The Estey 3-Manual Pipe Organ
History
The majestic pipe organ installed in the Sanctuary of Epsilon Spires was built in 1906 by the Estey Organ Company, founded in Brattleboro by Jacob Estey in 1872. The Estey factory manufactured more than 3,000 organs in its Brattleboro factory, shipping them as far as China and South Africa before closing in 1960. Our Estey was given as a gift to the First Baptist Church in memory of Juilius Jacob Estey (son of Jacob Estey) by his sons Jacob Gray Estey and Julius Harry Estey. The organ was revised in 1958 by Elroy E. Hewitt, but its tonal features remain for the most part untouched. The instrument is an excellent example of an early-twentieth century American pipe organ, and is one of the largest organs of its kind still in use today.
Organ Programming at Epsilon Spires
Epsilon Spires seeks to honor the history of our magnificent and unique pipe organ while expanding our audience’s expectations of what this versatile instrument is capable of, with a focus on showcasing experimental and secular works. Our innovative organ programming continues to breathe new life into this historic treasure, which is featured regularly in concert performances by talented international contemporary composers playing free recitals of their favorite pieces.
To transport audiences back in time with unforgettable, immersive experiences, we frequently invite accomplished silent film accompanists to perform live soundtracks to classic films activating our powerful pipe organ, which is similar to the organs that would have been heard playing in movie theaters during the original theatrical releases.
Upcoming Events
Fri, Apr 18Mistaken identities, intrigue, a chase, a swordfight and more! Silent film star Marion Davies sparkles in this 1926 gender-bender comedy. Featuring a live musical score performed on our Historic Estey by Ben Model, resident silent film accompanist at MoMA and The Library of Congress!
Sat, Mar 22For their residency closing concert at Epsilon Spires, Ben Richter of Ghost Ensemble is joined by special guest cellist Laura Cetilia and bassist Mike Bullock to premiere new music for our Historic Estey organ, quarter-tone accordion, and low strings.
“The Sanctuary Organ” Stoplist
Originally built by Estey Organ Co., Opus 300, 1906
Modifications by Elroy E. Hewitt, 1958
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Great (II)
Open Diapason 8
Gross Flute 8
Dulciana 8
Octave 4
Twelfth 2 2/3
Fifteenth 2
Tuba 8
Chimes
Choir (I, expressive)
Concert Flute 8
Aeoline 8
Vox Angelica 8
Hohl Flute 4
Piccolo 2
Cor Glorieux 8
Choir Tremolo
Swell (III, expressive)
Bourdon 16
Stopped Diapason 8
Quintadena 8
Salicional 8
Voix Celeste (from tenor C) 8
Principal 4
Flute Traverso 4
Cornet III
Cornopean 8
Oboe 8
Vox Humana 8
Swell Tremolo
Pedal
Open Diapason 16
Bourdon (from Swell) 16
Dulciana 16
Gedeckt 8
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Couplers:
Great to Pedal 8
Swell to Pedal 8, 4
Choir to Pedal 8
Swell to Great 16, 8, 4
Choir to Great 16, 8, 4
Swell to Choir 16, 8, 4
Great to Great 4
Swell to Swell 16, 4
Choir to Choir 16, 4
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Player Assists:
7 General Pistons (also available as toe studs)
6 Swell Divisional Piston & 1 Divisional Cancel
5 Great Divisional Pistons & 1 Divisional Cancel
5 Choir Divisional Pistons & 1 Divisional Cancel
4 Pedal Divisional Toe Studs & 1 Divisional Cancel
Swell to Pedal Reversible (manual and toe stud)
Great to Pedal Reversible (manual and toe stud)
Choir to Pedal Reversible (manual and toe stud)
Sforzando
General Cancel
Crescendo Pedal
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Manual Compass: C–c4, 61 notes
Pedal Compass: C–g1, 32 notes