Opus 107

The Dover Church is a handsome Federal meetinghouse built in 1839. Initial designs for a new organ called for its placement at the front of the church in keeping with the previous instrument. A gallery placement was considered, but as it would not provide for handicap access for the choir, the location was deemed unworkable. Careful re-examination of this option resulted in the organ at the center of the rear gallery with a detached console on the main floor. In this arrangement the choir stands between the organ console and case, allowing the organist to conduct from the console.  The organ therefore speaks from the best acoustical location in the church, providing support for hymn singing and for integrating music into the liturgy.  

The instrument is voiced on 2 ¼″ wind pressure, a return to the relatively low pressures used in all Fisk organs through the mid-1970s.  The combination of modest scaling, careful voicing and light pressure produces a gentle, charming effect in this intimate room.

The organ’s white painted casework with mahogany trim harmonizes with the original woodwork of the church.  The central panel in the lower section of the case is made from the middle section of the balcony railing, which had been removed to accommodate the organ.

Opus 107 was dedicated in November 1994 by organist Peter Sykes.