Nature of Things: Voices in the Wind - Building a Pipe Organ

Produced by the CBC.
Blue Ribbon, American Film Festival, 1986
Chris Plaque, Columbus International Film Festival, 1985
This is an exploration of the incredible musical instrument, the pipe organ, which was invented 2,000 years ago by Greek engineers. Crafted of wood, metal and air, it is a lasting achievement of human technology, capable of filling monumental spaces with a staggering variety of sounds. It is the instrument that has given Western music its form.
In this elaborate production, a perfect selection of holiday programming, we enjoy the performance of organists Carlo Curley and Douglas Bodie who demonstrate the instrument's musical potential. We learn about the organ's long history and the physics of its sound. This adaptable instrument has been electrified and computerize, yet there are artisans today who lovingly handbuild it from scratch. The production also shows the building of a church organ in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Toronto, from its start to its dramatic finish, when the church fills up with music.

[@petermacander5039]

One of the best old documentaries on the pipe organ.

[@accousticdecay]

Where has this program been all my life? The inimitable Carlo Curley takes it from good to excellent.

[@johnopalko5223]

I used to watch "The Nature of Things" all the time when it was first broadcast, but somehow I managed to miss this episode. Thank you so much for making it available.

[@nancyandrews773]

Wonderful for an amateur organ committee....how remarkable!

[@erikanderson1915]

I love that pan out. Woow.

[@spcortega9194]

Mr. Miyagi young