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My Hauptwerk Story

2014-11-14 - Playing and Pieces

My Hauptwerk story began completely by accident. Most accidents are things you look back and say: "Oh, I'm sorry I had that!" In this case, I say: "I am so VERY glad that I did THAT!". It really did change my life, and in many ways and on many levels, saved me...

I had been Organist and Director of Music at one of the most important Episcopal cathedrals in the US. I had the oldest cathedral choir of men and boys in the country, great Anglo-catholic liturgy, and a wonderful 4-man Austin/Skinner. At that point, I might not have even been interested in HW if it had existed at the time. In 2001, my dismissal was carefully engineered and I was told on March 15th that I had 15 minutes to literally "get out". The details of the ensuing wrongful termination suit are long and messy.

In the end, right or wrong ceased to be the important thing. In essence, I became "blacklisted," and in many ways it "finished my career." Try as I would, I just could not get another job of the type I wanted, so, after devoting everything in me to service in the church, I finally said, "That's it! I'm done! I'll NEVER play again. NEVER!" But, as we all know, "never say never," right?

So I really did wean myself almost completely off of music and organs. At first it was something equivalent to what a heroin addict must feel when they go "cold turkey" and attempt to give their "desire" up. That's what I felt for a few years, but it gradually lessened. I got back into drag racing (something I hadn't done for awhile!), and started working with a classic Corvette restoration shop. I didn't think of playing the organ or working in church, and the "addiction" became less and less.

One day, out of nowhere, I was asked to come back to the synagogue where I had worked for 8 years before leaving for the cathedral job that I mentioned. I didn't "want" to go back, but we needed the money, and the rabbi was such a good friend and pastor to me. I had not been in touch with him, as I didn't want him to know what had happened. When I saw him, we both broke into tears of joy AND sadness, but I WAS glad to be back, and I still knew the liturgy in my sleep. The mid 80’s 2-manual electronic organ sounded like it was glad to have me playing it, and NONE of my pistons had not been changed during the 4 years that I was gone!

So, after a few months, I said to my wife, "Let's see if I can find a church. Not to get "involved" with but hopefully, just to show up on Sundays." I found a few of these, all of which paid around $3000 per year and had mediocre 8-10 rank organs that ALMOST worked OK.

I sort of liked playing for the Episcopal liturgy, although was nothing like the high Anglican splendor that I was accustomed to, and the people were nice, and I didn't feel somebody was always getting ready to stick a knife in my back. I suppose after a "break" of almost 8 years, I was starting to WANT to play again, but I could still take it or leave it.

I did one interim job after another, which is far from ideal, but at least each successive job had a better salary!

In 2008, I was appointed as a one-year interim at a well-paying, traditional, Epsicopal parish with an excellent choir, and great clergy. The problem was that the church was about 60 miles away, and although I generally only had to come twice a week, it was a long haul. The organ, once again, was a small instrument, that was crammed into a space so small, that some pipes could never be tuned!

A friend of mine suggested trying to get Bob Walker (the best "electronic organ" guy in the minds of many) to do something for us. We bought a Colby 3-manual that had been a loaner, and Bob, who had already designed all the software for that organ, completely rebuilt it to my specs and with all the latest improvements. While it was a BIG organ, the room was quite small, and it was appropriately voiced. The Great alone had over 20 ranks, including independent reeds at 16, 8, and 4. Yes, was starting to get the urge more and more, although it felt like I didn't really know how to play anymore. It was a great relationship, and I was soon offered the permanent position, which I accepted, but with some "private reservation." I still was not sure that I wanted to get back into this again. In reality, I was already deeply re-addicted!

It was at this time that I accidentally ran across Hauptwerk while looking at organ videos on youtube. Somebody was playing the Mulet "Carillon Sortie" on the Metz sample set. What caught my attention was seeing the virtual console with the keys and stops moving. I thought it was recorded on the "real" organ. I decided I'd have to find out more about this program, but to be honest, I thought that it was only something you WATCHED on your computer.

When the job at a great church in Hoboken became open, I applied for it and got it. The church had the large and historic Wirsching that you've heard about from me many times. My predecessor had convinced the pastor that the organ was unplayable and should be replaced by a digital organ in the front of the church - and a 3rd rate one at that.

When I started the church had been hit by lightning, and NOTHING was playing on either organ. Now, I had played the Wirsching several times before, and already knew of its significance and grandeur. To make a long story short, the Wirsching was still in excellent shape, but it did have some problems that needed to be solved. So, after wasting almost $150,000, I had to convince the church to spend more. As you may recall, I was fired at the beginning of May, just as the organ was within days of completion. So, with my heart on fire and my playing at its peak, once again, I don't have an organ to play...

BUT I DO!!! Thanks to HAUPTWERK!!!

I'm not ashamed to say that I am "addicted" to HW!!! I'm proud of it!

I have so many friends "on the board," and it is their support that helps to keep my going and ALIVE! With my sometimes bad hearing issues, and other physical pains, HW is, without exaggerating, saving my life in a positive way, and a way that I can share with others!

Having HW is saving me - not only musically but emotionally and spiritually. If I had to "just stop" at this point, I think it would kill me. Having the chance to hear and play the wonderful sample sets of so many spectacular instruments, and to have a chance to post my performances on the Concert Hall means more to me than I can say.

As much as I get thanks and warm, positive feedback from people about what I bring to Concert Hall, I really feel that it is me who should be thanking THEM!

David E. Lamb