My friends and I were privileged to see the organ being constructed in Tacoma, WA at the Paul Fritts studio. An astounding undertaking and now it is so beautiful in its final stages. Millard and Martha Battles Class '55,56
Attended my first Mass at the Basilica since the new organ was fully functioning. My reaction was a huge disappointment on many fronts. The instrument itself overwhelms the space. The sound I am sure is incredible, but that is not the point. The Basilica is not a recital hall for a premier organ. Rather the organ should be an instrument to enhance worship. On that front, it is a failure and a terrible waste of valuable resources. At the Mass I attended, the Cantor had an absolutely beautiful voice, but much of her role was lost, overwhelmed by the organ. During the Gloria, I have never heard the congregation so silent. All anyone heard was the organ. I cannot help but wonder what Pope Francis would think of the resources spent on this extravagance. This is another example of ND losing site of its Catholic mission when we see the University spend money like this. As I look at and listen to this instrument, the image that comes to mind is Donald Trump. The organ is huge, and I am sure it was expensive with rumors that it cost millions. It is shiny and glittery, not befitting the rest of the Basilica's beauty. Having the biggest and the perceived best is not always the best in this space. Each investment must be evaluated in context. Building the biggest college library was admirable and consistent with the Univesity's mission. Sticking this oversized organ and shoehorning it into this space is regrettable. Frankly, as I think about the Basilica, a space that has always given me comfort and joy for its beauty, it makes me sad.
Mark Boyle They are still learning how to properly register this organ. It takes at least a year to get to know an organ a quarter of the size of this one. Tonal finishing isn't even complete (this process takes one to two years after the organ is installed). Give them a year or two before giving your final judgement on the instrument.
My friends and I were privileged to see the organ being constructed in Tacoma, WA at the Paul Fritts studio. An astounding undertaking and now it is so beautiful in its final stages.
Millard and Martha Battles Class '55,56
Fantastic!
Attended my first Mass at the Basilica since the new organ was fully functioning. My reaction was a huge disappointment on many fronts. The instrument itself overwhelms the space. The sound I am sure is incredible, but that is not the point. The Basilica is not a recital hall for a premier organ. Rather the organ should be an instrument to enhance worship. On that front, it is a failure and a terrible waste of valuable resources. At the Mass I attended, the Cantor had an absolutely beautiful voice, but much of her role was lost, overwhelmed by the organ. During the Gloria, I have never heard the congregation so silent. All anyone heard was the organ. I cannot help but wonder what Pope Francis would think of the resources spent on this extravagance. This is another example of ND losing site of its Catholic mission when we see the University spend money like this. As I look at and listen to this instrument, the image that comes to mind is Donald Trump. The organ is huge, and I am sure it was expensive with rumors that it cost millions. It is shiny and glittery, not befitting the rest of the Basilica's beauty. Having the biggest and the perceived best is not always the best in this space. Each investment must be evaluated in context. Building the biggest college library was admirable and consistent with the Univesity's mission. Sticking this oversized organ and shoehorning it into this space is regrettable. Frankly, as I think about the Basilica, a space that has always given me comfort and joy for its beauty, it makes me sad.
Mark Boyle They are still learning how to properly register this organ. It takes at least a year to get to know an organ a quarter of the size of this one. Tonal finishing isn't even complete (this process takes one to two years after the organ is installed). Give them a year or two before giving your final judgement on the instrument.