THE KNOX CHURCH ORGAN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7004, 28 July 1884, Page 3

THE KNOX CHURCH ORGAN.

• The organ for Knox Church, about which there has been so much discussion in times past, has now arrived, and has been erocted at the northern end of the church. Its presence there, and the alterations and additions which have been made for its reception, have certainly had the effect of greatly improving the already handsome interior of the building. The gallery previously skirted the church on three sides, but a northern gallery has now been constructed which accommodates the organ in the centre embrasure, and also provides seats on either side for a choir numbering 56. The new structure shows admirable workmanship, and is ornamented by some very tasteful carving executed by Mr Godfrey. As regards the instrument itself, in exterior it is almost disappointingly plain, and the limited space available for its reception necessitated its being built in an unusually compact form. Notwithstanding this, however, it will not be gainsaid by those who have heard the tone of the instrument and ascertained it's capacity that the congregation of Knox Church have managed to provide themselves with an organ which probably eclipses any other in Dunedin. The manufacturers are Messrs Lewis Bros., whose instruments are noted for excellence in many respects, and particularly for the quality of the solo stops. For the benefit of musicians a list of the 24 speaking stops in the Knox Church instrument may be given. They are: Great organTrumpet (Bft), mixture (three ranks), flute harmonique (4ft), octave (4ft), salcional (Sft), lieblich gedact (Bft), open diapason (Bft), bourdon (16ft). Choir — Piccolo harmonic (2ft), .flauto traverse (4tf-), dulciana (Sft), viola (Bft), lieblich gedact (Bft). Swellclarinet (Sft), oboe (Sft), horn (Bft), geigon principal (4ft), voix celestes (Bft), viole de gambe (Sft), rohr flote (Sft), geigen principal (4ft). Pedal—Violoncello (Sft), sub bass (16ft), open diapason (16ft). The couplers are fourchoir to pedal, great to pedak, swell to pedals, and swell to great. The action of the keyboard ia remarkably good (another invariable advantage with Messrs Lewis' instruments); in fact, it is as perfectly easy when coupled a3 with only a single atop out. Lovera of music will have an opportunity of fully appreciating the power and variety of the organ on Wednesday evening next, when Mr A. J. Barth gives an opening recital in the church. It may be mentioned that tho new luxury, if pleasant, is also expensive, and the congregation have manifested by their action a good deal of spirit and self-confidence. The original cost of the instrument is understood to be £1200, and the additional expenses incurred have swelled the total amount to very nearly £1700. *