Two 64 footers in one spot, hear them both sing

[Corno Dolce]

Hi CT64,

That would be me who mentioned the "expensive draught". Now, in the interest of full disclosure I must dutifully mention that I "picked up" that term from reading Noel Bonavia-Hunt's treatise on organ building.

Cheers,

CD

[Contratrombone64]

Ah HA!! and to think I thought you were a most crafty linguist ...

[Corno Dolce]

Hi CT64,

I want to always give credit where credit is due.

Cheers,

CD

[smilingvox]

That's a good site... It's a shame there aren't any full length 64' stops in the UK. though there are some great cathedral organs near where I live (York Minster and Lincoln Cathedral). York Minster has some 32' open pipes outside the organ case as can be seen here.

Daniel

Hello Daniel,

At first glance, one might believe that the 1829 Elliott organ case, at York, contains the entire organ we know today, but the 32' Double Diapason shows an alternative for the placement of such large pipes. That, plus the Double Open Wood and Sackbut, couldn't possibly all be stuffed into the case.

Visually, I like that kind of distribution, pipework inside and outside the case as long as the case is given some visual breathing space.

Could you tell us where the other two 32s are located? Any photos?
And what pipes are those in the fourth photo?

Thanks!

[Daniel Palmer]

Hi smilingvox,

I don't know that much about the York Minster organ. I don't get there that often, though the last time I was there a wedding was on and so I ended up hearing a sort of mini-recital!

As far as I recall, there are some other pipes in the same place as the ones in the photo, but on the opposite side of the Quire. I imagine that they are part of another 32' stop, possibly two, but I am only guessing at this point. I don't know about the pipes in the fourth photo.

I'll try to get some photos the next time I go, which will probably be some time away, I'm afraid. Hope this bit of info is of use.

Daniel

[smilingvox]

Thanks, Dan. I appreciate it.

If I remember correctly, Durham Cathedral's website has a pic of a view looking down one of the side aisles with part of the 32' Open Wood (painted light grey) off to the side.

If I ever make it to the UK (I'd better before I leave this earth, as the UK is where most of my ancestors were from), I'd like to make it a point to lens "straggler" pipework, as well as the cases in whichever church or cathedrals I visit, which have had their organs enlarged at one point.

While I'm here, I might as well mention one interesting arrangement I saw in an Episcopal church in downtown Baltimore, MD. In the chancel, there is an old case from the mid-19th Century with three arched 8-ft. flats. The builder of the present organ had removed the facade pipes and installed additional windchests, in front of the case, in line with those inside. So, it's like seeing the upper work being pushed out of the case.

Sorry, a photo would explain this much better.

[Contratrombone64]

I have this strange feeling that the pipe organ is the only truly unique instrument built as no two are ever the same, an amazing epiphany!, thougth I'd share.

[smilingvox]

I have that same strange feeling, too. Startling, isn't it?

Pipe organs can be very complex instruments compared to other kinds of instruments. They can be added onto, divisions can be relocated for whatever reason, old electro-pneumatic combination actions can be replaced with electronic ones, etc. I think each organ has its own personality.