Music groups lead us in worship
Organ Specifications
Schantz Organ Company, 1978
Orville, Ohio
Expansion and tonal revision, 2002
Parsons Pipe Organ Builders
Canandaigua, New York
Organ Dedicated
March 23, 2003
Webster
Presbyterian Church, Webster, NY
37 ranks
3 manuals
2,179 pipes
Electro-pneumatic action
Standard couplers
99 levels of memory
Transposer
GREAT
16’ Bourdon
(#32)
8’ Principal
8’ Gamba
8’ Spitzflöte
4’ Octave
4’ Spitzflöte
(ext. #4)
2’ Super
Octave (#8)
IV Mixture
8’ Tuba
4’ Clarion
(ext. #9)
Chimes
SWELL
8’ Flute
à Cheminèe
8’ Viola
8’ Viola
Celeste
4’ Principal
4’ Koppelflöte
22/3’ Nasat
2’ Waldflöte
13/5’ Terz
IV Mixture
16’ Bassoon
8’ Trompette
8’ Hautbois
(ext. #20)
4’ Clarion
(ext. #21)
Tremulant
POSITIV
8’ Holz
Gedackt
4’ Nachthorn
2’ Principal
11/3’ Quinte
III Zymbel
8’ Krummhorn
8’ Tuba
(#9)
Tremulant
PEDAL
32’ Resultant
16’ Open
Wood
16’ Principal
16’ Subbass
8’ Principal
8’ Flute
(ext. #32)
4’ Choral
Bass
4’ Flute
(ext. #32)
II Rauschquinte
16’ Trombone
(ext. #9)
16’ Contra
Trompette (ext. # 21)
16’ Bassoon
(ext. #20)
8’ Tuba
(#9)
8’ Trompette
(#21)
4’ Hautbois
(ext. #22)
Cymbelstern
(toe stud)
The Great 8’ Gamba, Tuba (16’, 8’, 4’),
Cymbelstern and Chimes are from the previous Morey organ; the Swell IV Mixture
and Bassoon/Oboe (16’, 8’, 4’) and the Pedal 16’ Open Wood have been added by
Parsons to the original Schantz instrument.
Notes from the
organ builder
When we were first
approached about the possibility of relocating this Schantz pipe organ from
Wichita KS to Webster NY, our immediate concern was that the church be willing
to make a commitment to ensuring that the organ would be suitably wedded to its
new home. Specifically, we knew the importance of scaling, voicing and the
enhancements that would be required of an instrument built in this style. We
were able to develop a tonal and mechanical specification that met both the
musical and financial goals set forth by the church.
This instrument,
designed for another building, was well suited for the space available here. An
inspection of the organ structure revealed that the organ would fit the chamber
area, just as it did in Wichita, within a matter of only a few inches; it
seemed meant to be. Architect David Waldereck was very helpful in ensuring that
the chamber would properly house the organ, reflect sound and that a facade
would be provided that would blend with existing architecture.
The 1978 Schantz
organ was, tonally, typical of the period in which it was built. We knew that
for the organ to be capable of a wide variety of sounds, a full spectrum of
harmonics and a seamless and full crescendo, it would require rescaling and
additions. Six new ranks of pipes and four `pre-enjoyed' ranks were added to
fill out the bass and mid-range frequencies. The organ increased from 1660 to
2179 pipes including the addition of three 16' ranks. The organ is capable of
providing a wide, dynamic range necessary for the accompaniment of the
Presbyterian worship service. It is an excellent example of how carefully
executed rescaling and revoicing can ensure a successful outcome.
The organ is built in
the electro-pneumatic style; that is, its windchests incorporate individual
leather pneumatics (one per pipe) controlled by 12-volt DC magnet coils, to
control the flow of pressurized wind to the pipes. All additions were completed
in accordance with this style of construction to maintain the mechanical
integrity of the instrument.
The electrical
control system for the organ was completely replaced in order to accommodate
the additions and to improve the reliability of the contact and switching
functions. A further benefit of upgrading the organ to solid state control is
the ability to reduce the several-hundred conductor umbilical cable (connecting
the console to the organ) to a small six-pair cable. A console and chamber
computer makes this possible, as well as the additional function of a
multilevel combination- preset system.
As it is with every
project of this magnitude, this organ evolved into a unique entity, taking on a
personality of its own. Anyone who knew the organ in its previous home would
not recognize it. We are honored to have had a part in seeing the organ
transformed into the musical instrument it is today.
It is our hope that
this organ will serve the musical needs of the congregation for generations to
come; that it will enrich the worship experience for each listener and that it
will, above all, glorify our Lord through praise, song and meditation.
Richard B. Parsons, President
The contributing
craftsmen from Parsons Pipe Organ Builders:
Calvin G. Parsons, Vice President
Gordon W. Dibble, Organbuilder, Emeritus
Duane A. Prill, Tonal Director
Woodworkers:
- Geoffery Karley
- Andrew Moore
- Dale Smith
Designers:
- Matthew Bellocchio
- Loren Jacob Hendrix
Assemblers: Nicholas
Fargnoli William Henrie John Henrie Matthew Parsons Timothy Parsons Milovan
Popovic
"And
whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as
unto the Lord, and not unto men."
(Colossians 3:23)
[Test Edit by Jay Petrino]