Opus 135

Building an organ in Auer Hall presented a unique challenge to our shop. We have many organs in academic settings, fully a third of all Fisk instruments are used for teaching, but we had never been commissioned to complete an organ begun by another builder. Our first question was whether the existing work could be incorporated in an organ consistent with the requirements of the Jacobs School of Music and our vision for this important recital instrument. The answer lay in a thorough survey of existing pipework, components and structure and considerable discussion.

With then Department Chair Chris Young we explored the faculty’s desire for an instrument with a decidedly 19th Century French character that would also incorporate the level of eclecticism necessary for performance of a wide range of music with authenticity and authority. Additionally, we were asked to make as little change to the existing case as possible.

Our analysis revealed that by moving the organ further up and back in its gallery, useful space could be gained for master classes and instrumentalists. Such a change required a complete reorganization of the divisions within the case, new structural support and accommodations to Auer Hall itself. These changes created the opportunity for significant improvements in the room’s acoustic properties. With the advice of acoustician Dana Kirkegaard, walls were made more massive, diffusers were added in the ceiling coffers, and the panels surrounding the stage were replaced, all resulting in a warmer, clearer, more bass-friendly sound; all to the benefit of the various voices and instruments that can be heard throughout the year in this busy concert hall.

The final specification includes less than half of the former organ’s pipework. All of the key action, stop action, wind chests, expression boxes and ducting are new.