Organ ban in Wales

[Dafydd y G.W.]

Whilst public worship is now allowed in Wales, the use of the organ is not (save when a church is closed to the public). The bishops are arguing against this, but so far the Welsh government is resisting.

“Organs: Maintenance work to organs can now be undertaken. A pipe organ may be played for practice or maintenance purposes when the building is closed to the public. Organs (other than electronic) cannot at this time be played as part of public opening, services, marriages or funerals. We are lobbying for a change in this provision.”

https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/clergy-and-members/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance/

So far as I can see, Wales is the only country in the world where the organ is seen as a risk to public health in the current context.

[DracoM]

Wow!
Hope not too many other Deans are listening...................!!

[Serial_Apologist]

P'raps they should try pipes swabbing!

[oddoneout]

Is this to do with air circulation methods needing an external source of air - and a somewhat extreme application of that requirement? My workplace started a soft opening this week and we were told that the fans usually used in one area which has to manned throughout opening hours but which becomes uncomfortably hot very quickly can't be used as even though a door is left open they are deemed not to have an outside air intake.

[DracoM]

So does that mean that EVERY church, chapel and cathedral with an organ is threatened................?????

[Dafydd y G.W.]

So does that mean that EVERY church, chapel and cathedral with an organ is threatened................?????

Potentially, if other governments look at the Welsh example and think there’s something in the case for a ban.

On the other hand, the American Guild of Organists seems to have argued successfully against local proposals to forbid organ use. Their advice is given here:

https://www.agohq.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/QA-Safety-of-Pipe-Organ.pdf

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Numpties, perhaps? But one can never be certain. But the paranoia about Covid-19 and music is getting ridiculous.

Take 'not singing in church' for example. Singing is being compared with shouting. In church, there are those are afraid to sing out out of shyness, or because they don't know the tune. These will pose no threat beyond that of normal breathing. Also, there are more competent singers, who will make a decent sound, but will use their voices efficiently, in order to sing long lines without breaking phrases. Airspeed will be minimal - probably slower than in everyday speech; that's what good singers learn to do.

Woodwind players use air efficiently too. Beginner flautists do waste air, but the resulting dizziness is a strong incentive to conserve it. With recorder playing, gentle breathing is required to avoid hideous squealing. Reeded instruments hardly use any air.

Brass instruments are generally louder than woodwind, but again, the airspeed beyond the mouthpiece is minimal. The misnamed spit valves only release condensations. Actual spit never gets that far down the tube.

Still, the government knows much more than musicians.

[oddoneout]

It doesn't seem to bear relation to the 'official' guidance - this is from https://www.gov.uk/government/public...ic-from-4-july

You are advised only to play musical instruments that are not blown into. Organs can be played for faith practices, as well as general maintenance, but should be cleaned thoroughly before and after use.

I realise that guidance from the England direction isn't necessarily adopted elsewhere, but it is a little difficult to understand the stance taken by the Welsh government in this instance.