The Organ of York Minster - York, Great Britain
The Minster has suffered three fires during the last 170 years. The
conflagration of 1829 was the work of a madman who disliked organs, and both the organ and
the Quire roof were destroyed. The basis of the present organ therefore dates from 1832,
when the firm of Elliot and Hill constructed a large and cumbersome instrument to the
designs of the then organist, Matthew Camidge. The organ was reconstructed rather more
rationally in 1859 by William Hill and Sons, to a design by Dr Edwin Monk, who had
succeeded the Camidge dynasty. Although the case remained intact, a large amount of new
pipework was introduced.
In 1901, J.W. Walker and Sons undertook another major reconstruction under the direction
of Dr Thomas Tertius Noble. Although much of the old pipework was used, Walkers added a
considerable amount of new work, and, in addition, they completely re-ordered the interior
design of the instrument.
In 1914, Sir Edward Bairstow succeeded Dr Noble and immediately evolved plans to increase
the versatility and volume of the organ. A small amount of this work was undertaken in
1915 by Harrison and Harrison. It was at this time that the famous Tuba Mirabilis was
added. The plans were completed by the same firm in 1928.
In 1961 the firm of J.W.Walker was once again entrusted with the care of the Minster
Organ. Under the direction of Dr Francis Jackson, the instrument was again rebuilt, with
an emphasis on brighter and lighter tone. Due regard was paid not only to current fashion
but also to the specification of 1859, which, with five mixtures on the Great and an
impressively comprehensive pedal department, was remarkably far-reaching for its time.
The Minster Organ was cleaned in 1982, but no changes were made. The fire of 1984 affected
the Organ, but not irreparably. There was enough damage, however, to hasten the time for a
major restoration. This was begun in 1991 and finished one year later. The work, to plans
drawn up by John Scott Whiteley and Philip Moore, was undertaken by Geoffrey Coffin, Organ
Builder, who had at one time been Assistant Organist at the Minster. All concerned were in
agreement that the tonal design of the organ should not be drastically altered. There were
changes in wind pressures, some recasting of the Mixture work and a considerable
enhancement of the Pedal department. The instrument still sounds as it did after the 1961
rebuild, but with a greater degree of clarity and balance between
departments.
The Organ of York Minster York, Great Britain
Page revised 03.09.2000
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