ORGAN OF THE MONTH 39: September 2005
Lichfield
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There are records of organs in Lichfield Cathedral dating back to 1482, and Samuel Green provided a 23-stop three-manual organ in 1789 (without pedals and with a manual compass to GG). But most of the pipe-work in the present instrument has its origins in the William Hill organ of 1884, originally placed in the North Transept, but re-built in its present location by 1908 following the construction of a purpose-built chamber. In 1974, Hill Norman & Beard rebuilt the organ with electro-pneumatic action and the Choir division was re-modelled (which included a then fashionable Cymbel 29.33.36) and a Trompette-en-chamde: both of these have been removed in the latest rebuild.
During 1999, Harrison & Harrison removed the whole organ and its reconstruction was completed exactly five years ago in September 2000. The main tonal changes were the replacement of much of HNB's "baroque" Choir division, and the addition of an all-new eleven-stop Nave Organ (see left photo).
Your webmaster had the pleasure of playing this magnificent instrument for a choral concert earlier this year, and if anyone has not heard it since Harrison's recent work, it is well worth a visit! Philip Scriven, the present Organist & Master of the Choristers, is giving a recital on Tuesday 13th September at 7.30pm.