Stephen Tharp plays Vierne for Our Lady of Refuge Organ Fund

Stephen Tharp the famed American Concert Organist has just recorded a benefit CD to help raise $200,000 for the complete restoration of the pipe organ at the Parish of Our Lady of Refuge in Brooklyn, NY. This Video was filmed March 10, 2007 at the console of the church's 25 rank Kilgen, Opus 5163. This instrument was built to the design of Charles M. Courboin. Construction was started on the organ in September of 1933 and completed on November 30, 1933 "except console-awaiting shipping instructions". It was shipped to the church in January of 1934 and the church was dedicated in June of 1934. On Monday March 12, 2007 the Organ Clearing House removed the organ from its chambers to protect its 1800 pipes and mechanism from harm while major structural repairs are carried out in the organ chambers and to the tower of the church. During the time the organ is out of the chambers (stored in large wooden crates on the church property) the parish must raise funds to re-leather the entire organ and clean all of the pipes in the organ (for stability of tone and tuning). This work will be carried out by the Ohio firm of A. R. Schopp's Sons, Inc in conjunction with James Konzelman and the Organ Clearing House. The parish is working hard to raise funds to accomplish this, but the parish is seeking outside funds to augment its fund raising activities. Once fully restored this organ will last many generations. Can you help us restore and save a pipe organ? If you are interested in helping and have questions please contact the Pastor, Fr. Michael Perry at the rectory.

Our Lady of Refuge Church, R.C.
2020 Foster Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210
718 434 5620

On line help can be given through:
http://www.ndnyc.org/ndnyc/ndnyc/our_lady_of_refuge_organ_repair.html



Special Thanks to James Konzelman for his expert tuning on Saturday and dedication to this project.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Catholic
• vierne
• tharp
• kilgen
• organ
• pipe

[Erzahler]

I just cringe when I hear someone say that! An electric organ?? Och, there is just no comparison between the two! The pipe organ will ALWAYS be the King of Instruments. Anything less is just chicken fodder!

[olrefuge]

Dear Joe:

Igot goose bumps listening to Mr. Tharp on our organ. I cannot wait to hear it again when it is fully restored.

Joe, thanks for all you are doing for us here at Refuge.

The organ sounds great!!!!!

Judy

[MrBooker39]

A masterful performance of Vierne's Carillon...the best recording I've heard since Alexander Schreiner's Columbia disc of 1959. Most organists play the piece too fast and it sounds trivial instead of majestic.

[Organsk8er]

So nice to hear a Kilgen its original form like this! I truly hope and pray this organ will be returned to the church and made to play again, perfectly, with all of its original voicing intact. A true blessing to any parish!

[MusicDirector25]

Great video!! Now, to convince my pastor to start carrying an organ pipe...

[EccentricRichard]

What a wonderful organ! Having seen some photographs of the church, it would appear that - great though it is - it's too small. Is this the case? I've never been to the USA at all, so obviously haven't heard this organ in the building! Anyway, I think this goes down among my all-time favourite Romantic organs, alongside an 1887 Hill & Sons, an 1889 Willis and a 1912 J. W. Walker - illustrious company, I assure you!

[Erzahler]

I just read about this organ in "The Diapason." I believe there are many historic pipe organs out there that also need TLC to be brought back into playable condition. Anytime one of these venerable organs is saved from destruction, another piece of our history is preserved. Pipe organs are capable of so much musically and are more versatile than any other instrument, acoustic or electric. And new pipe organs continue to be built today, adding to the instrument's legacy. I'll send in my $20!

[accousticdecay]

I am impressed by the dedication of these people. I have purchased two JAV CD's and I plan to purchase more.  Great sound and good accoustics.

[Fozzymaple]

Kilgen; George Kilgen and Sons.

[octave4]

The organist will play as he interprets the music. Some we like, others we don't but all music is subjectvie for Conductor or performer. We should enjor it is the massive monument it is. Can't you hear those huge bells tolling. Wonderful.