Foley-Baker, Kotzschmar Memorial Organ, Part 1

Foley-Baker, Inc., Tolland, Connecticut

Saving Organs—“101”

Foley-Baker, Inc., Tolland, Connecticut

Saving Organs—“101”

Times have changed, and over recent decades there’s been added concentration on the complete reconditioning of pipe organs. As many will note, rather than only new instruments, front cover articles now occasionally feature older organs that have been completely reconditioned. Granted, they’re usually high profile, large projects; it’s always great to know these important organs have been saved.

A new three-manual, 34-voice, 42-rank organ

July 16 and August 19

Five manuals? Are you kidding?

Most organs around the world have two manual keyboards and a pedalboard. Three manual organs are common, as are “four-deckers,” especially in big cities, but organs with five manuals are rare. What on earth do you do with five manuals? You only have two hands, and while clever organists can play two keyboards at once by “thumbing down” a melody, the cleverest could not possibly manage more than four at once. Can you even reach the top keyboard?