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The Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ “The new Dobson finds its place in the now-long arc of American concert hall organs installed in the last two decades. Up to mezzo forte, it is easily the best and most colourful of this new breed. It meshes with the band with greater refinement and interest than either Dallas or Los Angeles, partly for having, finally, the real range of piano and mezzo voices to do so, but also because the material is treated with uncompromising grace…At Verizon the tone is developed in a way that makes sense in the context of an orchestra hall, not hanging on to any idealism from the Renaissance or Baroque, but establishing the Romantic and Modern as viable ground for elegant sound.” “…the organ is nothing short of an outstanding achievement, and one audiences seem to love.” —Jonathan Ambrosino, The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels “But the most impressive instrument at the [2004 AGO] convention was the new Dobson at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, as expertly played by Martin Jean. … [It] makes a thrilling sound in an awe-inspiring space that would seem impossible to fill acoustically.”
“We worked with Lynn as well as many other members of his firm and had nothing but success in our collaboration. The craftsmanship evident in the construction of the organ is of the very highest quality and the sound of the organ is one of the most beautiful features of the Cathedral. I have only the highest praise for their effort and ability and am grateful for their participation in a project as important to me as was the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.”
“Let me address you all by saying that the pleasure of performing in Los Angeles recently on your organ at the Cathedral was all mine. What you have achieved there, in that space, is in my opinion a modern masterpiece, and should you ever feel it appropriate to quote me on that, by all means you may do so. I rarely find newly-built organs that are so engaging in the most synthesized and harmonious way, and almost never in the United States can we see an example of not only an exceptionally fine modern organ, but a new one that must overcome the difficulties of a spacious acoustic — something that Americans all but never face in newer buildings these days. Few organ builders I’ve found could have handled that marriage of space and sound so well as to have an organ that more than fills a room that large and angular, even at the most subtle levels, but always in balance as a musical instrument, first and foremost, uncompromisingly artistic and at no point overdone. Your LA Cathedral organ met what I have hoped to find and surpassed all expectations over the five glorious days during which I was so fortunate to as to make music there in preparation for my concert. This is a monumental accomplishment by any measurement – my words are practically inadequate, ultimately.”
St. Paul's Church, Rock Creek Parish “This smallish gem of an instrument is huge from a musical standpoint. Graham Elliott’s demonstration consisted of a brilliant improvisation that began pianissimo and gradually built up to full organ, complete with toccata-like figurations, and then back down to a whisper. It was a seamless progression — no one thing stood out. Even mixtures and reeds elegantly entered the build-up. And yet, the individual stops are filled with character and color. For anyone who has not yet seen and heard this marvel — you owe it to yourself to do so at the first possible opportunity.”
St. Paul's Episcopal Church “This organ brims with inspiration. Visually, the creative adaptation of the traditional French choir organ creates a comely solution for this setting; the turned tower posts are especially well-crafted and thought out. The specification is refreshingly gimmick-free: stops say what they are, are found in traditional places and accomplish expected roles. The bold ensemble overcomes the rotten acoustics, not with brutality but through elegant force. Perhaps it is better to say that its grandeur is a still more remarkable attribute. “If one had to dwell on areas of excellence, I would choose the strings and the reeds. The strings not only have a crisp and salacious effect, but are nicely balanced Great to Swell, as well as adding a lovely but not overdone edge to the fonds d’orgue. The reeds are superb, and however hackneyed the sentiment, it's enchanting to come across a new Full Swell that isn’t merely effective but genuinely stirring.”
“I enjoyed the instrument very much. The Harmonic Flute 8' is a fabulous sound—I don’t know that I could imagine the Vierne Arabesque sounding any nicer than it did.”
Presbyterian Homes 1994 2003 “To date, there have been over 100 recitals performed by international and national artists. The instrument has been highly lauded and acclaimed by everyone who has had the privilege to play it. “Dobson Pipe Organ Builders has the enviable reputation of being at the very top of the list of organ building firms, both in America and abroad.”
“From each individual pipe to the winding to the key action and stunning case, the instrument is a major artistic accomplishment.”
1990 2002 “My respect for your company is higher than ever.”
First Presbyterian Church “I want to convey my enthusiasm and admiration for your instrument at John Ourensma’s church in Battle Creek, which I had the pleasure of playing this past weekend. I had been looking forward to that recital, as I had never had the chance to play one of your instruments. As one who has always had an interest in the tonal/mechanical side of the organ, I greatly admire and appreciate the superb job you have done in what was undoubtedly a rather complex rebuild. You and your voicer have done a fabulous job in scaling and blending pipework of many vintages. The organ is really quite thrilling, and full of beautiful sounds—Gt. Flute Harmonique is one of the best I've ever heard. John also took me next door to see your instrument in the chapel of the Cong. Church next door—another gem.
Paul Manz “I have long admired your work dating back to the first time I heard and played a Dobson in the studio of St. Olaf College. It was a refreshing joy to hear and play. “Next came the opportunity to examine and play a Hymn Festival on your Schlicker-Dobson Organ at Valparaiso University. I found your concept of sound forthright, most satisfying and exciting and thus completing the original design of the builder. I honestly believe Herman Schlicker would have been very grateful and proud of your work.” “I wish you well in your ongoing, creative approach to the building, rebuilding and restoration of pipe organs. Bravo.” Frederick Swann “It is a real pleasure to express to you my genuine enthusiasm for the organs you build. “As you are aware, I have been presented in recitals on several of your instruments, and I have heard others. “First and foremost, there is a consistency of beautiful sound in all of your instruments. This should always be the main consideration for anyone purchasing an organ. Too often people get caught up in ‘gadgets’ and lose sight of the fact that such things don’t produce the sound. “Furthermore, I have always found your workmanship to be superior in every way, from the smallest detail to the largest. You present the highest quality in every area. And your key actions are a joy to play. “Your organs are truly ‘musical’ instruments, something that I really appreciate as an organist. Your specifications – regardless of the size – are always thought out from a musical standpoint as well as ‘by the book‘, and designed to give the maximum flexibility to the performer and the music. “The listener benefits from all these things also! “I play dozens of organs by different builders every year all over the world. Many are very fine, satisfying, and thrilling. But I have yet to play any that would relegate your work to second place. “A final thing I wish to mention is how each and every organ of yours that I have experienced fits its surroundings so perfectly. This is no easy task for a builder, and one that many do not always achieve. Just another example of your super dedication to detail. “As you are becoming more and more known and respected as a builder, my only regret is that I am in the process of retiring as a performer and thus won’t have the joy and privilege of playing your instruments in the future. “I extend my best wishes for your continued success.” Edward Anders Sövik, FAIA “I am an architect, recently retired, with nearly five decades of work in church design and buildings for music. I and my firm, Sövik, Mathre Sathrum, Quanbeck, Inc. had something of a reputation. In the course of my years I was associated with eight or ten pipe organ builders, including all those who were regarded as leaders in the field. “Among the projects were a sequence of four collaborations with Dobson, beginning with a very early project and including the instrument that I hear every Sunday at church. It is no surprise to me that in his maturity the most prestigious and honorable commissions should be attracted to his company. “If you have any doubts about Mr. Dobson’s personal commitments, his staff, or the musical and technical sensibilities and skill that come as part of his service, forget the doubts. Mr. Dobson will bring integrity, reliability, understanding and imagination.” Guestbook From March 1999 until it was overrun by spam in May 2006, our website had a Guestbook. The generally laudatory comments recorded there are now preserved in a .pdf file for your reading pleasure. |
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Our Shop • Instruments • Recordings • Testimonials Dobson Pipe Organ Builders, Ltd. Site conception by metaglyph All contents ©1999–2008 Dobson Pipe Organ Builders, Ltd. |
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