The organ at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

Peter Collins 1990

This instrument is among the largest new tracker organs built in Great Britain in recent years.  It has a pure mechanical key action without any pneumatic assistance, and a sophisticated electric stop action with a multi-level memory, incorporating Kapcard.  The Pedal, Great and Positive divisions are built on the Werkprinzip system, with classical choruses based on 16, 8 and 4ft pitches respectively.  The Swell division is placed under the Great and has a large set of shutters facing backwards and a smaller set facing forwards above the console.  The tuning temperament is by Neidhardt (1724), an unequal temperament that gives individual character to every tonality.  The case is of solid oak and incorporates sycamore screens, colouring and gilded lettering.  The carving, by Derek Riley, is a celebration of Scottish flora and fauna as well as a depiction of Scotland’s most famous dog, Greyfriars Bobby.  The organ speaks directly into the beautiful Greyfriars acoustic from a commanding position on a purpose-built bridge gallery near the west end of the church.

GREAT: Bourdon 16, Principal 8, Chimney Flute 8, Bell Gamba 8, Octave 4, Triangular Flute 4, Grosse Tierce 3 1/5, Octave 2, Grand Cornet IV (8.12.15.17), Mixture IV (19.22.26.29), Cymbel II (33.36), Trumpet 16, Case Trumpet (Horizontal) 8, Case Clarion (horizontal) 4, Tremulant, Swell to Great, Postive to Great.

SWELL: Diapason Flute 8, Viole 8, Voix Celeste 8, Prestant 4, Gemshorn 2, Cornet d’Echo II (12.17), Flageolet 1, Plein Jeu V (15.19.22.26.29), Basson 16, Trompette 8, Hautbois 8, Voix Humaine 8, Clarion 4, Tremulant.

POSITIVE: Kleingedacht 8, Quintadena 8, Dessus de Flute 8, Principal 4, Chimney Flute 4, Nasard 2 2/3, Octave 2, Quarte de Nasard 2, Tirece 1 3/5, Larigot 1 1/3, Scharf IV (22.26.29.33), Cremona 8, Tremulant, Swell to Positive.

PEDAL: Rumble 32, Principal 16, Open Bass 16, Sub-Bass 16, Octave 8, Bass Flute 8, Wide Octave 4, Mixture IV (12.15.19.22), Bombarde 32, Trombone 16, Trumpet 8, Great to Pedal, Positive to Pedal, Swell to Pedal, Swell Octave to Pedal. 

The organ at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

Page created 16.07.2001