The Hazel Wright Organ, named after donor Mrs. Hazel Wright from Chicago, consists of 302 stops, 300 ranks, and 17,106 pipes, with an additional 31 digital ranks added in 1996.
Instruments
The Hazel Wright Organ, featured on this album, is a combination of three pipe organs: a 1962 Aeolian-Skinner instrument, a 1977 Fratelli Ruffatti organ, and new pipework by Fratelli Ruffatti.
Recording & Production
Despite the organ's massive scale and complex acoustics, most tracks on this album were recorded with only two, or occasionally four, microphones to achieve clarity and capture locational cues.
Recording & Production
Recording this album on the Hazel Wright Organ was challenging due to the cathedral's diamond shape, five pipework locations, and issues with temperature layers affecting tuning.
Interpretation
This recording showcases the newly restored Hazel Wright Organ, re-envisioned for both concert works and Catholic liturgy, featuring repertoire with historical connections to the organ and more recent compositions.
Interpretation
The album's music draws inspiration from French Impressionism, chant, dance forms, and jazz, highlighting the organ's delicate pipework, colorful solo registrations, and versatility.
Instruments
The Hazel Wright Organ includes one of the world's largest drawknob consoles, with five manuals, 363 drawknobs, and 68 coupler tablets.
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