Largo from 'Aria Xerxes'- Aeolian-Skinner organ @ East Liberty Prebyterian Church, Pittsburgh

I've heard a lot about the great American symphonic organ, that is, the Aeolian-Skinner, but I never got the chance to play one until this summer. This particular instrument was the most impressive in size and sound from all of the organs I have played this summer, but unfortunately there are several issues that make it a suitable nominee for a renovation project. Here are a few of these facts: the coir division is out of tune, the Antiphonal division is not responding properly, plus the entire instrument has some delay issues.

Therefore, I had to choose a slow tune to try to make the delay as unnoticeable as possible. The tune I play in this video is very well-known: the "Largo" from Aria Xerxes by G. F. Haendel. Please note that it is played partly by ear and partly based on an old sheet music for piano that I used to have. Enjoy!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• largo
• aria
• xerxes
• haendel
• aeolian
• skinner
• pipe
• organ
• east
• liberty
• presbyterian
• church
• pittsburgh
• pennsylvania
• egrespatak

[squidgetpj92]

i'm SO jealous..i would LOVE to have the chance to play the organ one day..

[djturbo88]

@squidgetpj92 If you are from the Pittsburgh area or if you can make it there someday, all you need to do is call the church office and get in touch with the organist. I'm sure they will allow you to play the organ just as they did with me! Best wishes!

[djturbo88]

@16enChamade I am not 100 % sure at the moment about the type of action this organ has, but I do know it is not a tracker-action, therefore, eliminating the possibility of mechanical delays. I assume it has some sort of electro-pneumatic system at heart, in which case I would blame the pneumatics...maybe because I've had a lot of issues with it on organs back home in Romania. All in all, however, a wonderfully sounding instrument, I must say! Best wishes!

[seabulls69]

I'm glad you had the wherewithal to adapt to this instrument... despite your nitpicking!

[nickoicool]

Sloowww dowwnnn just a little

[mpsnknox]

@gurdyflowers Clear what up?

[gurdyflowers]

@mpsnknox It is important you clear that up.

[AllenOrganCrazy]

@mpsnknox yes. I saw this organ at the factory when It was being restored a few years ago...

[mpsnknox]

The organ was just re-built by Goulding and Wood. The Antiphonal Division is not installed yet. As far as the Choir being out of tune... That could be caused by any number of issues. The heat not on long enough to reach the Choir box...etc...