rededication of A-S Opus 150B

[smilingvox]

Who went to the rededication of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (NYC) this past Sunday?

I was there the entire day and it was awesome! The organ looks and sounds much happier now. The Quimby company did an excellent job retaining the organ's character. It's exactly like an old friend returning home! Mr. Hunt said that slight adjustments still had to be made (someone had just told me this).

I'm going back for Saturday's events. Supposedly, the organ will be heard then, too. Sometime between 9:30 and 10:30am, then at 7:30pm. Anyone who can make it might go to the Cathedral's website for the schedule of events for that day.

[Corno Dolce]

Aloha smilingvox,

Did the State Trumpet get to peal forth in uproarious blasts? How about those gorgeous Solo stops like the Flauto Mirabilis, Cello and Cello Celeste, French Horn - did they get to provide any story-telling drama?

Cheerio,

CD

[smilingvox]

If you go to youtube.com, search for "st. john the divine", look for "rededicated st. john the divine". It comes in two parts, so far. Uploaded within the last couple of days by livzdave.

You will hear the State Trumpet in both. In part 1, the Processional, you briefly hear the Tuba Major in dialogue with the S. T. The awesome 16' Ophicleide is used as well. Part 2 is the closing hymn, where the 32' C. Bombarde is heard. Mahhhhhma mia!

Don't remember hearing any of the other Solo ranks. Not really sure what the Cellos sound like, to be honest. Never heard the Tierce Mixture, either, however, the Bombarde reeds were used. Like I said, Mr. Hunt said the technicians weren't quite finished with the little stuff.

[Krummhorn]

Eric Johnson is the lead voicer for Quimby, and specializes in reed voicing. He was the organ technician for my church instrument. His superb work with Quimby Pipe Organs has kept him so very busy over the past couple years, especially with this project at SJD. A fine attribute of the Quimby company.

[smilingvox]

I had only heard that Quimby Organ Co. is reputable and their tonal designs, at least on paper, match my taste, but after the rededication, and seeing their photos of the re-installation, this is a company I would highly recommend, even though I know little about it.

[Corno Dolce]

I didn't think Quimby could pull it off - my hat's off to them for a smashing success

[smilingvox]

Just got back from the Divine. The opening event of the day started with two guys, standing in the back of the cathedral, playing something similar to alphorns, followed by a small band of Yoruba drummers, then a grand improvised prelude on the organ.

By evening, the organ was heard about 45 minutes before the scheduled recital, which caused some confusion. Most of the coordinators and security assumed that was the recital. All four or so minutes of it. I still waited around until 7:30, when it was supposed to take place, and sure enough, another improv was played. Wasn't very long, but listening to 150B for even just a couple of minutes is a real treat. Even that can be a good fix.

[mathetes1963]

Afraid I've only heard the organ via recordings (Nightwatch, anyone? ), but I was saddened to hear about the fire damage. Sounds like it's been restored to it's former glory. If I ever make it up to the Big Apple, St John's is definitely on my itenerary.

[Krummhorn]

Here are some pictures from the Quimby site. The fellow in one of the pictures with his back to the camera is Eric Johnson of the Quimby company.

[smilingvox]

I've seen these pics before. Would be cool if the company posted more.

Welcome aboard, mathetes1963. Nightwatch is among the several recordings I have of Opus 150B. As a matter of fact, the picture of the organ case on the insert was taken by a former pastor of mine, who worked there back then.

There was no fire or water damage to the organ, just smoke damage. The only thing consumed by the fire was the gift shop and some of the tapestries. The organ has indeed returned to its former glory. It's a much happier instrument now!