In Part One, Scott Kip takes me inside the Wanamaker Organ to see the amazing mechanical wonders within. The Wanamaker Organ is the largest functioning musical instrument in the World (In 2016), containing over 28,000 individual pipes in 444 ranks. Originally created for the 1904 St. Louis Exposition by the Los Angeles Art Organ Company, it was exhibited in the Kansas City Convention Hall until 1906 when it was dismantled and put into storage. The organ was purchased by John Wanamaker in 1909, and it was transported in pieces and installed in the current location in Philadelphia in 1910 in its first incarnation. The organ has since undergone several major renovations, restorations, and upgrades over the last century - much of which will be the subject of part two - where I will get into the rich history and technical complexity of the organ and how it functions.
For more info check out the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ website: http://www.wanamakerorgan.com
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For more info check out the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ website: http://www.wanamakerorgan.com
Help Support Fran's YouTube Channel on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/frantone
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Donate to help fund my YouTube Channel at http://www.frantone.com
Fran on Twitter - https://twitter.com/contourcorsets
Fran's Science Blog - http://www.frantone.com/designwritings/design_writings.html
Fran's Daily Updates - http://www.contourcorsets.com/daily/daily.html
Very informative and interesting tour of such a magnificent instrument. However, that young man could have provided a running commentary of what you and the viewers were looking at. At the beginning he left you to figure things out while he scampered off!! He didn't start commenting until 9 minutes into the presentation. A lot of the organ components have names that are unknown to most viewers, and how they work is vital in understanding and appreciating that instrument!! 🤔☹
I'm going to shop at Macy's for something JUST to do my miniscule part in helping to maintain this incredible instrument. It's unbelievable how much space they've dedicated to this instrument.
I think you would like the 5 manual Grandfather Willis organ at Blenheim Palace. My grandfather played it often and even had a small 16 foot one in his lounge (he took the floor above out). Only 3 of the large Willis organs were made – 32 foot pipes. All the pipes were solid tin as silver didn't sound right. Just one point. There is a tiny dent in one pipe – it annoys me. It took 6 men at the bellows room to keep it going and even when the duke electrified it the lights in Woodstock village had to be turned off. You could have a go for half a crown. My father said my 'chopsticks' was quite good, I was 5. You don't really hear the 32 foot pipes but your body does. Bach on that beast and all else is nothing.
Brilliant. Thanks Fran!
Ok, sorry I'm late to the show.
First let me say thanks to Fran for this excellent tour of this beautiful instrument.
I had the honor of having a chance in the early 70s of being shown this organ by an organist friend that was very familiar with it.
Familiar enough to know that we could go through the ladies shoe dept to the door opening to the console.
Shortly after the organist showed up to do the 5 oclock show, a bit perturbed that we were there till my friend mentioned he used to play at a boys school which turned out to be the same one the organist was currently playing at. We were invited to sit in one of the folding chairs and I had my first introduction to this instrument up close and personal.
One of the most memorable moments in my life! Thanks again Fran, very well done.
The largest functioning pipe organ in the world! What a humongous thing. I cant wait for the midmer-losh organ in Boardwalk Hall wich is the really biggest organ in the world being completly restored!!!
She is my lady 🙂
Where are all the carnies?
Check out the Barton organ at the Ringling Brothers theater in Baraboo Wi. Another amazing place. We got them to play Phantom of the Opera, Music of the Night. This one is a true wonder.
Remember Virgil Fox…!
Sounds like the organist was playing Pirates of Penzance act 1 finale at the beginning!
I was lucky enough to go to John Wanamakers department store in the late "70's when it was still going strong.
A magical place.
Great video thanks for filming that. I was ah struck watching that.
🙂 Too bad you didn't bring a decibel meter with you on your tour! Ahah! Thank you for bringing everyone along with you.
🤩Great organ.