Jonathan Dimmock - The British Organ: Sounds of an Empire, 1871 Henry Willis Organ (2010)

The empire built by the British during Queen Victoria's reign 1837-1901 celebrated a burgeoning arts scene that, at mid-century, mounted musical performances on a grand scale such as wildly popular performances of 2,500 people singing Handel's Messiah. Such wide enjoyment of oratorio encouraged the creation of organs which imitate the fullness and power of a contemporary orchestra so as to accompany choral performances in public halls where orchestras were either unavailable or would benefit by the addition of a pipe organ. Such orchestral organs invited the transcription of orchestral works for solo organ concerts, as well as new works composed for the new style of organs. The smooth, blending, and powerful sounds created by Willis for such instruments became a trait sought for church organs, as well, to accompany choirs in new musical works as well as older works which were suitably adapted and ”romanticized” to meet the prevailing taste, and to lead hymn singing in an increasingly more orchestral style. Thus, Henry Willis was chosen to build the organs for St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Albert Hall in London, as well as the cathedrals in Salisbury, Oxford and Canterbury. He also built or rebuilt the organs at the Cathedrals of Truro, Salisbury, Carlisle, Exeter, Canterbury, Lincoln, Durham, Glasgow, Wells, and Hereford, as well as the organ at Windsor Castle.

Organs like the Willis organ heard on this CD and built in the mid-to-late 19th century, including the very organ recorded here, were widely prevalent in larger English parish churches during much of the 20th century. As the century waned, some churches closed and finer organs were relocated. Some moved beyond the British empire, and the 1871 Willis organ recorded on this CD is now in Sweden, and more about it appears below.