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. It could well eventually epitomize Dahlhaus' statement above. Your patience is appreciated.

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

(Arnolt Schlick, ca. 1511)

News and forthcoming events

The Gothic/Medieval positive

An updated description of the instrument is available. Details (.pdf)

Apart from its visit to France earlier this year, this rather unique organ positive continues its travels. It was heard in a concert at Sint-Pieterskerk, Leuven (B) on Sunday 30th October 2011 with Cappella Pratensis, played by Wim Diepenhorst. It was then presented on 13th November at a workshop demonstration/concert at Finsterwolde (NL) (.pdf - in Nederlands) featuring the new constant-scaled rank (pictured, left, in the facade). From December 2011 it will again be used for services in Laufen (CH) and on 18th March 2012 in a concert at Weil-am-Rhein (D). In early June 2012 it makes its first appearance in Basel (CH) at a concert on Friday 8th followed by a lecture-demonstration that weekend (details will be posted here). Young Australian organists on a study-tour to Europe have requested a masterclass on it during September 2012.

The organ can also be seen and heard on YouTube:

Improvised Redeuntes by Jankees Braaksma

Tomas Flegr plays Binchois

Ausstellung in Seewen

Exhibition in Seewen

Centenary of the Welte Philharmonie

Exhibition commences Seewen (SO-CH) October 22nd 2011

Welte Philharmonie Exhibition details (Museum Web-Site)

The Britannic Organ: Historic organ recordings

An OehmsClassics series: historic recordings, demonstrations, the earliest organ recordings played "live" in Seewen: Volume I was released in June 2011, Volume II (Christmas aboard ship) is about to appear and Volume III (Music on the High Seas) is due out around late 2011. At least two more volumes are planned for 2012. A comprehensive set of program notes to Volume III can be found on this web-site: Program preview Volume III

The OehmsClassics web-site (English) including a list of distributors and purchase options.

The OehmsClassics web-site (Deutsch) einschl. OehmsClassics Depothändler.

Museum der Musikautomaten: "Shop" (in German, French, Italian, English)

Further samples of these historic recordings can be found on this web-site by clicking on the "Articles - Seewen/Welte" page.

Some newspaper critiques of concerts and recordings this year - Muespach, France, concert (also with Gothic organ) on 6th February 2011 (in French) the recital for the Leichlingen Summer Festival on 12th August and the "Britannic" twin-CD set Volume I just released by OehmsClassics.

Website created by Keith Griffin