William Gillespie Concert Organ
Rising dramatically behind the performance platform, the William J. Gillespie Concert Organ is a visual focal point of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The organ was made possible by a generous gift of William J. Gillespie.
The William J. Gillespie Concert Organ is made up of:
- Four manual keyboards of 61 notes each (CC-c4),
- One foot keyboard of 32 notes (CC-g1)
- 4,322 pipes
- 57 voices
- 75 ranks
The William J. Gillespie Concert Organ (C.B. Fisk Opus 130) was designed and built by C. B. Fisk, Inc. of Gloucester, Massachusetts. It is 40 feet wide, 48 feet high and 12 feet deep. The organ contains 4,322 pipes. The front pipes extend 32 feet in height and are finished in aluminum-leafed wood or polished tin. The entire instrument weighs 30 tons.
There are 75 stops, including 57 individual voices and 75 ranks. The console includes four manual keyboards of 61 notes each (CC-c4), naturals of cow bone, sharps of ebony. The pedal keyboard has 32 notes (CC-g1), naturals of maple, sharps of ebony. It contains five divisions, the Great, Swell, Positive and Pedal divisions form the basis of the classical organ. The Solo division is on higher wind pressure and is specifically suited for providing the musical climax in the repertoire for organ and orchestra.
The organ utilizes Tracker key action, a direct mechanical link between the keyboard and the valves controlling the wind to the pipes. A Kowalyshyn Servopneumatic Lever may be engaged allowing the player to maintain effortless control when playing several of the divisions of the instrument at the same time. The KSPL also allows for the inclusion of an Octaves graves coupler Stop action is electrically controlled, with solid state combination action for preset registrations. There are multiple pistons, toestuds and reversibles for ease of use, as well as multiple levels of memory and a sequencer.
The organ is winded by electric blowers totaling 14 horsepower, providing pressures from 4" to 18" water column.
Photos
