The GREAT organ is the backbone of the pipe organ providing
basic organ tone—the diapason or principal sounds at a variety
of pitches. It is also the most prominent division in its
placement in the organ chamber—being right up front behind the
Chancel organ case/screen on the Lectern side of the Chancel.
The GREAT organ is used in
worship primarily as the basis for accompanying hymns, playing
organ voluntaries (preludes, postludes) and, depending upon the
musical requirements, for supporting choral accompaniments.
Unlike the other divisions of the
ELPC organ, and like most other well-designed organs, the GREAT
division stands unenclosed without any mechanical means of
expression. This unenclosed or freestanding position gives the
pipes a greater advantage in speaking their full harmonic
potential. It also means that the voicing or speech of the pipes
does not need to be forced in order to get out into the
auditorium or church.
When reinstalled, the GREAT organ
of the ELPC organ will contain stops (sounds) representing the
four categories of organ tone: diapason (principal); flute;
string and reed, thus making it a comprehensive division and
tonally capable of providing full resources for performance of
the organ literature of all periods.
Next article in the series --
Part 2: "The SWELL
Organ"
About the Organ
Pipes of Glory ELPC Organ Restoration
Project
Monitor the Progress
Campaign Commitment
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