PDF - Parsons Pipe Organ Builders
Transcription
PDF - Parsons Pipe Organ Builders
J.W. SteerE OPUS 1 - 1867 www.parsonsorgans.com J.W. SteerE OPUS 1 - 1867 19 stops, 23 ranks 20 stops, 24 ranks Great, 56 notes, Manual I 8' Open Diapason 8' Dulciana (Bass from Gamba) 8' Gamba 8' Stopped Diapason Bass 8' Clarabella (TC) 4' Principal 4' Wald Flute 2 2 /3' Twelfth 2' Fifteenth Sesquialtera III 8' Trumpet Bass 8' Trumpet Treble Swell to Great Bellows Signal Pitch: a1=440hz Dimensions: 15’ W x 15’ D x 16’ H O pus 1 of John Wesley Steere, destined for a Long Island landfill, has been rescued by our firm and is available for purchase. This tracker organ is a splendid example of mid-19th Century craftsmanship and is a testimony to the longevity of quality built pipe organs. Originally built for the Third Presbyterian Church in Albany, NY, this 145-year-old organ is structurally like new. In 1923, the organ was moved to Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany where it served that congregation until the early 1970’s. It was during the move to the famed Bourne Mansion in Oakdale, NY, that the windchests were re-tabled by a reputable New England organbuilder to correct wind leakage (common to chests of this era). The organ was relocated and installed by professionals who were sympathetic to the historical significance of this organ; retaining its original double rise bellows, pipework, windchests, façade casework, as well as the complete key and stop actions. The unique double thickness swell box and double layer of mechanically controlled, hitch-down expression shades give ample dynamic control over the Swell division. Swell, 56 notes, Manual II, enclosed 16' Bourdon Bass 16' Bourdon Treble 8' Open Diapason (TC) 8' Keraulophon (TC) 8' Stopped Diapason Bass 8' Stopped Diapason Treble 4’ Principal 4' Suabe Flute Cornet Dolce III 8' Bassoon Bass 8' Oboe Tremulant Pedal, 25 notes, parallel & flat 16' Double Open Diapason 16' Bourdon Great to Pedal Swell to Pedal Prior to installing the organ in a new location, Parsons will complete a full restoration of the leather components and tracker connections along with cleaning and tonal regulation. Typical of the period, the voicing style is refined and gentle. Given the historical significance of this organ, we prefer to install it in its original configuration, but would entertain practical, “reversible”, changes to enhance the organ for church use. The Parsons’ family relationship with the Steere family dates back to 1890 when Gideon Levi Parsons married John Wesley Steere’s niece and became a voicer with the firm. We have a keen interest in seeing this organ go to a worthy home where quality, tradition and the historic significance of this organ will be valued. It is extremely rare to find an organ of this vintage in original condition; it is even more rare to find an Opus 1. John Wesley Steere left his father-in-law’s company, William A. Johnson Organbuilders, in 1866 and built this organ and, possibly, one other under his own name. In 1867 he partnered with another Johnson alumnus, George W. Turner, at which time the name of the firm became Steer & Turner. Mr. Turner left the company in 1891, and the name was changed to J.W. Steere and Sons. Steere organs were well known for their superior quality workmanship and refined tone. It is clear that Opus 1 was to be used as the company’s showpiece organ. Interestingly, John Wesley spelled his last name without the final “e” until about 1880, about the time the sons became involved in the company. Please call our office with any questions. Mr. Dave McCleary Project Manager dmc@parsonsorgans.com 585.831.6218 888.229.4820 www.parsonsorgans.com