Todays' Easter service went beautifully!!!! As I've mentioned before (I think) I am not what I would call a "great" or even "good" organist - I merely love the instrument, so I'm always reluctant to share videos of me playing. The Hauptwerk community isn't a critical bunch from what I've ever experienced, but the YouTube world certainly is. That being said, I may get around to posting some videos of me on there at some point but I am in the process of setting up a YouTube channel for our Music Department in general, and will try to share videos of actual organists playing if they are willing. I would much prefer to share videos of other's playing, and let those who do it best take the helm. I know my strengths and limitations.
I had intended to record this mornings entire service using my personal recording setup but I discovered a few days ago that one of my good tube mics is on the fritz. I took it apart hoping I could easily find the issue but no such luck. As such, the only recording done was by the in-house AV folks and it's typically not of great quality. I am hesitant to share things that don't get the "seal of approval." There are currently a couple of videos of Tim Duckworth playing on the music departments website but nothing major.
https://www.greenwoodumcmusic.org/hauptwerk-organThat being said, the organ performed BEAUTIFULLY! (The "organist," me, is up for debate!)
I used the Armley Schulze for the Prelude (Toccata on Amazing Grace - C. Pardini) and first two hymns, and Postlude (Guiting Power), and the SP Casavant for the Offertory (Priere a Notre Dame), Communion (Wine of Peace), and Closing Hymn.
I would LOVE to have you guys come for the dedication event. It is scheduled for June 22 (time TBD) but will be in the afternoon/early evening. I currently have two of Indy's finest organists - Dr. Marko Petricic (University of Indianapolis and North Minster Presbyterian) and Dr. John Allegar (2nd Presbyterian) doing the "Classical" side of the program, and Timothy Duckworth (
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYU1d81B1zsJ8FBjUX0nEPw) doing the Theater organ portion, and I'm looking to get one more theater organist. Unfortunately, I'm pretty disconnected from the theater organ scene here but I'm working on it. I am trying to talk my beautiful and talented fiance, Sarah, to play my arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue for theater organ and piano. (Basically the Theater organ part is just the orchestra reduction - piano part is the original) but we will see if I can talk her into it.... she's an EXCELLENT pianist, and we've played the piano four hand Rhapsody in Blue multiple times but I doubt my abilities on the theater organ....
The project has attracted the attention of a couple of different news agencies who have contacted me about doing a story on the project, so I will certainly share those as they happen.
I've played for several churches, and having come away from my first service at a "Hauptwerk," I can say that, when keeping my nerves in check, the instrument itself is, to no credit of my own, remarkable! What you can do with this platform is nothing short of AWESOME! The fact that I can use that big Armley Schulze to quite literally make the rafters shake on Christ the Lord is Risen Today - with that solo Choir Trumpet as an independent rank, on it's own expression pedal (pretty much making it an expressive solo Tuba) - but then being able to switch to the Casavant, utilizing that lovely Flute Dolce and Flute Celeste and Voce Umana Principal Celeste, Coupled at 16', 8', 4' on the offertory/communion is just the greatest thing ever.
We currently have the following sets installed:
Casavant Op. 3742 - SP
Reuter Op. 227 - SP
Freiberg Petrikirche - SP
Armley Schulze - LA
Paramount 341
Other sets I've tried on the organ:
Everything from Piotr Grabowski
Connoisseur Series Virtual Theatre Organ (AWESOME on this rig, BTW)
...and I'm still undecided on the Metz / Caen, though I'm heavily leaning towards Caen because of the Wet/Dry/Surround options, though other's have voted for Metz. I'm so torn, here.
LASTLY, AND PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANTLY....It is my utmost conviction to make this instrument accessible to EVERYONE as much as possible. I've never understood why some people/churches are so protective and restrictive of their organs. The whole purpose of me doing this was to do the exact opposite - this thing lives and exists for the sake of being a beacon to any and all who are willing to experience it - the very essence of what a church should be. Regardless of ones own religious convictions, political ideology, background, etc., if you are willing to let this thing inspire you, then how could I ever prevent anyone from coming to experience it. Please, come and play. Come and listen. Everyone! Anyone!