Nazareth, PA, Whitefield House
Builder | D. Tannenberg |
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Year | 1776 |
Period/Style | Classical |
Stops | 4 |
Keyboards | 1 |
Keyaction | tracker/mechanical |
The organ, restored by R. J. Brunner in 1997, holds a significant place in American musical history, likely originating from the Moravian chapel of the Saal or Single Brothers' House in Bethlehem. The restoration involved releathering the bellows, refurbishing the original Tannenberg keyboard, cleaning the pipes, and touching up the case. Originally costing £60, this instrument was dedicated in November 1776, making it one of the oldest known organs in the region. Over the years, it underwent minimal changes, including the addition of a 13-note pedalboard, which was later removed, preserving its near-original condition.
The organ's history suggests it remained largely untouched and unaltered during critical periods, largely because it was unplayable for many years, likely saving it from modifications during times when such changes were common. By the 1920s, it had been relocated to the Whitefield House in Nazareth. Its case, grain-painted in the 1830s, was left intact during the 1997 restoration to maintain its historical authenticity. The careful preservation and meticulous restoration efforts underscore the organ’s cultural and historical significance, reflecting its journey through time while maintaining its original craftsmanship and sound.
The organ's history suggests it remained largely untouched and unaltered during critical periods, largely because it was unplayable for many years, likely saving it from modifications during times when such changes were common. By the 1920s, it had been relocated to the Whitefield House in Nazareth. Its case, grain-painted in the 1830s, was left intact during the 1997 restoration to maintain its historical authenticity. The careful preservation and meticulous restoration efforts underscore the organ’s cultural and historical significance, reflecting its journey through time while maintaining its original craftsmanship and sound.
Manual |
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Flute Amabile 8' |
Viol da Gamba 8' |
Flute (orig. Flöt duo) 4' |
Principal 2' |
No Video/Audio samples available.
https://beta.pipeorgandatabase.org/instruments/2399