14,000 pipes, 90 years: a tour of the Austin Organ

Built in 1924, the Austin pipe organ at St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Hanover, PA is the 8th largest playable pipe organ in the world. Scott Fredericks, Minister of Music at St. Matthew, takes us on a tour of the most recent renovation project for this great American treasure. We hope you enjoy what this historic instrument has to offer.
Read the blog: blogs.jwpepper.com/index.php/1...
www.stmattlutheran.org
www.austinorgans.com
Filmed at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Hanover, PA
Created by J.W. Pepper
Filmed & Edited by Rocco Richardson
Interviewer: Rocco Richardson
Narration: Tom Sabatino
Produced by Rocco Richardson & Denise Collins

[@lawrencekeesler7369]

Congratulations to a congregation able to comprehend the value of such a pipe organ, and willing to fund essential renovation and reconstruction.

[@gutfinski]

Austin was famous for its Universal Wind Chests which, even in its smaller organs, were large enough for a person to walk inside and access for repair and maintenance. The huge wind chests also acted as auxiliary wind reservoirs.

[@dirkvangoethem3938]

Wan oder wourld wonder

[@kishascape]

True, there's smaller one in my town that someone used to do that to for tuning. Opus 1482.

[@georgemurphy2579]

So many churches are empty, or experience low attendance. It's nice to know that worship is still vibrant in some areas of the USA.

[@Yaledmot]

Been there and heard the late Tom Hazleton play the instrument in 1992. I even got a tour through the instrument.

[@paul45b]

What a fabulous instrument. I'd love to hear it live.

[@SaveKilgenOKC]

We had a total reversal through the years. The city removed the Kilgen municipal organ from our large civic center stating "Cities don't need organs". It took three decades to wake it up after it moved to the state history center. Most of the churches in our area who removed organs did so in the 80's. And more are unplugging them in favor of rock band services. The church with the largest worship instrument in our state, is way down in attendance. So much that during the day, the rent it out to a charter school. It was recently restored so I don't see it at risk, but with the demise of OU's Pipe Organ construction program, I don't see good days ahead.

[@williammitchell1864]

I would love to be able to play that Organ!

[@garfixit]

That is a beautiful organ nice sound love the video

[@JohnNozum]

I enjoyed your video demonstration of this organ. Unfortunately, I've never gotten to play an organ this big yet in my life, and I'm 52 years old. A little over 3 years ago, I did get to play a new 4-manual Rodgers organ in Moundsville, WV, my hometown. I really don't know how many ranks it has, but I don't think it is nearly as many as this organ. I don't think it's more than 40-50 ranks. However, it does offer sampled acoustical instruments, including touch response ones that such is appropriate for. It is a Rodgers 4589 organ. I LOVED it!!! I don't get intimidated too easily. Even though this organ is much bigger (terms of stops and ranks), the modes of thinking is probably really not that much different--just maybe more divisions and stops within each division, and possibly more coupling possibilities. I also have appreciation for GOOD music, NOT those awful distorted electric guitars! May you and your church (and that organ) PROSPER for MANY YEARS, at least until we are taken up to Heaven! May God bless ye all--in the name of Jesus Christ! From John Nozum In Moundsville, WV

[@marcussfebruary9104]

What a beautiful video! Praise the Lord and all his goodness let us be glad in him!

[@suzannelebizarre5705]

Fabulous Instrument, caqn appreciate it so much! Bach is a favorite composer....LOVE the pipe Organ! I grew up singing in a choir. (Episcopal., Wheeling W VA..sorry...grins)..born singing Harmony (grins)...have sung in Choirs for years...and loved it...love the organ, though haven't played in quite some years...learned piano first from the mother of Eleanor Steber (Met Opera Star in the 1940s...) and much later also sang Barbershop (tenor) with the Alexandria Harmonizers too...but my voice s gone now...and I am resigned to that simple fact...am now an Octogenarian...

[@davidblankinsop933]

That's my home town! I had no idea there was one of the largest pipe organs in my home town!

[@Mitchosaure]

+Dwblank ComputerGuy Shame on you, boy!!..I'm French and I knew it for several years!! ;)

[@kraftpr]

I'd love to hear a major organ work played on it. Are there any recordings of it? A dedicatory recital perhaps?

[@lukeholmberg5420]

kraftpr I am a member of the congregation, and they have had over 5 famous organ players play after it has been finished. All of which can be found be contacting the church

[@kishascape]

You can probably find it on the Organ Historical Society's pipe organ database. They have listings for all the Austin organs and photos and some with recordings.

[@clydesight]

Beautiful instrument and a classic American Organ sound. Thanks for posting this!

[@tallthinkev]

So why Play the classic English composer, Elgar?

[@karlrovey]

There weren't a lot of American composers who composed serious organ music at the time. Most of the literature this organ was intended to play falls into the European Romantic category or for religious music fell into the Anglican style of hymn playing. As a result, the American Classic organ essentially copied English organs adapted for the dry acoustic environments common in American churches in the early 20th century.

[@mic1240]

Karl Rovey this is a Lutheran Church, so guessing it also continues to play what are some of the world’s most admired church music, including from Lutheran heritage of composers like J.S. Bach, Luther and so many others. Many of these congregations were founded by immigrants from (mostly) Northern Europeans (Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Finland). Though most are now English speaking. There are certainly American hymns widely song in even Liturgical churches like this.

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

That's the way to do it!

[@BruceBoppoTiemann]

Saying this organ has "over a million combinations" is like saying that the Rubik's Cube has "over a billion combinations". With more than 200 stops, each of which can be in or out, that's more than 2^200 possible combinations, which amounts to more than 10^60. Which, truth be told, is indeed "more than a million" - by a factor of more than 10^54.

[@adderleym2139]

could you do an intro on the organ and the loudest it can get

[@bengoodwin559]

The Urantia Book and the music of Keith Jarrett.

[@garykyp579]

That’s the organ I get lessons on and that’s the church I go to

[@jwpepper1876]

Wow! That must be amazing to get to play it regularly.

[@garykyp579]

I also help tune it

[@andrewvlogs8875]

cool

[@DandyDon1]

Is the Maas-Rowe Carillon a DCBIII with a integrated Grand Symphonic Carillon?

[@williambeichler9053]

What is the name of the opening song? Absolutely stunning organ!

[@georgemurphy2579]

Opening piece, not song is Nimrod from Enigma Variations of Sir Edward Elgar...

[@melvillepenzer4015]

Well hope by now (May 2016) they've had it tuned.

[@benjaminboellner2412]

It Most definitely is tuned. I happen to be the curator of organ. Incredible is the word to describe it.

[@arthurserino2254]

How do you have 8 divisions with only 5 keyboards?

[@Mitchosaure]

Gorgeous instrument, great renovation works!..The brand new draw-knob Colby/Möller-styled walnut console is magnificent!.. Shame on me, but what's the theme employed by Scott Fredericks in the first part (at 2:45) for the styles demonstration, please?...I'm looking for it for years!..Thank you! Greetings from France to all organ fans!

[@ronanmcquade4945]

+Mitchosaure Thine be the glory by Handel.

[@Mitchosaure]

Ronan McQuade Many thanks, Dear! I was sure it was Handel's!..

[@HobbyOrganist]

Crazy thing is, they had to renovate the organ after 90 years, this means that in about 90 years it will all have to be done over again, and again 90 years after that if the building is even still there any more by then.

[@kishascape]

Probably not even that, with better materials, engineering, and manufacturing techniques these days it could probably go for much longer now. Only thing it would need regularly is tuning. 😊

[@MrTitan225]

Fantastic organ ....would be nice to have Diane Bish play it

[@kishascape]

No way, she's terrible and irrelevant. also her last name is a swear word.

[@Piping_Up]

Here is an updated video with the current organ with 247 ranks and 15,220 pipes kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4nCimRvobJ1qJIsi=CbY8ylp3LXyhYIUl

[@jwpepper1876]

Sounds beautiful! Thank you for sharing this.

[@ryangiraldi5722]

6:46 “Crush in on themselves...” *shows an image of a mitered pipe*

[@JohnNozum]

This is an interesting video! I thank you for the nice demo of this organ. You may actually help me reap more benefit from some organs that I play. I have much appreciation for pipe organs. THANK GOD you weren't demonstrating and/or otherwise playing a stupid distorted electric guitar! As for upgrading the organ over time, I guess you probably had to replace the stop jambs. Given the electrical background that I have, I figure that replacing a stop jamb is also a major undertaking, especially if all those wires have to be soldered onto the back of the stops. I'm also blessed with much computer background, so I'm able to appreciate that aspect, too. Yes, I know about sequencers and more. I also find it refreshing to communicate with other intelligent people--like YOU! May God's peace be with you, your church, and that MASSIVE pipe organ--in the name of Jesus! From John Nozum A fellow organist

[@josephvisaarionovichstalin7760]

I thought the bells were mass rowe

[@JanPBtest]

All those big organs sound really _so-so_. I don't know why that is.

[@jandejong6498]

JanPBtest: I am glad you say so. I always thougt, I was the only person. To be honest: I do NOT like the sound of these TOO BIG organs at all. Greetings from the Netherlands. ("'TOO MUCH IS ALWAYS WRONG"')

[@KameraShy]

Because you are listening through cheap computer speakers or headphones. We also do not know the quality of the microphone or the recording parameters.

[@dalerider3124]

Is J. W. Pepper a benefactor to this mighty Organ? I see their name listed on the screen as well as in the credits.

[@jwpepper1876]

Hi Dale, we have held reading sessions at this church and we interviewed the church's minister of music and created this video.

[@johnny.3693]

I've been in the sanctuary many times. The tonal quality is beautiful, but sadly it a big fish in a small bowl. The acoustics are not conducive while playing an instrument of this size. I am thrilled that the organ is loved by all and will continue to be enjoyed by many.

[@jakedarmstadter6943]

This organ has 70 ranks of strings? The Wanamaker organ has 88 ranks just in the string division. Are the 70 ranks of strings all in the same division or is that all of the strings in the organ combined.

[@josephvadenshelley2206]

Such terrific production value, yet uploaded in monaural sound. I'm grateful, yet so disappointed at the same time.

[@gsten2116]

Interesting how the sounds made by these magnificent instruments moves people to cultism. They do sound fantastic.

[@leoweber3629]

I want to play green onions on it.

[@samschaeffer8236]

At 2:44...diet paisons? Maybe it's Diapasons.

[@alantaylor7646]

Little point is wasting breath by replying. Each will have his or her own opinion

[@p.e.gottrocks4528]

50 ranks of well scaled and voiced pipes could outplay and satisfy well and above this 'white elephant.' Excess is NOT best.

[@davealbrecht12]

fuck the organ reform movement. fuck em all

[@zeusantony5027]

What a vile noise. Can it play music such as JSB too?

[@davealbrecht12]

your mother is vile

[@ricktomlinson5481]

@@davealbrecht12 every one is vile today because I am in a bad mood ! But I love this organ and I have seen it and played it almost 40 years ago !

[@wendlerkurt]

It's a shame that such an amazing instrument is only appreciated by a small and diminishing number of senile people once a week.

[@JOHN-tk6vl]

I am sure many excellent organists would love to perform concerts on this superb instrument. It would also generate revenue for it's upkeep.

[@johnny.3693]

It is a shame that the demographic is that of seniors who appreciate this masterpiece are dying off.

[@organbuilder272]

For the sake of the organ and your church don[t let them change it. Adding is one thing but ripping out originall pipes DO not let them add these ridiculous electronic stops. It does not work well because of tuning. Those electronic gimmicks will fail long before the original organ will. Electronics go obsolete. Good pipe organs do not. Interesting you should have a drawknob console. Austin usually has a capture type combination action. Did you replace the console. Yes you did. So you have a new console with electric drawknobs and couplers. Nice job of it. The original relays to control the chest action was tossed Don't - whatever you do dont convert to direct action valves in the chest. Worst possible effect on the pipes.

[@JohnnyMidnyte]

+robert shaw They are lutherans. They aren't much interested in the past. Ever forward into their brave, new world, that's the motto of Marty and his sect.

[@colinmurphy2214]

robert shaw my church has a $330,000 electric organ. It Has 3 manuals each made of real ebony and rosewood for the sharps/flats. It had 99 stops one of which is a 64' stop. If they wanted all that in a real organ they would pay way more than 330,000. The organ will last as long as the church which is all they need. I think electronic organs have lots of advantages

[@raulreyesortiz1732]

Amerikanische Klangfarbe, ich habe nichts dagegen aber es ist anders als europäisch.

[@praestant8]

While certainly one of the largest it isn't the 8th largest in the world.

[@jwpepper1876]

Hello praestant8, our research shows that it is: www.sacredclassics.com/bigpipes.htm. It's listed as 9th on this list but that includes the Atlantic City organ which isn't fully playable: theatreorgans.com/laird/top.pipe.organs.html If you have a different source, we'd love to see it. Thank you for your comment!

[@praestant8]

Perhaps you are unaware, but Atlantic City is currently under full time restoration and is expected to reach a fully playable status within a few years. Sorry to say but St. Matthew's, while large and grand in spite of 20 digital stops, is not #8.

[@califdad4]

they don't have the money to do it last I heard, I think its more wishful thinking. way too much damage over the years they are trying to get it to 50% and that will take lots of $ and time. It has not been fully fuctionable since 1944. This organ is #8 and the Christian Science Mother Church in Boston is #9

[@ricktomlinson5481]

@@praestant8 Oh who gives a damn ! Make a mountain out of a damn mole hill jack a-s!

[@praestant8]

califdad4 And you are being proven wrong, since it is well over 50% now.

[@manuelrosales5136]

Too much talking and not very much music!

[@organbuilder272]

A pipe organ is one thing. Past or future pipe are pipe. There is nothing else that can make a real organ sound. Electronics are not pipes and have no business in a real pipe organs. The demonstrator crows about pipes and so on. Don't add electronics. Add pipes

[@Blahbevava]

+robert shaw Agreed for the most part. The only time electronics make sense is when space is limited. Some churches can't fit 32 foot ranks or even 16 foot ranks into a small space. Putting some low frequency subwoofers as an alternative for the lowest frequencies actually works very effectively. I was skeptical too until I heard it myself. Yeah it's not real pipes but it's not bad and for those who don't have the space it works great.

[@organbuilder272]

+Mr. Extreme Hi There: What can I say. Yes, the 32' frequency does make the Pedal division more profound, certainly more powerful. Yes, these lower frequency stops are rarely, if ever, out of tune with the fule pipes because it takes so much change to make the flue pipe of that range go off pitch. Yes, al lot of things that say, put in that lovely bass sound. There are two things that negate the necessity of using electronics - aside from budget and the prices of pipes to day are far removed from reality.Haskell basses can be used. This - if there is headroom for a 16', then there is head room for a 32'. Second - reed pipes, even 32' resonators, can be mitered. This the 32' can be put into a 16' headroom. Well, I don't have the ceiling height. Okay, I find no problem with that - put the pipes horizontally. It has been done before. There is no acoustical reason that pipe MUST stand up - as long as you block neither mouth nor the top of the pipe.In reality, only budget and the weight of the pipes and chests require a miserable substitute. Please call me old fashioned. I have worked on, tuned and built many organs of all sizes. There are rules as to the development of stops lists. An organ is not like an amoeba, You do not have an excess of some pitches to make space for others, Nor do you have 32' stops merely to have them in the organ. I am certain you know that in any case. Could I say that if there is space for a 45 stop organs, there should be space for a 32' Haskell metal open. (That is less weight than the real thing - wood. But, I accept that I am old fashioned, I like symphonic organs with proper upper work and plenty of powerful basses. It is an endless discussion about the benefits, or not, of electronics. Interesting and even educational. Thanks for your reply.

[@alantaylor7646]

Certainly not the most beautiful or tasteful organ in the world. However, a very good example of American big, but by no means beautiful. Clearly, big does not mean better.! Such a waste of money.

[@dreadnaught90]

Alan Taylor: You must have had a bad day when you posted this. There is no reason whatsoever to be so negative about a good man demonstrating such an impressive organ which is undergoing renovations. The parish has done well to raise enough money to preserve such a landmark pipe organ.Who are you to declare that it is all a waste of money?

[@steamrocks]

What would you prefer, one of those "organ reform movement screamers?"

[@davealbrecht12]

you are so subjective alan

[@karlrovey]

@@steamrocks My preference is for something in between. That said, there are some great organ reform movement instruments which don't screech. Martin Ott organs seem to walk that line well (sufficient upper work without screeching). As it is, tonal preferences seem to be moving back towards Romantic Era styles.

[@tubamaxima187]

It sounded like it had 50 ranks, not over 200 !!!!! What a waste

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

+Antoni Scott I think you may be forgetting that you are not listening to the organ - or any organ - just the paper cones in your computer's loudspeakers. No-one can judge an organ by hearing it over the internet.

[@praestant8]

+Tuba Maxima and they admit the project isn't yet finished.

[@HobbyOrganist]

He didn't have all 200 ranks on, you'd never have every single rank like that turned on together anyway, there are ranks that simply don't go with all the rest.

[@davidjames1684]

Waste of money. Take that money and give it to the poor. They can just play recorded pipe organ music in the church. How can the church council justify that much money on an instrument when there are people in the world with very little food? You could instead have someone donate $1000 or so for a nice sound system and just play pre-recorded pipe organ music that would sound similar but for a tiny fraction of the cost of that behemoth.

[@lukeholmberg5420]

David James No, this instrument is a incredible machine, and as a member of this congregation, hearing it is one of my favorite things. FYI, the church gives 50% of its organ concert proceedings to the local homeless shelter.

[@davidjames1684]

Not enough to offset the cost of the pipe organ and the ongoing maintenance cost. Recorded pipe organ music would likely sound pretty good assuming they had enough power like maybe 1000 watts minimum.

[@lukeholmberg5420]

David James But if everything was just recorded music, there’s no soul in anything, same reason that people go to concerts instead of just listening through speakers.

[@lukeholmberg5420]

@@davidjames1684 Yes, obviously someone good has recorded it, but there is just something better about live music to many people.

[@matthewharhai4039]

Music brings people in. It attracts people to the church. How can churches justify thousands and thousands of dollars for building upgrades or building a mega church for example? Many of these churches do not have much of an organ or music program because they have spent all their money on a structure to try and impress people.

[@organisthawn09]

🤮Austin...Just one giant pile. That’s a cheap theatre organ, nothing more, nothing less.

[@benjaminboellner2412]

If only you knew, how wonderful this organ is. Im the curator. Recordings do NOT do this organ justice.

[@willemvaningen2747]

Next time, please get properly dressed

[@gsaldana22]

Care to elaborate?