A brief (?) introduction

orczy · Joined: Mar 30, 2005 Posts: 161 Location: Australia

Hi everyone.
I'd better let you know a wee bit about myself and what I do.
I started composing music in 1991, when at the time I was a bass guitarist. I had played in bands for years, but never really enjoyed being told what to do, or having to explain what it was I wanted (which I never really knew anyway).
I was interested in creating ambient music with a solo bass guitar. As time progressed I moved into keyboards. I was interested in analog synthsizers, and here in New Zealand, Sequential Circuits gear was very easy to find second hand. I managed to pick up a Prophet 600, Pro One, Six Trak, Drum Trax and Prophet T-8, along with other bits and bobs such as Korg MS-20, Rhodes electric piano, and a mellotron.
Around this time (1993) I started to record albums on a 4 track, which were released (cassette!) here in NZ. None were very successful, but I was happy. I moved to a digital Korg Wavestation EX in 1995 which was my only keyboard until 1999, when I started a degree in composition. I composed pieces mainly for soprano and piano, and electro-acoustic works.
Upon leaving uni, I started playing the harmonium, which takes us up to now.
My works are in various genres. My earliest stuff could only be described as instrumental goth, "Frippertronic" bass pieces, electronic instrumentals, ambient, microtonal serial electronic, "classical" songs, electro-acoustic, and "ambient harmonium".
It is the harmonium that has grabbed me more than any instrument before. Although I love my mellotron, miss my Rhodes, and regret selling the T-8, in the harmonium I have found what I have always seeked: a genuinely expressive polyphonic instrument, with the ability to alter and combine timbres.
In this forum, I will be announcing album releases and re-issues, and new projects.
I hope you visit again.
Cheers
Chris

seraph · Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 9:09 am Post subject: Re: A brief (?) introduction

orczy · Joined: Mar 30, 2005 Posts: 161 Location: Australia

elektro80 · Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 5:07 am Post subject:

Hmm.. a modular rig used for messing up the harmonium while playing might really be something. Hmm.. the NM-1 should be able to do the job. Is it still possible to get such an harmonium for a decent price?

orczy · Joined: Mar 30, 2005 Posts: 161 Location: Australia

elektro80 · Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 6:06 am Post subject:

I have seen harmoniums go for as little as .. uh.. 120 USD over here. I will look into this.

A Nord NM-1 might be what you need. The NM micro might be cool too. The prices are still falling. I wouldn´t be surprised if they will be reappreciated soon and the prices will rise. -But right now, the NM-1 and the micro can be had for very little. Both are awesome.

seraph · Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 6:48 am Post subject:

elektro80 · Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 7:01 am Post subject:

Hmm.. pictures would be fine. Very Happy

seraph · Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 2:09 am Post subject:

elektro80 · Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 5:27 am Post subject:

That one is nice! It is in great condition too? Soundwise?

seraph · Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 6:30 am Post subject:

orczy · Joined: Mar 30, 2005 Posts: 161 Location: Australia

I've looked up Boretta in a harmonium book, but there is no mention of it. My guess is that it is a reed organ (sction). That little metal lever at the left of the keyboard, underneath, may be a prolongement stop. What this does is hold 1 key down in tha bass register. Handy. I used it on one piece on "August", but I like moving drones at the moment. Karg Elert used little wedges of wood to hold down chords. Very ambient and impressionistic. I would love to tell you more about the Boretta, but I will have to hunt around a wee bit. I'll mention to the Reed Organ Society. Someone thee will know about them.