It’s Saturday, which in theory is a day of rest for many people. Though in these everybody-works-from-home days there may be less of a distinction between times of work and leisure.
I’ve been enjoying the daydreaming about travel, something that I still hope will be a reality for me this summer, even though I know there is little chance of my usual two weeks on the beach in Maine. Kind friends have been sending me information about places in Germany to see instead of the borders don’t open.
As someone who loves music, one of my favorite places that I have visited in the last decade is the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels. Most of this week we have roamed its seven floors together.
I took several hundred pictures the afternoon I visited, and as I have decided this week what to share with you I can see where the fatigue began to creep in. There are some areas I wish I had taken more pictures. So much to take in, and I only had three hours. Maybe the next time I am in Brussels I’ll visit again.
random thoughts from lorne 
The History of Casavant Frères
The firm was founded in 1879 by the two brothers Claver and Samuel Casavant, hence the name Casavant Frères (Casavant Brothers).
Claver and Samuel Casavant in 1895
Claver and Samuel Casavant in 1895
Claver and Samuel Casavant grew up observing their father’s love of the craft of organ building. In 1878 Claver left for France and worked for John Abbey in Versailles. His brother Samuel joined him later and both spent time with Cavaillé-Coll. Then they traveled extensively in Europe, visiting various builders and significant organs in France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and England. On their return to Canada, in 1879 they established their firm on the site where the present workshops stand.
Casavant of 4 manuals 82 stops completed in 1891
Casavant of 4 manuals 82 stops completed in 1891
The instrument that firmly established Casavant Frères as organ builders of international repute was a four-manual mechanical action of 82 stops completed in 1891 for the Church of Notre-Dame in Montréal. The instrument included adjustable combinations and 32’ speaking pipes in the façade.
During their career, the brothers received much recognition for their work.
International Exposition Grand Prix, Antwerp, 1930
International Exposition Grand Prix, Antwerp, 1930
The recognition included being awarded the Grand Prix at the International Exhibition held in Antwerp, Belgium in 1930. In addition to the numerous organs in North America, they installed organs in France, the West Indies, South and Central America, South Africa and Japan. Voluminous archives abound in letters and testimonials from famous international organists such as Louis Vierne, C-M Widor, Alexandre Guilmant and Eugène Gigout.
Since the beginnings of the company there has been a desire to keep abreast of new developments and test new ideas and concepts.
Throughout its history Casavant benefited from the leadership of very talented and influential individuals who successively have occupied the position of Artistic and Tonal Director. The firm’s tonal philosophy was crafted by experts trained in the countries with some of the best organ building traditions in the world: France, England, Germany, United States and Canada.
I knew some of that!