The temporary digital organ - The original pipe organ - Relevant Ecclesial documents
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The temporary Digital Organ
The Viscount digital console installed in the former nun’s chapel to the side of the sanctuary currently provides the accompaniment for the choir and congregation in the liturgies at St Francis. It was installed in 1998 when the transept instrument (see below) was deemed too small to accompany the choir and congregation in the present situation. Whilst fulfilling the requirements at present, it is hoped that in the near future a pipe organ of significant size and splendour will be able to replace this instrument in accordance with article 120 of Sacrosanctum Concilium.
The Specification of the Viscount Instrument is as follows:
Viscount Jubilate 232
Specification
Pedal C- g’
Kontra Bass 16’
Subbass 16’
Oktavebass 8’
Rohrgedackt 8’
Oktave 4’
Mixtur 4 fach
Posaune 16’
Klarine 4’
MIDI
Manual I (C-c'''')
Bourdon 16’
Prinzipal 8’
Gedackt 8’
Oktave 4’
Rohrflöte 4’
Superoktave 2’
Kornett 4 fach
Mixtur 5 fach
Fagott 16’
Trompete 8’
Tremulant
MIDI
Manual II (C-c'''')
Bourdon 8’
Gamba 8’
Vox Celeste 8’
Prinzipal 4’
Flöte 4’
Nasard 2 2/3’
Rohrflöte 2’
Terz 1 3/5’
Zimbel 4 fach
Oboe 8’
Tremulant
MIDI
Couplers
II/I
II/Ped
I/Ped
Accessories (!)
6 Memory levels with 6 Adjustable Thumbpistons
General Enclosed
Chimes
Tutti
General Cancel
Variable Tremulant
Transposer
Temperament:
Equal I, Equal II, Kirnberger, Werkmeister, Pythagorean, Meantone, Vallotti.
Assisted Pedal
Alternative Voicing (Baroque/Romantic)
Adjustable Volume for:
Manual I
Pedal
Console Speaker (Master)
Digital Reverb.
The Transept Organ
Though in good working order, this organ is rarely used currently because it was designed for a much smaller church, and can no-longer meet the liturgical needs of our parish.
The 1980 refurbishment and re-location of the present pipe organ from the back gallery to the transept happened during the renovations of the church. The rebuilt organ was, at that trime, re-dedicated to former organist of the church Despina Zaracosta (1915- 1995) at the completion of the renovations.
The original maker, date of installation and much of previous history of this small organ is currently unknown. It is an example of "old wine in a new cask" - the building frame, windchest, manual action and wooden pipework probably dating from c.1850, but the case is an early 20th century replacement, and the metal pipes and the Bourdon probably date from the same time.
Manual (C-f''')
Violin diapason 8
Stopped diapason 8
Geigen principal 4
Piccolo 2
Pedal (C-c')
Bourdon 16
Coupler Keys to pedals Compass, 54/25
120. In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things. But other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority, as laid down in Art. 22, 52, 37, and 40. This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful.
CONSTITUTION ON THE SACRED LITURGY SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM SOLEMNLY PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON DECEMBER 4, 1963
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