Pipe Organs, marvelous inventions that mimic our very breath and carry a phrase that impels us to the boundaries of our physical limitations, should we attempt to outsing one! An instrument that when studied and lovingly cared for can delight us with music that stirs our souls, puts a beat in our step and can wake us as if the final trumpet has sounded, or delicately lead us in a lullabye for a new child. The King of Instruments - the Pipe Organ!
Or as some people think is it not? Is it just an old fashioned instrument, something that takes more than it gives? "You know, Grandma had one in her church. They still use it to play an old rusty hymn - what is it good for?" No, you may have an electric or pipe organ that hasn't been cared for, or maybe even have one that has - but the person sitting on the bench, the artist that brings this beast to life - is just as much a part of the picture of the pipe organ's life as the professional stage musician is on his or her keyboard rack. (Where do you think the idea came for multiple keyboards being played at one time, hmmm? From organists - of course!)
Although there is a resurgence in the building of pipe organs in various places, there are many people who do not know anything about them - so they don't see a need for them. Can I change the level of ignorance that abounds today about pipe organs in a blog? I don't know, but I can write about folks who have a passion for this lovely instrument and hopefully by writing a few posts with the ocassional picture, I can share why these instruments and the artists and players who love them are more than a passing fancey of the past, but a vital part of our world today. Maybe those of you who read this will decide to try it out for yourselves! We can talk about how to do that, too!
