organ158
organ 158
August 2015
2 manuals
11 speaking stops
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St Thomas RC
Walsall
Builders:
Rieger Orgelbau, 1971
Weblinks:
St Thomas of Canterbury
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A Roman Catholic church in the middle of a north Walsall housing estate is not the first place one would look to find an organ by this famous Austrian organ-builder, which probably explains why this instrument is so little known.
Although of decidedly modest proportions, from its open position on a west end gallery and with the help of the church's generous acoustic, this little gem makes quite an impact in the large open spaces of the church.
The story of how all this came about is scarcely believeable. It seems that Father Curtin, parish priest of the church at the time, had a large win on the football pools. He generously decided, in memory of his parents, to use the proceeds to donate an organ to the church, and this was the result.
Sadly, it seems there are few - if any - opportunities to hear a recital on the instrument, but if you do see such an event advertised it is well worth a visit!
You can listen to a much larger Rieger organ as August 15's Music of the Month