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The
organ at St. Stephen's is the largest installation to date from Bond
Organ Builders. The tonal design of this instrument was inspired by the
19th century French school, typified by Aristide Cavaille-Coll. Additional
tone colors derived from earlier periods complete this organ and render
it able to play an unusually wide variety of music in a faithful manner.
An additional drawknob on the console disengages the wind stabilizers,
permitting a gently flexible wind, important for the performance of early
music. The instrument is tuned in Kellner temperament, which gives a characteristic
cleanness and color to the sound of early music but still permits all
keys to be successfully used.
The
carefully engineered mechanical key action is light and precise, a major
accomplishment in an instrument of this size. Electric stop action facilitates
easy and rapid stop changes.
The
modern setting and generous height of the nave are accented by the large
flamed copper and smaller 70% tin facade pipes. The casework is built
of quarter sawn white oak with a handrubbed linseed oil finish. The detached
console is a low design which allows the organist to easily conduct the
choir.
The
organ was off and running with the dedicatory recital by Swiss organist
Guy Bovet.
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