Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

Austin Organ Co. (Opus 1010, 1922)

Location:

Univ. of Rochester, Eastman School of Music
Rochester, NY US
Eastman Theatre
Organ ID: 12017

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Conservatories and Independent Music Schools
  • The organ is no longer a complete instrument; dispersed/parted out.
  • The organ's condition is unknown.
We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: Austin Universal Air
  • 134 ranks. 9,411 pipes. 8 divisions. 4 manuals. 117 stops. 198 registers.
All:
  • Chest Type(s): Austin Universal Air chests
  • Position: In center chambers at the front of the room. No visible pipes.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Main:
  • Manuals: 4
  • Divisions: 8
  • Stops: 117
  • Registers: 198
  • Position: Console on lift.
  • Manual Compass: 61
  • Pedal Compass: 32
  • Key Action: Electrical connection from key to chest.
  • Stop Action: Electric connection between stop control and chest.
  • Console Style: Traditional style with roll top.
  • Stop Controls: Stop keys on angled jambs.
  • Combination Action: Adjustable combination pistons.
  • Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals, AGO standard placement.
  • Pedalboard Type: Concave radiating pedalboard meeting AGO Standards.
  • Has Crescendo Pedal
  • Has Tutti Reversible Thumb Pistons
  • Has Tutti Reversible Toe Pistons
  • Has Combination Action Thumb Pistons
  • Has Combination Action Toe Pistons
  • Has Coupler Reversible Thumb Pistons
  • Has Coupler Reversible Toe Pistons
We received the most recent update for this console from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Database Manager on July 03, 2014:

According to Austin Organs by Orpha Ochse, in 1950-1951 Austin Organs rebuilt the console in a more conventional style, eliminating many of the complicated and unusual features of the original design; other repairs were made and the theatre-style traps removed. The organ was removed in 1971 and parts dispersed; the console was relocated to the Cathedral-Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul in Philadelphia, where it was renovated to play the Austin/Tellers organ there. There are many more very interesting details in Dr. Ochse's book.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on November 21, 2009:

Updated through online information from Robert Kerner. -- Not sure if any details are of interest at this point, but the organ was fairly well documented - I have photos, etc. Its main function was to accompany silent movies in Eastman Theater. Only the Echo chamber and chests (no pipes) are still there.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on December 21, 2004:

Information identifying this instrument from the Austin Organs, Inc. web site, accessed December 20, 2004: http://www.austinorgans.com/organ-research.htm.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Source not recorded: Open In New Tab Stoplist from contract in <i>Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ, Vol. I</i>, David Junchen
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Write-up from THE DIAPASON September 1922: Open In New Tab Description and stoplist
We received the most recent update for this document from Jeff Scofield on October 15, 2022.

Instrument Images:

Console: Photograph from an archival source: "Austin Organs," by Orpha Ochse - an OHS publication, submitted by Jeff Scofield.

Theater interior to rear: Photograph from an archival source: cinematreasures.org, submitted by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 1922-09-01

Theater exterior: Photograph by Matthew D Wilson, via Wikipedia, submitted by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2007-09-01

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