In Westminster Abbey Organ Loft.

Manawatu Herald, 1 August 1896, Page 2

In Westminster Abbey Organ Loft.

In the June number of the Windsor Magazine, F. Klickmann gives a lengthy account of our most famous. organists and their instruments. Of Westminster Abbey -Organ the writer says

" It has five manuals and seventy* four stops. The fifth manual at Westminster is an absolutely unique affair. A small plate fixed to the organ announces that this was added by A. D. Clarke, in memory of his wife, but Doctor Bridge supplied more details. 'My friend Mr Clarke (the yachteinan you know) takes a great interest in the organ here ' (the doctor was playing an elaborate Prelude while talking), • and one day he asked me what I should like to have added to it. I told him that the organ itself was as nearly perfect as an organ could be, but that if he yearned to do something for me he could give an additional organ, to be placed in another part of the building, yet the manual to be under my control the same as the other four. We drew up a nice little scheme which was to coat about £250. Later on I found some " extras " I wanted added to it that brought it up to £600. Ultimately I discovered ways aud means of enabling him to spend about £1000 on this fifth manual, or " celestial organ " as I have called it. ' I remember it all so well," the Doctor continued meditatively. 'Mr Clarke was Bitting in that very chair

where you are sitting now. I only allow really distinguished people to sit there. It is strange, tod, how munificent they always are. By the way. you know we are going to put up a case to the organ in commemoration of the Puroell celebration. I might mention that it is to cost over £2000, and at present we have only £1200. The Dean will be very glad to receive a donation of the other £1000, 1 am sure.' "I changed the subject and inquired where the ' celestial organ ' had been placed.

"• la the triforiuin above the Handel memorial in the Poets' Corner. It is 200 feet away from me, yet so perfect is the action that it speaks instantaneously with my touch, and the whole of the connecting mschanism is contained in that little cable there,' and the Doctor pointed out a small cable, about two inches in circumference, that ran up the wall above the organ pipes and disappeared through an opening aloft.'

v ' Electricity '/" I asked

" ' Ye 3, electricity. The wind supply fa sent through two pipas, and that likewise hu3 to travel 200 feet."