The Great Organ is the principal division of a pipe organ, characterized by its largest pipes and loudest tone. It's often the most powerful and prominent section, providing the foundation of the organ's sound.
Understanding the Great Organ
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Size and Power: The Great Organ's pipes are significantly larger than those in other divisions, generating a powerful and resonant sound. This allows it to play a wide range of musical passages, from majestic chords to delicate melodies.
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Location: Typically located near the performer, the Great Organ's manual (keyboard) is often the lowest and most easily accessible for the organist.
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Diapason Chorus: Historically, the Great Organ featured a complete diapason chorus, a set of pipes crucial to its characteristic sound. (Britannica)
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Examples: Many famous organs feature a prominent Great Organ, including the masterpiece at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, widely acclaimed as a national treasure. (St. John the Divine) The Washington National Cathedral's organ is also undergoing renovation, highlighting the significance and importance of this organ division. (Washington National Cathedral)
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Digital Replication: Even digital virtual organs, like those produced by DigitalVPO, strive to accurately reproduce the unique characteristics and power of the Great Organ division. (DigitalVPO)
The Great Organ in Context
While the term "Great Organ" refers to a specific section of the instrument, it's crucial to understand it within the wider context of the pipe organ. Many organs have multiple divisions (Great, Swell, Choir, Pedal, etc.), each with its own distinct tonal characteristics. The Great Organ often serves as the cornerstone, complementing and interacting with these other divisions to create a rich and varied musical experience. Discussions about "best organ concertos" highlight the Great Organ's central role in the genre. (r/classicalmusic)
Examples of its usage can be seen in numerous contexts, from formal concerts like the "Festival of Great Organ Music" at Artis-Naples (Artis-Naples) to more intimate settings such as Yale's "Great Organ Music at Yale" series. (Yale ISM)
