Pipe organ building is one of the world’s finest arts.
Since the beginning of organ building in the 15th century, builders have continued to develop and share their craft with inspiring sound for worship and concert. The organ is known as the ‘king of instruments’ because of its many sound colors and sonic capability for leading and accompanying.
Roman Catholic Church documents quote the pipe organ as having ‘pride of place.’ Our new instrument for St. Joseph is designed to lead, blend with the new Steinway piano and other instruments, suit all vocals, and feature concert organ repertoire.
The new organ built by Peragallo Organ Company in Paterson, NJ (www.peragallo.com) was installed in the summer of 2024. Hundreds of distinct parts of the instrument and 2,172 pipes were erected in chests in three places of the church: behind the façade of pipes already visible in the front sanctuary, in the center of the gallery, and on the wall of the east transept (known as the ‘Choir’ division). Horizontal trumpets shine from the upper gallery case, and there are many digital sounds (including chimes). A set of gold bells (cymbelstern) that rotates/sounds when engaged is set in a Celtic cross design (matching the insignia in our marble church floor) and is situated in the gallery organ façade. The movable organ console (cockpit of the organist) lives in the music area of the east transept.
Prayerful, considerable thought, and high artistic measure have gone into the design of this great instrument. It is one of the finest instruments of our Archdiocese and a historical masterpiece for our parish.
Organ Information Session
Dr. Lynn Trapp
August 22, 2024
Organ Inaugural Recital
Dr. Lynn Trapp
September 8, 2024
Recital Program
Organ Symphony No. 1 by A. Guilmant
with full orchestra (at video 1:00:38)
Dr. Lynn Trapp, soloist
Sunday, October 6, 2024