Opus 86

Opus 86 was the first instrument built entirely without Charles Fisk’s direct supervision after his death in 1983. An expanded French Classic design of two manuals and pedal, it includes a large expressive Swell division in the style of Cavaillé-Coll located low over the Great in order to be heard at its greatest advantage when playing its accompanimental role. To aid the interpretation of Romantic and Contemporary repertoire a Céleste stop was included in the Swell. The organ reflects our constant aim to use the best that history has to offer, and to combine it to create diversity as well as unity of sound. Although the organ’s primary purpose is to serve the liturgy of the Episcopal Church, it also serves the organ literature of several centuries with authority and style.

The thirty-three foot high red oak organ case has a mahogany keydesk. The façade includes a striking display of 16′ and 8′ Principal pipes of polished tin. Manual keys are of grenadil with accidentals of rosewood capped with cow bone. Mechanical hookdown pedals operate the coupling system, and four composition pedals, two for each side of the console, control selectable stops for quick registration changes. The visual design of the case was developed in a scale model of the building and reflects the architecture of the church interior. The wind system includes a wind stabilizer that may be engaged for more recent repertoire or left off for earlier compositions favoring more flexible winding.