Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

Austin Organ Co. (Opus 1416, 1926)

Location:

University of Pennsylvania
3401 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104 US
Irvine Auditorium
Organ ID: 2557

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Colleges and Universities
  • The organ has been restored to a previous state.
  • The organ's condition is good, used occasionally.
We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: Austin Universal Air
  • 162 ranks. 10,731 pipes. 6 divisions. 4 manuals.
All:
  • Chest Type(s): Austin Universal Air chests
  • Position: In gallery-level chambers at the rear of the room.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Main:
  • Manuals: 4
  • Divisions: 6
  • Position: Movable console.
  • 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: Drawknobs in vertical rows on angled jambs.
  • Combination Action: Computerized/Digital system.
  • Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals.
  • Pedalboard Type: Concave radiating pedalboard meeting AGO Standards.
  • 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 May 07, 2018:
We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Database Manager on January 29, 2011:

Updated through on-line information from paul marchesano.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on September 08, 2008:

Updated through on-line information from Paul Marchesano.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on August 04, 2005:

Organ relocated from Sesquicentennial Exposition and reinstalled in Irvine Auditorium by Austin Organs, paid directly by Cyrus H. K. Curtis.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on January 19, 2005:

Expression shoe coupling, originally Austin electo-pneumatic, removed 1980; currently solid-state.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on January 19, 2005:

Hall renovated 1997-2001. Concurrently pipework removed, crated, cleaned and repaired. New actions installed (by Austin). 1926 Austin pipework matching missing original ranks obtained and installed during restoration (Swell Fagotto 16' and Solo Tuba Magna 8'). All pipework restored at Austin factory. New 4 manual drawknob solid state console. Approximate cost of project $1,400,000.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on October 30, 2004:

Historic Organ recital 21 Jan 1990. Historic organ recital 12 Jun 2004.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on October 30, 2004:

Renovated by Austin in 1961: 4 ranks replaced. Original Console partially solid stated 1980. 2 original ranks recovered c.1986 (Swell French Trumpet 8' and Oboe Clarion 4').

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 University brochure.
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
The Curtis Sesquicentennial Exposition Organ: Open In New Tab Photographs and stoplist of the Organ
We received the most recent update for this document from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.

Instrument Images:

Console (Photo taken after removal from instrument): Photograph by Thomas George. Taken on 2007-10-15

Console with Bench Removed: Photograph by Thomas George. Taken on 2011-02-21

Console Detail - Expression Selection: Photograph by Thomas George. Taken on 2011-02-21

Irvine Auditorium showing the facade pipes on Proscenium Pedal chambers. Balance of organ is located behind the stenciled scrim on upper left/right.: Photograph by Paul R Marchesano. Taken on 2014-08-21

Original (rebuilt) console on stage with auditorium behind. Was used as a publicity shot during the 1980s.: Photograph by Photograph by a hired photographer, name unknown, submitted by Paul R Marchesano, submitted by Paul R. Marchesano. Taken on 1985-06-30

Console on Irvine Auditorium stage: Photograph by Joe Routon. Taken approx. 9/20/19

Console: Photograph by Joe Routon. Taken approx. 9/20/19

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