Today I had the privilege of giving a concert and presentation on the T. C. Lewis organ at Brompton Regis. You can view the specification of the organ here http://www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=A00398. T. C. Lewis is one of the most important organ builders of the 19th century and the wonderful instrument at Brompton Regis, except for some of the case work, is in original condition as Lewis built it in 1872.
One of the first things I like to try when getting acquainted with a new instrument is the diapason chorus and Lewis diapasons are renowned for their quality. The great has an 8' open diapason and 4' octave and these have depth but also sparkle and provide a large, satisfying tone. If you want some extra brightness this can be provided by the 2' flautina. On the swell the 8' and 4' geigen principals have a softer and more string-like tone, meaning that they not only provide a wonderful chorus in themselves but also make a great echo to the great chorus.
The flutes on this instrument are fantastic! The Rohr flute on the swell is beautiful and then on the great the lieblich gedackt is perfectly balanced with the 4' flute. I could easily spend all day just playing pieces on these wonderful flute stops! Although the 2' flautina is quite powerful, and probably designed to add to the diapason chorus, it nevertheless works well with the great 8 and 4 flutes if the swell rohr flute is also coupled down to provide a little more 8' pitch.
Unusually the 8 Vox Angelica on the swell is not undulating but is the softest stop on the organ and very beautiful. The 8 salicional on the great is a little stronger but still soft enough to accompany the swell rohr flute or oboe. So often I find small organs are lacking a soft 8' on the great and yet it is such a useful stop!
The reeds aren't necessarily Lewis' strongest point but are effective as solo and chorus stops and the horn certainly gives some extra spice to the full organ! Both reeds do tend to get quite a lot softer in the treble register and some of the lower pipes are a little slow to speak. However, the horn is very effective coupled to the pedals as a pedal reed.
In 2014, the church at Brompton Regis raised the necessary funds for the organ to be rebuilt by Michael Farley. In recognition of its historical importance as an unaltered T C Lewis instrument it was awarded a historic organs certificate by the BIOS. Farley kept the organ in its original condition. It therefore lacks some of the modern features such as a balanced swell pedal and combination pistons but is a stunning instrument with a lovely tracker action. Although a fairly small instrument it is tonally very flexible and versatile and the full organ sound is impressive!
It is so encouraging to see a small village church that understands the historical importance of their organ and have taken the efforts to raise funds for a rebuild and ensure the organ has a secure future and will continue to remain as T C Lewis originally built it! A real gem of an instrument and one I do hope I shall have the opportunity to play on again!
You can find out more about the instrument and see some pictures by visiting http://www.bromptonregis.com/organ.html.
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