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University and Recital Hall organs

University and Recital Hall organs

Though high profile, these organs are smaller in numbers. Each can represent a number of exciting options for the pipe organ builder. The purchase of an instrument for these venues is often different from the selection process for a church pipe organ or a practice pipe organ. University pipe organs range from chapel instruments designed to meet church needs to practice pipe organs to recital hall instruments. The university professor and music department will select instruments based on highly detailed parameters. Since these pipe organs form the core for teaching, there is often a variety of pipe organs in a large organ department.

Many of these organs can be quite a change for most pipe organ builders, as builders get an opportunity to build in a very classic or historical style. While such an organ may not fulfill the needs of a church pipe organ, it is a good exercise for students to learn how certain techniques and styles of organ building and music came into existence. Likewise, the recital hall pipe organ may be designed with a greater level of concert work in mind. Pipe organs that can stand up to the presentation of a large symphonic concert may be beyond the parameters needed for church music. Church organ committees doing research and investigation to search for a new church pipe organ should keep this in mind when reviewing recital hall and university pipe organs.