Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/569

 1869.] Organs. 4ay ORGANS. ORGAXS have become so indispen- sable a feature in the fitting up of a church, and, from their unquestionable superiority over all other instruments, are so suitable and appropriate for the majesty of divine worship, that a few remarks upon their size, and the proper position in which they should be situ- ated, may not be out of place ; as upon these two points, and more especially the latter, depends in a great measure, the effectiveness of the instrument. First, as to the size. It is a great mistake to regulate this alone by the size of the building for which it is de- signed. A very small organ, of but comparatively trifling cost, will often be sufficient to meet the requirements of a large congregation, where there is but little musical taste and ambition ; whereas, another congregation, perhaps smaller in actual numbers, but possess- ing a much higher, and more cultivated musical appreciation and refinement, would not be satisfied with any thing less than the largest instrument, with the greatest possible amount of power and effectiveness, combined with beauty and variety of tone, and elegant and ornate exterior. The only arbitrary limits, upon the size of organs, should be the dimensions of the space that can be allowed for them, and the extent of the appropriation available. Apart from these two considerations, which of course are paramount, they cannot be too large, in order that the}' may possess unlimited power and range of stops, capable of producing effects appropriate for all oc- casions. If the church is comparatively small, the instances in which it may be necessary to use the full power, of the organ, are perhaps rare; but it should be so constructed, as to be adapted for such a purpose, that it may be grand and impressive, without being too loud. Were power alone to be considered, a smaller instrument might answer; but where such would allow of only a small variety of tones, an almost endless va- riation of beautiful combinations and effects could be obtained from the largest instrument. The following dimensions may be of some service in determining the spaces that should be allowed for organs of different sizes. Height. Width. Depth. One manual, 10 to 15 stops, 10 to 15 ft. 7 to 8 ft. 6 to 7 ft. Two " 20 to 25 " 16 to 20 " 10 to 12 " 6 to 8 " " 25 to 30 " 16 to 20 " 12 to 15 " 8 to 10 '' Three " 35 to 40 " 20 to 25 " 15 to 18 " 12to 14 " " ■' 45 to 50 " 25 to 2S "IS to 20" 15 to 18 " These dimensions must be regarded as the least space that should be given ; more would be desirable, especially in height, where such can be obtained. A greater increase in depth would, in most cases, allow the height to be consider- ably reduced. The second point, as to the proper position of an organ, is of more impor tance than the other ; as on this depends, in a great measure, the size of the in- strument required, and also its value and adaptation for the building. A finely- toned organ, upon which the builder may have exercised his utmost skill, is often, by the choice of an unfavorable position, deprived of a great portion of its dignity, grandeur, and sweetness of tone. In order that a judicious selection on this important point be obtained, not alone should the first principles of music and of acoustics be studied and followed, but it is absolutely requisite, that the architect who designed the edifice, should be consulted, so that the organ may not be placed in a position to disfigure the architectural beauties, or to ruin the proportions of his building. This latter is a point, which does not meet with the consideration it deserves, either from architects, or congregations, for it some- times happens, that, at the time of the