seh52 wrote:I love both Armley and Hereford demo organs.
The full version of the Armley has just been released.
For those who have played the full versions of both Armley and Hereford, please compare pros and cons. I am most interested in a comparison of the 2 channel versions, since Hereford doesn't have a 6 channel option.
Which organ has the most convincing Tutti?
Congratulations to Lavender Audio for capturing such great organs!
I've played Hereford twice (the REAL organ), and the Schulze once (BEFORE the complete restoration.)
Most of my uploads on the Concert Hall use either Salisbury or Hereford.
I think a very high percentage of organists would say that the Salisbury organ is the "better" one of the two real instruments. I played a recital at Salisbury in the 1980s and it is spectacular.
Of these two, I think Hereford is more "classically English." At Salisbury, there is more "French influence" in the reeds, and the color is "brighter." Hereford is darker, and more "fundamental" as is clearly heard in the Swell reeds! The "weight" of Hereford is wonderful, and the 32' Bombarde is a real "shaker," while the Salisbury 32' Posaune is less "weighty."
The Armley Schulze is more like a true German romantic organ that has been "Englished-up" a bit. It is a wonderful instrument, but it can't be as grand as the Hereford, as it's smaller, in a smaller space (although it's a BIG church), and designed in a different way. You won't find for instance the "solemn grandeur" of stops like the Hereford 16' Double Trumpet on the Swell, as there is no 16' reed. The "solo" stops are also lacking in their absence, although I think the Salisbury solo voices are superior to those at Hereford.
It will be a great organ for works like the Rheinberger Sonatas
alla Anglican-style!
If anything, the feel of the "closeness" of the Hereford set was a big disappointment to me, but as I stopped fighting it, I've come to love it!
Like others, I'm waiting for the license update to start recording on the Schulze!
One observation that I will make is that I see very little "complete use" of either Hereford or Salisbury on the Concert Hall. If you "just play it," you may be missing out on many "special" characteristics of the instruments! For instance, it always stuns me when I see people say that these organs are not "expressive enough" because of the lack of an enclosed Choir!
THAT'S how they built them!
You just have to know how to USE them!
I'm sure the same will/can be said for the Schulze! The trick and mastery will be in HOW you use it!
I'm sure many of us will enjoy the Schulze, and I'm sorry if my answer talked about things than what you asked.
Best regards to all,
Dave
Wed Mar 22, 2017 6:03 pm
