Opus 81

Designed primarily to accompany the congregation and the choir, and to play organ voluntaries of the worship service, the organ’s location on the edge of the University of Connecticut campus makes the performance of music of all periods and the teaching of students important considerations in its eclectic specification.  The reeds of the Great and Positive are French, the Swell Trumpet and Oboe are English, and the Swell Dulcian and Pedal Trombone are German in origin.  Cornets are present in both the French and the German style. The Swell is inspired by 19th century romantic examples, and the Great and Positive are grounded in the 18th century.  The flexible winding can be stabilized to 20th century standards by the drawing of a knob.

The Storrs Congregational Church is an example of the best of early 19th century New England church architecture.  The organ’s design, in the style of the best organs of the day, adorns the church gallery with traditional motifs recapturing the grace of early Boston organs.  The gallery ceiling, just high enough to accommodate a full-length 8′ pipe, determined the length of the large copper Pedal pipes at the sides and the hammered lead and spotted metal Great pipes nearer the center.  A detached keydesk of three manuals serves a dual purpose, providing space for the Swell division and facilitating the organist’s job of directing the choir while playing. As an attractive and traditional centerpiece for the gallery railing, the Rückpositive is also a musical foil for the Great.