The Riverside Church

490 Riverside Drive at 122nd Street
New York, N.Y. 10027
http://www.theriversidechurchny.org


Organ Specifications:
Riverside Drive at 122nd Street (since 1930)
► V/207 Aeolian-Skinner, Op. 1118-C (1964), rev.
► V/183 Aeolian-Skinner, Op. 1118 & Op. 1118-B (1947, 1953-54)
► IV/119 Hook & Hastings, Op. 2540 (1929)
593 Park Avenue at 64th Street (1922-1930) – Park Avenue Baptist
► IV/56 Hook & Hastings, Op. 2455 (1922)
Fifth Avenue at 46th Street (1866-1922) – Fifth Avenue Baptist
• III/54 George S. Hutchings, Op. 422 (1897)
• III/29 Hilborne L. Roosevelt, Op. 109 (1882)
• Henry Erben (1865)

See also Christ Chapel and the Chapel of the Cross.



 
  Chancel Console (1994) of the Aeolian-Skinner Organ, Op. 1118 at the Riverside Church - New York City (photo: Steven E. Lawson)
  Chancel Console (1994)
  Console of Aeolian-Skinner organ, Op. 1118 in the Riverside Church - New York City (credit: Jeremy Wance)
   
Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company, Inc.
Boston, Mass. – Opus 1118-C (1964)
Revised and enlarged by Gilbert F. Adams (1966-67),
     Anthony A. Bufano (1966-67, 1978, 1980),
     and Robert Pearson (1995-present)
Electro-pneumatic action
Positiv has electric-slider action
Solid State Logic combination action
5 manuals, 190 registers, 149 stops, 207 ranks




The original chancel and gallery organs for the Riverside Church were built by Hook & Hastings of Boston when the church was opened in 1930. A new five-manual Aeolian-Skinner chancel console was built in 1948, followed by that firm's new chancel organ in 1953-54, retaining some of the original pipework but replacing some gallery pipework.

 
Gallery Grand Chorus (1980)  
 
Gallery Console (1966-67)  
In 1964, a new Aeolian-Skinner organ (Op. 1118-C) was installed in the second gallery, and all pipes were revoiced. During 1966-67, Anthony A. Bufano built a new five-manual console; at the same time, Gilbert F. Adams made major tonal revisions, including the addition of the Positiv, new pipework in the Bombarde, complete new principal choruses in the Great and Swell, chorus reeds in the Great, revoiced reeds in the Swell, Solo, and Choir, and other new flues. While the chancel console was being built, a second-hand Austin console was installed in the chancel; after the console work was completed, the Austin console was moved to the gallery where it was rebuilt to control the gallery divisions and, through blind generals, the chancel organ.

  Trompeta Majestatis installed in 1978 on the Aeolian-Skinner Organ, Op. 1118 at the Riverside Church - New York City (photo: Ken Stein)
  Trompeta Majestatis (1978)
Mr. Bufano gave the Trompeta Majestatis, built by M.P. Möller and voiced by Adolph Zajic, in memory of his mother in 1978. The Grand Chorus division was added two years later (1980), and a complete new principal chorus was installed in the Chancel Pedal. In 1994, a Solid State Logic multi-level combination action was installed and the console was completely rewired. In summer 1995, the dry acoustics were improved when 10 coats of sealant were applied to the ceiling. During 1995-96, organ curator Robert Pearson supervised the complete cleaning, tuning, and revoicing of the organ to suit the new acoustical environment.
               
C H A N C E L    O R G A N
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, unenclosed (3½" wind pressure)
32
 
Manual Untersatz
preparation
1 1/3
  Kleine Mixtur IV ranks
244
16
 
Brummbass
preparation
1 1/3
  Fourniture V-VII ranks
366
16
  Violone
61
1/2
  Scharf IV ranks
244
8
  Diapason
61
  Grand Chorus VII ranks
GalGT
8
  Prinzipal
61
16
  Posaune
61
8
  Flute Oktaviante
61
8
  Trompete
61
8
  Holzgedackt
61
4
  Klarine
61
8
  Gemshorn
61

  Tremulant  
5 1/3
  Quinte
61

  Chimes
SO
4
  Octave
61
8
  Harp
CH
4
  Spitzprinzipal
61
4
  Celesta
CH
4
  Flûte couverte
61

  Great Sub  
2 2/3
  Octave Quinte
61

  Great Unison Off  
2
  Super Octave
61

  Positiv  
2
   Blockflöte
61
     Positiv Sub  
1 3/5
   Tierce
61
     Manual V  
               
Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed (5" wind pressure)
32
  Contre Gambe
80
8
  Cornet V (draws * stops)
—
16
  Gambe (fr. 32')
—
2
  Dolce Mixture III-V ranks
244
16
  Flûte conique
68
1 1/3
  Plein Jeu IV ranks
244
16
  Rohr Bordun
68
2/3
  Cymbale IV ranks
244
8
  Montre
68
16
  Contre Trompette
68
8
  Viole de Gambe
68
8
   Trompette
68
8
  Viole Celeste
68
8
  Hautbois
68
8
  Salicional
68
8
  Oboe d'Amour
68
8
  Voix Celeste (GG)
61
8
  Clarinet
68
8
  Rohrflöte *
68
8
  Menschenstimme
68
8
  Flauto Dolce
68
4
  Clairon
68
8
  Flute Celeste (TC)
56
4
  Octave Trumpet
68
4
  Prestant
68
     Tremulant  
4
  Flûte harmonique *
68
8
  Trompeta Majestatis
GalGT
4
  Unda Maris II ranks
136
  Swell Sub  
2 2/3
  Nazard *
61

  Swell Super  
2
  Doublette
61

  Unison Off  
2
   Spillflöte *
61
     Positiv  
1 3/5
   Tierce *
61
     Manual V  
               
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed (5" wind pressure)
16
  Quintaton
68
1/4
   Zimbel III ranks
183
8
  Viola Pomposa
68
2/5
   Jeu de Clochette II ranks
122
8
  Viola Celeste
68
16
   Serpent
68
8
  Dulcet II ranks
136
8
   Petite Trompette
68
8
  Concert Flute
68
8
  Krummhorn
68
8
  Cor de Nuit *
68
4
  Rohr Schalmei
68
8
  Erzähler
68
8
  Festival Trumpet
BO
8
  Erzähler Celeste
68
  Tremulant  
4
  Prinzipal
68
8
   Harp (TC)
—
4
  Koppelflöte *
68
4
  
Celesta
61 bars
2 2/3
  Rohr Nasat *
61

 
Nachtigall [on Ped. toe stud]
2
  Zauberflöte *
61

  Choir Sub  
1 3/5
  Tierce *
61

 
Choir Super
 
1 1/3
  Larigot
61

  Unison Off  
1
   Sifflöte
61
     Positiv  
8
   Cornet V (draws * stops)
—
     Manual V  
1
   Mixtur III-IV ranks
244
        
               
Solo Organ (Manual IV) – 61 notes, enclosed (10" wind pressure)
8
  Gambe
68
8
   Cornet des Bombardes V
BO
8
  Gambe Celeste
68

  Tremulant  
8
  Doppelflöte
68

 
Chimes
25 tubes
4
  Orchestral Flute
68

 
Chimes Forte (opens enclosure])
2 2/3
  Quinte Flute
61
4
   Celesta
CH
2
  Fife
61

 
Zimbelstern
5 bells
16
  Corno di Bassetto
68

 
Solo Sub
 
8
  Trompette Harmonique (14")
61

  Solo Super  
8
  French Horn
61

 
Unison Off
 
8
   English Horn
68
     Positiv Off  
8
   Orchestral Oboe
68
     Manual V  
4
   Clairon Harmonique
61
        
               
Positiv Organ (Manual IV) – 61 notes (2½" wind pressure)
8
   Prinzipal
61
1 1/3
   Mixtur V ranks
305
8
   Singend Gedeckt
61
1/3
   Terzzymbel III ranks
183
4
   Oktav
61
8
   Trichter Regal (c13–c49)
37
4
   Rohrflöte
61
     Tremulant  
2
   Superoktav
61
     Positiv Sub  
1 1/3
   Larigot
61
     Unison Off  
               
Bombarde Organ (Manual V) – 61 notes (5" and 12" wind pressure)
8
  Mounted Cornet V (g20–g56)
185
4
  Festival Trumpet (to c49)
—
 
  Tremolo  
8
  Tuba Mirabilis
61
16
  Festival Trumpet (TC)
—
8
  Trompeta Majestatis
GalGT
8
  Festival Trumpet
61

  Bombarde Ventil  
               
Pedal Organ – 32 notes (5" wind pressure)
32
  Contre Basse
44
4
  Flöte (GT Fl. Oktav.)
GT
32
  Contra Bourdon
56
4
  Rohrflöte
SW
32
  Contre Gambe
SW
2
  Blockflöte
GT
16
  Contre Basse (fr. 32')
—
2 2/3
  Mixture III ranks
96
16
  Prinzipal
32
1
  Cymbel III ranks
96
16
  Violone
GT
32
  Harmonics VI ranks
derived
16
  Gambe
SW
32
  Contre Bombarde
44
16
  Flûte conique
SW
16
  Bombarde (fr. 32')
—
16
  Bourdon (fr. 32')
—
16
  Rankett
56
16
  Rohr Bordun
SW
16
  Contre Trompette
SW
16
  Quintaton
CH
16
  Serpent [in Choir jamb]
CH
8
  Prinzipal
32
8
  Trumpet
44
8
  Spitz Prinzipal
32
8
  Rankett (fr. 16')
—
8
  Cello (Violone)
GT
4
  Clarion (fr. 8' Trumpet)
—
8
  Flute Oktaviante
GT
4
  Trompette (SO Clairon)
SO
8
  Bourdon (fr. 32')
—
4
  Rankett (fr. 16')
—
8
  Rohrflöte
SW
8
  Trompeta Majestatis
GalGT
5 1/3
  Quinte
32
  Chimes
SO
4
  Choral Bass
32
     Pedal Divide  
4
   Nachthorn
32
        
               
G A L L E R Y   O R G A N
               
Gallery Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, enclosed (5" wind pressure)
16
  Quintade
61
8
  Trompeta Majestatis (22")
61
8
  Principal 
61

 
Tremulant
  
8
  Flûte harmonique
61

 
Chimes **
25 tubes
4
  Octave
61

  Great Sub  
4
  Flûte à chiminée
61

 
Great Super
 
2
  Fifteenth
61

  Unison Off  
1 1/3
   Fourniture IV ranks
244
     Manual V
8
   Trompette
61
    
** Chimes knob is located in Solo jamb
               
Grand Chorus Organ (Manual II) - 61 notes, unenclosed (5" wind pressure)
8
  Diapason
61
2
   Grand Plein Jeu V ranks
305
4
  Major Octave
61
        
               
Gallery Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed (5" wind pressure)
16
  Bourdon
68
1
   Plein Jeu IV ranks
244
8
  Gedeckt
68
16
  Fagotto
68
8
  Salicional
68
8
  Trompette
68
8
  Voix Celeste (TC)
61
4
  Hautbois
68
8
  Aeoline
68

  Tremulant  
8
  Vox Angelica (TC)
61

  Swell Sub  
4
  Octave Geigen 
68

  Swell Super  
4
  Flute Octaviante 
68

  Unison Off  
2
   Doublette
61
     Manual V  
2 2/3
   Sesquialtera II ranks
122
        
               
Celestial Organ (Manual V) – 61 notes, enclosed (5" wind pressure)
8
  Viole Ætheria
68
8
  Voix Humaine
68
8
  Viole Celeste
68
 
  Tremulant  
8
  Flute Celeste II ranks
129
8
  
Harpe Séraphique
preparation
8
  Cor de Nuit
68

 
Harpe Forte
preparation
4
  Flûte traversière
68

  Celestial Sub
2 2/3
  Nasat
61

  Celestial Super  
8
   Cor d'Amour
68
     Unison Off  
8
   Cromorne
68
        
               
Organo Piccolo (console preparation only)
8
  
Flauto
preparation
1
  
Vigesimaseconda
preparation
4
  
Ottave
preparation
2/3
  
Vigesimasesta
preparation
4
  
Flauto in Ottava
preparation
1/2
  
Vigesimanon
preparation
2
  
Decima Quinta
preparation
2
  
Ripieno V (collective)
preparation
1 1/3
  
Decima Nona
preparation
     
               
Gallery Pedal Organ – 32 notes, unenclosed (5" wind pressure)
16
  Open Wood
32
4
  Super Octave (fr. 8')
—
16
  Prinzipal
32
2
  Mixture III ranks
96
16
  Bourdon
44
32
  Grand Cornet VI ranks
derived
16
  Lieblich Gedeckt
GalSW
16
  Bombarde
32
16
  Quintade
GalGT
16
  Fagotto
GalSW
8
  Octave
44
8
  Trompette
GalGT
8
  Pommer (fr. 16' Bdn)
—

     
               
C H A N C E L   C O N S O L E
               
Chancel Couplers and Accessories (one row of tilting tablets above Manual V)
    Great to Pedal 8'   Great to Choir 8'
    Swell to Pedal 8', 4'   Chancel [activates Chancel stops]
    Choir to Pedal 8', 4'   Both [activates entire organ]
    Solo to Pedal 8', 4'   Gallery [activates Gallery stops]
    Positiv to Pedal 8'   Swell to Choir 16', 8', 4'
    Manual V to Pedal 8', 4'   Solo to Choir 8', 4'
    Pedal Divide [1–12 Pedal, 13–32 Couplers]   Great on Solo
    Pedal to Great   Great on Manual V
    Swell to Great 16', 8', 4'   Solo to Swell 8', 4'
    Choir to Great 16', 8', 4'   Choir to Swell 8'
    Solo to Great 16', 8', 4'    
               
Gallery Couplers and Accessories (by drawknob in left stop jamb)
    Great to Pedal 8', 4'   Great to Swell 16', 8', 4'
    Swell to Pedal 8', 4'   Gallery Swell to Swell Expression
    Swell to Great 16', 8', 4'   Gallery Great to Solo Expression
    Swell to Choir 16', 8', 4'    
               
Combination Action
   
Chancel Bombarde Pistons 1-2-3-4 (thumb)
Chancel Solo Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 (thumb)
Chancel Swell Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 (thumb)
Chancel Great Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 (thumb)
Chancel Choir Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14 (thumb)
Chancel Positiv Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6 (thumb)
Chancel Pedal Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14 (toe)
Gallery Celestial Pistons 1-2-3-4-5 (thumb)
Gallery Swell Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6 (thumb)
Gallery Great Pistons 1-2-3-4-5 (thumb)
Gallery Pedal Pistons 1-2-3-4-5 (toe)
Entire Organ Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20
       (thumb & toe)
  General Cancel (thumb)
  Set (thumb)
  Memory Level ↑ (button, right panel)
  Memory Level ↓ (button, right panel)
               
Reversible Movements
    Great to Pedal (thumb & toe)   32' Gambe (toe)
    Swell to Pedal (thumb & toe)   32' Contre Basse (toe)
    Choir to Pedal (thumb & toe)   Silencers & Tuttis
    Solo to Pedal (thumb & toe)   Chorus Reeds * (thumb)
    Manual V to Pedal (thumb & toe)   Mixtures * (thumb)
    Positiv to Pedal (thumb & toe)   Man. 16' & Ped. 32' stops * (thumb)
    Solo to Great (thumb)   4' Couplers * (thumb)
    Gal. Great to Pedal (thumb)   Celestes * (thumb)
    Gal. Swell to Pedal (thumb)   Tremulants * (thumb)
    All Swells to Swell (thumb)   Tutti * (thumb & toe)
    32' Bombarde (toe)   Gallery Tutti * (thumb)
    32' Bourdon (toe)  
* with indicator light
               
Ensemble Pistons (inter-cancelling reversibles with indicator lights in right panel)
   
Master I–II–III–IV–V–VI (thumb & toe)
Gallery I–II–III–IV–V–VI (thumb)
               
Special Functions (by drawknobs in Solo jamb)
   
Ensemble Release deactivates Ensemble pistons
Knobs Off Ensembles deactivates knobs when any Ensemble piston is engaged
All Swells to Swell couples all swell boxes to Master Swell
Manual Transfer not affected by pistons; interchanges Great and Choir manuals, including couplers, pistons and reversibles
               
Balanced Pedals
    Gallery Great & Celestial Expression   Solo Expression
    Gallery Swell Expression   Gallery Crescendo
    Choir Expression   Master Crescendo
    Swell & Master Expression    
               
Accessories
    Telephone Signal Light (centered above Man. V)   Console Lights (with dimmer control)
               
G A L L E R Y   C O N S O L E
               
    As part of the 1967 tonal revisions, Anthony Bufano installed a rebuilt four-manual Austin console in the Gallery. It controls the Gallery organ, the Grand Chorus and the Trompeta Majestatis, and can also operate the chancel divisions via blind pistons.
         
  Chancel Console (1948) of the Aeolian-Skinner Organ, Op. 1118 at the Riverside Church - New York City (photo: The American Organist)
 
Chancel Console (1948)
  Console Layout of Aeolian-Skinner Organ, Op. 1118 (1947) at The Riverside Church - New York City
  1948 Console Layout
Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company, Inc.
Boston, Mass. – Opus 1118 (1947) and Opus 1118-B (1953-54)
Electro-pneumatic action
5 manuals, 162 registers, 132 stops, 183 ranks







In 1947, the Aeolian-Skinner Company was contracted to build a new five-manual console that would eventually control a new organ by that firm. When the console was installed in 1948, it was connected to the existing 1930 Hook & Hastings organ. Aeolian-Skinner returned in 1953-54 to rebuild the organ as Op. 1118-B. Under the direction of G. Donald Harrison, a new Chancel organ was installed that incorporated some pipes from the previous organ, and several stops were replaced in the Gallery organ.
               
C H A N C E L    O R G A N
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes (3-3/4" wind pressure)
16
  Violone
61
2
  Fifteenth
61
16
  Quintaton
61
2
  Blockflöte
61
8
  Diapason
61
1 3/5
  Seventeenth
61
8
  Principal
61
  Kleine Mixtur IV ranks
244
8
  Holzgedackt
61
     Fourniture V-VII ranks
292
8
  Gemshorn
61

  Cornet IV-VIII ranks
377
8
  Flute Harmonique
61

  Cymbel III ranks
183
5 1/3
  Quinte
61
16
   Rankett
61
4
  Octave
61

  Great Sub  
4
  Spitzprinzipal
61

  Unison Off  
4
  Flute Couverte
61

  Echo  
2 2/3
   Twelfth
61
        
               
Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed (6" wind pressure)
32
  Contre Gambe (ext. 8')
24
1 3/5
  Tierce
61
16
  Flute Conique
68
  Dolce Mixture III-V ranks
221
16
  Rohr Bordun
68
  Plein Jeu IV ranks
244
16
  Geigen Principal
68
  Scharff IV ranks
244
8
  Bourdon
68
16
  Contre Trompette
68
8
  Viole de Gambe
68
8
  Trompette
68
8
  Viole Celeste
68
8
  Hautbois
68
8
  Salicional
68
8
  Oboe d'Amour
68
8
  Voix Celeste (GG)
61
8
  Menschenstimme f
68
8
  Flauto Dolce
68
8
  Menschenstimme p
68
8
  Flute Celeste (TC)
56
4
  Clairon
68
4
  Prestant
68
4
  Octave Trumpet
68
4
  Fugara
56
     Tremulant  
4
  Flauto Traverso
68
  Swell Sub  
4
  Unda Maris II ranks
136

  Swell Super  
2 2/3
  Nazard
61

  Unison Off  
2
  Doublette II ranks
122

 

  Echo  
2
   Spillflöte
61
        
               
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed (5" wind pressure)
16
  Contre Viole
68
1
   Sifflöte
61
8
  Viola Pomposa
68
     Mixtur III-IV ranks
196
8
  Viola Celeste
68
  Zimbel III ranks
183
8
  Erzähler
68
16
   Serpent
68
8
  Erzähler Celeste
68
8
   Petite Trompette
68
8
  Dulcet II ranks
136
8
  Cromorne
68
8
  Concert Flute
68
4
  Rohr Schalmei
68
8
  Cor de Nuit
68
  Tremulant
68
4
  Montre
68
8
   Harp (TC, from Celesta)
—
4
  Koppelflöte
68
4
  
Celesta
61 bars
2 2/3
  Rohr Nasat
61

 
Choir Sub
 
2
  Zauberflöte
61

 
Choir Super
1 3/5
  Terz
61

 
Unison Off
 
1 1/3
   Larigot
61
     Echo  
               
Positiv Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes [console preparation only]
    14 blank knobs          
               
Solo Organ (Manual IV) – 61 notes, enclosed (10" wind pressure)
8
  Gamba
68
8
   Tuba Mirabilis (15")
61
8
  Gamba Celeste
68
8
   Regal
61
8
  Doppelflöte
68

  Tremulant  
4
  Orchestral Flute
68

 
Chimes
25 tubes
2 2/3
  Quinte Flute
68

 
Chimes Forte [opens enclosure]
2
  Fife
61

 
Solo Sub
 
16
  Corno di Bassetto
68

 

 
Solo Super
 
8
  English Horn
68

 
Unison Off
 
8
  Orchestral Oboe
68

 
Echo
  
8
   French Horn
68
    
Zimbelstern
6 bells
               
String Organ (Manual IV) – 61 notes, enclosed [console preparation only]
    7 blank knobs          
               
Celestial Organ (Manual V) – 61 notes (7" wind pressure) [in Chancel triforium]
  Mixture IV-VI ranks
282
8
   Trompette Harmonique
61
16
  Bombarde (ext. 8')
12
4
   Clarion Harmonique
61
               
Pedal Organ – 32 notes (6" wind pressure)
32
  Contre Basse
44
5 1/3
   Quinte
32
32
  Bourdon
56
4
  Choral Bass
32
32
  Contre Gambe
SW
4
  Nachthorn
32
16
  Contre Basse (fr. 32')
—
4
  Rohrflöte
SW
16
  Principal
32
2
   Blockflöte
GT
16
  Bourdon (fr. 32')
—
  Fourniture III ranks
96
16
  Violone
GT
  Cymbale III ranks
96
16
  Gamba
SW
32
  Contre Bombarde (ext. CEL)
12
16
  Flute Conique
SW
16
   Bombarde
CEL
16
  Rohr Bordun
SW
16
  Ophicleide
32
16
  Contre Viole
CH
16
  Contre Trompette
SW
16
  Quintaton
GT
16
  Serpent
CH
10 2/3
  Gross Quinte
32
8
   Bombarde
CEL
8
  Principal
32
8
  Trumpet
44
8
  Spitzprincipal
32
4
   Bombarde
CEL
8
  Cello
GT
4
  Clarion (fr. 8' Trumpet)
—
8
  Rohrflöte
SW
2
  Regal
SO
8
  Quintaton
GT
  Chimes
SO
8
   Bourdon (fr. 32')
—
        
               
G A L L E R Y   O R G A N
               
Gallery Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Quintaden
68
  Fourniture III ranks
183
8
  Principal 
68
8
  
Trumpet
68
4
  Octave
68

 
Chimes
25 tubes
4
  Rohrflöte
68

 

  Great Sub  
2 2/3
  Twelfth
61

 

 
Great Super
 
2
  Fifteenth
61

  Unison Off  
               
Gallery Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Bourdon
68
2
   Octavin
61
8
  Gedeckt
68
     Plein Jeu III-IV ranks
202
8
  Salicional
68
16
  Fagotto
68
8
  Voix Celeste (TC)
61
8
  Trumpet
68
8
  Aeoline
68
4
   Hautbois
68
8
  Vox Angelica (GG)
56

  Tremulant  
4
  Geigen Octave
68

 

  Swell Sub  
4
  Flute Octaviante
68

 

  Swell Super  
2 2/3
   Nazard
61
     Unison Off  
               
Echo Organ (Manual V) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Viole Ætheria
73
8
  Cromorne
73
8
  Viole Celeste (TC)
61
8
  Vox Humana
73
8
  Cor de Nuit
73
    
Tremulant
  
8
  Flute Celeste II ranks
134

 

  Echo Sub
4
  Lieblich Flöte
73

  Echo Super
2 2/3
  Nasat
61

 

  Unison Off
8
   Cor d'Amour
73
        
               
Gallery Pedal Organ – 32 notes
32
  Bourdon
ChPED
8
  Octave
44
16
  Principal
32
8
  Flute (fr. 16' Bourdon)
—
16
  Bourdon
44
4
  Choral Bass (fr. 8' Octave)
—
16
  Lieblich Gedeckt
GalSW
16
  Fagotto
GalSW
               
Couplers (two rows of tilting tablets above Manual V)
    Chancel Divisions   Swell to Choir 16', 8', 4'
    Great to Pedal 8', 4'   Solo to Choir 16', 8', 4'
    Swell to Pedal 8', 4'   Solo to Swell 16', 8', 4'
    Choir to Pedal 8', 4'   Celestial to Swell 16', 8', 4'
    Solo to Pedal 8', 4'   Great on Solo
    Celestial to Pedal 8', 4'   Great on Celestial
    String to Pedal 8'   Gallery Divisions
    Positiv to Pedal 8'   Great to Pedal 8', 4'
    Swell to Great 16', 8', 4'   Swell to Pedal 8', 4'
    Choir to Great 16', 8', 4'   Echo to Pedal 8', 4'
    Solo to Great 16', 8', 4'   Swell to Great 16', 8', 4'
    Celestial to Great 16', 8', 4'   Great to Swell 16', 8', 4'
         
Combination Action
   
Chancel Celestial Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 (thumb)
Chancel String Pistons 1-2-3 (thumb)
Chancel Solo Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 (thumb)
Chancel Swell Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 (thumb)
Chancel Great Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 (thumb)
Chancel Choir & Positiv Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14 (thumb)
Chancel Pedal Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14 (toe)
Chancel Generals

 Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20
     (1-17 thumb & toe; 18-19-20, thumb only)
Gallery Echo Pistons 1-2-3-4-5 (thumb)
Gallery Swell Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6 (thumb)
Gallery Great Pistons 1-2-3-4-5 (thumb)
Gallery Pedal Pistons 1-2-3-4 (toe)
Gallery Generals Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6 (thumb)
Couplers Pistons 1-2-3-4-5 (thumb)
  General Cancel (thumb & toe)
  Chancel Cancel (thumb)
  Gallery Cancel (thumb)
  Chancel Solo Cancel (thumb)
  Chancel Swell Cancel (thumb)
  Chancel Great Cancel (thumb)
  Chancel Choir Cancel (thumb)
  Chancel Pedal Cancel (thumb)
  Gallery Echo Cancel (thumb)
  Gallery Pedal Cancel (thumb)
               
Reversibles
    Chancel Great to Pedal 8' (thumb & toe)   Swell to Choir 8' (thumb)
    Chancel Swell to Pedal 8' (thumb & toe)   Solo to Choir 8' (thumb)
    Chancel Choir to Pedal 8' (thumb & toe)   Solo to Swell 8' (thumb)
    Chancel Solo to Pedal 8' (thumb & toe)   Celestial to Swell 8' (thumb)
    Chancel Celestial to Pedal 8' (thumb & toe)   32' Stops Silent (toe)
    Chancel String to Pedal 8' (thumb)   16' Manual Stops Silent (toe)
    Chancel Positiv to Pedal 8' (thumb)   16' Couplers Silent (toe)
    Gallery Great to Pedal 8' (thumb)   32' Bourdon (toe)
    Gallery Swell to Pedal 8' (thumb)   32' Diapason (toe)
    Gallery Echo to Pedal 8' (thumb & toe)   32' Bombarde (toe)
    Swell to Great 8' (thumb)   Sforzando (thumb & toe)
    Choir to Great 8' (thumb)   Chancel (toe)
    Solo to Great 8' (thumb)   Gallery (toe)
    Celestial to Great 8' (thumb)   Both (toe)
               
Key Cheek Buttons
   
Man.
   Left Key Cheek
V
   Chimes Dampers: "On" or "Off"
IV
   GAL GENS to CHAN GENS: "Off" or "On"
III
   Swell: GAL, BOTH, CHAN, 0
II
   Great: GAL, BOTH, CHAN, 0
I
   2 Cancels: GAL PED & CHAN PED
 
Right Key Cheek
Harp Dampers: "On" or "Off"
Harp Volume: F or P
2 Cancels: ECHO & SOLO
Pedal: GAL, BOTH, CHAN, 0
Master Rev.: GAL, BOTH, CHAN, 0
         
Balanced Pedals
    Gallery Great Expression Pedal   Solo Expression Pedal
    Gallery Swell & Echo Expression Pedal   Chancel Crescendo Pedal
    Choir Expression Pedal   Gallery Crescendo Pedal
    Swell Expression Pedal   All Swells (at far right; not realized)
           
  Hook & Hastings Organ, Op. 2540 (1927) at The Riverside Church - New York City (photo: The Diapason, Dec. 1930)
  Hook & Hastings Console (1927)
Hook & Hastings Co.
Boston, Mass. – Opus 2540 (1929)
Electro-pneumatic action
4 manuals, 123 registers, 104 stops, 119 ranks


The contract for the original organ in The Riverside Church was awarded in 1927 to Hook & Hastings of Boston. The Organs of Riverside (1996), published by the church, states:

"Given the array of progressive builders active in 1929—Skinner, Kimball, Aeolian and others [that] had long led the field—it is particularly surprising that such a noteworthy church should opt instead for Hook & Hastings. Sadly, the new instrument did not garner a sterling reputation. Musically, it was ineffective, with the immense pipes of the 32' Diapason installed directly behind the chancel grilles—a wall of wood stifling the tone of the organ behind it. Mechanically, the organ was a generation out-of-date, with obsolete inner mechanisms and an unwieldy console with blind combination pistons.

"The cognoscenti may well have considered the instrument an affront to progress. Noted organ architect Emerson Richards attended the organ's dedication in November of 1930 (played by Firmen Swinnen, personal organist to Pierre S. du Pont) and wrote to a friend, "The organ is terrible. Swinnen had a fit. Told me that if he could have gotten out of it he would not have played." T. Scott Buhrman, editor of The American Organist, was more charitable, writing in 1948: "As organs went in those 1930s, this instrument was not really bad; it just wasn't good." "
               
C H A N C E L   O R G A N
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, partially enclosed
16
   Grand Diapason *
61
4
   Flute Harmonique
61
8
   Open Diapason (forte) *
61
2 2/3
  Octave Quinte
61
8
   Open Diapason (mezzo)
61
2
   Super Octave
61
8
   Doppel Flöte
61
     Mixture, 5 ranks
305
8
   Claribel Flute
61
16
   Trumpet
85
8
   Viole d'Amour
61
8
   Trumpet (fr. 8')
—
8
   Gamba
61
4
   Clarion (fr. 8' Trpt.)
—
4
   Octave
61
    
* unenclosed
               
Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
   Lieblich Bourdon
73
8
   Muted Viole
73
8
   Open Diapason
73
8
   Muted Viole Celeste (TC)
61
8
   Geigen Principal
73
4
   Orchestral Flute
73
8
   Spitz Flöte
73
4
   Octave
73
8
   Spitz Flöte Celeste (TC)
61
4
   Violina
73
8
   Gross Flöte
73
2
   Flageolet
73
8
   Gedeckt
73
     Solo Dolce Cornet, 5 ranks
365
8
   Salicional
73
16
   Posaune
73
8
   Salicional Celeste (TC)
61
8
   Cornopean
73
8
   Viole d'Orchestre
73
8
   Orchestral Oboe
73
8
   Viole d'Orch. Celeste (TC)
61
8
   Vox Humana
61
               
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
   Contra Viole
73
4
   Gambetta
73
8
   English Open Diapason
73
4
   Suabe Flute
73
8
   Violin Diapason
73
2 2/3
  Nazard
61
8
   Viola da Gamba
73
2
   Lieblich Piccolo
61
8
   Gamba Celeste (TC)
61
1 3/5
  Tierce
61
8
   Concert Flute
73
1 1/7
  Septieme
61
8
   Zauber Flöte (Chimney)
73
8
   Clarinet
73
8
   Dolce
73
8
   English Horn
73
8
   Dolce Celeste (TC)
61
8
   Vox Humana
SW
8
   Quintadena
73
        
               
Solo Organ (playable from any manual) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
   Stentorphone
73
2
   Concert Piccolo (Harmonic)
61
8
   Philomela
73
16
   Contra Tuba
85
8
   Gross Gamba
73
8
   Tuba Mirabilis (fr. 16')
—
8
   Gamba Celeste (TC)
61
4
   Tuba Clarion (fr. 16')
—
4
   Hohlpfeife
73
8
   French Horn
73
4
   Octave Viole
73
8
   Corno di Bassetto
73
               
Echo Organ (playable from any manual) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
   Cor de Nuit
73
2
   Dulcet
61
8
   Orchestral Flute
73
     Harmonic Aetheria, 4 ranks
244
8
   Viole Aetheria
73
8
   Vox Humana
61
8
   Vox Angelica (TC)
61
8
   Oboe d'Amour
73
4
   Lieblich Flöte
73
        
               
Percussion (playable from any manual; Chimes also on Pedal)
   
Chimes (Deagan A)
25 notes
8
  
Harp [MF, F]
61 bars
         [F, MF, P, PP]  
4
  
Harp Celesta
49 notes
               
Pedal Organ – 32 notes
32
   Open Diapason
56
8
   Gross Flöte (fr. 32' OD)
—
32
   Bourdon
32
8
   Flauto Dolce
SW
16
   First Open Diapason (fr. 32')
—
8
   Violoncello (fr. 16')
—
16
   Second Open Diapason
GT
16
   Bombarde
32
16
   Violone
44
16
   Contra Tuba
SO
16
   Bourdon
32
16
   Posaune
SW
16
   Lieblich Gedeckt
SW
8
   Tuba Mirabilis
SO
10 2/3
  Quintflöte
32
4
   Tuba Clarion
SO
               
A N T I P H O N A L   O R G A N
               
Great Organ – 61 notes, partially enclosed
16
   Open Diapason *
61
4
   Rohr Flöte
73
8
   Open Diapason *
61
2
   Piccolo Harmonique
61
8
   Viola da Gamba
73
     Mixture, 3 ranks
183
8
   Gamba Celeste (TC)
61
8
   Trumpet (harmonic)
61
8
   Clarabella
73
    
* unenclosed
8
   Dolce
73
        
               
Swell Organ – 61 notes, enclosed
16
   Lieblich Bourdon
73
4
   Flauto Traverso
73
8
   Open Diapason
73
4
   Violina
73
8
   Salicional
73
2
   Flautino
61
8
   Salicional Celeste (TC)
61
     Solo Dolce Cornet, 3 ranks
183
8
   Aeoline
73
16
   Contra Fagotto
73
8
   Dolce Celeste (TC)
61
8
   Cornopean
73
8
   Gedeckt
73
8
   Orchestral Oboe
73
               
Pedal Organ – 32 notes
16
   Open Diapason
44
8
   Gross Flöte (fr. 16' OD)
—
16
   Bourdon
32
8
   Flauto Dolce
SW
16
   Lieblich Bourdon
SW
16
   Contra Fagotto
SW
 
  Console of Hook & Hasting Organ, Op. 2455 (1922) in Park Avenue Baptist Church - New York City (The Riverside Church Archive)
Organ in Park Avenue Baptist Church, 593 Park Avenue

Hook & Hastings
Boston, Mass. – Opus 2455 (1922)
Electro-pneumatic action
4 manuals, 72 registers, 50 stops, 56 ranks







The organ in the Park Avenue Baptist Church was built in 1922 by the Hook & Hastings Company of Boston. A large chamber on the right side of the chancel contained all pipes and mechanism of the main divisions, while the Echo division was in a rear gallery chamber. The four-manual console was located on the left side of the chancel. Archer Gibson (who was the personal organist for John D. Rockefeller, Jr., among others in high society) designed the specifications that had 72 registers (including Harp and Chimes). Mr. Gibson also served as the "expert adviser" on this project; without his final approval the installation would not be accepted. According to the "Memorandum of an Agreement" (June 10, 1921), the organ cost $35,000. Pipecounts were not listed but are suggested below, based on Hook & Hastings organs of the era.
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, partially enclosed
16
   Open Diapason (MF) *
61
4
   Octave
61
8
   Open Diapason (FF) *
61
2
   Piccolo
61
8
   Open Diapason [English type]
61
2
   Fifteenth
61
8
   Grosse Flöte
61
     Mixture, 5 ranks
305
8
   Harmonic Flute
61
16
   Trumpet (MF)
61
8
   Zauber Flöte
61
8
   Trumpet (F)
61
8
   Viol d'Amour
61
8
   Clarinet (F)
61
8
   Gemshorn
61
8
   Oboe d'Amore [L/2 with caps]
61
8
   Dulciana
61
    
Tremolo
  
8
   Gamba ["Old German" type]
61
        
4
   Hohl Flöte
61
* unenclosed; not affected by Sub/Super couplers or Tremolo
               
Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
   Lieblich Gedeckt
73
4
   Salicet
73
8
   Geigen Principal ["Old German"] *
73
2
   Flautino [small scale, conical]
73
8
   Gedeckt
73
     Dolce Cornet, 3 ranks [old style]
183
8
   Gamba *
73
16
   Trumpet
73
8
   Gamba Celeste (TC) *
61
8
   Cornopean
73
8
   Salicional *
73
8
   Oboe [full-tone, old style]
73
8
   Salicional Celeste (TC) *
61
8
   Vox Humana (MF)
73
8
   Dolce *
73
     Tremolo  
8
   Dolce Celeste (TC) *
61
        
4
   Wald Flöte
73
* These seven stops to be voiced to blend as a "string choir"
               
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes (duplexed from Great and Swell)
8
   Geigen Principal
SW
8
   Viol d'Amour
GT
8
   Harmonic Flute
GT
4
  Wald Flöte
SW
8
   Zauber Flöte
GT
2
   Piccolo
GT
8
   Salicional
SW
4
  Clarinet
GT
8
   Salicional Celeste (TC)
SW
4
  Oboe d'Amore
GT
8
   Dolce
SW
8
   Vox Humana
SW
8
   Dolce Celeste (TC)
SW
        
               
Solo Organ – 61 notes, enclosed
("Playable at will from all four manuals and Pedal, without "interference." Couplers "draw through." Not duplexed. Pressure approximately 10"...extreme high pressure to be avoided.")
8
   Open Diapason
73
8
   Trumpet
73
8
   Grosse Flöte
73
8
   Clarinet
73
8
   Gamba
73
     Tremolo  
8
   Gamba Celeste (TC)
61
        
               
Echo Organ – 61 notes, enclosed
("Playable at will from all four manuals and Pedal, without "interference." Couplers "draw through." Not duplexed.)
8
   Fern Flöte
61
8
   Vox Humana
61
8
   Viol
61
     Tremolo  
8
   Viol Celeste (TC)
49
        
               
Percussion Organ (playable from any manual; Chimes also on Pedal)
   
Chimes [F, MF, P, PP]
20 notes
   
Harp
49 bars
    Play at will from all four manuals and Pedal. Dampers "On" and "Off". When "Pedal Divide" is drawn Chimes wired to Pedal only from C to E. Playable only one position at a time.     8' pitch only. Lowest octave duplicate of octave above, i.e., four foot C is lowest actual sound. Play at will from all four manuals and Pedal. Dampers "On" and "Off". Playable only one position at a time.
               
Pedal Organ – 30 notes
32
   Diapason (ext. GT 16')
12
16
   Grosse Flöte (ext. SO)
12
16
   Diapason
30
16
   Gamba (ext. SO)
12
16
   Diapason II
GT
8
   Diapason
GT
16
   Sub Bass [powerful "Bourdon"]
42
8
   Flute (fr. Sub Bass)
—
16
   Violone
30
8
   Gedeckt (fr. Bourdon)
—
16
   Bourdon
42
16
   Trombone
30
16
   Lieblich Gedeckt
SW
16
   Trombone II (ext. SO)
12
               
Couplers (tilting tablets arranged in two rows above manuals)
    Pedal Divide     Solo-Echo to Great 8'
    Chimes     Solo-Echo to Swell 8'
    Harp     Swell to Choir 16', 8', 4'
    Choir to Pedal 8'     Solo-Echo to Choir 8'
    Great to Pedal 8'     Choir 16', 4', Unison Release
    Swell to Pedal 8', 4'     Swell 16', 4', Unison Release
    Solo-Echo to Pedal 8'     Great 16', 4', Unison Release
    Swell to Great 16, 8', 4'     Solo 16', 4', Unison Release
    Choir to Great 16', 8', 4'     Echo 16', 4' Unison Release
           
Stop Controls ("Registers not to move when pistons are used.")
    "Three pistons, to be located as per diagram to be submitted."
    Pistons only      
    Registers only      
    Both      
           
Ventils ("controlled by small old fashioned stop knobs located as directed, definitely cutting off wind supply from each division, for use in case of emergency, allowing any section of organ out of order to be silenced while balance of organ remains in commission.")
    Great Silent      
    Swell Silent      
    Echo Silent      
    Solo Silent      
    Pedal Silent      
           
Combination Pistons ("Combination board to be located as directed, not in console, and to be provided with glass cover with lock. Adjustable features as directed.")
    Six "Tutti" pistons affecting entire organ
    Six pistons affecting Swell and Pedal organs, Pedal Release
    Six pistons affecting Great and Pedal organs, Pedal Release
    Six pistons affecting Choir and Pedal organs, Pedal Release
    Three pistons affecting Solo and Pedal organs, Pedal Release
    Six pistons affecting Pedal
           
Pedal Movements
    Swell Pedal   Sforzando Pedal (reversible type)
    Great Pedal   Reversible Great to Pedal
    Solo Pedal   Reversible Solo to Pedal
    Echo Pedal    
    Crescendo Pedal    
 
  Geo. S. Hutchings organ, Op. 422 (1897) in Fifth Avenue Baptist Church - New York City
  Hutchings Case (credit: James Lewis)
Organ in Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, located at 8 West 46th Street at Fifth Avenue:

 George S. Hutchings
Boston, Mass. – Opus 422 (1897)
Electro-pneumatic action
3 manuals, 54 stops




Specifications for this organ have not yet been located.
 
Organ in Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, located at 8 West 46th Street at Fifth Avenue:

 Hilborne L. Roosevelt
New York City – Opus 109 (1882)
Mechanical action
3 manuals, 29 stops


Specifications for this organ have not yet been located.
 
Organ in Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, located at 8 West 46th Street at Fifth Avenue:

 Henry Erben
New York City (1865)
Mechanical action


Specifications for this organ have not yet been located.
 
Sources:
     Aeolian-Skinner Archives web site: http://aeolianskinner.organsociety.org/
     The American Organist (Aug. 1979). Console layout of Aeolian-Skinner organ, Op. 1118 (1947) as designed by Virgil Fox and drawn by Charles E. Billings. Courtesy Jeff Scofield.
     Blanton, Joseph E. The Organ in Church Design. Albany: Venture Press, 1957.
     "A Brief History of the Nave Organs," with specifications of the Aeolian-Skinner organ as of 1978. New York: The Riverside Church, c.1978. Courtesy Jeff Scofield.
     Callahan, Charles. The American Classic Organ – A History in Letters. Richmond: The Organ Historical Society, 1990. Aeolian-Skinner shop notes dated October 12, 1955.
     "3000 Jam Riverside to Hear New Organ," The Diapason (May 1955). Specifications of Aeolian-Skinner organ, Op. 1118-B (1953-54). Courtesy Jeff Scofield.
     The Diapason (Dec. 1930). Specifications of Hook & Hastings organ, Op. 2540 (1927). Courtesy Jonathan Bowen.
     Dolkart, Andrew S. and Matthew A. Postal. Guide to New York City Landmarks (Third Edition). New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2004.
     Dunlap, David. From Abyssinian to Zion: A Guide to Manhattan's Houses of Worship. New York: Columbia University Press, 2004.
     Kinzey, Allen. Electronic correspondence and mechanical details of Aeolian-Skinner organ, Op. 1118-A & B (1948, 1953-54).
     Kinzey, Allen, and Sand Lawn, comps. E.M. Skinner/Aeolian-Skinner Opus List. New Rev. Ed. Richmond: The Organ Historical Society, 1997.
     The Organs at Riverside Church (brochure). New York: The Riverside Church, 1955. Courtesy Victor K. Jordan, Archivist.
     The Organs of Riverside (brochure). New York: The Riverside Church, 1996.
     The Riverside Church web site: www.theriversidechurchny.org
     Rockefeller Archive Center, Pocantico Hills, N.Y. Factory Contract with Specifications of Hook & Hastings organ, Op. 2455 (1922). Courtesy Michele Hiltzik, Archivist.
     Swann, Frederick. Electronic correspondence concerning Aeolian-Skinner organ, Op. 1118 (1948, 1953-54) and revisions.
     Van Pelt, William T. The Hook Opus List, 1829-1916 in Facsimile. Richmond: The Organ Historical Society, 1991.

Illustrations:
     Blanton, Joseph E. Console of Aeolian-Skinner organ, Op. 1118 (1947).
     Bowen, Jonathan. Console of Hook & Hastings organ, Op. 2540 (1927).
     Lawson, Steven E. Console of Aeolian-Skinner organ, Op. 1118 (1994); Austin gallery console.
     Lewis, James. Case of George S. Hutchings organ, Op. 422 (1897)
     Nickerson's Illustrated Church, Musical and School Directory of New York and Brooklyn. New York: Nickerson & Young, 1895. Exterior of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church.
     Stein, Ken. Gallery Grand Chorus; Trompeta Majestatis.
     The Riverside Church Archives. Chancel of Park Avenue Baptist Church. Courtesy Victor K. Jordan, Archivist.
     Wance, Jeremy. Console of Aeolian-Skinner organ, Op. 1118, viewed from chamber.