The Eric Herz Harpsichord, Opus No. 423, Fecit 1985
English Style Harpsichord
Built 1985 by Eric Herz as the finest example of his instruments
Stops: 8’, 8’, 4’ with two buffs
Given in honor of James S. Darling, organist-choirmaster of Bruton Parish Church from 1961 to 2006
The Vernon M. Geddy Memorial Organ
Built by the Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company, 1955
Renovated by Orgues Létourneau, 1994
The Bruton Parish Church Organ, the gift of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., in memory of Vernon M. Geddy, an active associate in the restoration of Williamsburg, is a large modern organ intended to play music of all periods. The Church serves a large active congregation and welcomes many visitors annually. Organists perform an eclectic repertoire to fit the needs of history and contemporary life.
Visible above the altar stands an organ case by Samuel Green (1785). This represents the original organ (1756), which was located in the West Gallery. The builder is not known but the surviving specification, one keyboard without pedals, typifies 18th-century English practice: Open Diapason, Stopped Diapason, Principal, Flute, Twelfth, Fifteenth, Sexquintia, Cornet, Trumpet and Vox Humans. Peter Pelham (1722-1805), Bruton’s first organist and acclaimed musician, played it for nearly 50 years.
G. Donald Harrison, tonal director of AEolian-Skinner Organ Company, faced the task of locating the extensive modern pipework in ways that would not conflict with the historic appearance of the Church. Despite acoustical compromises, his plan is followed today. The Great, Positiv, and Brustwerk divisions are placed in the East Gallery; the Swell, Choir, and Pedal stand in the attic, speaking through grills; and the Antiphonal is found in the tower.
By the early 1990s malfunctions in console and mechanism became a frequent occurrence. Renewal and renovation were required to keep the organ in first-class condition. After an exhaustive search, the Church contracted with Orgues Létourneau of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada to do the work (1994). Highlights of the renovation include:
-- a new state of the art console within the refinished AEolian-Skinner wooden shell;
-- a high technology combination action;
-- new keyboards with bone naturals and jacaranda wood sharps;
-- replacement of leather components of the action;
-- tonal changes and revoicing as needed to enhance the sound.
The work was completed and the organ rededicated in February 1995.
Bruton’s organ is one of the busiest in the United States. More than 120 concerts are given in the Church annually and organ recitals constitute the majority. The organ is played at more than 250 services and is used by William and Mary College students for lessons and practice. For more information on the organ refer here to the Bruton Parish Organ Details.
