"Mike Coatham" wrote in message
...

"Keith G" wrote in message
...

"Mike Coatham" wrote in message
...

"Keith G" wrote in message
...
Those of you interested in the newly-restored RAH organ might be
interested
in this:





http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pre..._april/29/prom
s_organ.pdf

(I hope that doesn't wrap -otherwise cut & paste).

There's notice of one or two *excellent* forthcoming pieces on page
2.

It certainly looks like an impressive piece of kit. In our neck of the
woods, our local Town Hall Organ has been restored and you might be
interested in this link
http://www.cityofdunedin.com/organ/history.htm

for the very interesting background - especially its use at Wembley
for
the
1924 Exhibition - before being shipped to NZ.


That's an impressive-looking bit of kit and what a history!!

Have you actually heard it yourself?

You betcha I've heard it .. many times.... Recently, one of the
local
University of Otago lecturers - Kemp English gave a stunning 2 hr concert
promoting a new CD he has released which features 'Norma' (as the organ is
affectionately known in these parts). A link for this CD is
http://www.roadkill.com/MDB/album.phtml/24964


Looks very interesting - some very popular pieces there!


And yes, I just had to buy the CD - and support local industry you know .
The acoustics in our Town Hall are excellent - it has a reputation as
being
one of the best in the world and international musicians just love the
place. You can literallly hear a pin drop from anywhere in the auditorium.
The CD comes with a delightful note........"Please note that as this is a
wide dynamic range recording you may need to adjust your volume control
accordingly"
In other words - set the volume for a reasonable level for the quiet bits
&
fasten your seatbelt for the rest .

:-)


There's nothing quite like listening to organ music at the same levels as
heard 'live' to get the adrenalin pumping.


OK, I'm nor sure about 'live level' in the house, but at 'listening room
equivalent' level, I *totally* agree!

In fact, all 'organ' music from the very biggest organs/churches etc. down
to little harmoniums (ia?) is OK in my book! As is fairground 'steam organ'
music and even bagpipes in the right setting - piper on the ramparts kinda
thing, not to mention massed, marching bands.....!!!