Norman S. Riesenfeld Residence

New York, N.Y.


Norman S. Riesenfeld, a native of Buffalo, graduated from the University of Buffalo Law School in 1904, and then moved to New York where he established a law practice. In 1904, Riesenfeld turned to the real estate field and began a very successful career as an active real estate operator in the city. His real estate holdings included ownership of the office building at 50 Broadway, later improved through the addition of the Standard Oil Arcade, and where he served as president of the 50 Broadway Corporation. Mr. Riesenfeld was involved in many major real estate transactions in the city throughout a career than lasted more than 30 years.

At the age of 8, Riesenfeld gave a piano recital in a Buffalo concert hall, but he later injured his hand in a bicycle accident, ending a possible musical career.

Norman Riesenfeld and his wife produced one child, Helen. He died on January 20, 1955, after a long illness. At the time of his death he lived at 3 East 76th Street, but his address in 1920, when the Estey organ was istalled, has not been determined.
               
Estey Organ Company
Brattleboro, Vt. – Opus 1808 (1920)
Electro-pneumatic action
2 manuals, 9 stops, 9 ranks


Estey's Op. 1808, built in 1920 for the Norman S. Riesenfled Residence, was voiced on 4 " wind pressure. The organ included "regular dull gold-bronze display pipes" in Estey case design #794. It is quite likely that this organ included an automatic player.
               
Great Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
   Open Diapason
61
8
   Melodia
61
8
   Dulciana
61
        
 
      
 
      
Swell Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
   Salicional
61
8
   Oboe
61
8
   Stopped Diapason
61
8
   Vox Humana
61
4
   Flute Harmonic
61
     Tremolo  
               
Pedal Organ – 30 notes, enclosed
16
   Bourdon
30
        
               
Couplers
    Great to Pedal   Great 4'
    Swell to Pedal   [Swell 16', 4']
    Swell to Great 16', 8', 4'    
               
Mechanicals
    Expression Pedal – Swell & Great   Great to Pedal Reversible
    Crescendo Pedal   Tremulant
               
Sources:
     The Estey Pipe Organ web site: www.esteyorgan.com
     Lewis, James. Specifications of Estey Organ, Op. 1808 (1920).
     "Norman Riesenfeld, Realty Man 30 Years," The New York Times (Jan. 21, 1955).