I was at Hadlow Down Steam Rally last Sunday (in East Sussex, England,
for overseas readers).  Among other instruments there was a large,
loud 87-key Gavioli Militaire organ playing beautifully.  I stopped to
listen to a few songs and was rather amused to spy the operator in the
trailer, who sat on a seat behind wearing ear-protectors of the type
workers use when operating chain saws, pneumatic drills and similar
equipment.

Whilst I was enthralled at the richness of sound this 105-year old
machine could produce, it could also be heard for quite a way across
the din of a field full of steam traction engines, a fairground and
thousands of spectators.

The organ wasn't "too loud" (a Wurlitzer 180 is much louder), but
I was entirely sympathetic to the plight of the operator.  If I had
to sit in the back of a large fair or band organ in a confined space
all afternoon I'd probably also want ear-protection.  For the record,
whilst I enjoy this type of older music I also don't mind the modern
Eminem variety at all so it's not (for me, anyway) a matter of the
type of music.  It's just a question of volume.  I hate it when people
turn down music which should be played loud -- this is to make Muzak
of masterpieces.

Adam Ramet

P.S.: It is worth visiting Hadlow Down next year.  Entry allows
admission to the otherwise private Jesset Collection of organs.  There
is a Ruth, Mortier, Limonaire, Arburo, Marenghi and Richter to see and
hear.  The organs are maintained and restored by Kevin Meayers and
Paul Baines who were on hand on the day.  Their work is of very high
standard both technically and musically.