I used to practice on this instrument, when I was a student at Concordia University, back in the middle 90's. It was an absolute joy to play on, and wherever you would go in the room, the organ sounds like it's in your face. Still today one of the best organs I have ever played!
I am a Catholic. Growing up, we had several Lutheran neighbors, Missouri Synod, and ALC or LCA. don't remember. There were wonderful neighbors. I respected them. When I was in Grade School, i listened to KFUO in St. Louis (a Lutheran station at Concordia Seminary). I always thought Lutherans had the best music.
AEolian-Skinners are so well scaled and voiced that the ranks of every division complement each other - they create a cohesive tonal bouquet never competing or suppressing each other as this demonstration shows. Unlike other modern day so called 'heroic' organs, one can play AE-S organs full organ for hours and never have to take a break and take an aspirin for a headache and lay down when you're done!
Better that Aeolian-Skinner got the contract for the organ rather than Schlicker. Schlicker would have built the organ for 1/3 the price of Aeolian-Skinner, but it would have been a Schlicker. Lovely organ. Take good care of it. Organs like this one can not be replaced today.
Slightly off topic but the differences in the 1950s to present is amazing. I live in South Philadelphia (think Rocky Balboa) which had the largest parochial school population in the USA. It’s a fraction of what it used to be. Beautiful churches have been demolished. Some that survive contain organs that fell silent years ago. Some of Philadelphia’s finest architecture is gone forever.
I agree that 16' is absolutely deadly. I have to admit calling it a Posaune is a bit of a misnomer If anything I call it a "Pombarde". I have to sympathize with Andrew that there really is a three bears conundrum that there really is not a 16' Pedal reed that you could effectively use for Bach without it sounding too lost in the principal chorus or something that is just loud and proud. Either way really surprising instrument the master controls for the Nave lighting in the choir loft is just too perfect. I guess it is for when those historically lengthy LCMS sermons and the organist has not had his morning cup of coffee.
A lovely organ in a great acoustic! While the organ looks deceiving on paper, it still definitely sounds like what I’d expect an organ voiced G. Donald Harrison to sound like.
This is the coolest looking organ I've ever seen! I like the fact that almost all the pipes are exposed. But still it doesn't surpass my favorite organ, the 2015 Quimby in fourth presbyterian church in Chicago!
Lots to like here. Chiffy flutes, lots of mutations (I quite like the Quintanon mixture, although wouldn't it be convenient to have the ninth independently available?), beautiful copper sheen on the exposed hooded trumpet, and a big 16' Posaune that isn't buried under a big registration. Very nice.
G. Donald Harrison designed the organ at St. Paul Lutheran here in Savannah, Georgia. It has been modified some since, but most of the Harrison organ is still there. It is in a wonderful building with many hard surfaces. If you’re ever this way be sure to visit. Virgil Fox also did a recital there among many other fine organists. It’s worthy of a look if you’re down South. Has wonderful strings, good reeds, and good foundation stops. There is an antiphonal division as well as pipes in the front Three manuals; I’m not sure the number of ranks.
As long as you're in Chicago, you might want to pop down to Pullman and see the 1882 Steere & Turner tracker action organ, Opus 170, at Greenstone Methodist. It's a two manual, 24 rank instrument that is, other than having an electric blower installed, original.
Thanks for the tour. The trumpet non-chamade is an unfortunate addition. I understand that ever since Harrison's State Trumpet organists (and in some cases organ committees and builders) want the battle horns--a visible and aural representation of power. But for pity sake why can't discretion be exercised in how it is blended into the overall tonal and visual in keeping with the character of the instrument? Brittle add-ons detract from the basic character and tonal concept. If Harrison had wanted a high-pressure reed in this modest organ, he above any other builder was supremely qualified to make that call.
The video thumbnail reminded me of Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI… I remember hearing that organ when I visited my grandparents, but since they died, I haven’t seen it at all… I’m not sure how you choose which organs to visit, but is it at all possible you could visit there?…
Interestingly enough, I've never encountered those odd mutation combinations on a Bunjes spec before. In fact, the ones I've played had a 2 2/3 and a 1 3/5, but could have benefited from a 1 1/3.
Its a little bit of a stereotype, if a true one. Many churches planted by Lutherans were hastily constructed in the mid 20th century- reverrent practicality won out over reverrent aesthetics. Back in the Northeast there are a few standout Lutheran churches from architectural standpoint. These congregationations tend to have reached their peaks in the very early 20th century and late 19th century-- look for older, wealthier congregations in historically industrial areas and you'll find Lutheran buildings that are furnished much the same and by the same contractors as the finest Anglican, Catholic and Presbyterian parishes- some of them are absolute unexpected gems.
Beautiful church. Ironic about Catholic architect designing Lutheran church as many of Chicagos most celebrated Catholic churches architecturally were designed by two German American Lutherans, Worthmann & Steinbach, including many of the city’s so called “Polish Cathedrals”
There is a wonderful 2m Harrison Skinner in Salinas, Ca.. it is a signature organ as well. Unfortunately in 2022 the 16-8-4 reed chorus was wrecked by the removal of the lovely 4' Rohr Schalmei and replaced with a common supply house Oboe. A dreadful move. It was a shame, but the rest of the organ was left largely as Harrison left it.
I tried to use the provided link to look at the stop list. SADLY it took me to the church web site. There is nothing about the organ, overall the site is pathetic.
Liturgical churches (Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal) will always have alter in center of chancel, whereas Presbyterian and other Protestant churches may (not always) have the pulpit in center, one of easy ways to quickly tell if unsure. This particular church’s daughter church is the larger Grace Lutheran now in nearby River Forest with a very large organ (and small one too), that parish has for 50+ years hosted regular Bach vespers and beautiful music weekly.
I used to practice on this instrument, when I was a student at Concordia University, back in the middle 90's. It was an absolute joy to play on, and wherever you would go in the room, the organ sounds like it's in your face. Still today one of the best organs I have ever played!
I am a Catholic. Growing up, we had several Lutheran neighbors, Missouri Synod, and ALC or LCA. don't remember. There were wonderful neighbors. I respected them. When I was in Grade School, i listened to KFUO in St. Louis (a Lutheran station at Concordia Seminary). I always thought Lutherans had the best music.
AEolian-Skinners are so well scaled and voiced that the ranks of every division complement each other - they create a cohesive tonal bouquet never competing or suppressing each other as this demonstration shows. Unlike other modern day so called 'heroic' organs, one can play AE-S organs full organ for hours and never have to take a break and take an aspirin for a headache and lay down when you're done!
Better that Aeolian-Skinner got the contract for the organ rather than Schlicker. Schlicker would have built the organ for 1/3 the price of Aeolian-Skinner, but it would have been a Schlicker. Lovely organ. Take good care of it. Organs like this one can not be replaced today.
Slightly off topic but the differences in the 1950s to present is amazing. I live in South Philadelphia (think Rocky Balboa) which had the largest parochial school population in the USA. It’s a fraction of what it used to be. Beautiful churches have been demolished. Some that survive contain organs that fell silent years ago. Some of Philadelphia’s finest architecture is gone forever.
I love that 16' Posaune in that pedal! That entire Organ looks like it could be big enough to house a 32' Contre Posaune!
I agree that 16' is absolutely deadly. I have to admit calling it a Posaune is a bit of a misnomer If anything I call it a "Pombarde". I have to sympathize with Andrew that there really is a three bears conundrum that there really is not a 16' Pedal reed that you could effectively use for Bach without it sounding too lost in the principal chorus or something that is just loud and proud. Either way really surprising instrument the master controls for the Nave lighting in the choir loft is just too perfect. I guess it is for when those historically lengthy LCMS sermons and the organist has not had his morning cup of coffee.
I grew up Lutheran, and that "Chorale" sound . . . oh boy, that was familiar to me. Brought back memories from long ago.
What a delightful show piece!
A lovely organ in a great acoustic! While the organ looks deceiving on paper, it still definitely sounds like what I’d expect an organ voiced G. Donald Harrison to sound like.
Very entertaining. The organist is a real character !
I love all the videos with Andrew. I hope he can join you more often. 😊
Wonderful instrument!
Lovely sounds indeed
Beautiful and MOST COLORFUL
The Widor Andante Cantabile is glorious. Brings back memories of Frank Asper on The Tabernacle A/S.
Very nice organ and sound
Great 8' is gorgeous
This is the coolest looking organ I've ever seen! I like the fact that almost all the pipes are exposed. But still it doesn't surpass my favorite organ, the 2015 Quimby in fourth presbyterian church in Chicago!
Lots to like here. Chiffy flutes, lots of mutations (I quite like the Quintanon mixture, although wouldn't it be convenient to have the ninth independently available?), beautiful copper sheen on the exposed hooded trumpet, and a big 16' Posaune that isn't buried under a big registration. Very nice.
Beautiful sensitive playing!🎉 Gorgeous organ!
G. Donald Harrison designed the organ at St. Paul Lutheran here in Savannah, Georgia. It has been modified some since, but most of the Harrison organ is still there. It is in a wonderful building with many hard surfaces. If you’re ever this way be sure to visit. Virgil Fox also did a recital there among many other fine organists. It’s worthy of a look if you’re down South. Has wonderful strings, good reeds, and good foundation stops. There is an antiphonal division as well as pipes in the front Three manuals; I’m not sure the number of ranks.
As long as you're in Chicago, you might want to pop down to Pullman and see the 1882 Steere & Turner tracker action organ, Opus 170, at Greenstone Methodist. It's a two manual, 24 rank instrument that is, other than having an electric blower installed, original.
Great demonstration, guys. Brilliant improvisations, too, Andrew!
Great video! Andrew always does such a great job. Thank you both!
Really well done!
How I wish John Hendriksen and Thomas Anderson from AE-S and Joe Clipp from TRIVO had done the tonal work and additions to this this fine organ.
Pommel is 8 foot long, half the length and stopped/capped at the top to produce a 16 foot open pipe sound.
Saw the Vox Humana
"Here it is with the quintanon, because why the hell not." 🤣
Nice instrument.
I think Johnny Mercer said it best when he wrote, you have to accentuate the positive! 😆
I noticed this is OP 1235. My home church had OP 1233. A-S made a nice organ.
Thanks for the tour. The trumpet non-chamade is an unfortunate addition. I understand that ever since Harrison's State Trumpet organists (and in some cases organ committees and builders) want the battle horns--a visible and aural representation of power. But for pity sake why can't discretion be exercised in how it is blended into the overall tonal and visual in keeping with the character of the instrument? Brittle add-ons detract from the basic character and tonal concept. If Harrison had wanted a high-pressure reed in this modest organ, he above any other builder was supremely qualified to make that call.
To be fair, the posaune in the pedal has the same issue. But yeah...no thanks to the GT reed!
AEolian-Skinner organs remain the finest, most grand, and elegant of American pipe organs.
The video thumbnail reminded me of Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI… I remember hearing that organ when I visited my grandparents, but since they died, I haven’t seen it at all… I’m not sure how you choose which organs to visit, but is it at all possible you could visit there?…
I have played the lovely organ at Calvin Christian Reformed. I thought the same thing - they do look similar.
Interestingly enough, I've never encountered those odd mutation combinations on a Bunjes spec before. In fact, the ones I've played had a 2 2/3 and a 1 3/5, but could have benefited from a 1 1/3.
PDB says 43 ranks........is actually closer to 54 ranks after cursory count. a 4 rank mixture counts as 4 ranks, not 1.
I agree with Mr. Schaeffer. Lutherans could learn a thing or two about designs. Something to do with less blonde wooden arches and so on.
Its a little bit of a stereotype, if a true one. Many churches planted by Lutherans were hastily constructed in the mid 20th century- reverrent practicality won out over reverrent aesthetics. Back in the Northeast there are a few standout Lutheran churches from architectural standpoint. These congregationations tend to have reached their peaks in the very early 20th century and late 19th century-- look for older, wealthier congregations in historically industrial areas and you'll find Lutheran buildings that are furnished much the same and by the same contractors as the finest Anglican, Catholic and Presbyterian parishes- some of them are absolute unexpected gems.
Beautiful church. Ironic about Catholic architect designing Lutheran church as many of Chicagos most celebrated Catholic churches architecturally were designed by two German American Lutherans, Worthmann & Steinbach, including many of the city’s so called “Polish Cathedrals”
Visit St. John’s Catholic Church in Indianapolis
I wish Harrison would have included a large Harmonic Flute on his Great divisions.
I agree with Andrew that 8' trumpet on the great is definitely NOT A/S nor GDH. If anything its an en chamade with basiphobia.
There is a wonderful 2m Harrison Skinner in Salinas, Ca.. it is a signature organ as well. Unfortunately in 2022 the 16-8-4 reed chorus was wrecked by the removal of the lovely 4' Rohr Schalmei and replaced with a common supply house Oboe. A dreadful move. It was a shame, but the rest of the organ was left largely as Harrison left it.
The Salinas organ was also built in 1954.
I tried to use the provided link to look at the stop list. SADLY it took me to the church web site. There is nothing about the organ, overall the site is pathetic.
The organ spec is available at pipeorgandatabase.org/organ/9156
Looks like a Presbyterian church.
Liturgical churches (Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal) will always have alter in center of chancel, whereas Presbyterian and other Protestant churches may (not always) have the pulpit in center, one of easy ways to quickly tell if unsure. This particular church’s daughter church is the larger Grace Lutheran now in nearby River Forest with a very large organ (and small one too), that parish has for 50+ years hosted regular Bach vespers and beautiful music weekly.
I thought you were saying Paul Bunyan, the mythical lumberjack!!!
Nicking of pipes, what a sin. Schlicker which used a FILE across the upper lip of a wind blown pipe after being cut up.
Bit dusty up there ....