Sumptuous in G from Hereford

[Wolsey]

Apologies for wading in again with an anorak, but I wholeheartedly agree with Ardcarp about the particular excellence of the Hereford swell boxes (a Willis hallmark). Having also played it myself and directed a visiting choir there for ten years, it has always rated highly in my estimation, but I really do not see how the absence of three notes at the treble end of the manuals and two notes at the top of the pedalboard (a feature of very many other organs incidentally - including the one over which I preside) restricts the repertoire that can be played on it. I'll take my anorak off now.

[ardcarp]

...as long as you've got top F on the pedals for Widor's Cassata what the hell? Anorak on....it takes a VAST amount of cash (and space) to increase the compass of a large instrument involving such things that we mere mortals wot not of. Ditto a big change in pitch such as at Lichfield. And there are valid historic reasons for not doing it

[ArpSchnitger]

Hereford organ- virtual version

I see that the Hereford organ, or at least a digital sampling thereof, is to feature on a forthcoming recording

The digital sampling can be purchased for use with the Hauptwerk virtual organ software. Details at http://www.lavenderaudio.co.uk/organ...ord/page7.html
For those who crave full compass, a virtual enhancement is planned for the end of the year.

I have this sample set and it is excellent- I've also played the real thing, some years ago now, and I likened it to driving a vintage Bentley- sumptuously elegant. The virtual organ can benefit from some aids not present on the real console, but it is a pleasure to be able to play it in my front room!

[DracoM]

Gosh.

Lovely organ chat. Bit opaque to me!
It's just a bit sad that on a few recent The Choir threads, we have shifted off the singing pretty quickly and neatly slid into wonderful and enviably knowledgeable organ banter. I wonder if that is a quiet statement about the quality of the singing and this is a diplomatic way of avoiding discussing it?

But, of course, I do realise that there is a kind of unofficial masonic lodge that encompasses organ aficionados - bit like steam rail enthusiasts?

Am I going to get death threats now?

[ardcarp]

I do realise that there is a kind of unofficial masonic lodge that encompasses organ aficionados - bit like steam rail enthusiasts?

Sadly, all too true, Draco, and I thought I'd grown out of it....but no; guilty as charged.

I wonder if that is a quiet statement about the quality of the singing and this is a diplomatic way of avoiding discussing it?

More than a grain of truth here. Maybe we're all waiting for a glorious CE to sweep us off our feet....but hopefully not leave us speechless.

It's a pity there isn't more discussion of The Choir....the Aled programme I mean. I have to admit seldom finding time to hear it, but it would be good to look over the Anglican fence to wider choral horizons (and even better mixed metaphors).

[Simon]

Sadly, all too true, Draco, and I thought I'd grown out of it....but no; guilty as charged.


More than a grain of truth here. Maybe we're all waiting for a glorious CE to sweep us off our feet....but hopefully not leave us speechless.

It's a pity there isn't more discussion of The Choir....the Aled programme I mean. I have to admit seldom finding time to hear it, but it would be good to look over the Anglican fence to wider choral horizons (and even better mixed metaphors).

I heard The Choir on Sunday, and was going to post about it. Maybe still will.

As regards this thread, I started it in a musing vein and personally, I think that the way it has gone is a shining example of how these threads can develop at their best. Posts from a wide range of people, on several tangential topics, all in a very friendly spirit.

As regards the weekly threads, they do seem to vary as to how they progress. Personally, I have never minded diversions... as long as they were interesting.

[ahinton]

Apologies for wading in again with an anorak, but I wholeheartedly agree with Ardcarp about the particular excellence of the Hereford swell boxes (a Willis hallmark). Having also played it myself and directed a visiting choir there for ten years, it has always rated highly in my estimation, but I really do not see how the absence of three notes at the treble end of the manuals and two notes at the top of the pedalboard (a feature of very many other organs incidentally - including the one over which I preside) restricts the repertoire that can be played on it. I'll take my anorak off now.

Now that you have appropriately divested yourself of said garment, what about Sorabji's three organ symphonies for starters, all of which call for manuals up to C an pedals to G which, given the number of instruments possessing both, is hardly an extravagant or unusual requirement!

[Simon]

Oh dear Alistair.

Given that you are such a good-natured chap and the fact that you are the world's leading authority on Sorabji, I'll refain from the most obvious comment. But his long and loud, er, noises are not to everyone's liking, you know!

[Wolsey]

Now that you have appropriately divested yourself of said garment, what about Sorabji's three organ symphonies for starters, all of which call for manuals up to C an pedals to G which, given the number of instruments possessing both, is hardly an extravagant or unusual requirement!

Alistair, in all honesty how often do we hear movements from Sorabji's fearsomely difficult Symphonies in recitals and services? The performance by Kevin Bowyer and Thomas Trotter of the First Organ Symphony in a recital one July Saturday morning as part of the 1987 International Congress of Organists is something which I will not forget, and having just dug out the Congress handbook, I see that I should express thanks to you for your detailed and engaging programme note.