Pipe Organs of Durham and the North East
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The Cathedral, Durham
Situated on either side of the Cathedral Quire,
with 98 speaking stops over 4 manuals and pedals, this instrument ranks
as one of the finest cathedral instruments in the country. Its opulent
specification
affords it extraordinary versatility, and the smooth, mature Harrison voicing
is remarkable.
The picture shows the North side of the organ, seen from the east end of the choirstalls. Behind the painted pipes is the Swell box, and above that, in the Triforium the Solo box. Beneath both of these, behind the carvings is most of the Pedal department, whilst the Bombarde division (32', 16', 8' and 4' heavy pressure reeds) is behind the carvings of the stalls in the next bay along. On the South side (not shown), the Great is behind
the painted pipes, with the console beneath it. In the western bay is the
Choir box at the lower level, with the exposed pipework of the Positive
above it, visible from the Quire.
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A full history and specification of the organ, more present day pictures, and the Father Smith gallery, can be found online in Richard Hird's excellent webpages [see <www.duresme.org.uk>]. Be sure to visit them to learn more about this superb instrument. An illustrated booklet, which features all you'd ever want to know about the cathedral's organs, past and present, is available for sale in the Cathedral Bookshop, or by mail order.
Left: 32' octave of the Double Open Wood in the north Quire aisle. Above is the back of the Swell box
Right: "Rolls of linoleum" - north case. The Solo box is in the triforium above.
Left: Console
Right: North case viewed from the console - note the Solo box in the triforium