A Harmonium at Christmas

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A Harmonium at Christmas

Postby Rev Tony Newnham » 24 Dec 2021 09:13

Hi

My c.1856 Alexandre Harmonium returned from a restoration recently. I recorded a couple of items on it for a virtual recital for the Coventry & Warwickshire Organists' Association - and also set up a video camera and uploaded the 2 items I played to You Tube (the full recital is also on my YT channel for those who might be interested). Both pieces are by French organist/composer Alexandre Guilmant. First up is a quiet piece based on a French Noel.




The second piece is based on a Polish carol. The melody is the one sung in this country to "Infant Holy" - but I suspect Guilmant had rather different lyrics in mind!



Enjoy.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.
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Re: A Harmonium at Christmas

Postby JohnT » 24 Dec 2021 10:33

Hi Tony. Completely different carols to what we are used to. The harmonium is very different to our modern organs. Lots of fingers moving in the second piece. Bit different to my block chords. Enjoyed my listen. Have a great festive season. Keep safe and well. Jon
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Re: A Harmonium at Christmas

Postby Jon D » 24 Dec 2021 15:27

Hi there Tony,
Two very nice performances well played and a nice change I enjoyed listening my friend. :D :D :D

Jon D. :) :) :wink:
Hi there I have played from the age of 13 and all my music is played in a sort of dance tempo style. Have worked in nearly all the North East clubs over the years. That gave me a good grounding. Cheers.
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Re: A Harmonium at Christmas

Postby Rev Tony Newnham » 25 Dec 2021 06:56

Thanks for the positive comments.

Just one more Christmas service to play for - then a good rest! Day off tomorrow!

Every Blessing & Christmas greetings

Tony
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Re: A Harmonium at Christmas

Postby dentyr » 01 Jan 2022 10:38

Very interesting instrument, would love to have a play on that myself. Would like to hear the Flute and Celeste stops together. May sound nice. Thanks for posting. Regards, Den.
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Re: A Harmonium at Christmas

Postby Rev Tony Newnham » 02 Jan 2022 07:04

Hi Den

Thanks. If you're ever round this way you'd be welcome to call in and have a play (Rugby).

I'll be doing some more recordings on the Harmonium when I have time - watch this space!

Every Blessing

Tony
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Re: A Harmonium at Christmas

Postby Hugh-AR » 03 Jan 2022 17:40

Hi Tony,

Two very nice carols. The Harmonium certainly has a very unique sound. It must be strange for you to play an organ without any foot pedals!

Hugh
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Re: A Harmonium at Christmas

Postby Rev Tony Newnham » 04 Jan 2022 07:27

Thanks Hugh

It is a little unusual not to have pedals, although one small pipe organ I played over Christmas didn't have pedals either. On the Harmonium, your feet are busy enough providing the wind (although with properly restored bellows it's not hard hard work), but also adjusting the use of those pedal to provide just the right amount of wind for the required volume of sound, and that takes a fair bit of practice.

Every Blessing

Tony
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