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WA organs

Soubasse

Soubasse

New member
I think the St Georges organ is one of the biggest in WA and it's the 2nd largest that Knud has built. There are quite a few good Smenge organs around Oz, and there are a couple of nice ones in SA. The one that I infrequently practice on is relatively popular with local organists. His voicing is on the bright side (sometimes a little piercing with cymbale mixtures) but I gather that's a common trait of Scandanavian builders. The Smenges I've played to date have always been very comfortable. He's a quiet bloke too, fairly affable and certainly knows his craft very well.
 
Contratrombone64

Contratrombone64

Admiral of Fugues
Not really up on Perth (and regional West Australian) organs, the only one I have a recording of is a fantastic one at the Basillica in Freemantle. The organist playing his transcription of Pictures of an Exhibition, I love it. There some beautiful reed stops on this monster.

Matt, I know what you mean by the "sharp" mixtures favoured by Scandinavian organ builders, it's part of the charm of these instruments to me. That said, I have a CD of the fabulous Magnussen (I think) organ of Aarhus Cathedral (Denmark) playing Widor's marvellous Fifth Symphony (not a fan of the Toccata but love the first movement just so much).
 
Soubasse

Soubasse

New member
Aye, not been to Perth either but know about some of these instruments by reputation. You're right about the Fremantle organ, marvellous sound.

At the risk of seeming pedantic, do you mean "Marcussen" organ? Only played one of those but it was a really lovely instrument. Not as boldly voiced as Knuds work but since this Marcussen was in an English college chapel, they may have requested a slightly "mellowed" voicing!
 
Soubasse

Soubasse

New member
It's often quite refreshing hearing the much hackneyed Toccata played in context, ie, preceded by the complete symphony. Musically, there are many more rewarding moments in the previous movements.

I was going to post links to the other Knud Smenge organs down here, but the OHTA webpage is presently behaving rather oddly . . .
 
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