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The
Organ is Done
A Message from
Brad Hughley, Organist/Choirmaster
Many
people are baffled by the organ – the size of it, the cost of
it, the voicing of pipes, the number of pipes, and the amount of
time and materials it takes to build. I’ve had conversations
with many parishioners on this topic about our instrument,
and many people never go away with a full understanding of these
complexities. Our instrument has a great deal of insight –
the proportion of the casework, the blending of stops working
together, the craft of sturdy workmanship, and the lasting
visual beauty of St. Bartholomew's organ all work together to make a timeless
statement thanks to the work of many dedicated parishioners from
1993 until the organ was completed in 2003.
My job as the
organist was to stay out of the way during the creative process.
Often people think that organists live in a parallel universe
with organ builders; it is true that they are dependent upon
each other, but each has a specialty that has little to do with
the other. I firmly believe in putting full trust in the organ
builder – the most valuable and interesting instruments come
from builders who are allotted maximum control and creativity.
By all accounts, Manuel Rosales is a master organ builder, and
our instrument is now a permanent testimony of his abilities.
The big picture is becoming clear to us – YES, it was worth the
wait, and we are fortunate to have one of the finest instruments
in the city.
The organ is now fully voiced,
and has become an exciting
new addition to our parish life. It is my hope that the organ adds to your worship
experience in church and more fully engages you in the spirit of
beauty and wonder.
In peace,
Brad Hughley, organist/choirmaster
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