Search

This article explores the dearth of women working as organists in Anglican cathedrals and as Oxbridge organ scholars. The author examines gender stereotypes related to organ playing, including the mechanics of the instrument and prevailing views of male and female roles in liturgical practices. While there have been pioneering women organists throughout history, women are still significantly outnumbered by men in modern Anglican cathedrals. The article delves into the historical context of women musicians in the Anglican Church and discusses the challenges and opportunities for women organists in the 21st century. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the organ sonatas of Bertram Luard-Selby and Charles Harford Lloyd, two English composers. The sonatas demonstrate the transitional nature of the English organ sonata during the late 19th century. The portfolio approach, which grouped compositions under the title of a sonata, allowed composers to showcase their skills and highlight the tonal capabilities of the symphonic organ. The sonatas are playable on both small and large instruments and offer opportunities for creativity in registration. The article provides biographical information on Luard-Selby and Lloyd, as well as an analysis of their respective sonatas. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides an overview of the Dobson Organ Company, founded by Lynn Dobson in Lake City, Iowa, 50 years ago. The company has gained recognition for building and restoring organs of various sizes, both nationally and internationally. Despite recent challenges, including a devastating fire that destroyed their workshop, the company remains committed to their work and has continued to fulfill their commitments and carry on with restoration projects. The article concludes by discussing the construction of Opus 99, a new organ for St. James' Church in Sydney, Australia, which was completed in time for the church's celebrations. The organ is designed to support Anglican worship and the Choir of St. James', with a focus on choral accompaniment and a wide range of sounds. The article provides historical and architectural context for the church and describes the tonal design and features of the new organ, including changes made to the church's ceiling to improve acoustics. The construction of the organ used various types of wood and the stop names are engraved in a specific style. The Dobson Pipe Organ Builders are looking forward to continuing their work in the future. [Extracted from the article]

The document "Pipings" is a collection of announcements and updates related to organ music. It provides information about recent appointments of organists and choir directors, upcoming recitals, performances, and festivals. It also mentions the construction of a new organ at Brigham Young University—Idaho and the availability of a conducting app for students. The document includes obituaries for John P. Anthony, Gaylord Skulhus Fagerland Jr., Philip Edward Felde, H. David Herman, Kent "Rich" Lewis Jr., Gloria Travis, and Anita Ruth Bergh, highlighting their accomplishments and contributions to the field of music and organ playing. [Extracted from the article]

The Oberlin Conservatory of Music's Warner Concert Hall is home to the Van Cleef Family Organ, a Flentrop organ built in 1974. Oberlin College has a long history of offering studies in organ and sacred music, with its organ collection dating back to the 1870s. The Flentrop organ represents a shift towards historically informed organbuilding and has had a significant impact on organ culture in the United States. The instrument has undergone alterations over the years to enhance its tonal palette and provide a platform for historically informed music instruction. The Flentrop organ continues to be a valuable resource for students, teachers, and lovers of the organ. [Extracted from the article]

This article from the American Organist Magazine provides updates on various appointments, retirements, and achievements in the field of organ music. It announces the appointment of Daniel Colaner as the Michael Stairs Organ Scholar at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Bryan Dunnewald as the president and tonal director of Schoenstein & Co., and Grant Wareham as the director of music at First Unitarian Church of Dallas. It also mentions the retirement of Louis Patterson as the president of Schoenstein & Co. Additionally, it highlights the winners of several organ competitions, including Daniel Colaner, Grant Smith, and Abigail Wood. The article concludes with information about a new organ installation at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. [Extracted from the article]

"The Wandered Off" by Lisa Clay Shanahan follows the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and healing post-divorce, as she forms a bond with a landscaper named Buck and embarks on a quest to find Bigfoot in Yellowwood Forest. Themes of loss, resilience, and the power of storytelling are explored, emphasizing the healing potential of connecting with nature and others. Additionally, the narrative includes a harrowing tale of betrayal, murder, and loss involving a woman named Émeraude, her husband Samuel, and a friend, which culminates in unresolved tension and unease. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a collection of reports from different chapters of the American Guild of Organists (AGO). The reports highlight recent activities and events organized by the chapters, such as scholarship programs, Halloween Extravaganza, inductions, recitals, workshops, and picnics. The document provides summaries of these events, including details like locations, dates, highlights, performers, and scholarship winners. The events showcase a diverse range of organ music, composers, and instruments, demonstrating the talent and importance of organ music in different communities. The document also includes photographs of the events and participants. [Extracted from the article]

The 2024 Orgelpark Symposium in Amsterdam brought together artists, organbuilders, and scholars interested in developing new ways of playing, experiencing, and building organs. The symposium featured performances, presentations, and discussions centered around the theme of "Interfacing the Organ." One highlight was the use of "hyperorgans," which combine traditional pipe organs with digital technology for computer-based performance and manipulation of parameters. The symposium also explored the application of hyperorgan technology to early music and liturgical music, as well as presentations on organbuilding. The event showcased a diverse range of performances, including collaborations with computers and live electronics. The symposium emphasized openness to new ideas and a desire to expand the reach of the pipe organ to wider audiences. [Extracted from the article]

This article examines the contributions of Lutheran noblewomen as organists in the early 17th century, a topic that has been largely overlooked. It focuses on figures such as Duchess Elisabeth of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel and Duchess Elisabeth of Hesse-Kassel, who not only supported male organists and composers but also engaged with the organ themselves as talented keyboardists. The author explores their musical world and the interconnected courts they were a part of, shedding light on their role in shaping the significance of the organ in Protestant Northern Germany. The article also discusses the musical repertoire and patronage of other women in the 16th and 17th centuries, highlighting their dedication and virtuosity in challenging the notion that they were merely dabblers in playing the keyboard. [Extracted from the article]

The University Baptist Church in Austin, Texas has renovated its organ to incorporate unique touches that reflect the distinctive aspects of the congregation and the sanctuary. The history of the organ dates back to the 1920s, and it underwent various changes and repairs over the years. In 2017, a proposal was made to completely reimagine the organ and incorporate portions of the original instrument. The project faced financial challenges but eventually, with new leadership and funding, the vision for the new organ was realized. The renovated organ includes a new console, a combination of new and existing pipework, and digital voices to enhance the tonal quality. The project was a collaborative effort between the church and R.A. Colby Inc., an organbuilding company. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the history and mechanics of tremolo, a musical effect that creates fluctuations in volume or pitch. Tremolo can be achieved through various techniques, such as bowing a string instrument or using a tremolo arm on a guitar. The article explores the development of electronic tremolo circuits, which were first used in the 1940s, and their incorporation into guitar amps. It also explains different types of tremolo circuits, including bias wiggle tremolo, optical tremolo, and harmonic vibrato. The article concludes by discussing tremolo pedals and their ability to emulate classic tremolo circuits. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Trail Run Magazine showcases stunning photographs of various trail running events and locations around the world. The images capture the beauty of the Great Ocean Road Running Festival in Victoria, Australia, the challenging Marató Dels Dements race in Valenciana, Spain, the scenic Organ Pipes Track in Hobart, Tasmania, the Routeburn Track in New Zealand, and the Darran Mountain range in New Zealand. These photographs provide a glimpse into the breathtaking landscapes and experiences that trail runners can enjoy. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the organ landscapes of three East Baltic countries, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. It details the historical significance and current condition of the largest and most prominent organs in each country, emphasizing the influence of both cultural and political shifts on organ construction and preservation. It highlights the differences in religious practices and organ-building traditions, with particular attention to the largest organs in Vilnius, Liepāja, and Tallinn.

SVS, a company known for its affordable subwoofers, has introduced the Ultra Evolution range of loudspeakers. This range includes the Pinnacles, Titans, and Towers, all of which have a curved front face to ensure simultaneous delivery of sound to the listener's ears. The Ultra Evolution models come in different finishes and have removable grilles. The Titans, in particular, offer impressive performance with tight and powerful bass, solid imaging, and the ability to handle challenging audio levels. While there may be some edginess in the low treble at higher volumes, the overall performance of the Titans is highly satisfying. When paired with subwoofers, the Titans excel in delivering dynamic film soundtracks, providing immersive audio experiences. The SVS Ultra Evolution range is recommended for those looking for high-quality loudspeakers for their home theater setups. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the history and restoration of the Daublaine-Ducroquet organ in the Church of San Francisco de Paula in Havana, Cuba. The organ can be traced back to at least 1755 and was likely brought to the church by the Catholic order Las Hijas de la Caridad de San Vicente de Paúl in the 19th century. The organ was built by the French organ firm Daublaine-Ducroquet in the mid-19th century and was restored by Spanish organbuilder Joaquín Lois in 2008. The restoration of the organ has revitalized organ music in Cuba and inspired a new generation of musicians. [Extracted from the article]

St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, has recently completed a renovation of its organ. Led by Russell & Company Organ Builders, the project aimed to restore the original design of the instrument while also improving its layout and reducing reliance on digital voices. The organ, originally built by G. Donald Harrison, has undergone previous expansions and additions. Despite delays caused by the pandemic and hidden damages, the church remains committed to preserving the instrument's quality and musicality. The new organ, Opus 62, is versatile and powerful, capable of producing a wide range of sounds. The project utilized existing resources and incorporated new elements, such as repurposing a 1906 Estey wooden 16' Contrabass. The organ features multiple chambers and a large number of pipes, including digital voices and percussion stops. The goal of the renovation was to create an instrument that would inspire worship for generations to come. [Extracted from the article]

The Organ Historical Society (OHS) was founded in 1956 by a group of college students who were concerned about the fate of old tracker-action organs. The society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the pipe organ's history and culture. The OHS offers various resources and programs, including the Pipe Organ Database, which provides detailed information on over 75,000 instruments, and the OHS Archives and Library, which houses the largest collection of material on the pipe organ in the country. The society also offers opportunities for young musicians, organ scholarships, and organ scholarship competitions. Additionally, the OHS publishes a quarterly magazine called The Tracker and maintains a National Registry for Historic Organs. The society holds annual conventions in different cities, featuring performances, lectures, and organ crawls. The OHS Catalog offers a variety of products for the organ community. Overall, the OHS serves as a valuable resource and advocate for the pipe organ. [Extracted from the article]

The document "Pipings" provides information on recent appointments and honors in the field of organ music. It announces the appointments of Ariana Corbin, Patrick Hawkins, Dāvids Heinze, Caroline Robinson, and Lawrence Strohm to various positions in the field. The document also mentions performances and recitals by organists such as Paul Jacobs, William James Lawson, Joseph Ripka, and Maxine Thévenot. It highlights the awarding of the Royal Canadian College of Organists' 2024 Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship to Owen Spicer. The document also includes information about the upcoming Mikael Tariverdiev International Organ Competition and the release of the second edition of the complete organ music of César Franck. Additionally, it includes obituaries for Emma Lou Diemer, Frank G. Pifferetti Jr., and Robert L. Sipe, recognizing their contributions to the field of organ music. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a summary of recent events and activities in various chapters of the American Guild of Organists (AGO). The Denver Rocky Mountain chapter held a harpsichord showcase, the Tulsa chapter presented a program on navigating the church workplace, and the Houston chapter hosted a conducting workshop. The Southern Arizona chapter organized an organ crawl, and the Los Angeles chapter co-sponsored a concert to honor Frederick Swann. Other chapters in Orange County, Sacramento Valley, Utah Valley, Olympia, Seattle, Spokane, and Hong Kong also held various events and recitals. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a summary of recent events and workshops organized by various chapters of the American Guild of Organists. In Northeastern Connecticut, an organ recital was held to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the organ at St. Joseph Catholic Church. In Portland, a workshop on West African drumming was conducted, while in Southeastern Massachusetts, an improvisation workshop for organists took place. Binghamton hosted a recital and presentation on the future of the organ, and Eastern New York organized a workshop on hymn playing. Suffolk held a Pedals, Pipes & Pizza event to introduce attendees to the pipe organ. Lastly, the European chapter held its spring meeting in the Netherlands, visiting various churches and organs in different provinces. [Extracted from the article]

The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a large private institution and one of the largest Catholic universities in the United States. Founded in 1885 by Archbishop John Ireland, the university aims to provide high-quality education for Catholic immigrants. The university has three campuses and two seminaries, with three chapels housing world-class pipe organs. The St. John Vianney College Seminary recently installed a new mechanical-action pipe organ built by Lewtak Pipe Organ Builders of Mocksville, North Carolina. The organ committee chose Lewtak due to their sensitivity to the musical and liturgical needs of the seminary, their commitment to mechanical-action instruments, and their ability to find creative solutions. The installation of the organ was completed in November 2023 and was dedicated and blessed in April 2024. Seminarians were involved in the installation process and gained valuable knowledge about organ design. The organ is considered a work of art and an engineering marvel that will be passed down for generations. [Extracted from the article]

This text is a memoir that recounts the author's experiences with church music in Boston's Copley Square during the 1980s. The author discusses the musical excellence of The Mother Church, Old South Church, and Trinity Church, and how walking from one church to another allowed them to appreciate high-quality church music. The memoir also delves into the author's personal journey as a piano student and their introduction to the organ, as well as their interactions with influential figures in the Boston music scene, such as Brian Jones and Fred MacArthur. The text highlights the impact of these individuals and the vibrant music community in Copley Square during that time. [Extracted from the article]

This document is an international directory of pipe organ builders, providing contact information and services offered by various builders in different countries. The directory includes information on organ builders in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, and Italy. Services offered by these builders include new organ construction, restorations, repairs, and maintenance. The directory also mentions the memberships of organ builders' associations that the builders belong to, such as the International Society of Organ Builders (ISO) and the American Guild of Organists (AGO). [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the completion of a new concert organ in Helsinki's Music Centre. The project was made possible through funding from various sources, including a generous donation from composer Kaija Saariaho. The organ was built by Rieger Orgelbau and features innovative technical and visual elements. It has multiple divisions and registers, including a microtonal division. The organ is housed in a visually striking facade and is being used for concerts and educational purposes. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the concept of hyperorgan art, which challenges traditional notions of organ music and aims to create new forms of music that incorporate elements of jazz, classical, and experimental styles. It discusses the Reactor Hall in Stockholm, which has been transformed into a space for artistic and scientific experimentation. The article emphasizes the need to reconfigure musical institutions and visions in order to create a new music for a post-Capitalocene humanity. It also highlights the Global Hyperorgan project, which connects organs across the globe through the internet for real-time collaborative performances. The text concludes by suggesting ways to promote and expand organ art, such as inviting nonclassical musicians to participate and establishing partnerships with community arts organizations. [Extracted from the article]