Organ has faults

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34151, 12 May 1976, Page 7

Organ has faults

The Alen digitalcomputer electronic organ was demonstrated last evening by Russell Cowley in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament to a fairly large group of interested people.

New developments in technology have been included in this .organ and they offer interesting future possibilities. In appearance — and in the setting out of the console — there is much to admire and to commend. As is usual, a new model of an electronic organ is hailed (either by the makers or by enthusiasts) as being indistinguishable in tone fr.om a pipe organ. This is never true and cannot be, for the sound of an electronic organ

comes from a loud-speaker and when power is called for there is a resultant audible shock. In a pipe .organ, the sound is generated over a large area and increased power will not create such disturbance. The pedal sounds on this organ have the same defect as have - other makes of electronic organ. There is, when volume is desired, a percussive smack as when an enthusiastic adolescent belts a bass drum. This becomes extremely tiresome. Flutes and soft string sounds are pleasant, but they are usually so in any electronic instrument with pretensions of quality. At times there are some manifestations of customary electronic draw-backs — a mushiness of some tonal qualities with consequent lack of clarity of texture. Although it would be

possible to increase power and volume by using more speakers and by increasing power amplification, the model demonstrated did not have the power to support the singing of a large congregation, nor was it sufficient to attract a favourable impression in a building as large and resonant as the Cathedral. It must be remembered that amplification of volume can mean amplifying faults as well as virtues and adds considerably to an already steep price. Mr Cowley demonstrated the instrument well, showing variety of tonal colours — many of charming and piquant effect. However, the percussive pedal sounds and a certain cloying quality of some soft effects were the main disappointments observed. —C. Foster Browne