ORGAN

OUR CUSTOM-BUILT ORGAN AT THE BRICK CHURCH:

A. David Moore’s Opus 34, “Ann Fisk”

Before it was even constructed, All Hallows Brick Church organ was generating widespread interest for many reasons, just one of them being its ecofriendly origins. After all, what would an instrument made partly from family farm wood, re-alloyed and recycled metal from old organ pipes, repurposed hardwood flooring, and even moose and cow bone, sound like? In a word, astonishing; but environmental considerations are just part of the story, and that starts with its builder.

A. David Moore, Inc., of North Pomfret, Vermont, was chosen on the basis of Moore’s prior installations, restorations, and willingness to create a design that meshed with the simple Georgian architecture of the Brick Church (1729). Moore’s expertise paid off, and by spring of 2010, the remarkably compact organ fit seamlessly in the chancel. He bestowed our organ with the name Opus 34, “Ann Fisk,” in honor of the wife of the famous Charles Fisk, master tracker organ builder. She was an artist who carved pipeshade ornamentation on some of Moore’s organ commissions.

As for sound quality, the instrument’s unique tonal design was influenced by historic European styles and Moore’s experience with nineteenth century American organs. The end product is a 13-stop instrument with a surprising tonal palette. It is equally at home leading congregational singing, accompanying choral music, and presenting solo organ literature—a challenge that requires more color than an instrument of this size should be capable of producing.

Given that J. S. Bach was only seven when All Hallows Parish was officially established, it seemed reasonable to include historical touches. Consequently, ours is a “tracker” organ, meaning that unlike electropneumatic actions found in most modern pipe organs, this instrument is operated via mechanical action. Only the compact blower is powered by electrical current.

Maximum use of minimal space, architectural compatibility, versatility, and environmental concerns were challenges that were all met in a musical success story that we hope will continue for decades to come.

Perhaps partly because of the superb quality of this instrument, All Hallows has been blessed with a succession of very fine organists. A significant proportion of parish congregants typically demonstrate their appreciation of the music by remaining in their seats to hear the full postlude each Sunday.

The Organ’s tonal resources are as follows: