Opus 23
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Seattle, Washington
1994
II / 36 stops • 44 ranks
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 Cavaillé-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.
Stoplist
Grand Orgue
16’ Bourdon
8’ Montre
8’ Bourdon
8’ Salcional
8’ Flute Harmonique
4’ Prestant
4’ Flute Ouverte
2’ Doublette
Fourniture IV
Cornet V (mounted)
8’ Trompette
8’ Cromorne
4’ Clairon
Recit / Grand Orgue
Recit Expressiv
8’ Diapason
8’ Cor de Nuit
8’ Viol de Gambe
8’ Voix Céleste
4’ Prestant
4’ Flute à Fuseau
2-2/3’ Nazard
2’ Quarte de Nazard
1-3/5’ Tierce
Cymbale IV
16’ Basson
8’ Trompette
8’ Hautbois
Tremblant
Pedale
16’ Contrabasse
16’ Soubasse
8’ Montre
8’ Flute
4’ Octave
4’ Flute
Fourniture II
16’ Bombarde
8’ Trompette
4’ Clarion
Tirasse Grand Octave
Tirasse Recit
Mechanical swell action with pneumatic assist lever
A recording of this instrument is available on the Pro Organo label. Please contact us by email for purchasing information.
A Musical Feast
Grant Edwards, organist