The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Organ music at church from today

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Sunday, Jan 04, 2009
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Organ music at church from today

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The St. Andrew’s Church on Cubbon Road will resound with powerful notes from the one-and-a-half-century-old pipe organ from Sunday.

St. Andrew’s, a Presbyterian church, is the only Scottish Kirk in the city, and has a long history of over 144 years. This church has stood tall symbolising the spirit of the people, an edifice of strong faith and a monumental landmark. The community at St. Andrew’s is deep-rooted in tradition, glorifying God through music also.

The Kirk is hosting an organ recital by Richard Marlow on Sunday, at 6 p.m., to commemorate the dedication of the restored instrument.

Dr. Marlow, an emeritus organist, has conducted, lectured and given harpsichord and organ recitals in several countries.

He will play the music of 18th century masters such as Handel, Bach, Boyce and Haydn.

The grand instrument was installed on May 3, 1881 by its makers, Peter Conacher & Company, Huddersfield, England. A picture of beauty and all the artistic sensibility that goes with it, the organ is constructed with liberal use of spotted metal pipes interspersed with wooden pipe work. It is made from good quality sugar pine and mahogany.

The casework is of pitch pine, with zinc display pipes. The tonal quality of this organ is superb and the majesty of the music it generates is remarkable.

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