"Not for a long time, if ever, have I read a more enjoyable book about the organ." ~ (Translated from German, review by Richard Mailänder, a German musicologist, professor and archdiocesan director of the Archdiocese of Cologne. Full review below)
"The mood may be whimsical and humorous, but the knowledge and enthusiasm that underpin it sweep the text along. Glorious stuff . . . " (NZ Listener February 17, 2018)
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One of the 26 illustrations drawn by award-winning cartoonist Al Nisbet
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Review (translated from the German) by Richard Mailänder, a German musicologist , professor and archdiocesan director of the Archdiocese of Cologne.
"Aren't there already enough books about organs? Well, you might think so!
Unless someone takes a completely new approach to compiling a book about organs, that is.
And the more I read this new publication from Butz Music Publishers, the more fascinated I am with it, from the selection of pictures to the detailed text, full of stories, yet also containing an enormous number of facts.
The underlying idea of the book in itself is exceptionally enjoyable. Then there are the various facades and organ cases, the different pipes, consoles, inner mechanism, not forgetting the organist at the console, and life as an organist. All underlined by numerous pictures, many new to me, and interspersed with funny drawings and many stories. Not for a long time, if ever, have I read a more enjoyable book about the organ.
I think it would be worth buying the book, and delving into it again and again for your own pleasure whether you play the organ, or just want to know about it. One can only congratulate the publishers for seizing the opportunity to be able to publish this book, and also for the idea of a bonus 'goody': there is a foreword by Harald Schmidt."
"Aren't there already enough books about organs? Well, you might think so!
Unless someone takes a completely new approach to compiling a book about organs, that is.
And the more I read this new publication from Butz Music Publishers, the more fascinated I am with it, from the selection of pictures to the detailed text, full of stories, yet also containing an enormous number of facts.
The underlying idea of the book in itself is exceptionally enjoyable. Then there are the various facades and organ cases, the different pipes, consoles, inner mechanism, not forgetting the organist at the console, and life as an organist. All underlined by numerous pictures, many new to me, and interspersed with funny drawings and many stories. Not for a long time, if ever, have I read a more enjoyable book about the organ.
I think it would be worth buying the book, and delving into it again and again for your own pleasure whether you play the organ, or just want to know about it. One can only congratulate the publishers for seizing the opportunity to be able to publish this book, and also for the idea of a bonus 'goody': there is a foreword by Harald Schmidt."
"Organs and Organists: Their Inside Stories" is a complete cornucopia of everything you might have (n)ever wanted to know about the organ in a novel and often hilarious way.
Following Jenny Setchell's first book of anecdotes, "Organ-isms: Anecdotes from the World of the King of Instruments", this follow-up volume enlarges upon the subject to describe the instrument for non-players as well as those familiar with it.
"Inside Stories" shows the heart of the world of organs in way you have never seen it before; with glorious colour photographs on almost every page, you get taken behind the scenes of the facades that are admired the world over. Enjoy the problems and funny situations that organists find themselves in and unlock the world that is often seen as stuffy, or just plain weird. It is nothing of the sort! (Well, it can be incredibly peculiar. But you'll have to read it to find out about that). The foreword is written by Christopher Herrick, former Westminster Abbey organist, himself a renowned recording artist and international concert performer.
In PART ONE, hundreds of full-colour, stunning photographs of organs, both inside and out, demonstrate the beauty and complexity of the 'King of Instruments'. How it works and what it looks like behind the pipes
With a personal account in PART TWO, author Jenny Setchell reveals the sometimes distressing but often hilarious moments she shares with her husband, concert organist Martin Setchell, as they cope with the highs and lows of life on the road. Intensely personal, it also explains why she hates being asked how her lazy holiday in Europe went. . .
In PART THREE, with six short satirical articles, Adrian Marple describes the reality of working for an English church as organist and choirmaster. Adrian is known for his witty and illuminating accounts of life in the loft through his blog.
PART FOUR consists of anecdotes by about 60 organists from around the world, whether they be small-town church musicians or touring concert artists. Awkward relationships with clergy, frustrating encounters with congregations, and happenings that take everyone by surprise: it's all there.
The book aims to show in pictures - with a light, humorous touch - what other books only talk about. Aimed at those who don't know much about the King of Instruments, it is equally appealing for those who play it for a living. It does so in a novel, entertaining way, with more than 470 photographs, cartoons, and drawings.
Following Jenny Setchell's first book of anecdotes, "Organ-isms: Anecdotes from the World of the King of Instruments", this follow-up volume enlarges upon the subject to describe the instrument for non-players as well as those familiar with it.
"Inside Stories" shows the heart of the world of organs in way you have never seen it before; with glorious colour photographs on almost every page, you get taken behind the scenes of the facades that are admired the world over. Enjoy the problems and funny situations that organists find themselves in and unlock the world that is often seen as stuffy, or just plain weird. It is nothing of the sort! (Well, it can be incredibly peculiar. But you'll have to read it to find out about that). The foreword is written by Christopher Herrick, former Westminster Abbey organist, himself a renowned recording artist and international concert performer.
In PART ONE, hundreds of full-colour, stunning photographs of organs, both inside and out, demonstrate the beauty and complexity of the 'King of Instruments'. How it works and what it looks like behind the pipes
With a personal account in PART TWO, author Jenny Setchell reveals the sometimes distressing but often hilarious moments she shares with her husband, concert organist Martin Setchell, as they cope with the highs and lows of life on the road. Intensely personal, it also explains why she hates being asked how her lazy holiday in Europe went. . .
In PART THREE, with six short satirical articles, Adrian Marple describes the reality of working for an English church as organist and choirmaster. Adrian is known for his witty and illuminating accounts of life in the loft through his blog.
PART FOUR consists of anecdotes by about 60 organists from around the world, whether they be small-town church musicians or touring concert artists. Awkward relationships with clergy, frustrating encounters with congregations, and happenings that take everyone by surprise: it's all there.
The book aims to show in pictures - with a light, humorous touch - what other books only talk about. Aimed at those who don't know much about the King of Instruments, it is equally appealing for those who play it for a living. It does so in a novel, entertaining way, with more than 470 photographs, cartoons, and drawings.
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Regardless of whether you are an organist or a musician/non-musician, this book is full of wit. As an organist I sigh/laugh out loud when reading because there are too many jokes that are so close to reality. I had to give up reading it on my morning commute due to the smiles and near laughing-out-loud - people were looking at me to check I wasn't reading Fifty Shades of Grey.
Peter Yardley-Jones, Organists' Review, December 2017
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Click on thumbnail to read the review
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Click on thumbnail to read full review
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"I can really recommend this book - you will have a job putting it down -"
The Organ Club Journal 2018 (organclub.org)
The Organ Club Journal 2018 (organclub.org)
"Glossy, lavishly colourful, and amusing" - UK Church Times
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"[Picture reproduced ]From a chapter, “Mountaineering Gear Optional”, on the vertiginous aspects of organ lofts and their spiral staircases, including a perilous organ seat with nothing behind it [Read more here. . . ] Church Times, 24 November 2017
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"This is definitely an all-ages and all-knowledges book" - NZ Organ News
From the New Zealand Organ News, Vol 53, No.3 November 2017 by Walter Nicholls (reproduced by kind permission) Click on the thumbnails to expand
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"What fun it is!" - Organists' Review (UK)
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"I had to give up reading it on my morning commute due to the smiles and near laughing-out-loud ... people were looking at me to check I wasn't reading Fifty Shades of Grey"... If you're looking for a Christmas present - look no further as this really does tick all the boxes!"
- Peter Yardley-Jones [Click on the thumbnail to the right to read a little more, or subscribe to Organists' Review.] NOTE: The review erroneously states that there are 148 pages. There are in fact 416.
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Click to enlarge the image
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"It's the book we organists have really dreamed about" - Sydney Organ Journal
'Organs & Organists- their inside stories' is the latest book from NZ-based writer, photographer, and wife of organist Martin, the redoubtable Jenny Setchell. She is also surely one of the most entrepreneurial and enthusiastic, non-playing advocates of the organ today.
This book, despite its odd physical dimensions, must also rank as one of the most fascinating and beautiful to ever hit the press. That it has, in these days of electronic media- and to what I presume is a fairly limited readership- is a minor miracle.
When I was a young teenage organist, I used to cycle to the local library to pore over the pictures of organs in Grove's Dictionary of Music and musicians- such was the paucity of information and photos of this most beguiling of instruments. However, had the esteemed Clacton-on-Sea library held a copy of Jenny's book, I think I would have exploded with excitement.
If there has been an organ book more beautifully illustrated, I have yet to see it. For Jenny is an expert in photographing the organ in all of its glory. But not just pretty pipes- every single corner of our instrument is exposed, all for the sake of our inner nerds. There are glorious piccies of organ benches, stop knobs, blowers, toe pistons, chamades: even of different types of sequencers! Everything you ever wanted to see is here, although even I could probably have done without pictures of said husband Martin's various organ-induced injuries!
In terms of contents, it is difficult to adequately define - it's like an organ-lover's mantlepiece- just fascinating but haphazard. Anecdotes abound: similar to the author's previous volume 'Organisms', together with cartoons, lists of everything and anything, extracts from Adrian Marple's light-hearted blog of an organist's lot, and at last, something I had been dying to see - a picture of the Ratzeburg Cathedral's 'Rauchswerk': a stop which when pulled opens a drinks cabinet on the console!
The photo reproduction, print, and paper quality is very glossy and is absolutely first class - it is a real coffee table/ organ bench must. My only regret is that the dimensions are not bigger as to enjoy the sumptuous photos even more, but I imagine that would hike the price beyond the reach of us impecunious organists.
I can't begin to describe how much wonderfully indulgent fun it is to read this book: it's the book we organists have really dreamed about, but could never imagine being published! We really won't be able to put this one down - thank you Jenny for indulging the organ community so spectacularly. An absolute must-have for ANYONE remotely connected with the king of instruments.' - Ross Cobb, Sydney Organ Journal Copyright 2017
This book, despite its odd physical dimensions, must also rank as one of the most fascinating and beautiful to ever hit the press. That it has, in these days of electronic media- and to what I presume is a fairly limited readership- is a minor miracle.
When I was a young teenage organist, I used to cycle to the local library to pore over the pictures of organs in Grove's Dictionary of Music and musicians- such was the paucity of information and photos of this most beguiling of instruments. However, had the esteemed Clacton-on-Sea library held a copy of Jenny's book, I think I would have exploded with excitement.
If there has been an organ book more beautifully illustrated, I have yet to see it. For Jenny is an expert in photographing the organ in all of its glory. But not just pretty pipes- every single corner of our instrument is exposed, all for the sake of our inner nerds. There are glorious piccies of organ benches, stop knobs, blowers, toe pistons, chamades: even of different types of sequencers! Everything you ever wanted to see is here, although even I could probably have done without pictures of said husband Martin's various organ-induced injuries!
In terms of contents, it is difficult to adequately define - it's like an organ-lover's mantlepiece- just fascinating but haphazard. Anecdotes abound: similar to the author's previous volume 'Organisms', together with cartoons, lists of everything and anything, extracts from Adrian Marple's light-hearted blog of an organist's lot, and at last, something I had been dying to see - a picture of the Ratzeburg Cathedral's 'Rauchswerk': a stop which when pulled opens a drinks cabinet on the console!
The photo reproduction, print, and paper quality is very glossy and is absolutely first class - it is a real coffee table/ organ bench must. My only regret is that the dimensions are not bigger as to enjoy the sumptuous photos even more, but I imagine that would hike the price beyond the reach of us impecunious organists.
I can't begin to describe how much wonderfully indulgent fun it is to read this book: it's the book we organists have really dreamed about, but could never imagine being published! We really won't be able to put this one down - thank you Jenny for indulging the organ community so spectacularly. An absolute must-have for ANYONE remotely connected with the king of instruments.' - Ross Cobb, Sydney Organ Journal Copyright 2017
Readers write, and other reviews about "Inside Stories"
- It is lovely - the photos are delicious - and you have made it so easy for people like me who have no musical background to understand and enjoy the content. - Lathee
- ... a friend who had bought a copy lent it to me and I was so impressed by its contents ie the amusing anecdotes, beautiful photographs and informative text that I had to obtain a copy for myself. - Christopher S.
- Reading every word and loving your book! - Don H.
- "Organs and Organists" arrived promptly and I enjoyed every page. Thank you. Just wonderful! Beautiful photos. I'm happy to help support your two accident-prone cats. I also enjoyed "Organ-isms". Look forward to your next book. - David H.
- What a brilliant follow-up to Organ-isms! I'm about half-way through and loving the fabulous photos and fun descriptions with your signature wit. - Rodney G.
- I have finished your quite splendid book, and have been well informed about the mysteries of the organ and organists, and well entertained as well. Most impressed at the huge effort required, all the work, and definitely at the final result. Congratulations indeed. I now realise how complex organs are, how difficult to play, and how plainly certifiable one must be to become an organist. - A.P.
- It is beautifully produced, with a wealth of information, garnished with delicious humour, that we had never previously thought to ask about. A great read. - Keith
- Thank you so much for the book, which will save hours and hours of time in explaining how organs (and organists ) work. It should be part of every organbuilder’s resource list! - Ken
- . . . And am delighted! Something for everyone. Succinct. Fantastic photographs. AND you have 2 beautiful sub-editors. - Ruth
- What a fabulous book!! Just gorgeous, front to back, and so many funny and fascinating things to read. I can’t wait till next week and the chance to really get into it! Thank you, and congratulations on this achievement!! - Becky
- What an absolute gem of a book that is. There is SO much there that it really does take time to work through it all!
Hence the delay in my acknowledgement. Even now, I am only part-way through the book. The pictures are all fabulous - and with many organs and their consoles it is really difficult to get a good angle with good lighting. Butyou and your sources have achieved that, splendidly! Bravo! Neil Mander - I just have to tell you how much I enjoyed it! It is such a complete contrast to the usual books about organs, most of which are digestible only to committed organists. But yours has everything- superb photos, clear explanations and lots of anecdotes. As an amateur organist I can relate personally to many of them. Bruce Stern
- I was highly delighted to receive your book, with anticipation after enjoying your earlier volume. I can only regard it as a tour de force- what a magnificent collection both of data, photographs and stories. It rang so many bells with me although I have not had the privilege of enjoying the availability of pipe organs in recent years ... I appreciated not only the content but the wit with which you write ... So all in all please accept my gratitude for such an excellent production. - L.S.
- Today I received my long-anticipated copy of Jenny Setchell's magnum opus, "Organs and Organists: Their Inside Stories."The proud owner of her two earlier books, "Organ-isms: Anecdotes from the World of the King of Instruments" and "Looking Up," I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed.
After reading Christopher Herrick's foreword, I was hooked. Jenny, a wonderful photographer as well as organist and writer, has put together a beautifully printed book that all organists and lovers of organ music will treasure. The book is entertaining, enlightening, and downright hilarious! I highly recommend it! Included in the many outstanding photos of organs are a couple of mine. I was honored that Jenny asked to include my photographs of the Wanamaker Organ and the Boardwalk Hall Organ in Atlantic City. It's a terrific book! In my humble opinion, it's destined to become a classic. - Joe Routon - It’s wonderful! I love the chunkiness of it, plus the extraordinary collection of photographs. Then…there’s the enticing latter part! - April B
- Wow love the book , - will order two more for presents - Paul West
- I’m happy to say that I have a copy, bought from Dr Butz’s company on its special offer for contributors. It really is a splendid read and I love the photographs too. I do like the way it’s both pitched at organists and non-believers who will be converted and I’m sure it will do well. It does explain the trials we go through in a great way. - Peter T
- I am very impressed by the quality of this book and the interesting and informative content which will appeal to organ lovers and those new to the subject alike. A variety of colour photographs and other illustrations adds to the attraction. Jenny has also had the good sense to include some light-hearted and humorous content. Highly recommended. - John Robinson
- I received your wonderful new book from the publishing house. Thanks a lot! I really enjoy each moment of reading and discovering; immersing in another, but yet familiar world. Your book is a masterpiece! The size, the layout, the quality of the paper and printing, the decorative elements between the chapters, all the high quality photographs, the drawings in the historical style, and, of course, your selection of the written content!It ranges from real funny to deeply touching, e.g. THE POIGNANCY OF PIPES by Dr Jeannine Jordan. Already the first pages made me laughing, by WHAT THEY MIGHT HAVE SAID ABOUT THIS BOOK. There are so many details, which simply made me grateful to own this unique book. - Christoph.
- I am delighted to find that it is full of your off-beat humour which we have so frequently shared on so many occasions. Margaret’s almost immediate comment was “They must have had fun compiling it” and everything in “their Inside Stories” reflects this - even the cover needs close inspection. This makes the book so special as we don’t just read it – we share it with you. The real bonus of “Organs and Organists” is that it combines all your skill as a photographer with just the right amount of background comment. I flows along effortlessly and I was up to page 63 before Margaret threatened to cancel dinner if I didn’t put it down and come to the table! Yes, she did- she really did! Well, I hope that you have now gathered that the book has really delighted us. -Ian.
- Good to see the final version, which at first sight looks to be a very high quality volume, in terms of both content and production. I shall look forward to my bedtime reading for the next several nights! - Stuart
- My copy of the book has arrived from Germany and I am thrilled to have it, especially as it is the hard-cover version. Congratulations to you on your superb production. It is packed with helpful information for lovers of the organ, tempered with your good humoured additions. The range of photos is a treasure in itself, brilliant photography of so many organs around the world. I have read it from cover to cover, but of course it is book for continual browsing, so dipping into it will be a long-lasting delight.
- What a lot of work you put in to make it so comprehensive, a real labour of love. I enjoyed your Mum’s comment, "very nice dear now go and tidy your room! I can picture your work room buried under a mountain of paper. - Peter
- I received your new book (along with an extra copy for a friend) a couple weeks ago, and have been "having a ball" devouring it. Congratulations on make so many thousands of facts and figures so readable! - Fred Swann
What they are definitely not saying about "Organs & Organists" (Yet):
- “Not nearly long enough.” — Richard Wagner
- “Pathetic attempt to explain human anatomy, with only one out-dated sketch of a single relevant organ. Who is this female?” — Royal College of Human Anatomists
- “To B, or to Bb, that was my real question; forsooth, this uncomely wench hath penned much of the loathsome huffity-puffity wheezebox and more of the silver tongu-ed musick than I ever dared. How base, how vile is this. I will have no more of it.” — W. Shakespeare (Mr)
- “Ban it.” — Donald Trump
- “Too many words, my dear Jenny, too many words.” — Emperor Joseph II
- “Superficial, banal, et surtout a waste de mon temps.” — Aristide Cavaillé-Coll
- “Simply a must-have for all organists; it’s the perfect height for adjusting organ benches.” — International Association of Organ Grinders
- “Thank you. Now we know what he got up to.”— Maria Barbara Bach, Anna Magdalena Bach
- “No technical details about the workings of the 64ft Diaphone Dulzian. Shame on you.” — Knobby Ratchety-Scale-Blowerington-Smythe (Mrs)
- “No other book, in the history of the organ, has ever explained as effectively the difference between the sound of a 32ft Sordun and an attack of Death Watch Beetle.” — Dr C. Thunderpfeifen
- “We could have written many more vivid accounts. Very disappointed.” — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (Saints Inc.)
- “I’m not in it! I’m not in it! Why is this?” — L. v. Beethoven
- “Very nice, dear. Now tidy your room.” — Jenny’s mum
