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NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS AND DONORS
MAY 2009
LATEST PHOTOS FROM BONN
Courtesy of Stefan Hilgendorf of Orgelbau Klais, the man who designed the Auckland Town Hall Organ.
The photographs are of two particularly interesting parts of the instrument – the glass flute and the Bombard division.
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Klais spent many hours of experimentation developing organ versions of Maori instruments. The idea came from John Wells, the Auckland City Organist, who believed it was important the organ contains elements of New Zealand’s indigenous culture. With advice from a specialist in Maori musical instruments, Richard Nunns, the Koauau was selected as the flute and the Pukaea as the trumpet or horn.
The Koauau has its own unique distinction – its pipes are made of glass. One of the traditional materials is bone but since that is clearly not an option for the organ, Klais determined that glass of scientific hardness and strength was the way to go.
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As the photo shows, the glass pipes have their mouths cut into them.
The pipes fit over cylindrical feet made from oak. The square caps form the lower lip and wind way. Two brass screws hold each one in place.
Project consultant Ian Bell, from London, is about to visit Bonn to inspect these unusual pipes.
Meanwhile the largest pipes of the Pukaea (trumpet), which are made of wood, are being carved by Ngati Whatua o Orakei in traditional motifs.
The other photos show the new Bombard pipes.
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The 1911 organ had such pipes but they were removed in the organ’s 1970 remodelling. Since the current project involves restoration in the manner of the original, the organ will once again have a Bombard division.
The five stops of this division will operate on the organ’s strongest wind pressure -15 inches water gauge(WG) and are located at the highest level. Note: The usual wind pressure in most pipe organs around New Zealand is about
3 inches WG!
Along with some pedal organ pipes, the trumpet-styled pipes of the Bombard are the loudest in the organ. They can sound a fanfare or melody above the ‘full organ’ or be added for an especially thrilling climax! The pipes are hooded or mitred (bent round on themselves) to help direct the sound into the hall and prevent dust falling into the mechanism.
The stops of the Bombard are: Contra Tuba 16 feet, Tuba Mirabilis 8 feet, Orchestral Trumpet 8 feet and Tuba Clarion 4 feet.
These pipes are part of a consignment of almost five thousand which will soon be packed for shipping from Bonn to Auckland. They are due to arrive in August.
COUNTDOWN:
Ten months to inauguration – March 2010
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