After speaking with Makin organs today, James Harker the principal organ voicer has kindly agreed to come to the cathedral next week and look at re-voicing some of the stops. The organ's voicing has not been altered since it was installed in 2002, and it seems it's time to have a look at revamping some of the specification. The areas I think most in need of this attention are the solo reed stops (in particular the pontifical trumpet, which could do with sounding more..well pontifical!!) The tuba itself is very fat and could do with maybe being a bit less hearty. Other voices come to mind as well. The great Clarabella is very woolly, and doesn't really add anything to the blend. As there is also a stopped flute, having another 8' flute stop as well seems a little redundant. The swell oboe could do with being quietened, and the swell cornopean could be souped up a little. The mutations on the choir also should be a little more subtle, as their use does tend to throw the choir off key quite easily. Finally the pedal reeds could be brought out a bit more. As any organist knows, these are the jewel in the crown of any good instrument!
On another note, we shall soon have a proper cover for the organ to protect it against the elements. As many of you know, the organ was damaged not long ago by rain water which seeped into the console from the roof, and caused no end of problems, which were finally resolved with an insurance claim! Let's hope the cover will prove to be an effective barrier against any deluge that might be brought down upon it from the heavens!!
You're right about those mutations! From close up (i.e. when the choir organ is playing through the choir enclosure speakers near where the choir sing), it's often hard to hear a blended sound - instead it just sounds like you've decided to play along in three different keys all at once. Some may feel that this gives us more of a chance of being in the right key. :-)
ReplyDeleteI've wondered whether it's a question of distance, rather than the voicing - I don't think the disorienting effect is as strong when the choir organ sound is coming from above. It'll be interesting to find out.
It certainly keeps the Choir awake, notwithstanding the possibility of the odd heart attack.
ReplyDeleteHi Antny, when are the repairs going to be done and does that mean that we can have the Organ Recital you keep promising?
ReplyDeleteSaturday afternoons are good, so we can still go out later on. Can you please avoid the 30th May as some of us will be away. xx
Anthony has gained a new lease of life, since the Organ was re-voiced. He is treating us to a much greater variety of those odd sounding French registrations. Anyone who thinks computers are not as good as pipes should come along for a listen. Shame the weather has changed, the last few weeks would have been ideal for a recital with Bucks-Fizz on the Lawn!!!
ReplyDeleteMy Dad Mr Jim Mcculloch use to play the organ may moons ago.
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