St. James Episcopal Cathedral, Chicago, Illinois, has acquired the 1958 J. W. Walker & Sons organ from City Temple, London, UK. The organ has been removed and is in transit to the United States where it will be restored and installed in the cathedral by Buzard Pipe Organ Builders, Champaign, Illinois. This project provides St. James Cathedral a world-class instrument while preserving an artistic treasure. Installation is expected to be completed in 2025.
The Walker organ was built during the transition from Romantic to Neoclassical styles of tonal design. William McKie designed the new instrument, and Eric Thiman was recruited to be the City Temple’s organist. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., paid for the completion of the City Temple and the new organ after the Blitz of World War II destroyed the City Temple interior.
This organ encapsulates the grandeur of the Edwardian age while looking forward to the Neoclassical reforms of the midcentury. It has a complement of 8′ Open Diapasons, two large expressive divisions, orchestral solo reeds, and a Tuba. Yet it also contains balanced principal choruses suited to Baroque music.
The organ possesses color for choral and congregational accompaniment alongside a clear and balanced ensemble suited to repertoire of all periods. The organ is the first heritage English Cathedral-style instrument to be imported to the United States.
The Walker organ was well-constructed and is in remarkable condition for its age. All of its mechanical systems will be renewed, and pipework will be cleaned and restored. A modern combination action will be added alongside the original system. The completed organ will be installed behind the cathedral’s historic 1875 Johnson & Son organ case. For information: cathedralorgan.org and buzardorgans.com.
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