The new continuo organ
for the Erin Arts Centre is of the type known to organ-builders as
a 'box organ.' This is because all the pipes and mechanism are fitted
into a very neat and convenient box-like form, which lends itself to
concert halls, cathedrals, music colleges and other venues where there
is a need for a small continuo organ which must also be portable and
easily stored away. The specification (i.e. the stop list) is as follows:
· Stopt Diapason... 8' (Wooden pipes)
· Flute... 4' (Wooden pipes)
· Fifteenth ... T (Metal pipes)
· 56 keys, 171 pipes.
The convenient form of the box organ comes at a cost to the organ-builder
in that to design and build an instrument with three sets of pipes
with the necessary key action, stop action and wind supply (the compressed
air being provided by an electric blower) and have all this in a
confined space without crowding the pipework, is a challenge which
is as large as the organ is surprisingly small. Designing and building
a box organ is therefore a specialised branch of organ-building which
the great majority of builders do not care to tackle. The number
of individual parts in the principal components gives some idea of
the work involved in the actual construction:
· Keyboard: 679
· Soundboard: 1,221
· Casework, stop and key action: 1605
· Wooden Pipework: 741
· Metal Pipework: 285
In total... 4,531
The metal pipework was made to the specification of the Erin Arts
Centre continuo organ by F. Booth & Son, of Leeds,
specialists in metal pipe-making for many years. The electric blower
was made by August Laukhuff of Weikersheim, the world's largest organ-parts
supplier. All other parts of the organ have been designed and made
on the Isle of Man by Peter Jones of Foxdale,
making this the first organ to be completely constructed by an Island-based
firm since Moses Morgan's Douglas-based workshop produced its last
instrument almost 100 years ago.
Like all instruments of its type, this one has a modest tonal output.
The construction of both the wooden and metal pipework has been based
on the pipes found in the chamber organ at Sulby Methodist Church.
This instrument is the oldest on the Island, and believed to date
from around 1790. The gentle sounds of its wooden stops were seen
as ideal for an organ intended to accompany a single instrumentalist
or singer, or to be part of a small instrumental group, and, though
the pipework in the new organ is made using modern materials and
methods, it is easy to hear the antique charm of the original upon
which it was modelled. The metal stop adds a brightness to the other
two ranks of pipes when the organ is to be played at its loudest.
In this sense, the Island's newest organ owes a debt to its oldest.
When the instrument was first discussed, it was suggested that some
locally-grown timber be used, and so, whilst the raised keys on the
keyboard are made from ebony, the natural keys are covered in spalted
holly, a relatively rare wood which combines a beautiful grain pattern,
good wearing properties and an attractive 'touch' from the viewpoint
of the player. This timber was donated by the late Sir Clive Edwards
from a tree growing in the grounds of his home at Milntown, near
Ramsey. The wood had been allowed to lie in damp conditions for some
time, after which it was stored close to the central heating furnace,
and it is this combination of dampness followed by warmth which encourages
the fungal growth which produces the distinctive patterning.
The organ has several special features. For instance, it is possible
for the player to reset the key mechanism so that the same keys will
sound the pipes one note higher or one or two notes lower than standard,
something which saves much mental effort when accompanying period
or reproduction instruments built to play at pitches other than the
'A440', which is the universal standard today. Unusually for a pipe
organ, this one is on wheels, and easily moved about the auditorium
or stored away. Another unique feature is the panels which decorate
its doors and frontage. Based on designs of the 13th century, these
are the work of Iris Burton, an artist associated with the Erin Arts
Centre from its earliest days, and provide the visual climax to the
casework.
This is an instrument, therefore, which is unique and has special
ties to the Isle of Man and the Erin Arts Centre for which it was
built. With care, its lifespan is indefinite, and its sounds will
bring pleasure to future generations of music-lovers.
Peter Jones, designer
and builder of the continuo organ, would welcome any comments.
He can be contacted at The Bungalow, Kennaa, St John's, Isle
of Man, or care of the Erin Arts Centre.
|
|
Top
