The Works of Paul Corfield Godfrey and Volante Opera

[Ent]

Well. I'm excited to say I've found several outlets of varying kinds offering a significant range of performances recordings, and information on pipe organ music - including information on the organ being played, and organist doing the playing etc.

Some of the recording seems to stretch back quite a number of decades, so perhaps I can pick up the sounds of some no longer existing as viable instruments.

Naturally, I've started yet another study... setting up a system to gather all the information together, acquire or otherwise access all the recordings, make notes on my thoughts on the different instruments and artists and their delivery, etc.

Some problems have emerged though.

1. It has re-ignited my love for the classics (and other genres) as I realized, listening to some Saint-Saëns on the way home last night, how much I miss the magnificence of well-orchestrated and handled music. (It's been some time since I've indulged in sheer beauty.)

2. It has made me realize I need to find a forum or something where these things can be discussed, so I can 'compare notes' with others. (I say this cautiously, because my past exposures include a good deal of interface with what I came to term 'musical snobbery' unfitting for human consumption.)

3. It will undoubtedly represent a rather substantial hit on my budget, as I buy numerous versions of the same piece (where finable) to listen to differing instruments and artists and their delivery for comparison.

4. It has delayed my sharpening of my e-Pencil to determine the cost of friends @paul corfield godfrey and @simoncrosbybuttle's work(s) here. I rather suspect if I get it all at once, shipping costs will be reduced, leaving me more dimes to invest in more works. (With particular focus on the Organ works. For some reason the Ent ears love it.)

I do have to say once piece I listened to last evening on a well-known older organ contained 2 difficult parts.

When the piece called for the great low pipes to be called into action, and they were thundering like a steam locomotive, or bellowing like a birthing bison, there was one of the 'big boys' (at least... I'll need to listen again with more care) just ever so slightly off-pitch. It set up such an uncomfortable dissonance with its low banging and shaking of the walls, I got another split in my bark..! I suppose this is not uncommon, particularly in the older instruments - but I've a long way to go to be sure.

Anyway, this all just to let you know (for absolutely no known reason) I'm off on yet another new study/venture.

Unfortunately, there isn't a good venue for discussing such things here on TTF so it's about the last you'll hear of it from me.
Anything else will be directly related to the topic of this thread... the good Paul and Simon and their works and efforts.

 

[simoncrosbybuttle]

Well. I'm excited to say I've found several outlets of varying kinds offering a significant range of performances recordings, and information on pipe organ music - including information on the organ being played, and organist doing the playing etc.

Some of the recording seems to stretch back quite a number of decades, so perhaps I can pick up the sounds of some no longer existing as viable instruments.

Naturally, I've started yet another study... setting up a system to gather all the information together, acquire or otherwise access all the recordings, make notes on my thoughts on the different instruments and artists and their delivery, etc.

Some problems have emerged though.

1. It has re-ignited my love for the classics (and other genres) as I realized, listening to some Saint-Saëns on the way home last night, how much I miss the magnificence of well-orchestrated and handled music. (It's been some time since I've indulged in sheer beauty.)

2. It has made me realize I need to find a forum or something where these things can be discussed, so I can 'compare notes' with others. (I say this cautiously, because my past exposures include a good deal of interface with what I came to term 'musical snobbery' unfitting for human consumption.)

3. It will undoubtedly represent a rather substantial hit on my budget, as I buy numerous versions of the same piece (where finable) to listen to differing instruments and artists and their delivery for comparison.

4. It has delayed my sharpening of my e-Pencil to determine the cost of friends @paul corfield godfrey and @simoncrosbybuttle's work(s) here. I rather suspect if I get it all at once, shipping costs will be reduced, leaving me more dimes to invest in more works. (With particular focus on the Organ works. For some reason the Ent ears love it.)

I do have to say once piece I listened to last evening on a well-known older organ contained 2 difficult parts.

When the piece called for the great low pipes to be called into action, and they were thundering like a steam locomotive, or bellowing like a birthing bison, there was one of the 'big boys' (at least... I'll need to listen again with more care) just ever so slightly off-pitch. It set up such an uncomfortable dissonance with its low banging and shaking of the walls, I got another split in my bark..! I suppose this is not uncommon, particularly in the older instruments - but I've a long way to go to be sure.

Anyway, this all just to let you know (for absolutely no known reason) I'm off on yet another new study/venture.

Unfortunately, there isn't a good venue for discussing such things here on TTF so it's about the last you'll hear of it from me.
Anything else will be directly related to the topic of this thread... the good Paul and Simon and their works and efforts.

Postage is definitely cheaper all together… although if scores are wanted they are very heavy combined!

 

[simoncrosbybuttle]

Postage is definitely cheaper all together… although if scores are wanted they are very heavy combined!

I know Discord can be a hellish place, but I can recommend Paul’s Discord. We keep a friendly, respectful group and we share titbits of info about the pieces each day and discuss the upcoming works. There’s even an “ask Paul” section. We’ve even been discussing other operas and classical works. The rules are to be respectful of each other, we often don’t all agree but healthy discussion takes place.

Failing that we will always respond here for those who, understandably, don’t want to venture out of this haven.

There’s an invite on Paul’s webpage - it’s quite lively on there so if you only want to dabble make sure to set notifications to “mentions only”.

 

[Ent]

although if scores are wanted they are very heavy combined!

Good to know, thank you sir Simon.
Initially I'll not be looking to the scores. And if I do later, it will probably be selective ones. I'm more a 'hearer', interested in the tecnnical delivery of each part within the whole, and the whole that results, than interested in the score itself.

Had I continued down the musical path with my instruments years ago, things would likely be very different. But after a tour of Europe in 1970 I left that part of it behind and determined to just become an appreciator of the results as heard.

(That was before the Berlin Wall came down... I've got a lot of 'stories' from that tour. 6 countries in 5 weeks, crossing borders, etc. Very different times in many ways... and just 53 short years ago..!)

 

[Ent]

Paul’s Discord.

Oh yes, you had mentioned this before. Sorry I missed it sinking in..!
I'll need to give it a check.
My primary focus will be on the Organs for a time, until I get myself set up to deal with them, and satisfied with the foundation of my study.
But I'd suspect there would be some on there who are Organ knowledgeable.
And I'll be tthere's a huge arena of stuff I'l totally clueless about and could learn, as well.

Thank you again.

 

[Ent]

The rules are to be respectful of each other, we often don’t all agree but healthy discussion takes place.

p.s. - you will find I am just slightly interested in keeping a respectful environment as well... one where "opinion" is understood for what it is, and the Religion of Opinion is not allowed to set in, set its heals, and become abusive.

At least... some here on this forum may say I'm that way. personally, I just think it's 'the way things are.' (Not all agree, I find.)
But we're pretty well behaved here as well.

(brief explanation: i'm writing a book on The Religion of Opinion in all its facets and results. Not pleasant.)

 

[Ent]

Well folks, this morning I purchased all the Tolkien recordings, and also the A.A. Milne, and Sparrow and the Rose (I think it was called.)
I'll let you know what I think personally, after they arrive.

I'm also progressing on my "World Tour by Pipe Organ" project a bit. But that's going to be a lifelong thing now I believe, until I see the roots of roses, rather than their blooms.

 

[Ent]

So even though I've got a high range, hopefully I would never split your bark, Ent!

Catching up with the reading on this thread again, I bumped into this. I missed it.
I'm VERY thankful - I can't afford too many more incursions into my cambium..!
I would be pleased to hear your voice in action.

 

[Ent]

So TTF Folks, I know I'm doing a lot of talking on here and I'm not even a singer type... rather an instrumentalist... (or was.)
But I'd just like to encourage you...

If you like vocal and opera, and want to know what's up with @paul corfield godfrey and @simoncrosbybuttle's works - Silmarillion, LoTR and Hobbit (the latter 2 of which are in the works as we speak), their Discord is really a good place to be.
And you vocal types would understand their foreign language ("vocal") better even than I do.
All kinds of discussion about everything related to vocal mix, what works and doesn't, etc.

Why, they've even received an Ent At Large with alacrity and courtesy, and suffered through some initial woes helping it settle in.

I'm SO Looking forward to receiving my initial music, and the release of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings...
and of course, it's stimulated my love of the Classics, and Pipe Organ, a pleasure long laid aside. (Something like Tolkien himself was.)

Anyway, don't hesitate. You won'f find an Orc among them. (At least, none I've found yet.)

 

[Maedhros_Nelyafinwë]

Ah yes, I've been meaning to join their Discord, I hope to get a chance to do so soon!

 

[Ent]

I hope to get a chance to do so soon!

Their Discord is indeed not discordant...!!

I'm excited to see the names of the folks assigned to the various 'characters' in The Hobbit already, so when it comes out I can be listening for them.
Can't wait for my ordered Silmarillion (and a couple other works) - hopefully the singer assignments are among the information with the set, etc. (It may be available on the Discord... i've not had a chance to probe all the different channels they've got set up yet etc.)

A boatload of fun.

(Meanwhile, I"m finding numerous sources of information for my 'Organs Of The World' research, including historical information about pipe organs now no longer with us... )

I think I may be overloading myself with 'busy-ness' getting in the way of my book, but I'm sure the initial excitement will dwindle down after a bit and I'll get it better organized into proper time-slots etc.

An Ent-draught or two may then be called for...

 

[Ent]

Fascinating discussions going on at the Discord about the existing Silmarillion and the composer's 'thinking' behind his work...
Also about all the work Simon needs to do to bring it all together.
Stage building.
Talk about the work currently being done on LoTR, to be followed by The Hobbit....
Plus discussions of many other things along the way. (I'm copying some of it out into files I can stuff into a notebook for my growth in 'music appreciation'. )
A fascinating world.
We also discuss Wales' current efforts (stemming from England's viewpoint it seems?) to reduce financial support for Opera (some want to eliminate) Opera altogether,) saying it has no place any more. It's 'elitist' so represents only a miniority -though their own poll numbrs tell them otherwise.

Anyway, a 'brave new world.' I'm obtaining a book related to Orchestra and production recommended by Paul and several on the site, speaking to all the 'voices' of the Orchestra, how they're employed, etc. I'm sure it will enhance my knowledge and appreciation of the Classics as well as Opera.

Fun Fun Fun.

 

[Ent]

Good to see you on the Discord today, @Maedhros_Nelyafinwë .
Now you know what it's like for a 'newbie' there. The Regulars just love greeting Newbies.

There's a ton to explore, once they're done assaulting you and you can get out of the 'general' channel to see what else is going on... assuming you have time. You're among the busiest folks I know.

 

[Maedhros_Nelyafinwë]

They're so nice on there! I've been enjoying the warm welcome! I'm excited to read and participate in more of the discussions on there.

You're among the busiest folks I know.

Really? Oh dear... 😬 I guess I've gotten used to spending 10 to 12 hours a day every day on work and school because that's what my life has looked like for the past few years. So even when I have free time, as I do today, I fill it up with lots of projects.

 

[Fingon_Findekáno]

How did you join the Discord server? I know it was mentioned you could find an invitation on Paul’s website, but I haven’t been able to find it.

 

[Maedhros_Nelyafinwë]

How did you join the Discord server? I know it was mentioned you could find an invitation on Paul’s website, but I haven’t been able to find it.

There's a link on the homepage of the website.

 

[Fingon_Findekáno]

There's a link on the homepage of the website.

Oh… I see it now. Looking at every other page except the top of the main page. 🤦🏻‍♀️😅

 

[Ent]

If you log in, prepare to be swarmed for a bit... depending on the time of day. There's just a ton of neat stuff (from my perspective) on their channels.

 

[Ent]

Really? Oh dear... 😬 I guess I've gotten used to spending 10 to 12 hours a day every day on work and school because that's what my life has looked like for the past few years. So even when I have free time, as I do today, I fill it up with lots of projects.

Indeed. This is often a malady we take with us well into upper age brackets... never slowing down to smell the roses.

We fail to remember rose roots just do not smell as sweet.

 

[Ent]

Wow, folks.
I got my CDs Thursday, and also my Scores yesterday, for SIL, Akallabeth, and 3 others of Paul's works.

Started Akallabeth this morning.
It starts with *Daeron* - a tone poem for flute and piano. What an interesting piece, with melancholy ending..! Needed to listen to it twice already.

My inept analysis: it really delivers. To me, the enhancement of its delivery is interesting at bars 114 and 115 with use of the natural vs. the sharp the ear (or at least my ear) almost expects, and thinks it wants, to hear... (supported by the corresponding adjustment in the piano accompaniment of course.)

The crescendos and decrescendos throughout are quite subtle, along with the changing tone/mood delivery. Enhances the general increasingly forlorn (almost morose) mood by the end.

The Score for Akallabeth includes a "Notes on the Music" section in the front - really helpful to understand what the piece is generally about.

Including this piece at the beginning was a great benefit for me - a great way to get back into music and following a score.

(Again all blame goes to @Maedhros_Nelyafinwë for starting this thread, and @Fingon_Findekáno for failing to restrain my impulses. It's SO nice having targets for blame... perhaps even willing ones. Orcs just don't seem to be willing targets... ever!)