Anthony Burke - Burke on Bach: J.S. Bach on the 1929 Midmer-Losh Pipe Organ (2008)

The large, granite structure of Church of the Assumption was designed by prolific architect Patrick Keeley and built in 1893. In 1929, Midmer-Losh Co. was awarded the contract to build the largest pipe organ in the world at the Atlantic City Convention Hall and at about the same time, the organ for Assumption Church. Although significantly smaller, the organ for Assumption shared space at the Midmer-Losh workshop with components of the Atlantic City organ and it reflects the same style of orchestral voicing as well as boasting many of the Midmer-Losh firm’s unique mid-twentieth century features. Among these are an 85-note choir manual, specialty couplers, and floating divisions playable from every manual. As seen by the specification, the complexity of the instrument contributes to its massive proportions. Including large pipe scales that climax in two unusually large and powerful ranks: a double-languid Great Diapason and a 16’ Tuba Profunda of 10" scale (the diameter of the longest pipe in the rank which speaks the low C note on the keyboard) and on 15 inches of wind pressure.

Proper reconditioning by Foley-Baker, Inc., of Tolland, Connecticut, required the total removal of the instrument from the building. Working with Anthony Burke, it was decided that all voicing would be restored to original concepts. The original appearance of the console was kept and included the reinstatement of all the original stop tablets, adapted to new magnetic actions.