Organs I've Explored
Throughout my travels across the UK, Poland, and the Philippines, I've had the privilege of visiting numerous pipe organs. Each instrument has its own unique character, history, and sound.
| Place | Number of Pipes | Built | Stops | Builder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ely Cathedral | 8,000 | 1908 | 80 | Harrison & Harrison |
| Oliwa Cathedral | 8,000 | 1763 | 110 | Johann Wulff |
| Corpus Christi Basilica Kraków | 5,950 | 1963 | 63 | Unknown |
| Glasgow Cathedral | Not listed | 1879 | 69 | H. 'Father' Willis |
| Frombork Cathedral | 5,000 | 1683 | 66 | Daniel Nitrowski |
| Kraków Bazylika Mariacka | 4,500 | 2021 | 62 | Rieger Orgelbau |
| Blackburn Cathedral | 4,000 | 1969 | 60 | JW Walker & Sons |
| Salisbury Cathedral | 4,000 | 1877 | 68 | Henry Willis |
| Kelvingrove Art Gallery | 2,900 | 1901 | 50 | Lewis & Co |
| Romsey Abbey | 2,250 | 1858 | 39 | JW Walker & Sons |
| Arundel Cathedral | 2,350 | 1873 | 40 | William Hill |
| Belfast Cathedral | Not listed | 1907 | 70 | Harrison & Harrison |
| Carlisle Cathedral | 4,000 | 1856 | 72 | Henry Willis |
| St Mary's Metropolitan Cathedral, Edinburgh | 3,325 | 2007 | 63 | Matthew Copley |
| Warsaw Cathedral | 4,300 | 1987 | 60 | Hermann Eule |
Notable Experiences
Frombork Cathedral
Historic baroque organ where I participated in tuning
This 1683 Daniel Nitrowski organ with 5,000 pipes and 66 stops provided my most memorable hands-on learning experience. Participating in the tuning process taught me about acoustic physics in practice—adjusting tuning wires while listening for "beats" that indicate pipes are slightly out of tune. This 17th-century instrument continues to serve the cathedral, testament to the craftsmanship of baroque organ builders.
Baroque Marvels
Kelvingrove's 1901 organ features unique orchestral stops, while Ely Cathedral's Harrison & Harrison organ is renowned for its rich romantic tone.
Oliwa Cathedral
5-manual baroque marvel with 110 stops
One of the most impressive organs I've encountered, with 8,000 pipes and historic significance. Built by Johann Wulff in 1763, this instrument represents the pinnacle of baroque organ building. The five manuals (keyboards) allow the organist to control different divisions of the organ, creating incredibly complex and layered sounds. The sheer size and complexity of this instrument is breathtaking.
Glasgow Cathedral
Historic Norman Cathedral with Harrison & Harrison Organ
A magnificent instrument in a stunning architectural setting. The 1879 H. 'Father' Willis organ with 69 stops demonstrates the romantic era of organ building, with rich, orchestral tone colors that fill the medieval cathedral space beautifully.
What These Visits Taught Me
Each organ visit has contributed to my understanding of:
Historical Development
- Baroque organs (1600s-1700s) emphasize clarity and distinct voice separation
- Romantic organs (1800s) feature more orchestral, blended sounds
- Modern organs (1900s-present) combine historical styles with contemporary innovations
- Each era's organs reflect the musical aesthetics and available technology of their time
Regional Variations
- British organs: Often feature warm, romantic tones; builders like Harrison & Harrison and Henry Willis
- Polish organs: Rich baroque tradition; instruments often feature ornate cases and multiple manuals
- German influence: Clear, articulate voicing; emphasis on contrapuntal music
Behind-the-Scenes Access
Many of my visits included opportunities to see inside the instruments:
- Examining pipe ranks and understanding how different pipe materials (metal, wood) affect tone
- Observing wind systems and air pressure management
- Watching organists demonstrate stop combinations and registration
- Participating in tuning sessions at Frombork Cathedral
- Learning about maintenance challenges in historic instruments
Family Tradition
Organ exploration has become a cherished family activity. During summer travels, we plan routes to include at least one significant organ. My brother Jan often accompanies these visits, and while his interests focus more on electronics and technology, he appreciates the engineering aspects of these mechanical marvels.
These experiences have shaped my understanding of how music, physics, engineering, and history intersect. Each cathedral visit is not just about hearing beautiful music—it's about understanding the centuries of innovation that made these instruments possible.