Amazing Grace - 1965 Allen Custom Organ

10 hours ago
8

Amazing Grace is a hymn, first published in 1779 by English clergyman John Newton. The hymn tune is 'New Britain', and was first paired with the hymn in 1835. I open with the 16' Dulzian using Tremulant (and coming through the new HC-15 speaker), then build to a full chorus on the rest of the organ. The only reed being used in the chorus is the Oboe, but even so the organ packs a pretty good punch! Then, at the end, de-crescendo to a very soft celeste. I recognize I have a habit of playing with the swell pedals open, so hopefully this will help me get in the habit of exploring the dynamics of the instrument more.

Apologies for the combination noise - I think the back of the console being open right now is allowing some of that to bleed through.

1
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
2
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
3
The Lord hath promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
4
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.

** My Equipment **
Video: iPhone 12 Pro Max
Audio: Tascam Portacapture x8 with built in microphones in XY configuration.

** About me **
I am not a professional organist, nor do I have any musical training to speak of. So, I'm learning as I go.

** About the organ **
This organ was installed June 15, 1965 as part of a new church building for the 2nd Baptist Church of Rochester, NY. It was a Custom build from Allen Organ in Macungie, Pennsylvania, with additional options for a Schulmerich Carillon system. It is a unit organ of seven electronic ranks, with the Great/Swell/Pedal sharing three tone generators, the Swell having a dedicated Celeste generator, and an independent Choir division of three tone generators, for a total of five audio output channels. A total of 570 oscillators generate all the sounds that are heard. A dedicated Choir Celeste generator awaits installation, which will bring the total up to 607 oscillators. The organ was dedicated in September, 1965 in a recital performed by Berj Zamkochian.

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