroll down almost to the bottom.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Douglas.

[andyorgan]

I haven't got my copy to hand, but there's always an ad in the classifieds at the back of someone who hires out a harmonium specifically for the Rossini. Maybe someone else has their copy to hand?

[andyorgan]

Just realised, the crucial words missing. Should read:

 

"...but there's always an ad in the classifieds at the back of Organists Review someone who hires out a harmonium..."

[Tony Newnham]

Paul, If your Hauptwerk set-up is portable, there is an 1874 Debain harmonium available.

Check out the "Sample sets" page of www.crumhorn-labs.com and scroll down almost to the bottom.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Douglas.

 

Hi

 

Hauptwerk is not really suitable for serious harmonium playing - a major part of the technique is manipulation the treadles - and that includes the physical feedback from them. As far as I am aware, no electronic device has even attempted this.

 

As to hire, I know of 2 places, both of whom will travle anywhere in the country. in order of preference (in my opinion):-

 

1. Phil Fluke. Victorian Reed Organ & Harmonium Museum Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire Village, Shipley, West Yorkshire BD18 4PS - 01274 585601 or 07976 535980 . I know Phil well, and have had Harmoniums from him for a number of concerts, as well as playing at the museum. The organs are always well prepared. If you contact, mention my name. The easiest contact method is to ring the mobile number.

 

2. Cambridge Reed Organs: http://www.harmonium.co.uk/. I have not had any personal dealings with them. The one time I considered it, their costs were outside the budget for the project. That said, they do have a very good reputation. Tey are the people who advertise in Organist's Review, etc.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Every Blessing

 

Tony

[pwhodges]

Thanks for the suggestions (and those in PMs); I hope that I can find a suitable instrument among them to fit our budget.

 

Paul

[stewartt]

We hired Cambridge Reed Organs' Dubain instrument some years ago for a performance of the Rossini with Chipping Norton Choral Society. We engaged Anne Page to play it and the result was a sensation. We had absolutely no idea that such wonderful sounds could come out this kind of instrument in the right hands. Highly recommended and worth every penny. It completely eclipsed the two Model 'D' Steinways!

[Tony Newnham]

We hired Cambridge Reed Organs' Dubain instrument some years ago for a performance of the Rossini with Chipping Norton Choral Society. We engaged Anne Page to play it and the result was a sensation. We had absolutely no idea that such wonderful sounds could come out this kind of instrument in the right hands. Highly recommended and worth every penny. It completely eclipsed the two Model 'D' Steinways!

 

Hi

 

Why doesn't that surprise me! Especially if Anne Page was playing - she's acknowledged as one of the leading exponents of the Harmonium these days.

 

One other point when you source a reed organ - check what pitch it's tuned to. Many reed organs are set at pitches significantly sharp to A=440Hz - and retuning isn't a realistic option.

 

Both the firms I mentioned have hire organs at A=440, so no problem there.

 

Every Blessing

 

Tony