Sacred Soundscapes: Preserving Historic Organs for the Future
Crowdfunding successfully finished
Raised
Global Effort to Preserve Iconic Organ Sounds
Help preserve the unique sounds of historic organs! My campaign aims to sample organs in churches and concert halls, capturing their original acoustics before they are potentially lost to closure, relocation, or disaster. These samples will be used in Hauptwerk, allowing the music of these magnificent instruments to live on. Donors receive exclusive rewards, from private online concerts to copies of the sample sets. Join us in safeguarding the heritage of these irreplaceable instruments.
Funding period
6/5/24 -
8/31/24
Realisation
1st Sample Set: Christmas 2024
Funding goal: 8,900 €
To launch this campaign, we require additional equipment, specialized software, and even have to learn programming skills. In addition, there will be travel to locations, extensive recording sessions, post-production, and the creation of sample sets.
City
Westerwaldkreis
Category
Music
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What is this project all about?
Campaign Overview
Historic organs in churches, concert halls, and other venues are an integral part of our cultural and musical heritage. However, observing current tendencies, many of these venues could close, and the instruments risk being destroyed, relocated, or altered in ways that strip them of their original acoustic beauty. Our project aims to preserve the sounds of these magnificent organs by creating high-quality samples that can be used in Hauptwerk, a sophisticated sample player software. This will ensure that the unique voices of these organs can continue to be heard and appreciated by future generations.
The Importance of Preservation
Organs are often custom-built for the acoustics of their specific locations. When these instruments are moved or the venues are closed, we lose not only the instruments but also the unique soundscapes they create. In some tragic cases, organs have been lost to fires or other catastrophic events. By sampling these organs in their original locations, we preserve their true sound and the historical context in which they were meant to be experienced.
What is the project goal and who is the project for?
Our Plan
We will travel to various churches, concert halls, and other significant venues to record the organs, pipe for pipe. Using state-of-the-art recording equipment, we will capture every nuance of these instruments in their original acoustic settings. These samples will then be meticulously processed for use in Hauptwerk, allowing organists worldwide to experience and perform on these historic instruments as if they were still in their original homes.
Why would you support this project?
Contributing to this campaign means participating in a vital effort to preserve an essential part of our cultural and musical heritage. Here are several reasons why your support is crucial:
Protecting Irreplaceable Sounds: Historic organs, with their unique acoustics, are at risk of being lost forever due to closures, relocations, and even disasters. Your contribution helps us capture and preserve these sounds in their original settings.
Cultural Heritage Preservation: Organs often represent significant historical and cultural artifacts. By supporting this project, you help ensure that future generations can experience the rich musical history embodied by these instruments.
Innovation in Music Technology: This project leverages advanced sampling technology and Hauptwerk software to make the majestic sounds of historic organs accessible to organists and music enthusiasts worldwide. Your contribution fosters innovation in how we preserve and interact with music.
How will we use the money if the project is successfully funded?
Exclusive Rewards: Donors receive unique and exclusive rewards, from behind the scenes insights of the recording and sampling, private online concerts, to copies of the sampled organ sets, allowing you to enjoy and appreciate the fruits of this preservation effort firsthand.
Be Part of a Global Mission: Your support joins a collective effort to document and save the sounds of organs from diverse locations around the world. This international project highlights the importance of global cooperation in preserving our shared cultural heritage. By contributing to this campaign, you become a vital part of an initiative to protect, preserve, and share the magnificent sounds of historic organs for generations to come.
Who are the people behind the project?
I am Fraser Gartshore, a dedicated organist, pianist, conductor, and composer with a passion for preserving and sharing the magnificent sounds of historic organs. Originally from Inverness, Scotland, I now reside in Germany, where I continue to contribute to the musical landscape.
My musical journey began with formal studies in Edinburgh, where I honed my skills as an organist and conductor, also working with some of the biggest names in the UK music scene. Over the years, I have developed a diverse range of musical styles, from classical and jazz to rock and theater organ, allowing me to bring a unique touch to my performances and compositions.
In addition to my live performances, I am actively involved in the online music community, hosting engaging live concerts on YouTube and participating in podcasts that explore the rich and sometimes quirky world of organ music. My YouTube channel features a wide array of organ music, and I co-host the "Stop It! The Organ Rebels Podcast," where we delve into various musical influences and the latest in recording technology, aiming to revolutionize how people perceive and experience organ music.
My deep appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of organs drives my commitment to this campaign. Organs are not just instruments; they are living pieces of history, each with a unique voice shaped by its location. Unfortunately, many of these historic organs are at risk due to the closure of churches and concert halls, or potential damage from catastrophic events.
By sampling these organs and preserving their sounds through Hauptwerk, we can ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to experience and appreciate the true essence of these magnificent instruments as they were originally intended. This project aligns perfectly with my lifelong dedication to music and my desire to protect and share our rich musical heritage.
Denis (co-founder of Startnext)
