[diapason8]

This organ was a six-manual organ built in 1817 by Flight & Robson for the St Pancras`Diorama in London. It was broken up in the 1840's (?) when the building became a Baptist church. Part of (to quote 'Musical Opinion' "some of the best pipework") was used in 1863 by Thomas Robson to build a two-manual organ which is now in my new church, Bishop's Hull, Taunton, having been purchased by them for the sum of £163, plus £15 for erection and £6-10-10 for railway carriage.


I've also discovered that Willliam Crotch, composer of anthems, chants, some organ music, and Principal of the London Royal Academy of Music spent his last years in Bishop's Hull, living at the home of his son. Crotch presumably played the Robson organ. He died on 29th December, 1847 and is buried in the churchyard.

I'm trying to find more information on both the Apollonicon Organ and Dr Crotch, and would appreciate any help.

Regards,

Nigel
_________________
Advena ego sum in Terra

[Jason Evans]

six-manuals? Was that a typo?

I know Crotch from his anthem Lo! Star-led chiefs . Also I think some of his psalm settings may still be used. Otherwise, I don't see his name turning up much. (Unfortunate name in any case... is that where the word crotchety came from?)

[stocky]

I'm afraid i cant help you nigel my man! but wouldn't mind coming to visit old Crotch... wrote some good chants and of course, lo starled cheifs, (assyrian odours bring, and bending magi seek their infant king), we used to do back when i was a lad! BWS Tom

[diapason8]

[quote="Jason Evans"] six-manuals? Was that a typo?

quote]

According to the internet, (BIOS site) no, six manuals is correct! It was one of the largest organs in the world at the time.

Nigel
_________________
Advena ego sum in Terra

[diapason8]

[Jason Evans]

[stocky]

You sound like my Brothers Jason! Always want what the other one has got! thats triplets for you!
cheers nigel! might have to come and visit the famous organ there too if i may?

[diapason8]

[Jason Evans]

Being an only child, it's hard for me to imagine siblings. But triplets ?
That stretches my imagination beyond my current capabilities. Sometime, amongst the church chat, you must tell us how it was growing up...

Cheers!
Jason

[stocky]

for sure! hop over and i'l explain!

[diapason8]

Doing some further research, it seem that the Apollonicon organ had SEVERAL consoles to enable up to six organists to play at any one time. It was also believed to heve been extended at one point by William Hill!

Nigel
_________________
Advena ego sum in Terra

[stocky]

6 AT ONECE!!! chaos surely!!! ive seen organ duets but this is insanity! is it a large church? and what latin under your name? bws tom

[lancecornea]

I think the Latin epithet means "Don't let the bastards grind you down" but in the case of church organists it probably means "Don't let the Vicar choose the music!"

Let's see what Nigel has to say

Lance

[diapason8]

The Latin is, as Lance correctly says, 'Don't let the bastards grind you down', but I like the alternative!

As far as I can gather at present, and I'm continuing to research this as some of 'the best pipework' from the Apollonicon is in my new organ at Bishop's Hull:

The St Pancras Diorama was a building designed by Pugin and opened in 1823. It was primarily desiged for the viewing of paintings and Daguerrotypes (early photographs - process invented by the Frenchman Daguerre). The auditorium sat 360 people and could be rotated through 73 degrees so that the audience could view 'pictures' through different apertures in the screen through transparent painted panels - a sort of early son et lumiere.

The organ was built by Flight & Robson and had a facade standing 24' high, 20' wide and 18' deep. It was one of the largest organs in the world at that time. It is reported to have originally provision for five players, but William Hill later enlarged this to six. There were six manuals. The organ was bult in 1817, and presumably installed in the hall when it was built. It was removed in the 1840's when the Diorama became a Baptist Chapel. Robson's son, T.J.F. Robson, used 'some of the best pipework' to build the 2-manual organ which he sold to Bishop's Hull for £163.

I'm still trying to find out moew about the organ. Jason, if you're in London and are interested, you may be able to see it. It's in Regents Park. If you do see it, and can come up with any further information, I'd be interested.

Regards,

Nigel
_________________
Advena ego sum in Terra

[stocky]

CRIPES!!!!!!!!