Pierre de Manchicourt International Organ Competition

Edith June Ho

Edith June Ho, 88, died July 30. Born in 1932 in China and raised in Hong Kong and Singapore, early on she set her sights on emigration to the United States. She earned money for the journey playing piano recitals throughout Cambodia and Vietnam, and by 1955 she had landed in Baltimore. There Edith Ho earned first a bachelor’s degree in piano from Columbia Union College, and then at Peabody Conservatory a second bachelor’s and a master’s degree, before accomplishing doctoral work in organ with her mentor, Arthur Howes.

Edith Ho also sang alto in Howes’ choir at Mount Calvary Church, which gave an introduction to the future cornerstones of her passion: Anglo-Catholic liturgy, Renaissance polyphony, and neo-classical organs with mechanical action—thanks to the church’s 1961 groundbreaking instrument from Charles Fisk/Andover. Over the next decade, her career revolved around several organist-choirmaster positions in Baltimore; she also studied abroad with Helmut Walcha and Heinz Wunderlich, playing recitals along the way. In 1972 she moved to the United Church, New Haven, Connecticut. In 1977, Boston called.

Renowned for liturgy and music, the Church of the Advent had known eminent musicians, most recently George Faxon, Alfred Nash Patterson, John Cook, and Philip Steinhaus. Edith Ho was certainly a norm-breaking departure, and, as time would prove, a savvy choice for a fresh moment. For her, the job was practically heaven itself: an all-professional choir, weekly Solemn Mass with choral Mass setting and two motets, and a rigorous Anglo-Catholic liturgy. Lesser beings might have faltered when, six months in, the rector suddenly died. But Edith Ho—slight of stature yet towering of personality—had a focus and determination forged in steel. Steadily, she molded an ensemble of impeccable standard, through two weekly rehearsals in addition to Sunday morning warm-ups.

People took notice. Particularly before broad reverence for early music and the many choral groups that now serve it, the Advent Choir was one of few offering almost exclusively polyphonic music of the Medieval and Renaissance periods, in resolutely straight tone. The program was leavened occasionally by music of the Baroque and Classical periods and, even more occasionally, nineteenth- and twentieth-century Anglican repertoire. Her tenure saw thirteen choral recordings, many devoted to then-little-known composers such as Manchicourt and Crecquillon. As with Gerre Hancock at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, New York, Edith Ho saw the associate musician’s position as a stepping-stone to train the next generation, and many future names of importance revolved through the job.

With the appointment of Mark Dwyer in 1989, however, a true comrade had arrived. Dwyer remained twelve years and, after stints in Albany and Washington, returned in 2007 to succeed Edith Ho. By that time, her tastes had broadened a little (“My first Sowerby!” she proclaimed one Sunday in self-shock), but her standards and rigid perfectionism never budged.

Edith Ho stepped down on account of a heart condition, certainly not from any flagging of spirit or determination—qualities those who sang and played for her well remember. While other musicians stay away in retirement, making space for successors, Edith Ho could not imagine worshipping anywhere else and made the last pew her second home. On her final Sunday, this past July, she greeted parishioners and musicians as was her custom and then visited the Crypt Chapel where her ashes now reside. Her Requiem Mass was held September 11, to a full house and the ringing music of Tomás Luis de Victoria.

—Jonathan Ambrosino, Arlington, Massachusetts

Pierre Rochas

Pierre Rochas, 98, musician, musicologist, and organ specialist, died June 9. Born in 1923, he became a radiologist like his father, Antoine Rochas, a founding member of the French Society of Radiology, who had installed his clinic in Brignolles (in the Var) in 1902. After the Second World War, Americans helped him to rebuild his radiology clinic, which had been damaged during the war.

Passionate about organs, between 1958–1963 Pierre Rochas constructed a three-manual, 38-stop pipe organ tuned in unequal temperament for his home in Brignolles. Improvisations on the stops of this organ by Michel Colin were recorded for a CD that was included in Rochas’ small illustrated dictionary of organs, Le Petit Dictionnaire de l’orgue illustré, published in 1997 by Harmonia Mundi. His personal instrument collection also included a two-manual harpsichord and pianofortes by Sébastian Érard and Pleyel.

Pierre Rochas notably contributed to the efforts of restoration of multiple early French historic organs in Provence. In the 1960s, in collaboration with Henri Jarrié, a Dominican monk, and Bernard Coutaz, the founder of Harmonia Mundi, he established the series “The evenings of French music at Saint-Maximin” that featured the historic Jean-Esprit and Joseph Isnard organ (1772–1774) in the Royal Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.

In 1962, Rochas worked to found the French Organ Academy in the Royal Convent there. He promoted initiation of and wrote notes for the series of recordings Orgues historiques (Historical Organs) by Harmonia Mundi and supervised recordings of historic organs by René Saorgin, Francis Chapelet, Michel Chapuis, Helmut Winter, Marcel Pehu, among others. Rochas’ record jackets included richly illustrated documentaries of these instruments. Respectful of historic organs, he strongly encouraged detailed documentation of them by builders and technicians. With Michel Chapuis, he contributed to Pierre Chéron’s exemplary restorations of the historic organs in Barjois (1963), Saint-Chinian (1964), Cuers (1968), Roquemare (1969), and Lambesc (1970).

After 1985, Xavier Darasse asked him to teach a musicology course for the organ department at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Lyon. He was also a corresponding member of the Commission Nationale des Monuments Historiques and the music association Arbeitkreis für Orgelfragen, founded by Helmut Winter.

Those who knew him remember his warm personality, kindness, and generosity to others. His passion for early historic organs has left a lasting impact on the organ world in Provence. His funeral took place at the Church of the Holy Savior in Brignoles on June 12.

—Carolyn Shuster Fournier, Paris, France

Jennifer Lucy Bate, 75, born in London, UK, November 11, 1944, died March 25. She was the daughter of H. A. Bate, organist of St James’s Muswell Hill from 1924 to 1978. An international concert organist, she was considered an authority on the organ music of Olivier Messiaen, having befriended him within the last twenty years of his life as his organist of choice. In 1986, she gave the first British performance of his Livre du Saint-Sacrement at Westminster Cathedral and later made the world premiere recording of the work under the personal supervision of the composer, winning the Grand Prix du Disque. He also endorsed her earlier recordings of all of his other organ works. Bate owned scores that contain many personal markings and references made by Messiaen. In 1995, Bate opened the Messiaen Festival at l’Église de la Sainte Trinité, Paris, France, where his complete organ works were performed and recorded. Among numerous awards for her CD were the Diapason d’Or (France) and Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik (Germany).

Bate performed and recorded a broad repertoire spanning several centuries, including English organ music, the complete organ works of César Franck, and the complete organ music of Felix Mendelssohn. A frequent performer at organ festivals, she often played works written for her. She also presented numerous masterclasses and lectures. She was instrumental in the formation of the annual Jennifer Bate Organ Academy, a course for young female organists, and she was the lead patron of the Society of Women Organists.

Bate was briefly married (as his second wife) to George Thalben-Ball. She received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bristol in 2007. In 1990, Bate was recognized with the Personnalité de l’Année award by the French-based jury, only the third British artist to achieve this distinction, after Georg Solti and Yehudi Menuhin. In 1996, Bate was granted honorary citizenship of the Italian province of Alessandria for her services to music in Northern Italy over 20 years. In 2002, she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and in 2008 was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

In 2011, M. Frédéric Mitterand, minister of culture and communication, awarded Jennifer Bate the rank of Officier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres, stating that this honor is awarded to renowned artists and writers who have promoted French culture throughout the world. Subsequently, President Sarkozy appointed Jennifer Bate to the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur, stating that this honor was awarded in recognition of her skill as an organist and her contribution to making Olivier Messiaen’s organ works more widely known throughout the world. She received both awards in 2012.

 

Marillyn Ila Freeman, 85, musician and teacher, died March 24. Born in Marion, Wisconsin, February 23, 1935, she grew up in New London and Appleton, where she began playing the organ for local church services at the age of twelve. She graduated from Appleton High School in 1953 and the Lawrence College Conservatory of Music, Appleton, earning a degree in music performance in 1957. While at Lawrence, she met her future husband Ralph Freeman, and they were married in 1958. Following graduation Freeman taught music at Lawrence and worked in the president’s office at Princeton University, eventually returning to Wisconsin and settling in Green Bay, where she taught piano and played organ in the Moravian church.

In 1965 the Freemans moved to Neenah where a year later she began a 54-year career as organist for St. Paul Lutheran Church. In addition to playing organ and piano, as director of music ministries she planned worship services, directed youth choirs, accompanied the adult Sanctuary Choir, presented church musicals, and guided the church in purchasing a new Dobson organ in 1986. She earned an associate certificate of the American Guild of Organists in 1995 and an associate in music ministry certificate in 2000.

Throughout her career Freeman continued to teach piano and organ, organizing piano recitals, judging piano competitions, and mentoring young musicians in the Fox Valley. She was a member of the Fox Valley Music Teachers, a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, served as treasurer of the North Eastern Wisconsin chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and was active in the Hymn Society of the United States and Canada. For many years she and her husband Ralph, a pianist, violinist, and published author of hymn texts, performed organ and piano duets each August as part of the Lunchtime Organ Recital Series in the Fox Valley region.

Marillyn Ila Freeman is survived by her husband Ralph Freeman, five children: Rebecca Freeman (Stephen Fusfeld) of Neenah; Jennifer Timm (Terry) of Neenah; Robert Freeman (Robin) of Darien, Illinois; Jon Freeman of Whitefish Bay; and Paul Freeman (Nicole Berman) of Stow, Massachusetts; twelve grandchildren, and several great grandchildren.

Memorial gifts may be made to the music ministry program at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 200 N. Commercial Street, Neenah, WI 54956, or to either the Melanoma Research Fund or the Surgical Oncology Outcomes Research and Awareness Fund at the University of Wisconsin (supportuw.org/give).

 

Josephine Lenola Bailey Freund, 90, died February 8 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. A lifelong musician, she was a professional organist for almost 70 years and taught piano and organ. She performed organ recitals and directed choirs throughout the United States, as well as in Swaziland and Papua New Guinea.

Josephine Bailey was born April 8, 1929, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She began piano lessons at age six and started studying organ at age thirteen. Among her first professional jobs were playing the organ to accompany silent movies and substituting as an accompanist and organist in local churches.

Following graduation from high school in 1946, Bailey attended Wittenberg College, Springfield Ohio, later transferring to Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. There she earned a teaching certificate in organ and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In 1952, she was the first female graduate of Peabody to earn a master’s degree in organ performance.

During the 1950s Bailey played at various churches in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, including serving as music director for First Baptist, Washington, D.C., which President Truman attended; and St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Annapolis, Maryland, where she was honored to play for a royal visit by Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. From 1956 until 1961, she was associate professor of music at Longwood College, Farmville, Virginia. She was also organist of First Presbyterian Church, Farmville, and taught music in local public high schools.

In 1963, Bailey became the first full-time director of music at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. She later returned to Indianapolis to teach in public schools and was the organist and assistant choir director at First Presbyterian Church. In the early 1970s, she moved to East Lansing, Michigan, to work on her doctorate in music theory at Michigan State University. She also was associate professor of music and organist and choir director of Martin Luther Chapel at Michigan State. It was there that she met her future husband Roland Freund who was an Australian agricultural missionary working on his master’s degree. They married in July 1971 and moved to the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.

In 1976, the family moved to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where Josephine taught piano and was organist at Grace United Methodist Church. The family spent 1982–1984 working on a U.S. AID and Penn State University project in Swaziland, Africa. There she taught music in several schools and directed the largest choir in the country for a performance of Brahms’s Requiem.

Upon returning to Carlisle, Josephine Freund served as organist and choir director at St. John’s Episcopal Church and Gettysburg College Chapel. She was adjunct professor of organ for Dickinson College and an active member and officer of the Harrisburg Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Freund played her final organ recital in 2010, but continued to teach piano and organ and to substitute and support church services, weddings, and funerals for a few more years. She was a lifetime member of the national honors fraternity for women in music, Sigma Alpha Iota.

Josephine Lenola Bailey Freund is survived by her husband, Roland Paul Freund of Carlisle; her nephew, Matthew Freund of South Australia; and her son, Colonel Ernie Freund, daughter-in-law Megan Sayler Freund, and granddaughters, Amelia Rose and Adelaide Pearl, all from Burke, Virginia.

Funeral services were held February 15 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Memorial contributions may be made to Residential Hospice, 100 Sterling Pkwy #110, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 or the Traditional Music Fund at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Market Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

 

Eleanor Marie Fulton, organist and music educator, died February 23 in New Haven, Connecticut. Born August 9, 1939, in Morristown, Tennessee, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Bennett College, Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1961, and continued her education at the Manhattan School of Music, New York City; the Haydn Conservatory, Eisenstadt, Austria; and the University of Ghana’s International Center for African Music and Dance.

She served as the longtime organist and director of music for Center Church on the Green, New Haven, and was a music teacher for New Haven Public Schools, director of the New Haven Children’s Chorus, assistant organist and director of Christian education for Battell Chapel, Yale University, New Haven, consultant to the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and a private piano and music instructor. She was the featured performer on a CD released by Raven, performing on the 1971 Beckerath organ of Dwight Chapel, Yale University, with works of Bach, de Grigny, and Mendelssohn (Eleanor Fulton, Organist: Dwight Chapel, Yale University, OAR-810).

 

Odile Pierre, French liturgical and international concert organist, professor, and composer, died in Paris, France, on February 29, shortly before her 87th birthday. Born in Pont-Audemer (in Normandy) on March 12, 1932, she decided to become an organist at age seven, inspired by a recital by Marcel Dupré on the Cavaillé-Coll organ at St. Ouen Abbey in Rouen. After taking lessons with Madeleine Lecoeur, organist at St. Nicaise Church in Rouen at age fifteen, she served as organist and choir director at the St. Martin Church in Barentin (in the Seine-Maritime region of Normandy). From 1950 to 1952, she studied harmony with Albert Beaucamp and organ with Marcel Lanquetuit at the Rouen Conservatory. She then entered the Paris Conservatory, where she was awarded first prizes in the classes of Maurice Duruflé (harmony), Noël Gallon (fugue), Norbert Dufourcq (music history), as well as organ and improvisation with Marcel Dupré and Rolande Falcinelli. At the age of 23, Odile Pierre became the youngest Marcel Dupré student to win a first prize in organ and improvisation at the Paris Conservatory. She won this prestigious prize the same year as Éliane Lejeune-Bonnier (1921–2015), with the unanimous approval of the jury, which included Jeanne Demessieux.

From 1955 to 1957, Odile Pierre officially substituted for Jean-Jacques Grunenwald, then organist at Saint-Pierre de Montrouge Church in Paris. She then studied organ performance with Fernando Germani at Saint-Cecilia Academy in Rome and at Chigiana Music Academy in Sienne, and with Franz Sauer at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. In 1969, she succeeded Jeanne Demessieux as titular organist of the gallery organ of the Madeleine Church and remained in this post until 1979. By coincidence, on the day after she died, Olivier Périn began his functions as the official assistant to François-Henri Houbart, her successor at the Madeleine.

Well known for her mastery of organ repertoire from early to contemporary masters, Odile Pierre performed at least 2,000 concerts throughout the world, including appearances in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Canada, Iceland, Russia, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Austria, and the former Czechoslovakia, including twelve tours in the United States and six in Asia. In 1977, she represented France at the Third International Organ Congress in Washington and Philadelphia. She performed organ concertos under the direction of conductors such as Lorin Maazel, Pierre Dervaux, Antoine de Bavier, and Georges Prêtre.

Odile Pierre recorded for RCA, Mitra, Motette, Festivo, Editions Lade, and IFO. At least two of the recordings were made at the Madeleine Church in Paris: Camille Saint-Saëns’ Preludes and Fugues (1972, RCA LSB 4088) and The Great Romantic Toccatas (1978, RCA/RC 8108). In 1991, she recorded (for SCD 814) Jean-François Muno’s reconstitution of Jean de Joyeuse’s 1694 organ at the Auch Cathedral, which she had inaugurated in 1988 with André Isoir. Her Poetic Symphonic Organ Music (Vierne, Debussy, Duruflé, and Odile Pierre) on the Cavaillé-Coll of the Trinity Church in Fécamp and at St. Godard in Rouen (1988, MP/FR 51190 C) calls upon her Normand origins; her record of Widor, Vierne, and Guilmant at the Orléans Cathedral (1993, Motette 11251), reminds us that she lived nearby, in Tigy, in the Loiret department, at the end of her life.

As professor, Odile Pierre taught organ and music history at the Rouen Conservatoire from 1959 until 1969 and then organ and improvisation at the Paris Regional Conservatoire from 1981 until 1992. Among her students were Michael Matthes, Léon Kerremans, D’Arcy Trinkwon, Kristiyan Seynhave, David Di Fiore, and Lionel Coulon (titular organist at the Rouen Cathedral since 1992, he substituted for her at the Madeleine for four years). In 1991, she gave organ classes at the Scuola Internationale d’Alto Perfezionmento Musicale in Perugia, Italy, and gave masterclasses in numerous colleges and universities. She also served on the juries of international organ competitions. In 1977, she was appointed as a member of the Commission on Organs in Paris.

Her organ works were published as early as 1955: Chorale and Fugue on the first antiphon of the Second Vespers for Christmas (1955, Procure du Clergé), and Chorale and Four-Voiced Fugue (1955, republished by Europart-Music in 1988), Four Pilgrimages at the Virgin Mary for four hands, opus 1 (Leduc, 1988), Variations and Fugue on three Christmas Carols (Leduc, 1990), The Martyr of St. Thomas Becket, op. 4 (Bergamo, Carrara 1994), Chorale and Fugue on the Name of Charles-Marie Widor, op. 5 (Mayence, Schott, 1994), and Canonic Variations and Fugue on Two Christmas Carols from Naples, op. 6 (1955). Her edition of some of Alexandre Guilmant’s organ works was printed by Bornemann in 1983 and 1984. In addition, she wrote about Marcel Dupré’s improvisation exams in 1953 and 1954 (Leduc, undated). Odile Pierre received three awards for her contributions to French culture: Officer in the French Legion of Honor, Commander in the French Order of Merit, and the Silver Medal of the City of Paris.

Odile Pierre is survived by her husband, the historian Pierre Aubé.

—Carolyn Shuster Fournier

 

Philip Astor Prince, 89, of New Haven, Connecticut, died February 5. Born January 5, 1931, in Evanston, Illinois, Prince attended the Taft School before entering Yale University with the Class of 1952. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin, subsequently studied musicology in the Yale Graduate School, but completed a Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music in organ performance under H. Frank Bozyan in 1959. Prince was drawn to the Anglo-Catholic liturgy celebrated at Christ Church, New Haven, and became associated with the music program there, succeeding Richard Donovan as organist and choirmaster in 1966. He became respected among colleagues for his English-language arrangements of Gregorian chants and psalmody and for his hymn accompaniments.

Prince published scholarly articles on Max Reger’s organ music (see “Reger and the Organ,” The Diapason, March 1973) and a performing edition of a sonata da chiesa of Johann Gottfried Walther. He also taught organ students at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, where he served as university organist for nearly 30 years and played annual recitals. In 1988, he joined the choirs of St. Mary Church, New Haven, and the St. Gregory Society and continued singing with them well into his 80s. Prince became an associate fellow of Ezra Stiles College in 1974. He was a longtime member of both Mory’s and the Elizabethan Club in New Haven, and the American Guild of Organists and Association of Anglican Musicians. Prince was a supporter of the Yale swimming team, and for many years he refereed at swimming matches and tournaments.

Lorraine S. Brugh

Lorraine Brugh is professor of music and Kruse Organ Fellow at Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana. She recently served as director of the university’s study abroad program in Cambridge, England.

Saturday is market day in Alkmaar. On the way to the Sint-Laurenskerk from my hotel there were stalls filled with fresh fish, cheese, fruits and vegetables, breads and desserts. Tempting as they were, I hurried through to make the 9:00 a.m. starting time for the first round of the International Schnitger Organ Competition 2019. With the church bells chiming 9:00, the jury entered, and the members were introduced.

The jury

The five jury members for 2019 included: Martin Böcker, lecturer at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg and artistic director of the Orgelakademie Stade, Germany; Bernard Foccroulle, professor of organ for the Conservatoire of Brussels, Belgium; Krzysztof Urbaniak, head of the organ and sacred music department, Bacewicz Academy of Music in Łódź, Poland; Bas de Vroome, organ professor at the Rotterdam Conservatorium voor Muziek, the Netherlands; and Wolfgang Zerer, professor of organ at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Hamburg, Germany. The competition began in 1991 and is held biennially in Alkmaar, centered at the Great Sint-Laurenskerk in the city center.

The organs

Great Sint-Laurenskerk houses two important organs. The instrument that has already won the grand prize, of course, is the large Germer Van Hagerbeer/Schnitger organ (1646/1725) at the west end, both a sight to behold and a delight to hear. Adding to its appeal is the controversy surrounding its history, which has only served to heighten its prominence. Arp Schnitger died before working on the instrument and his son, Frans Caspar Schnitger, finished the instrument.

The second and smaller instrument is in a swallow’s nest gallery on a side wall of the nave just east of the apse and was built by Jan Van Covelens in 1511. Meantone temperament tweaked this Western equal-temperament ear with unusual tonalities and pitches. Hearing the older music of Sweelinck, Frescobaldi, Hassler, and others offered a glimpse into the way this music originally sounded. The Van Covelens organ is the oldest playable instrument in the Netherlands.

The competition

Forty-five applicants from thirteen countries submitted an audio performance to be considered for the 2019 biennial competition. From those ten were chosen to compete in Alkmaar. To prepare for the competition and its organs, the ten finalists were all given a spring weekend in Alkmaar practicing on the instruments. This gave the competitors time to adjust to the mechanical demands of each instrument and their differences as well as conceive registrations before the competition week.

During the first round each contestant performed on both instruments. As we moved from the apse to the west end the performer also moved from the Van Covelens organ to the Schnitger. Pieter Van Dijk, city organist in Alkmaar, explained the differences of the two instruments from the performers’ point of view: the Van Covelens has a smaller manual compass, limited pedal range, and smaller keys and pedals than the Schnitger. The oldest stop, from 1511, is the Hoofdwerk 6′ Holpijp, which starts at low F. The Trompet in the Pedaal (this division’s only stop) balances perfectly with the 8′ Doof (Praestant) in the manual, though it sounds very loud from the console. The Borstwerk and the Hoofdwerk were both used with a 4′ stop as the foundation in one performer’s final Sweelinck variation. There are almost no repeats in the Mixtuur. The Scherp is intentionally weighted to give the top intensity, just as choirs are often weighted with more sound in the treble than in the bass registers.

The Schnitger organ fills the entire west end of the nave, a beautiful and massive case. In 1725 Schnitger added a 2′ flute in the Groot-Manuaal and the 2′ Nachthorn in the Pedaal, adding a brighter and singing quality to the instrument. Schnitger added these at his own expense as he felt the organ was incomplete without them.

A large part of the competition’s challenge lies in transitioning from one instrument to the other in the space of a few minutes. The pieces in this round were all compulsory: Sweelinck, Erbarm dich mein, O Herre Gott, SwWV 30, on the Van Covelens organ, and Bach, Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr, BWV 664, and Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 547, on the Schnitger.

There was no memorization requirement for the competition, and competitors were known to the jury and audience only by their contestant number. So, while the playing level was generally strong, musically and technically, there was no way to know who was playing during their performance. Listening became an exercise in hearing subtle differences between interpretations of a piece, considering various tempi, and listening to how performers used the room and its acoustics.

Following the ten performances, the six finalists to advance to the second round were Victor Manuel Baena de la Torre (Spain), Oliver Brett (United Kingdom), Freddie James (United Kingdom), António Pedrosa (Portugal), Daniel Seeger (Germany), and Vittorio Vanini (Italy).

The next round offered some choice in literature, this time played on the Kapelkerk organ in Alkmaar. The organ is a Christian Müller instrument from 1762, maintained by Flentrop since 1939 and restored by the firm between 1982 and 1986. The repertoire included a Buxtehude canzona of the player’s choice, three chorale preludes for manuals alone from J. S. Bach’s Clavierübung III (Wir glauben all in einen Gott, BWV 681, Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr, BWV 677, and Die sind die heilgen zehn Gebot, BWV 679), and a Bach toccata for manuals alone (BWV 910–916). A hot summer evening did not make playing these delicate pieces any easier. The jury selected Victor Baena de la Torre, Freddie James, and Vittoria Vanini as the three finalists for 2019.

The finalists

Victor Baena de la Torre (Spain, b. 1995): At the age of twelve de la Torre started playing guitar and piano and later studied these instruments at the Conservatory of Madrid. There he became interested in the interpretation of early music, especially for organ and harpsichord, and decided to study organ with Anselmo Serna and harpsichord and basso continuo with Denise De La-Herrán. As a basso continuo player, he has participated in various opera productions. He has participated in masterclasses for organ and harpsichord with, among others, Lorenzo Ghielmi and Bernard Foccroulle. He currently studies at the Conservatory of Amsterdam with Pieter van Dijk and Matthias Havinga.

Freddie James (United Kingdom, b. 1990): James started as a chorister at Southwark Cathedral, and after leaving the choir, he held positions as organ scholar at Croydon Minster and assistant organist at Sint-Nicolaas Basilica, Amsterdam. He was then organ scholar at St John’s College, Cambridge. With the choir, he performed in a range of venues around the world, including in Japan (Suntory Hall, Tokyo, Tokyo Opera City), the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark, and on a number of radio broadcasts, including a recording for Chandos of works by Thomas Tomkins. He was subsequently organist of the Christuskirche, Stuttgart, and is currently organist of the Church of St. Peter and Paul, Oberwil, in Basel, Switzerland.

Vittorio Vanini (Italy, b. 1996): Vanini entered the Conservatorio of Como, Italy, in 2011, where he studied first with Luca Bassetto, then with Enrico Viccardi. In 2017 he completed a bachelor’s degree in organ with honor. During his studies he focused on organ literature, harpsichord, and thorough-bass with Davide Pozzi and on composition with Antonio Eros Negri and Caterina Calderoni. He is currently studying at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, Switzerland, in the class of Tobias Lindner. He has been working as a church organist in the parishes of Lurago Marinone and Cucciago, Italy, and he has given concerts in Italy, Germany, and Switzerland.

The final round

The final round returned to Sint-Laurenkerk with literature for both organs. For the Van Covelens organ, each contestant chose a song variation set by Sweelinck. On the Schnitger organ each finalist chose a large Bach chorale prelude from Clavierübung III or from 18 Choräle verschiedener Art and a prelude and fugue [BWV 532, 541, 546, or 550], and a work by Piet Kee from Gedenck-Clanck ’76.

The winners and prizes

The prizes reflect both the civic and religious relationships of this festival to the city of Alkmaar. Following the final round the jury announced the prizes:

Schnitger prize (first prize, €5,000)—Victor Baena de la Torre

The first prize of the competition is named after organbuilder Frans Caspar Schnitger (1693–1729), son of the legendary Arp Schnitger. In 1723–1725, at the instigation of the newly appointed city organist Gerhardus Havingha (1696–1753), Frans Caspar carried out the highly controversial renovation of the Van Hagerbeer organ in Alkmaar. Behind the unchanged organ cases, designed by architect Jacob van Campen, a completely new type of instrument in North German style arose for Holland. Schnitger thus achieved the definitive breakthrough of this aesthetic in Dutch organbuilding. The Alkmaar organ is the best-preserved instrument by him.

Flentrop prize (second prize, €2,500)—Vittorio Vanini

Flentrop Orgelbouw of Zaandam, the Netherlands, has executed many important organ restoration and new-build projects in the Netherlands and abroad, including the restoration of both organs in Grote Sint-Laurenskerk, Alkmaar. Flentrop Orgelbouw adopted the second prize of the International Schnitger Organ Competition during the tenure of Cees van Oostenbrugge, who was then the company’s director.

Third prize (€1,000)—Freddie James

Izaäk Kingma prize (audience prize)—Vittorio Vanini

Izaäk Kingma (1936–2004) was secretary of both Alkmaar organ foundations for many years: the International Schnitger Organ Competition Foundation and the Friends of the Organ Foundation. In addition to his career in education, he was active as an organist in various churches in Alkmaar, including the Trefpuntkerk and the Remonstrantse Kerk. Because of its great merits for the Alkmaar organ culture, the International Schnitger Organ Competition Foundation decided in 2004 to link its name to the public prize of the International Schnitger Organ Competition that takes place during the biennial Organ Festival Holland in Alkmaar.

The symposium

Running concurrently with the competition was an organ symposium, a series of workshops and masterclasses presented by the jury members. This year’s topic was “The better Schnitger?” The young organbuilder Frans Caspar Schnitger, son of the legendary Arp Schnitger, with his organ in Alkmaar, was the subject of the symposium. Workshops and masterclasses were offered for “accomplished amateur and professional organists.” Participants who wished to play for the masterclasses also prepared required pieces for the event.

The presentations included:

Martin Böcker: “Schnitger in Stade and Hamburg and what happens before and afterwards.” This presentation looked at the ways Arp Schnitger developed his premise for sound ideal and construction close to home before building instruments further afield;

Cees van der Poel: “The Zwolle Organ—Schnitger’s Ticket to Holland.” This commission began Arp Schnitger’s international career, opening the way to further projects in the Netherlands;

Krzysztof Urbaniak: “Activity of Schnitger’s pupils east of the Oder-Neisse line.” Dr. Urbaniak demonstrated the direct influence of the Schnitger style on Polish instruments through the students and apprentices of Arp Schnitger;

Gerben Gritter, professor of music theory and organbuilding at the Amsterdam University of the Arts. His doctoral thesis focused on the life and work of the organbuilder Christian Müller, the builder of the Sint-Bavokerk organ in Haarlem. He highlighted differences and similarities between Schnitger and Müller;

Frank van Wijk, organist at the Kapelkerk in Alkmaar: “The innovative properties that the Alkmaar organ still has to offer us today.” VanWijk described many of the events that keep the church and its organs in the center of the city’s life. Hosting children’s choir festivals, organ recitals, and other innovative programming keeps the community connected to this landmark church. The foundation that supports the festival brings guest performers and new music for these old organs in order to reach a new audience. Specific composition commissions and combinations of organ with choir, orchestra, or electronics are used to broaden the organ culture.

Concert and recital highlights

The festival included an organ and choral concert featuring the St. Salvator Chapel Choir, St. Andrew’s University, Edinburgh, Scotland, Claire Innes-Hopkins, director, and Bernard Foccroulle, organist. The Scottish choir delighted the audience with its sleek sound in a beautiful acoustic. The Schnitger organ created an interesting dialogue with its massive and varied sounds.

A noonday concert presented Cees van der Poel and Gerben Gritter playing works of Lübeck, Böhm, Jacob Wilhelm Lustig, and Johann Nikolaus Hanff on the Schnitger organ. A “Four hands and feet organ concert” put the spotlight on Pieter Van Dijk, city organist in Alkmaar, and Frank Van Wijk, playing solo and duet literature.

This is an ambitious festival, carried out by an army of volunteers. The festival committee created a hospitable welcome while running a well-planned, high-level event. Gratitude is due to all those who work hard to keep this instrument and its importance alive, giving pride of place to young organists ready to build their performance careers.

Gerhard Grenzing

Born in Insterburg, Germany, Gerhard Grenzing trained in organbuilding with Rudolf von Beckerath in Hamburg, and gained further qualification by working with several other European workshops, mainly in Austria and Switzerland.

Beginning in 1967, he restored several organs in Majorca. In 1972, he set up his own workshop in El Papiol, near Barcelona, Spain. Approximately 250 new and restored organs have left the Grenzing workshop for Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Japan, South Korea, Bogotá, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, and Russia.

Since its founding in 1975 Radio France has remained the sole public radio broadcaster in France. The sprawling premises in the 16th arrondissement, occupied by the station from its inception, have been enhanced by a new 1,461-seat concert hall. However, in the design by the Parisian architectural bureau AS Architecture-Studio with acoustic consulting by the renowned firm of Nagata Acoustics from Japan, no organ was foreseen at the outset.

Only with a spirited campaign by dozens of leading figures in organ circles and the music world at large did the authorities eventually become convinced that in an organ city the likes of Paris and in a room like this one, a one-of-a-kind concert-hall organ must not be lacking. The attention that was aroused in this way spurred Radio France to have the organ project overseen by a committee of six organists, made up of Michel Bouvard, Thierry Escaich, François Espinasse, Bernard Foccroulle, Olivier Latry, and Jean-Pierre Leguay.

Once our firm had been awarded the contract for building the organ, and subsequent to an international call for tenders, we were actively supported and stimulated by the committee during the total of six years that the design phase, execution, and finishing were to last. The intense dialogue that came about among us as organbuilders and these experienced specialists was extraordinarily enriching and has already become a significant basis for future offshoot projects.

When I began to build organs in Barcelona, Spain, in the 1970s my work was quickly noticed in France and acknowledged with important contracts there. The company leadership in the Grenzing firm has meanwhile been transferred to my daughter Natalie Grenzing, seconded by the German master-organbuilder Andreas Fuchs. My sixty years’ knowledge is always appreciated. Our particular responsibility for the realization of the Radio France concert hall organ was shared by our entire team, consisting of twenty seasoned collaborators from seven nations.

Hallmarks of an organ for a concert venue

How, then, does a concert hall organ differ from its sibling in a church? It needs to feature a formal and coloristic relationship to all the tone colors of our instrumental and vocal musical culture. From a wafting pianissimo to the most massive fortissimo it should accompany, enhance, and provide the foundation for soloists, choirs, a chamber orchestra, and the large symphony orchestra. It should be capable of fulfilling its role in the orchestral literature and serve in the various styles of organ repertory. Finally, composers and improvisers should construe such an organ as an inspiring and subtly appointed medium for new works.

In May 2010, following the awarding of the contract, a meeting was held with the committee, in which, with the participation of six collaborators from our team, the technical and especially the tonal conceptions as well as the design of the consoles and accessories were discussed and voted on. It was only in this meeting that, through creative interplay among all those participating, the definitive specification and the technical details of the organ were determined; some among them were decidedly innovative. Several registers are located on an auxiliary windchest, so that they can be used in the Grand-Orgue as well as in the Pedal.

In many aspects of designing this organ we broke new ground tonally and technically. To our knowledge, for example, there exists no other instrument that may be played simultaneously from an electric console with proportional action and from a mechanical console. Our idea of a three-rank Gamba chorus with 4′ extension was accepted. For this we envisioned a bright tone color, almost as a preliminary stage leading up to the use of high mutations or mixtures.

Our wish to have variety in the area of reeds was received favorably as well. Thus not only was a chamade instituted but also a high-pressure division with tubas, which—enhanced by high-pressure flutes—sets the instrument off against the orchestra or, with its “broad shoulders,” underpins the same. Similarly, the Cor anglais in the Solo division, for example, was developed with a particular color for solo work.

We understand that French ears have a predilection for the sound of the indigenous French reed stops. As a result of our studies we are constantly aware in what country and for what ears we are creating (or, even more important, restoring) sounds. Hence a careful distinction was made between reed stops in the German style—which, versatile in their combination possibilities and together with the flues yielding various vowel sounds, can be used polyphonically—and the reed stops usual in French organs. The names of these stops make them recognizable by the wording, such as Trompete as opposed to Trompette.

The organ casework was designed by the architect of the hall, taking our technical/stylistic specifications into account. The instrument is thus so integrated into the hall that it comes across not so much as a distinct body but above all by virtue of the huge, 12 meter by 12 meter organ façade.

Our technical designer succeeded in fitting the eighty-seven registers with their 5,230 pipes into a depth of only some 3.84 meters, yet with a sense of order and clarity. In the foremost row of the façade stand the 8′ and 4′ pipes of the Grand-Orgue and Pedal, then just behind them the corresponding 16′ pipes, which fill up the entire space of the central case image.

The austere basic outline is relieved by the array of pipe ranks in a free play of pipe sizes and foot lengths. The swell shades framing the façade symbolize in three levels the enclosed divisions of the first, third, and fourth manuals, which opens up on a glimpse of the pipes standing behind. The effect, further enhanced by lighting setups, lends a dynamic visual dimension to the organist’s playing. This lighting function may of course be turned off.

The case pipes, in typical Spanish fashion, are polished with a scraper applied perpendicular to the pipe body. Together with the multi-faceted artificial illumination an enlivening effect of subtle contrast with the pipe bodies is achieved, which in neutral light is transformed into a gossamer sheen.

The main façade is formed by pipes. Next to it are found the visible swell shades, and to the outside on either side the pedal, which is masked by acoustically transparent fabric.

The console arrangements

The mechanical-action attached console features a visual link to the conductor via a screen and a mirror. Both can be slid into the case. Special functions of the console include:

• four adjustable crescendos that may be assigned to any of the swell pedals;

• a cumulative device for all enclosed divisions (“All Swells”);

• for the manual couplers, mechanical or electric action may be selected;

• a MIDI replay and tuning system;

• freely adjustable interval couplers (prepared for; you can chose any interval—for example a third, fifth, ninth, or any other “strange” interval—for coupling to any manual and thus enrich the color of registration);

• freely adjustable divided pedal couplers (prepared for).

The mobile console on the orchestra plateau is equipped with proportional electric action (sensitive touch).

A tracker organ with refined touch-sensitive action enables the organist to control the crucial attack and release parameters of the pipe speech, the only way the potential for musical expressivity can be realized by means of the corresponding reaction of the wind. With a normal electric action this is not possible, since only an on/off contact is involved. On the other hand, proportional electric action accurately conveys the movement of the fingers to the pallets in the windchest. Even a pedal tone, which the organist has such a hard time controlling at a large instrument, can henceforth be given a surprisingly slow sound decay.

Particular features of the mobile console include:

• transparent design, with no pedestal of its own, thereby being extremely low-lying and easily movable;

• all divisions can be assigned to various keyboards, meaning an inversion between Grand-Orgue/Positif and Récit/Solo, e.g., Grand-Orgue on the first manual, the Positif on the second or vice-versa;

• the “point of contact,” that is the exact place within the keydrop at which the note sounds or cuts off, can be adjusted;

• the lateral position of the pedalboard can be variously adjusted, for example C2 under manual C3 or D2 under manual C3.

Features common to both consoles:

• both consoles have four 61-note manual keyboards that are capped with bone and ebony. The pedalboards with 32 keys are made of oak. Via the touchscreen the organist can store personal files or, for example, adjust the speed of the tremolos;

• the key sostenuto functions either as an addition (that is, all depressed keys continue to sound) or as a substitution (the previously depressed keys are cancelled when new keys are depressed). When one of the two functions is activated, it is cancelled by activation of the other function;

• both consoles can be played simultaneously. Priority for the respective registration can be assigned at will to the mechanical or to the electric console.

Further particularities:

• there is a sequencer with wireless remote control for the assistant, so that the organist is not inconvenienced;

• USB memory sticks can be used for personal data;

• via a decimal keyboard (like a telephone keyboard) and a touchscreen the combination action in its versatile modes of utilization is memorized. Thousands of combinations can be called forth. Various combinations and levels are accessible only by means of a code. Organists can rest assured that they will truly have their combinations available to them.

Tonal considerations

We exchanged views extensively with composers, conductors, and organists (especially with organist-conductors) over tonal conceptions and once again express our thanks for the patient exchange of debate on this important subject. Often the remark was made that conductors ask organists to reduce the registration more and more, as the organ is one way or another too intrusive. We believe that this intrusiveness may be attributed in the pianissimo realm to the attack, the transient speech process (Einschwingvorgang) of each pipe, and in the forte realm mainly to the “organ-typical strident” tone of the mixtures, being too set apart from the tone color of the orchestra.

For a long time now we have felt confident in having recognized the solution in the most thoroughly refined attack behavior of each pipe. Despite its initial emission, at once quick and gentle, each tone should develop freely and in an unforced way. Thereby a certain “merging” into the sound of the orchestra can be furthered. Olivier Latry expressed the same idea in the symposium (see Appendix: A symposium on the concert hall organ).

Typical organ tone is to a very significant extent produced by mixtures and their quint ranks. For this reason we set the unison ranks in the Grand-Orgue mixture apart. The quints are then available via a separate register.

As a contrasting function there is in the Grand-Orgue a Cymbal with freely adjustable intervals. The sound can thereby be registered in the most varied colors as well as in the manner of actual Cymbals, but particularly as Ninths and Septièmes, whereby the organ, even in the midst of a triple forte in the orchestra, remains audibly distinct.

The instrument is divided into seven tonal groups in all that can either correspond with each other or be set off soloistically: Grand-orgue, Récit expressif, Positif expressif, Solo expressif, Solo Haute Pression [high-pressure] expressif, Chamade, and Pedal.

As an unusual tonal effect, in the Positif a wind pressure is available that is progressively modifiable by means of a separate swell pedal. As opposed to the standard wind cutoff this has the advantage that the manipulated pipe tone of all stops in this division remains less out-of-tune and better supplied, as not the quantity but only the pressure of the wind flow is changed.

From November 7 to 9, 2013, there was an initial, in-depth examination by the commission of the almost fully set up organ in our generously proportioned erecting room. For the first time in the large room with its 17 meters height and acoustics acclaimed for their high quality, the experts were able to play the instrument, exploring its features and discussing it with us. It thus seemed appropriate to organize the first concerts on the next day, followed by a symposium entitled “Organs in Concert Halls.” The members of the commission offered the concert, allowing as well the possibility of a discussion among some eighty specialists we had invited from throughout Europe (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw1D5i_luFA; www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtagKK0VALo; and the summary of the discussion in the appendix).

Installation of the organ in Paris and its tonal characteristics

Following erection of the organ and the first on-site tests, the instrument was optimally adjusted to the room. We were eager, as a challenge from the outset, to take on the dauntingly dry acoustic of the hall. Once again, the instrument had to be adjusted to the tonal power of the orchestra, without relinquishing the tonal poetry and subtleties of the various colors and dynamic levels. We were most grateful indeed for the close collaboration and numerous instructive and supportive moments spent with the organists of the commission, in particular Olivier Latry.

From May 7 to 9, 2016, Radio France hosted dedication concerts with fifteen organists whose programs ranged from family concerts, a “Poetry and Organ” program, and one of improvised Andalusian-Arab music, to the avant-garde. The performers were Pascale Rouet, Coralie Amedjkane, David Cassan, Guillaume Nussbaum, Freddy Eichelberger, Juan de la Rubia, Lionel Avot, and Els Biesemans. The crowning final concert featured organists Michel Bouvard, Thierry Escaich, François Espinasse, Olivier Latry, Shin-Young Lee, and Jean-Pierre Leguay on May 9. You can hear the program on the internet at https://www.youtube.com/user/GerhardGrenzing.

Radio France intends to put the newly created instrument to use in highly multifarious ways. A campaign has been undertaken for the founding of a circle of patrons and donors committed to future activities focusing on this organ. The idea has been broached for workshops and study trips, public masterclasses, promotion of young titular organists, organ and cinema, a cycle of radio plays with France Culture, as well as a composition contest. Since Radio France records all its concerts, thorough maintenance of our instrument is important: it is carried out by our Parisian colleague Michel Goussu.

My heartfelt thanks for the confidence and the patient, consistently professional collaboration goes out to the six organists of the Radio France organ commission, the construction director Nadim Callabe, the conservator (or curator) of the organ Jean-Michel Mainguy, and most particularly the twenty collaborators on my staff.

I have in gratitude dedicated the success of the project to my master teacher Rudolf von Beckerath, who came as an apprentice to Paris and went away seven years later with knowledge to impart, and to our collaborator and friend Andreas Mühlhoff, who departed from us in sorrowful circumstances.

Perspectives

Following completion of the instrument one is beset with many thoughts: wherefore this effort? In the course of the last turn of the century the question was often asked: What will become of the organ in the future? Aware that the organ is the most evolution-prone of instruments, one could answer the question about its future development that the organ adapts to the needs and the spirit of the society of its time. Or, better put, it expresses it as a kind of mirror. But what is indeed our Zeitgeist of today?

Perhaps this: more and more we are determined by today’s technology. Our entire doings must occur ever faster. We want to have everything that can possibly be had. Even acknowledging that what seems modern today will already be outdated the day after tomorrow, we cannot simply exit this cycle. As was remarked at the end of the symposium, it seems to me that observance of musical ethics provides guidance in value boundaries.

In our shop we give full rein to the most novel technical developments and further enhance them. We are nevertheless very careful not to let ourselves be distracted, cultivating or incorporating noble, time-tested musical values.

Appendix: A symposium on the concert hall organ

We value any opportunity for enhancing the exchange of ideas. The Barcelona airport is located only twenty-five minutes away from our shop. Our slogan, “We are not far away, but rather neighbors,” was once again confirmed. On November 8, 2013, a symposium on concert hall organs was held in our shop. The impetus came from the new organ for Radio France, which at that time was nearly completed and set up in the shop. Thanks to the spontaneous initiative of our collaborators, the space occupied by our restoration division was converted into a standing buffet restaurant. The symposium was followed by two further days with public children’s concerts, a jam session, and a concluding silent film with Juan de la Rubia as improvising organist.

Summary of the symposium on November 8, 2013, in El Papiol

Bernard Foccroulle opened the symposium and noted the lack of organs in concert halls in France. The new instrument should serve the needs of Radio France and the two orchestras that perform there.

Olivier Latry expressed his regret that, for the most part, organs in concert halls do not live up to the expectations of musicians, orchestras, and conductors. The reason: the organs are often designed in the style of a special era or in the particular style of a given organbuilder. An example thereof is the wonderful organ in Taiwan with its sixty stops. Playing it requires two assistants, and very little literature is playable on the tracker instrument.

An instrument of lesser beauty will seldom be played. A few organs have been restored and brought up to date (for example, the Gewandhaus in Leipzig), and are played thirty-five to forty times each year.

In the Radio France complex an all-encompassing project needed to take in not only the organ but also the hall, the construction in general, and the acoustics. An organ cannot sound good in just any acoustic. Hence the need for the collaboration of an acoustician.

What are the particularities of a concert hall organ? Conductors often blame the organ either for being too loud (thereby overpowering the orchestra) or too soft (thus being covered up by the orchestra). The organ must possess a wide dynamic range. The multiplicity of sounds and transient attack parameters of the orchestral instruments bring about synchronization problems with the organ. Hence the necessity of a sound with cautious attack that can thereby come about with a kind of inertia. The sound of the organ must be capable of entering more or less slowly. The Radio France instrument meets this criterion; to this are added dynamic enclosed divisions, mechanical action, as well as the proportional electric action.

Olivier Latry emphasized that the collaboration of all the organists involved in the project was highly useful. Michel Bouvard noted that the comprehension of the various authorities at Radio France made it possible to enlarge the specification, such that the organ can serve not only as an organ for orchestra (and accompaniment for choir and children’s choir), but also as a solo instrument.

Gerhard Grenzing explained that the new organ is not an orchestral organ but should be an organ for the orchestra. This implies a refined voicing style and individually cultivated attack of each pipe. He emphasized the dynamics of the swell boxes, of the very soft stops for the accompaniment of the room-filling soloists, and of the very loud stops that—without succumbing to vulgarity—are meant to give the instrument “broad shoulders.” This makes it possible to respond to the orchestra without lording over it.

This is the result of many considerations shared among conductors and organists, for which Grenzing expressed his gratitude once again, as well as of the work of his team that contributed its sensitivity, perseverance, and soul to the cause, without which success would not have been possible.

Michel Bouvard shared his experience as director of the Toulouse les Orgues festival. In Toulouse a considerable richness in organs is available, but even if the ten best organists in the world had been invited that would not have been enough; in ten years the audience would have become weary of the same basic fare, and so numerous innovative programs and activities enriched the festival offerings. The high level of the concerts was maintained. Bouvard holds great hope for the same success at Radio France.

The organ must be brought “out of the chapel” in order to create momentum for a new public; a new place in music history must be found to lend it a new role of its own, and not only as a church instrument. It is important to gain a young audience through educational endeavors, for which models exist in the world, for example the Philharmonie in Budapest. Another possibility would be to organize “cinema concerts.”

Olivier Latry underscored Bouvard’s suggestion and reported on his experience in Manchester. There he was asked, as a prelude to Mahler’s Eighth Symphony, to improvise for twenty minutes on Veni Creator. To many who had never heard an organ, this came as a revelation.

François Espinasse suggested developing initiatives with schools and universities. In this way public relations work and scientific research would be brought together in fruitful collaboration.

It is also among the organist’s tasks to turn to composers, since the latter often seem to be wary of the instrument. It is to be hoped that the organ of Radio France will enable a dialogue with them.

Jean-Pierre Leguay recalled his experience with the composers of the 1960s and 1970s, which was a very good time for the development of contemporary music. It was discovered that the organ is an unbelievable generator of tone colors. However, for many organists, above all those who were not composers, the organ was “slumbering, back there in the organ loft, hidden away and dusty.”

Study of orchestration at the conservatory changed the composers’ way of hearing and revealed the organ’s countless possibilities for tone colors. Working together with composers is of crucial importance. It is important to show them that the organ is just as rich and expressively potent an instrument as others. A concert hall organ is ultimately an element of this musical laboratory, an opportunity for composers to expand their resources through experimentation. The public should not consider the organ as a purely liturgical instrument.

Michel Bouvard recalled an anecdote concerning Pierre Boulez. To the question of why he had not composed anything for the organ he answered: “The organ has no relation to my musical ideas, since it functions for large masses of sound such as crescendo-decrescendo, whereas I seek the gentle substance of a flute or an oboe.” (A symptomatic answer from the lips of such an eminent composer.)

Christian Dépange noted that this new organ that we are now getting to know must be a kind of combative element of conviction and pedagogy for the public.

Yves Rechsteiner, successor to Michel Bouvard with Toulouse les Orgues, asked, can the pipe organ open up musical aesthetics other than classical music? How does the role of the pipe organ stand up to that of the electronic organ, which offers a much broader variety of sounds?

Bernard Foccroulle noted two applications of technology: on one hand that of the image in the service of information and publicity that could be used to make the organ more accessible, more comprehensible, and on the other hand that of making modification of the sound possible, thereby producing new sounds. Foccroulle encouraged Olivier Latry to report on his experience in digital production and the relationship between synthesizer and organ. Latry told of his experiences in Hollywood with a system in which the synthesizer was a part of the organ, opening up many perspectives. Seen in this light, the question is perhaps the possibility of an eventual addition of such a system to this organ. “I’m thinking for example of the possibility to capture the tone of the organ with swell shades closed, then projecting it via loudspeakers into the room.” Gerhard Grenzing noted in conclusion, “In this race with technology that makes nearly everything possible, I would like to recall that the nature of the organ emerging out of inner necessity is the conveying of musical emotions based on acknowledgement of ethics.”

Documentation of the symposium may be reviewed on the internet at: http://grenzing.com/RadioFrance/.

This article is a free translation by Kurt Lueders of Gerhard Grenzing’s updated text in German, used with kind permission of the original publisher, the review Ars Organi.

Builder’s website: www.grenzing.com

Radio France website: www.radiofrance.fr

Listen to the organ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR0gTDZmRR8

 

2016 Gerhard Grenzing organ

GRAND-ORGUE

16′ Montre (61 pipes)

16′ Bourdon (61 pipes)

8′ Montre (61 pipes)

8′ Suavial (61 pipes)

8′ Flûte harmonique (12 basses from Bourdon, 49 pipes)

8′ Bourdon à cheminée (61 pipes)

51⁄3′ Grosse Quinte (61 pipes)

4′ Prestant (61 pipes)

4′ Flûte conique (61 pipes)

31⁄5′ Grosse Tierce (61 pipes)

22⁄3′ Quinte (61 pipes)

2′ Doublette (61 pipes)

II Sesquialtera (122 pipes)

II–V Grand Cornet (305 pipes)

III–IV [Mixtur] Octaves (207 pipes)

II–III [Mixtur] Quintes (183 pipes)

III–IV Cymbal (220 pipes)

16′ Trompete (61 pipes)

8′ Trompete (61 pipes)

Positif Expressif

16′ Quintaton (61 pipes)

8′ Principal (61 pipes)

8′ Salicional (61 pipes)

8′ Meditation (TC, celeste, 49 pipes)

8′ Bourdon (61 pipes)

4′ Prestant (61 pipes)

4′ Flûte douce (61 pipes)

22⁄3′ Nasard (61 pipes)

2′ Doublette (61 pipes)

13⁄5′ Tierce (61 pipes)

11⁄3′ Larigot (61 pipes)

11⁄7′ Septime (61 pipes)

1′ Sifflet (61 pipes)

IV Mixture (244 pipes)

16′ Basson (61 pipes)

8′ Trompette (61 pipes)

8′ Clarinette (61 pipes)

Tremblant

Récit Expressif

16′ Principal (6 basses fr Bdn, 54 pipes)

16′ Bourdon (61 pipes)

16′ Gambe (6 basses fr Bdn, 54 pipes)

8′ Principal (32 basses fr 16′ Principal, 29 pipes)

8′ Gambe (32 basses fr 16′ Gambe, 29 pipes)

8′ Voix céleste (TC, 49 pipes)

8′ Flûte harmonique (61 pipes)

8′ Cor de nuit (32 pipes fr 16′ Bourdon, 29 pipes)

4′ Octave (61 pipes)

4′ Flûte octaviante (61 pipes)

22⁄3′ Nazard (61 pipes)

2′ Octavin (61 pipes)

13⁄5′ Tierce (61 pipes)

IV Plein jeu (244 pipes)

16′ Bombarde (61 pipes)

8′ Trompette harmonique (61 pipes)

8′ Hautbois (61 pipes)

8′ Voix humaine (61 pipes)

4′ Clairon (61 pipes)

Tremblant

Solo Expressif

8′ Choeur de cordes (I–III, 147 pipes)

8′ Voix céleste (TC, 49 pipes)

8′ Flûte traversière (61 pipes)

4′ Choeur de cordes (ext 8′, 36 pipes)

4′ Flûte traversière (ext 8′, 12 pipes)

2′ Flûte (ext 8′, 12 pipes)

8′ Cor anglais (61 pipes)

Solo Haute Pression

8′ Flûte (61 pipes)

4′ Flûte (ext 8′, 12 pipes)

16′ Tuba (61 pipes)

8′ Tuba (ext 16′, 12 pipes)

4′ Tuba (ext 16′, 12 pipes)

Chamade

16′ Chamade (fr 8′)

8′ Chamade B (25 pipes)

8′ Chamade D (36 pipes)

Pédale

32′ Bourdon (ext 16′, 12 pipes)

16′ Principal (32 pipes)

16′ Soubasse (32 pipes)

16′ Contrebasse (32 pipes)

16′ Montre (G.-O.)

16′ Bourdon (Réc.)

102⁄3′ Quinte (32 pipes)

8′ Principal (ext 16′, 12 pipes)

8′ Bourdon (ext 16′, 12 pipes)

8′ Violoncelle (32 pipes)

8 Flûte (Solo)

62⁄5′ Tierce impériale (ext 31⁄5′, 12 pipes)

51⁄3′ Quinte (ext 102⁄3′, 12 pipes)

4′ Octave (32 pipes)

31⁄5′ Grosse Tierce (32 pipes)

32′ Posaune (32 pipes)

16′ Posaune (ext 32′, 12 pipes)

16′ Basson (32 pipes)

8′ Trompete (32 pipes)

8′ Basson (ext 16′, 12 pipes)

4′ Clairon (ext 8′, 12 pipes)

8′ Chamade (fr Chamade)

4′ Chamade (fr Chamade)

Couplers

G.-O–Ped.

Pos.–Ped.

Réc.–Ped.

Solo–Ped.

G.-O 4′–Ped.

Pos. 4′–Ped.

Réc. 4′–Ped.

Solo 4′–Ped.

 

G.-O. 16′–G.-O.

Pos. 16′–G.-O.

Pos.–G.-O.

Recit 16′–G.-O.

Récit–G.-O.

Solo 16′–G.-O.

Solo–G.-O.

Ped.–G.-O.

 

Pos. 16′–Pos.

Récit 16′–Pos.

Récit–Pos.

Solo–Pos.

 

Récit 16′–Récit

Solo–Récit

 

Tuba–G.-O.

Tuba–Pos.

Tuba–Récit

Tuba–Solo

Tuba–Pédale

 

Chamade–G.-O.

Chamade–Pos.

Chamade–Récit

Chamade–Solo

 

93 stops, 93 ranks, 5,308 pipes

Manual compass: 61 notes (C–C)

Pedal compass: 32 notes (C–G)

a1=442 Hz at 22 degress Celsius

Photo credit: Christophe Abramowitz.