timothyguntrip Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 I thought some of the other contributors might be interested to take a look at the following feature in today's Times of Malta - concerning a Rothwell organ which is undergoing a full restoration at present: Link to Article Originally located in a church in Burnt Oak, London, it was moved here in 1982 - perhaps one of you might be familiar with it? It has those typical Rothwell stop keys, but not located above each corresponding manual which I've seen in some of his other instruments. This is wonderful news to read in a country where organs and organ music in general are not particularly appreciated. VA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madorganist Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 This is wonderful news to read in a country where organs and organ music in general are not particularly appreciated. VA I'll say!! A friend arranged for me to have ago on a few organs on Gozo a few years ago - they were all pretty grim. I also played the organ in the Anglican Cathedral in Valletta, I thought it sounded quite nice despite a lot of action issues Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henry Willis Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 I thought some of the other contributors might be interested to take a look at the following feature in today's Times of Malta - concerning a Rothwell organ which is undergoing a full restoration at present: Link to Article Interesting "Restoration" - especially the lovely angles of the wires with the adjustable collets and the amazing quality and finish of the timber used for the spring rail! I'm fascinated to hear of the 8-week course offered by Messrs. Oberlinger, they must be very proud. DW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajsphead Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 Someone else may see this differently, but I'm assuming the other end of the backfall is at the back of the lower set of keys. If so, can someone please enlighten me as to how this action is going to work properly. For there to be a point to the springs, the collars should be below the backfall, unless it's meant to be part of a G-P coupler, acting on the top notes of the Gt. Anyway, why does it need 2 springs to return the action, assuming there's one at the pallet !!! If it's part of a manual action I was assuming/hoping the wires weren't attached at the other end. See my comments in the thread on mechanical action and performances. AJS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will N Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 This does not look like the Rothwell l look after at all! Do we have any details of any previous work on the instrument? Also does anyone know the specification? Will N Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timothyguntrip Posted January 30, 2010 Author Share Posted January 30, 2010 I'll say!! A friend arranged for me to have ago on a few organs on Gozo a few years ago - they were all pretty grim. I also played the organ in the Anglican Cathedral in Valletta, I thought it sounded quite nice despite a lot of action issues The organ at the Anglican Cathedral is soon to undergo a full restoration - some info here I believe the work will be undertaken by David Wells, if I remember correctly. Regarding the Rothwell, I was unable to find any information on the NPOR, but will try to get a specification to post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazman Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 The organ at the Anglican Cathedral is soon to undergo a full restoration - some info here Another organ 'played on by Handel'. And on his way to the first performance of Messiah too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madorganist Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 The organ at the Anglican Cathedral is soon to undergo a full restoration - some info here I believe the work will be undertaken by David Wells, if I remember correctly. Thank you Vox, I'm sure David Wells will do a good job. I would certainly enjoy having a play once the work is completed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Childs Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 I made a modest contribution to the appeal fund when I was in Malta last May. I was moved to do so by the notice adjacent to the contribution box which read, to the best of my recollection: "The good news is that there is plenty of money to restore the organ: the bad news is that it is still in other people's pockets." Someone on this forum might find a use for that. As an aside, when visiting St John's Cathedral I was somewhat surprised on entering the building to be met by the sound of Whitlock's Toccata from the Plymouth Suite, complete with Tuba and assertive pedal reeds which it seemed highly unlikely were contained within the tiny cases either side of the altar. A little later came the Final from Vierne's First Symphony. My guess was that I was listening to Noel Rawsthorne playing in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral but I was in no position to confirm the truth of this. Anyone here able to provide additional information ? Brian Childs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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