The New Organ
The New Skrabl Organ pictured on the west gallery of St. Michaels Church, Lyme Regis.
The decision on which company to use as our organ builder was taken after much research and guidance from our diocese organ advisors; Richard Godfrey and David Halls, Organist of Salisbury Cathedral. Several proposed designs were considered from major English organ builders. However, after much research and guidance from these experts the exciting decision has been made to have the new organ built by Anton Skrabl of Rogoaska Slatina in Slovenia.
In March 2006 our Chairman Andrew Nicholson, organist Alex Davies under the professional guidance of Richard Tanner (Director of music at Blackburn Cathedral) visited Slovenia to find out about Anton Skrabl and his instruments. We had read alot about Skrabl organs and listened to numerous impressive recordings but because currently there are no Skrabl organs in Britain, we had to travel there to play some.
Over a demanding three day trip, eight different sized Skrabl organs were played in various churches and several small instruments were tried on the shop floor in the Skrabl factory. The beautiful sounds of the organs were matched in the superb build quality and workmanship we witnessed at every stage of production on the shop floor.
With over 50 staff Skrabl is one of the largest organ builders in Europe. His instruments and workmanship are of a breathtakingly high standard as is their musical quality and they are at the least the equal of the very best in the world but at lower cost. Although his instruments may be found in most European countries, ours will be the first in the UK and therefore very much a flagship for Anton Skrabl.
The proposed scheme will provide a completely new
traditional pipe organ with mechanical key action and electric stop selection.
As at present the new organ will be positioned on the west gallery and will
incorporate a case carefully designed to suit its surroundings which will also
enhance the musicality of the instrument it houses. A major feature of the new organ case will be carvings by world-renowned local designer and sculpter David West. The carvings will have a marine theme in sympathy with the location and traditions of the town and church.
The west gallery provides the prime location for
a new organ in the church concerning acoustics and space. A modern tracker
action organ with suitable stops, would support congregations
and allow inspiring organ accompaniments and solo repertoire.
Mechanical action gives precise control over the
organs speech, essential for integrity of playing and learning. It’s also very
long lasting, relatively easy and cheap to maintain for future generations.
PROPOSED SPECIFICATON
I Positive
Metallgedackt 8
Prestant 4
Traversflote 4
Principal 2
Nazard 2 2/3
Tierce 1 3/5
Larigot 1 1/3
Rohrschalmey 8
Zimbelstern
Tremulant
II Great
Open Diapason 8
Stopped Diapason 8
Spitz Gamba 8
Principal 4
Rohrflote 4
Quinte 2 2/3
Principal 2
Tierce 1 3/5
Mixture III
Trumpet 8
Tremulant
III Swell
Bourdon 16
Open Diapason 8
Gedackt 8
Voix Celeste 8
Salicional 8
Principal 4
Spitz Flute 4
Gemshorn 2
Octave 2
Mixture V
Bassoon 16
Oboe 8
Trumpet 8
Tremulant
Pedal
Sub Bass 16
Open Principal 16
Bass Quint 10 2/3
Bass Flute 8
Principal 8
Octave 4
Untersatz 2
Trombone 16
Posaune 8
II/I, III/I, III/II, I/Ped.,II/Ped.,III/ped.
The Electric stop action will be complimented by a multi channel, piston combination system manufactured by Taylors. This is a universal system which will allow the organs stops to be changed by the deft touch of a piston below each manual or above the pedal board, it is a feature common to English organs and importantly English organists.
