Issue 40 winter 23 web - Flipbook - Page 79
The largest bass pipes (most of the stops of the Pedal
organ) are situated out of sight in the 1938 organ chamber, the tracery of its missing window having been superbly
recreated in solid oak.
The organ case, in oak, has been designed by the makers
of the new instrument, Nicholson & Co of Malvern, a
highly-regarded firm originally established in Worcester
by John Nicholson in 1841 and today flourishing with a
full order-book. It pays homage to Sir Thomas Jackson’s
woodwork in the chapel without slavishly copying any elements; thus, it has its own distinct personality. The new
organ is an historically-informed, modern instrument,
powerful enough to drive lusty hymn-singing, yet
equipped with all the ranks of pipes (‘stops’) organ students need to derive an understanding of the organ music
of many national styles and periods. It has already won
much admiration and is set fair to enhance music and
liturgy in Radley’s beautiful chapel for many decades to
come.
Opposite, Radley Choir Organ and Great Organ mechanical action
Opposite below, Radley front pipes, gilded mouths
Below, Radley organ console
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