Royal Albert Hall Organ, Pipe organ in Royal Albert Hall, London, United Kingdom
The Royal Albert Hall Organ is a large pipe instrument with roughly 10,000 pipes and more than 140 stops controlling its sound. It stands as one of the largest organs in the country and significantly shapes the acoustic character of the concert hall.
The instrument was built by Henry Willis in 1871 and was the largest organ in the world at that time. It has been expanded and modernized over the years, with a major restoration project completed in the early 2000s.
The organ has attracted musicians across different genres over the decades for recordings and live performances within the hall. It represents a connection between classical traditions and the modern concert music presented in this renowned venue.
The best way to experience the instrument is to attend a concert in the hall where the organ is being played. Check the Royal Albert Hall website for upcoming events that feature the instrument.
The original mechanism used steam engines with large pistons to supply air to the pipes. This steam-powered system reflected the industrial technology available in the late 1800s.
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