First performance of the reproduction Roman (or Greek) Hydraulis Organ at Bath

Alexander Henshaw plays the reproduction Roman (or is it Greek ) Hydraulis, assisted by designer Richard Ellam. The apparently authentic tune is Aulos et Hydraulis by German ensemble Musica Romana. The water in the chamber holds back a smoothlyregulated reservoir of high pressure air to feed the pipes. The idea is to prevent the cyclical pulses from the bellows spoiling the steady notes of the organ, although a distinct beat can be heard as the organ plays, made less obtrusive by Richard pumping in time with the music. So rather disappointingly the water element doesn t actually help to create the pressure, which comes entirely from the manumatic bellows on the back.