Recording the Pipe Organs of Europe
Donation protected
I'm a performer and composer working in many styles, from performing industrial free jazz on homemade electronics, to composing incidental music for ballet. I've published albums in Canada, USA, UK, France, Spain, and Australia, and my music has accompanied live performances on five continents.
I support arts communities in a few different ways; as Program Convenor for the Royal Canadian College of Organists, Ottawa; organizing the concert series "Cool Fest" in Montreal and New York; publishing my peers' work on my collaborative publishing label "Fluorescent Friends"; and more.
In April 2016, thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign, for three weeks I was able to fulfil a dream of studying pipe organ improvisation with a master of the late French style. Professor Pálùr Janós and I related very well, and during my three weeks in Budapest his teaching took me out of my comfort zone and made me so much better. You can hear him coaching me during a lesson at the Cathedral of Subotica, in Serbia, here:
These studies revolutionized my music-making in all areas, whether on pipe organ, solo guitar, or with a band. This year I released new music, and gave my first ever solo pipe organ concert as part of a classical music concert series.
Now, a new opportunity has arisen.
I received a Chalmers Professional Development Grant from the Ontario Arts Council to continue my studies with Professor Pálùr for ten more weeks, to build on what we started in 2016.
So where does the crowdfunding come in? After ten weeks of private intensive performance instruction, I want to record improvisations and compositions on a variety of pipe organs across Europe.
In addition to this, I want to meet and learn from some other master improvisers in Europe. As I launched this campaign, I began to make inquiries about recording organs in France, and received an invitation to attend a master class with one of the most celebrated improvisers in the world, Pierre Pincemaille. What a good omen, to receive this invitation the day I launched my crowdfunding campaign. This organist is an asolute wizard.
You can donate any amount. The money will be used for flights, train tickets, bus tickets, rental car, food, lodging, recording equipment rental, SIM card, insurance, and other expenses for the seven weeks I'll be travelling and recording.
I accept in-kind contributions in forms other than money as well. A closet to sleep in in Genoa, a takeout box of food in Amsterdam, or an introduction to a European organist I can add to my itinerary would absolutely make a huge difference, and be very warmly appreciated.
I want to reach my goal as soon as possible, as I have already begun purchasing the necessary travel tickets and booking accommodation well enough in advance to get a good price. I'll start travelling November 6th, after my ten weeks in Budapest.
Your donation helps me pursue this project, through which I will find inspiration to compose new music. The project will also lead to my building a network of contacts for recitals and collaborations in the coming years. Your contribution combined with my woodshedding and sweat equity will make this project a success!
You can donate any amount. Thank you for your support!
____________________________________________________________
To explain this project a little more: Recording improvisations is the most effective way I express myself, begin a composition, and expand my personal musical possibilities. It allows for total freedom to explore ideas and take risks. It's a form which is incredibly intimate, where the music is as new to the listener as it is to the performer on first listen, and with each subsequent listen, the listener actually gains an advantage over me, the recorded performer, knowing what will happen when I do not.
When performing improvisations in public, there is very often some reliance on ideas that have been tried before. Without the expectations of any audience, I overcome myself, and drastic discoveries and musical innovations are allowed to visit. Of all of the recorded music I've published, roughly half was completely improvised.
By creating spontaneous music on all of these different organs, I'll be exposed to different sounds, timbres, acoustics, and configurations of the organ console. Practicing improvisation with these differences each time, which prevent the brain going on autopilot and promote flow, will accelerate my progress.
This experience will broaden my network of contacts in Europe for a future recital tour; it'll give me the raw materials, in the form of recordings, to compose some finished works for organ and other instruments. I'll visit La Fontenelle, France, birthplace of Jean Langlais, and Hanau, Germany, birthplace of Paul Hindemith.
This journey across Europe is the right way to conclude the intensive, deep studies I'll undertake in Budapest. It allows me to fully understand the history of pipe organ music in a completely hands-on way. Rehearsing for a recent performance, on a German organ, I had my first experience learning how to adjust my playing style and the style of my music to adapt to an instrument with a completely unfamiliar configuration and voice. The experience forced me out of my stylistic comfort zone, and I learned about the practicalities of adapting my musical ideas to the circumstances in which they must be expressed.
And of course the chance to study with M. Pincemaille in France is not to be missed. This is a rare and very exciting opportunity.
My ten weeks in Budapest will be a powerful training ground, and on leaving I'll be as good shape musically as I have ever been. With your help I'll make the most of that conditioning and build on it with this project, that will lay a foundation to support years of growth.
As I learned crowdfunding last year, every bit of support is incredibly encouraging. I was extremely touched by each contribution; by the reconnecting with old friends who came out of the sands of time to pitch in, by the support of current dear loved ones who I'm so happy to share my work with, and by the instantly strong bond formed with new people who I had never met who decided to give. Contributors become my team on this project, and it's a privilege to be inspired to do my very best to honour your partnership with me as I pursue and excavate meaning through these endeavours, and share the best part of myself with you.
Thank you for reading. There are many ways to give:
You can donate to this crowdfunding campaign through this website. The website takes an average of 10% of donations for administrative costs. I will receive the other 90% of what you contribute through the site.
Finally, you may wish to also buy some music! Most of the music I have ever released is available digitally on my Bandcamp. Please note, these contributions will also be subject to an administrative fee from bandcamp. Find this music here: blakehargreaves.bandcamp.com
You can contact me at blakehargreaves | at | gmail | dot | com
If you wish to discuss a contribution with me you may do so at this e-mail address. The amount of any dontation I receive outside of this campaign will be added to my accumulated total on this website.
Finally, as usual, there are rewards associated with various funding levels.
Funding rewards:
$10 - Digital Album
This is what it's all about. Every funder offering $10 or more will be offered a free download of the album I create, made up of the best improvisations from churches across Europe, with a unique image for every track. You will also be offered a free download of the accompanying booklet as well.
$50 - E-mail postcard + digital album
A personal postcard in the form of an e-mail with photos from a random location on my trip, complete with musings about what I did that day and astrological reflections. Please include your e-mail address in the private comments when you make your contribution if you would like this reward, thank you.
$125 – CDR Album + e-mail postcard
A CDR copy of the album mailed to you, plus the e-mail postcrd. For those old timers or retro-types who like this sort of thing and can play it. of particular interest if your car has a CD player and no aux jack, and you like to bang organ jams on the strip. A digital download code will also be provided. Please indicate in the comments if you want this reward and provide your postal address. Thanks!
$300 - Tour Scrapbook and CDR (plus postcard)
Photos from my trip, bits of writing and ephemera to illustrate the experience, further astrological interpretations and charts, contained in this beautiful glossy 8x10 magazine with CDR of the album attached. A digital download code for the music will also be provided. Please include your postal address in the comments when you make your contribution for this reward.
Thank you for your support!
A bit more about me and my activities...
ONGOING PROJECTS AND POSITIONS
Development of Jean Langlais repertoire for organ – Self-directed study – Ottawa
Program Convenor and Pro Organo Assistant Coordinator– Royal Canadian College of Organists Board of Directors – Ottawa
Programming Committee – Eastern Bloc New Media Centre – Montreal
Producer, Artistic Director – Cool Fest concert series – Montreal, New York City
PAST PROJECTS AND POSITIONS
2014 – 2016 Assistant Producer, Editor — Canada Council for the Arts
2006 – 2015 Guest Curator at Suoni per Il Popolo improvised music festival – Montreal
2012 – 2013 Staff Columnist at The Smoking Jacket online – Montreal
2006 – 2012 Resident Composer – La La La Human Steps – Montreal
2012 Symphony for Schools coordinator – Ottawa Symphony Orchestra
2009 – 2010 Assistant Producer – CPAC Television — Ottawa
2007 – 2008 Organ Consultant – St. James United Renaissance Project – Montreal
PERFORMANCES / LECTURES / BROADCASTS
2017 Organ improvisation concert at Christ Church Cathedral, for Oasis Musicale – Montreal
2017 Organ improvisation concert at Enfant-Jésus-de-Mile-End for Suoni Per Il Popolo – Montreal
2016 Organ Performance at Subotica Cathedral — Subotica, Serbia
2014 Lecture on the music of Jean Langlais at St. Matthew's Church – Ottawa
2013 Moderator of a symposium on the music industry at POP Montreal – Montreal
2012 Organ performance at Église Sainte-Brigide de Kildare – Montreal
2012 Guest organist at St. Matthew's Church – Ottawa
2011 New Work by Edouard Lock, La La La Human Steps – World tour, 94 performances
2011 Postlude at St. Matthew's Church – Ottawa
2011 Organ improvisation concert at St James United – Montreal
2010 Organ improvisation concert at St James United – Montreal
2007 Amjad, La La La Human Steps – World Tour, 130 performances
COMMISSIONS / INCIDENTAL MUSIC / SOUNDTRACKS
2017 Black Seas – The Dim Coast – Montreal
2013 Baby Brain (short film) 13 minutes for 8 piece chamber group – Toronto
2011 New Work (ballet by La La La Human Steps) 40 minutes for synthesizers, turntables and electronics
2007 Amjad (ballet by La La La Human Steps) 30 minutes for turntables and electronics
ALBUMS
2016 Escutcheon for pipe organ, Fluorescent Friends, Montreal
2012 Institutional Prostitution Ku$hi $hi $hi LP, Fluorescent Friends, Montréal
2010 Clinton Machine Gettin’ Personial LP, Inyrdisk, Toronto
2009 Cousins of Reggae Methridge LP, Olde English Spelling Bee, New York
2009 Cousins of Reggae/Lubriphikatttor LP, Galerie Pache, Paris
2008 Dreamcatcher Team Come True CS, Ecstatic Peace!, Northampton USA
2007 Dreamcatcher Prom Night LP, Angle-Rec, Montreal
2007 Cousins of Reggae Quartz LP, Spanish Magic, New South Wales
2006 Cousins of Reggae/Mouthus LP, Olde English Spelling Bee, New York
2005 Dreamcatcher Nimbus LP, Fluorescent Friends, Montréal
2004 Cousins of Reggae Summa Slamma LP, Ohnono, Montreal
2003 The Waxathon LP, Fluorescent Friends, Montreal
2001 State of the Union 2.001 3xCD, Electronic Music Foundation, New York
EDUCATION
2016 Pipe Organ Residency with János Pálúr – Budapest (partially funded by Canada Council for the Arts)
2012 Ontario Self-Employment Benefit Training – OSEB Ottawa
2007 Graduate Diploma in Journalism – Concordia University, Montréal
2002 Bachelor of Independent Studies in music (4yr. thesis) – University of Waterloo
Specializing in the music and theory of Paul Hindemith
Recipient of second-year scholarship
2000 IRCAM académie d'été – Centre Pompidou, Paris
1998 Undergraduate studies in piano – University of Victoria
1992 Junior Organ Scholar – St. Matthew's Church, Ottawa
Volunteer at Cambridge Street Public School – Grade 1 reading, writing 2013
Volunteer at Manordale Public School – Grade 1 reading, writing 2014
Volunteer at Rama Lotus Yoga & Wellness – 2016
Fluent in English and French
Citizenship: Canadian and UK
I support arts communities in a few different ways; as Program Convenor for the Royal Canadian College of Organists, Ottawa; organizing the concert series "Cool Fest" in Montreal and New York; publishing my peers' work on my collaborative publishing label "Fluorescent Friends"; and more.
In April 2016, thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign, for three weeks I was able to fulfil a dream of studying pipe organ improvisation with a master of the late French style. Professor Pálùr Janós and I related very well, and during my three weeks in Budapest his teaching took me out of my comfort zone and made me so much better. You can hear him coaching me during a lesson at the Cathedral of Subotica, in Serbia, here:
These studies revolutionized my music-making in all areas, whether on pipe organ, solo guitar, or with a band. This year I released new music, and gave my first ever solo pipe organ concert as part of a classical music concert series.
Now, a new opportunity has arisen.
I received a Chalmers Professional Development Grant from the Ontario Arts Council to continue my studies with Professor Pálùr for ten more weeks, to build on what we started in 2016.
So where does the crowdfunding come in? After ten weeks of private intensive performance instruction, I want to record improvisations and compositions on a variety of pipe organs across Europe.
In addition to this, I want to meet and learn from some other master improvisers in Europe. As I launched this campaign, I began to make inquiries about recording organs in France, and received an invitation to attend a master class with one of the most celebrated improvisers in the world, Pierre Pincemaille. What a good omen, to receive this invitation the day I launched my crowdfunding campaign. This organist is an asolute wizard.
You can donate any amount. The money will be used for flights, train tickets, bus tickets, rental car, food, lodging, recording equipment rental, SIM card, insurance, and other expenses for the seven weeks I'll be travelling and recording.
I accept in-kind contributions in forms other than money as well. A closet to sleep in in Genoa, a takeout box of food in Amsterdam, or an introduction to a European organist I can add to my itinerary would absolutely make a huge difference, and be very warmly appreciated.
I want to reach my goal as soon as possible, as I have already begun purchasing the necessary travel tickets and booking accommodation well enough in advance to get a good price. I'll start travelling November 6th, after my ten weeks in Budapest.
Your donation helps me pursue this project, through which I will find inspiration to compose new music. The project will also lead to my building a network of contacts for recitals and collaborations in the coming years. Your contribution combined with my woodshedding and sweat equity will make this project a success!
You can donate any amount. Thank you for your support!
____________________________________________________________
To explain this project a little more: Recording improvisations is the most effective way I express myself, begin a composition, and expand my personal musical possibilities. It allows for total freedom to explore ideas and take risks. It's a form which is incredibly intimate, where the music is as new to the listener as it is to the performer on first listen, and with each subsequent listen, the listener actually gains an advantage over me, the recorded performer, knowing what will happen when I do not.
When performing improvisations in public, there is very often some reliance on ideas that have been tried before. Without the expectations of any audience, I overcome myself, and drastic discoveries and musical innovations are allowed to visit. Of all of the recorded music I've published, roughly half was completely improvised.
By creating spontaneous music on all of these different organs, I'll be exposed to different sounds, timbres, acoustics, and configurations of the organ console. Practicing improvisation with these differences each time, which prevent the brain going on autopilot and promote flow, will accelerate my progress.
This experience will broaden my network of contacts in Europe for a future recital tour; it'll give me the raw materials, in the form of recordings, to compose some finished works for organ and other instruments. I'll visit La Fontenelle, France, birthplace of Jean Langlais, and Hanau, Germany, birthplace of Paul Hindemith.
This journey across Europe is the right way to conclude the intensive, deep studies I'll undertake in Budapest. It allows me to fully understand the history of pipe organ music in a completely hands-on way. Rehearsing for a recent performance, on a German organ, I had my first experience learning how to adjust my playing style and the style of my music to adapt to an instrument with a completely unfamiliar configuration and voice. The experience forced me out of my stylistic comfort zone, and I learned about the practicalities of adapting my musical ideas to the circumstances in which they must be expressed.
And of course the chance to study with M. Pincemaille in France is not to be missed. This is a rare and very exciting opportunity.
My ten weeks in Budapest will be a powerful training ground, and on leaving I'll be as good shape musically as I have ever been. With your help I'll make the most of that conditioning and build on it with this project, that will lay a foundation to support years of growth.
As I learned crowdfunding last year, every bit of support is incredibly encouraging. I was extremely touched by each contribution; by the reconnecting with old friends who came out of the sands of time to pitch in, by the support of current dear loved ones who I'm so happy to share my work with, and by the instantly strong bond formed with new people who I had never met who decided to give. Contributors become my team on this project, and it's a privilege to be inspired to do my very best to honour your partnership with me as I pursue and excavate meaning through these endeavours, and share the best part of myself with you.
Thank you for reading. There are many ways to give:
You can donate to this crowdfunding campaign through this website. The website takes an average of 10% of donations for administrative costs. I will receive the other 90% of what you contribute through the site.
Finally, you may wish to also buy some music! Most of the music I have ever released is available digitally on my Bandcamp. Please note, these contributions will also be subject to an administrative fee from bandcamp. Find this music here: blakehargreaves.bandcamp.com
You can contact me at blakehargreaves | at | gmail | dot | com
If you wish to discuss a contribution with me you may do so at this e-mail address. The amount of any dontation I receive outside of this campaign will be added to my accumulated total on this website.
Finally, as usual, there are rewards associated with various funding levels.
Funding rewards:
$10 - Digital Album
This is what it's all about. Every funder offering $10 or more will be offered a free download of the album I create, made up of the best improvisations from churches across Europe, with a unique image for every track. You will also be offered a free download of the accompanying booklet as well.
$50 - E-mail postcard + digital album
A personal postcard in the form of an e-mail with photos from a random location on my trip, complete with musings about what I did that day and astrological reflections. Please include your e-mail address in the private comments when you make your contribution if you would like this reward, thank you.
$125 – CDR Album + e-mail postcard
A CDR copy of the album mailed to you, plus the e-mail postcrd. For those old timers or retro-types who like this sort of thing and can play it. of particular interest if your car has a CD player and no aux jack, and you like to bang organ jams on the strip. A digital download code will also be provided. Please indicate in the comments if you want this reward and provide your postal address. Thanks!
$300 - Tour Scrapbook and CDR (plus postcard)
Photos from my trip, bits of writing and ephemera to illustrate the experience, further astrological interpretations and charts, contained in this beautiful glossy 8x10 magazine with CDR of the album attached. A digital download code for the music will also be provided. Please include your postal address in the comments when you make your contribution for this reward.
Thank you for your support!
A bit more about me and my activities...
ONGOING PROJECTS AND POSITIONS
Development of Jean Langlais repertoire for organ – Self-directed study – Ottawa
Program Convenor and Pro Organo Assistant Coordinator– Royal Canadian College of Organists Board of Directors – Ottawa
Programming Committee – Eastern Bloc New Media Centre – Montreal
Producer, Artistic Director – Cool Fest concert series – Montreal, New York City
PAST PROJECTS AND POSITIONS
2014 – 2016 Assistant Producer, Editor — Canada Council for the Arts
2006 – 2015 Guest Curator at Suoni per Il Popolo improvised music festival – Montreal
2012 – 2013 Staff Columnist at The Smoking Jacket online – Montreal
2006 – 2012 Resident Composer – La La La Human Steps – Montreal
2012 Symphony for Schools coordinator – Ottawa Symphony Orchestra
2009 – 2010 Assistant Producer – CPAC Television — Ottawa
2007 – 2008 Organ Consultant – St. James United Renaissance Project – Montreal
PERFORMANCES / LECTURES / BROADCASTS
2017 Organ improvisation concert at Christ Church Cathedral, for Oasis Musicale – Montreal
2017 Organ improvisation concert at Enfant-Jésus-de-Mile-End for Suoni Per Il Popolo – Montreal
2016 Organ Performance at Subotica Cathedral — Subotica, Serbia
2014 Lecture on the music of Jean Langlais at St. Matthew's Church – Ottawa
2013 Moderator of a symposium on the music industry at POP Montreal – Montreal
2012 Organ performance at Église Sainte-Brigide de Kildare – Montreal
2012 Guest organist at St. Matthew's Church – Ottawa
2011 New Work by Edouard Lock, La La La Human Steps – World tour, 94 performances
2011 Postlude at St. Matthew's Church – Ottawa
2011 Organ improvisation concert at St James United – Montreal
2010 Organ improvisation concert at St James United – Montreal
2007 Amjad, La La La Human Steps – World Tour, 130 performances
COMMISSIONS / INCIDENTAL MUSIC / SOUNDTRACKS
2017 Black Seas – The Dim Coast – Montreal
2013 Baby Brain (short film) 13 minutes for 8 piece chamber group – Toronto
2011 New Work (ballet by La La La Human Steps) 40 minutes for synthesizers, turntables and electronics
2007 Amjad (ballet by La La La Human Steps) 30 minutes for turntables and electronics
ALBUMS
2016 Escutcheon for pipe organ, Fluorescent Friends, Montreal
2012 Institutional Prostitution Ku$hi $hi $hi LP, Fluorescent Friends, Montréal
2010 Clinton Machine Gettin’ Personial LP, Inyrdisk, Toronto
2009 Cousins of Reggae Methridge LP, Olde English Spelling Bee, New York
2009 Cousins of Reggae/Lubriphikatttor LP, Galerie Pache, Paris
2008 Dreamcatcher Team Come True CS, Ecstatic Peace!, Northampton USA
2007 Dreamcatcher Prom Night LP, Angle-Rec, Montreal
2007 Cousins of Reggae Quartz LP, Spanish Magic, New South Wales
2006 Cousins of Reggae/Mouthus LP, Olde English Spelling Bee, New York
2005 Dreamcatcher Nimbus LP, Fluorescent Friends, Montréal
2004 Cousins of Reggae Summa Slamma LP, Ohnono, Montreal
2003 The Waxathon LP, Fluorescent Friends, Montreal
2001 State of the Union 2.001 3xCD, Electronic Music Foundation, New York
EDUCATION
2016 Pipe Organ Residency with János Pálúr – Budapest (partially funded by Canada Council for the Arts)
2012 Ontario Self-Employment Benefit Training – OSEB Ottawa
2007 Graduate Diploma in Journalism – Concordia University, Montréal
2002 Bachelor of Independent Studies in music (4yr. thesis) – University of Waterloo
Specializing in the music and theory of Paul Hindemith
Recipient of second-year scholarship
2000 IRCAM académie d'été – Centre Pompidou, Paris
1998 Undergraduate studies in piano – University of Victoria
1992 Junior Organ Scholar – St. Matthew's Church, Ottawa
Volunteer at Cambridge Street Public School – Grade 1 reading, writing 2013
Volunteer at Manordale Public School – Grade 1 reading, writing 2014
Volunteer at Rama Lotus Yoga & Wellness – 2016
Fluent in English and French
Citizenship: Canadian and UK
Organizer
Blake Hargreaves
Organizer
Ottawa, ON
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