David Rumsey

Organist, organ consultant

"Die Orgel ist ein zu kompliziertes Instrument, als daβ sie je vollendet sein könnte: Sie fordert immer von neuem zu Veränderungen heraus."
"The organ is such a complex instrument that it can never be completed; it constantly provokes new variants of itself".

(Carl Dahlhaus *1928-1989)

This site is devoted to selected publications and other material relating to organs and organ music with which I have usually had some personal connection. Supportive feedback is always appreciated. Large files, especially sound and video clips, take time to download. This site may well eventually epitomize Dahlhaus' statement above. Your patience is requested.

"the arts thrive and multiply daily--Adam's children never rest"

(Arnolt Schlick, ca. 1511)

News and forthcoming events:

Orgelmakerij Winold van der Putten and David Rumsey exchanged contracts in January 2010 for a new Medieval/Gothic-replica organ suitable for playing both solo and ensemble 14th-15th century repertoire. The first stage of this instrument is now delivered to Laufen. For sketches and a specification summary click on "Gothic Organ" or "Arrival in Laufen".

Gothic Organ (PDF)

Arrival in Laufen (PDF)

For sound and image samples of the new instrument click on "Buxheim" or "redeuntes". Tomas Flegr plays "Aliud Esclaphe" - Buxheimer Orgelbuch nr. 102 ("Esclave puist yl..." by Gilles Binchois) on the new organ. Recorded live by Ingrid Noack at the presentation of the instrument in the church of Beerta, Groningen province (NL) on 31st March 2010. Jankees Braaksma improvises a "redeuntes" using 8', then 8'+6'. (Calcant for both: Winold van der Putten.) For Ileborgh's Praeludium played by David Rumsey (8', electric blower, no calcant) click on "Ileborgh". Recorded after delivery to Laufen.

Buxheim (WMV)

redeuntes (Mp3)

Ileborgh (WMV)

A recent appearance by David Rumsey and other members of the "wie von Geisterhand" project team on Swiss Television SF1 "Einstein" Programme may be viewed at either:

"Videoportal"

or the

"BFH"

sites.

Website created by Keith Griffin

David Rumsey

"Die Orgel ist ein zu kompliziertes Instrument, als daβ sie je vollendet sein könnte: Sie fordert immer von neuem zu Veränderungen heraus." "The organ is such a complex instrument that it can never be completed; it constantly provokes new variants of itself".

"the arts thrive and multiply daily--Adam's children never rest"

"Die Orgel ist ein zu kompliziertes Instrument, als daβ sie je vollendet sein könnte: Sie fordert immer von neuem zu Veränderungen heraus."
"The organ is such a complex instrument that it can never be completed; it constantly provokes new variants of itself".