A SWELL OF THE SWEETEST EXPRESSION, EXETER, 1837.

In 1837, Saint Mary's Steps church in Exeter had a new organ.  It was supplied by an Exeter builder (of organs!), Mr Brooking.   The minister, churchwardens and  the 'respectable parishioners' were so proud and delighted that they requested they might insert a notice in the leader column of The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette of 3rd June.  They informed the readers that they were so pleased with their new organ that they deemed it "only a common act of justice to the Builders,  Messrs. Brooking and Son, of this city, to make this formal expression of their approbation."

"The Swell, which is just completed, is full of the sweetest expression - the rich brilliancy of the Hautboy forming a delightful contrast to the softness of the Dulcinea and Stop Diapason,  and the whole Instrument is so nicely voiced, and forms such a pleasing combination of sounds that it reflects the highest credit on the good taste and skill of the Builders."

 

Is it not remarkable and somehow pleasing that the writer here (who sounds to me like Mr. Harding!) was addressing (one imagines) a goodly and knowledgeable audience of Exeter organ-lovers - citizens who knew their hautboys from their dulcineas?  And is there not here a most joyful and, in these times a refreshing, expression of cultural refinement and civic pride?/