“The King of Instruments” is what the wind organ is called for its enormous size, stunning sound range and unique richness of timbres. A musical instrument with a long history, which has experienced periods of enormous popularity and oblivion, it served both for religious services and secular entertainment. The organ is also unique in that it belongs to the class of wind instruments, but is equipped with keys. A special feature of this majestic instrument is that to play it, the performer must masterfully control not only his hands, but also his feet.
A little history
Organ - musical instrument with a rich and ancient history. According to experts, the ancestors of this giant can be considered the syrinx - the simplest reed flute of Pan, the ancient oriental shen reed organ and the Babylonian bagpipe. What all these dissimilar instruments have in common is that to extract sound from them, a more powerful air flow than human lungs can create is required. Already in ancient times, a mechanism was found that could replace human breathing - bellows, similar to those used to fan the fire in a blacksmith's forge.
Ancient history
Already in the 2nd century BC. e. Greek craftsman from Alexandria Ctesibius (Ctesebius) invented and assembled a hydraulic organ - hydraulics. Air was pumped into it by a water press, and not by bellows. Thanks to such changes, air flow acted much more evenly, and the sound of the organ became more beautiful and even.
In the first centuries of the spread of Christianity, air bellows replaced the water pump. Thanks to this replacement, it became possible to increase both the number and size of pipes in the organ.
The further history of the organ, a musical instrument, quite loud and little regulated, developed in such European countries oh, like Spain, Italy, France and Germany.
Middle Ages
In the middle of the 5th century AD. e. organs were built in many Spanish churches, but due to their very loud sound they were used only on major holidays. In 666, Pope Vitalian introduced this instrument into Catholic worship. In the 7th-8th centuries the organ underwent several changes and improvements. It was at this time that the most famous organs were created in Byzantium, but the art of their construction also developed in Europe.
In the 9th century, Italy became the center of their production, from where they were distributed even to France. Later, skilled craftsmen appeared in Germany. By the 11th century, such musical giants were being built in most European countries. However, it is worth noting that modern instrument differs significantly from what a medieval organ looks like. The instruments created in the Middle Ages were much cruder than later ones. Thus, the sizes of the keys varied from 5 to 7 cm, and the distance between them could reach 1.5 cm. To play such an organ, the performer used fists rather than fingers, hitting the keys with force.
In the 14th century, the organ became a popular and widespread instrument. This was also facilitated by the improvement of this instrument: the organ keys replaced large and inconvenient plates, a bass keyboard for the feet appeared, equipped with a pedal, the registers became noticeably more diverse, and the range was wider.
Renaissance
In the 15th century, the number of tubes was increased and the size of the keys was reduced. During the same period, a small portable (organetto) and a small stationary (positive) organ became popular and widespread.
Musical instrument XVI century becomes more and more complex: the keyboard becomes five-manual, and the range of each manual could reach up to five octaves. Register switches appeared, which made it possible to significantly increase the timbre capabilities. Each of the keys could be connected to dozens and sometimes hundreds of pipes, which produced sounds that were the same in pitch but differed in color.
Baroque
Many researchers call the 17th-18th centuries the golden period of organ performance and organ building. The instruments built at this time not only sounded great and could imitate the sound of any one instrument, but also entire orchestral groups and even choirs. In addition, they were distinguished by their transparency and clarity of timbre sound, most suitable for the performance of polyphonic works. It should be noted that most of the great organ composers, such as Frescobaldi, Buxtehude, Sweelinck, Pachelbel, Bach, wrote their works specifically for the “baroque organ”.
"Romantic" period
Romanticism of the 19th century, according to many researchers, with its desire to give this musical instrument a rich and powerful sound inherent symphony orchestra, had a positive impact both on the construction of organs and on organ music dubious, and even negative impact. Masters, and primarily the Frenchman Aristide Cavaillé-Cohl, sought to create instruments capable of becoming an orchestra for one performer. Instruments appeared in which the sound of the organ became unusually powerful and large-scale, new timbres appeared, and various design improvements were made.
New time
The 20th century, especially at its beginning, was characterized by a desire for gigantism, which was reflected in organs and their scale. However, such trends quickly passed, and a movement arose among performers and specialists in the construction of organs, promoting a return to comfortable and simple tools Baroque type, with a genuine organ sound.
Appearance
What we see from the hall is the outside, and it is called the façade of the organ. Looking at it, it’s difficult to decide what it is: a wonderful mechanism, a unique musical instrument, or a work of art? The description of the organ, a musical instrument of truly impressive size, could fill several volumes. We will try to make general sketches in a few lines. First of all, the facade of the organ is unique and inimitable in each of the halls or temples. The only thing in common is that it consists of pipes assembled into several groups. In each of these groups, the pipes are arranged in height. Behind the austere or richly decorated facade of the organ lies a complex structure, thanks to which the performer can imitate the voices of birds or the sound of the sea surf, imitate the high sound of a flute or an entire orchestral group.
How is it arranged?
Let's look at the structure of the organ. The musical instrument is very complex and can consist of three or more small organs that the performer can control simultaneously. Each of them has its own set of pipes - registers and manual (keyboard). This complex mechanism is controlled from the executive console, or as it is also called, the lectern. It is here that the keyboards (manuals) are located one above the other, on which the performer plays with his hands, and below there are huge pedals - keys for the feet, which allow you to extract the lowest bass sounds. An organ can have many thousands of pipes, lined up in a row, and located in internal chambers, closed from the viewer's eyes by a decorative facade (avenue).
Each of the small organs included in the “large” one has its own purpose and name. The most common are the following:
- main - Haupwerk;
- top - Oberwerk;
- "ruckpositive" - Rückpositiv.
Haupwerk - the "main organ" contains the main registers and is the largest. Somewhat smaller and softer sounding, the Rückpositiv also contains some solo registers. “Oberwerk” - “upper” introduces a number of onomatopoeic and solo timbres into the ensemble. “Rukpositive” and “overwerk” pipes can be installed in semi-closed chamber-blinds, which open and close using a special channel. Due to this, effects such as gradual strengthening or weakening of sound can be created.
As you remember, an organ is a musical instrument that is both keyboard and wind. It consists of many pipes, each of which can produce a sound of one timbre, pitch and strength.
A group of pipes producing sounds of the same timbre are combined into registers that can be turned on from the remote control. Thus, the performer can select the desired register or a combination of them.
Air is pumped into modern organs using an electric motor. From the bellows, through air ducts made of wood, the air is directed into vinladas - a special system of wooden boxes, in the top covers of which special holes are made. It is in them that they are strengthened organ pipes with its “legs”, into which air from the vinlad enters under pressure.
The king of instruments is the name often given to an organ whose appearance evokes a feeling of delight, and whose sound fascinates and inspires. A large, heavy stringed keyboard instrument with a wide range of sound, it is rightfully considered something of a “legend in the flesh.” Who invented the organ and what makes this heavyweight unique?
Who invented the unusual instrument?
The history of the legendary instrument, which not every professional musician can learn to play, goes back hundreds of centuries.
The name “organum” is mentioned in the ancient writings of the great Aristotle and Plato. But it is not possible to answer exactly who invented this miracle. According to one version, its ancestor is the Babylonian bagpipe, which produces sound by directing air jets towards the edges of the tube. On the other hand, there is a pan flute or a Chinese sheng, which operate on the same principle. Playing pipes connected to each other was not very convenient, since the performer sometimes did not have enough air in his lungs. The idea of pumping air while playing with bellows was a real salvation.
The organ's close brother, its water counterpart, was invented by the Greek craftsman Ctesibius back in the 200s BC. It's called hydraulics. Later, the hydraulic design was replaced by bellows, which made it possible to significantly improve sound quality.
Musical instruments of more familiar sizes and appearance began to appear in the 4th century. During this period, thanks to the efforts of Pope Vitalian, organs began to be used to accompany Catholic services. Starting from the first half of the 5th century, the stringed keyboard instrument became an invariable ceremonial attribute not only of the Byzantine, but also of the entire Western European imperial power.
The legendary “keyboard player” became widespread in European countries by the middle of the 14th century. The instrument of that time was far from perfect: it had fewer pipes and wider keys. For example, in a manual keyboard, with the width of the keys themselves being about 50-70 mm, the distance between them was 15-20 mm. To extract sounds, the performer had to not “run” his fingers over the huge and heavy keys, but literally bang with his elbows or fists.
Organ building acquired its greatest scope in XVI-XVII centuries. In the famous Baroque era, craftsmen learned to create instruments that, with their powerful sound, could easily compete with an entire symphony orchestra. The sound capabilities of the instruments made it possible to imitate the ringing of bells, the roar of rockfalls, and even the deep singing of birds.
The apotheosis of organ building is rightfully considered to be 1908, when a model including 6 manuals was presented at the world exhibition. The world's largest working organ weighs just over 287 tons. It now graces the Macy's Lord & Taylor shopping center in Philadelphia.
What a connoisseur of organ music observes from the hall is the façade of the instrument. Behind it lies a spacious room, sometimes including several floors, filled with mechanical elements and thousands of tubes. To understand the principle of operation of this miracle, it is worth considering at least its brief description.
The organ is one of the loudest musical instruments. This effect is achieved through registers that include several rows of organ pipes. These registers, based on the color of their sound and a number of other unifying characteristics, are divided into several groups: mixtures, aliquots, gambas, flutes, principals. Register pipes sound in accordance with musical notation. They can be turned on individually or simultaneously. To do this, use the handles located on the side panels of the keyboard.
The control panel of the performer working at the instrument is the manuals, pedal keyboard and the registers themselves. The number of manuals, depending on the modification of the “keyboard player,” can vary from 1 to 7. They are located on a terrace: one directly above the other.
A pedal keyboard can include from 5 to 32 keys, through which the registers that form low sounds are activated. Depending on the fingering of the musical instrument, the performer presses the pedal keys with his toe or heel.
The presence of several keyboards, as well as all kinds of toggle switches and levers, makes the game process quite complicated. Therefore, often his assistant sits at the instrument with the performer. For ease of reading notes and achieving synchronized performance, the part for the feet is traditionally located on a separate staff directly below the part for the hands.
In modern models, the function of pumping air into the bellows is performed by electric motors. In the Middle Ages, this work was performed by specially trained calcantes, whose services had to be paid separately.
Despite the widespread use of organs, today it is almost impossible to find two identical models, since they are all assembled according to individual projects. The dimensions of installations can vary from 1.5 m to 15 m. The width of large models reaches 10 m, and the depth is 4 m. The weight of such structures is measured in tons.
Record holders in various nominations
The oldest representative of the legendary instrument, whose “life” dates back to 1370-1400, can be found in the Stockholm Museum. It was brought from a church parish on the Swedish island of Gotland.
The leader in the "loudest organ" category graces the Concord Hall in Atlantic City. The record holder includes 7 manuals and a fairly extensive timbre set, formed by 445 registers. You won’t be able to enjoy the sound of this giant, since its sound can cause listeners to rupture their eardrums. This musical instrument weighs over 250 tons.
The instrument, which adorns the Church of St. Anne, which is located in the Polish capital, is notable for containing the longest pipes in the world. Their height reaches about 18 meters, and the sound produced can literally deafen. The frequency range of the instrument is within limits that even cover the ultrasonic region.
“The King of Instruments” is what the wind organ is called for its enormous size, stunning sound range and unique richness of timbres. A musical instrument with a long history, which has experienced periods of enormous popularity and oblivion, it served both for religious services and secular entertainment. The organ is also unique in that it belongs to the class of wind instruments, but is equipped with keys. A special feature of this majestic instrument is that to play it, the performer must masterfully control not only his hands, but also his feet.
A little history
The organ is a musical instrument with a rich and ancient history. According to experts, the ancestors of this giant can be considered the syrinx - the simplest reed flute of Pan, the ancient oriental shen reed organ and the Babylonian bagpipe. What all these dissimilar instruments have in common is that to extract sound from them, a more powerful air flow than human lungs can create is required. Already in ancient times, a mechanism was found that could replace human breathing - bellows, similar to those used to fan the fire in a blacksmith's forge.
Ancient history
Already in the 2nd century BC. e. Greek craftsman from Alexandria Ctesibius (Ctesebius) invented and assembled a hydraulic organ - hydraulics. Air was pumped into it by a water press, and not by bellows. Thanks to such changes, the air flow was much more uniform, and the sound of the organ became more beautiful and smooth.
In the first centuries of the spread of Christianity, air bellows replaced the water pump. Thanks to this replacement, it became possible to increase both the number and size of pipes in the organ.
The further history of the organ, a musical instrument that was quite loud and little regulated, developed in European countries such as Spain, Italy, France and Germany.
Middle Ages
In the middle of the 5th century AD. e. organs were built in many Spanish churches, but due to their very loud sound they were used only on major holidays. In 666, Pope Vitalian introduced this instrument into Catholic worship. In the 7th-8th centuries the organ underwent several changes and improvements. It was at this time that the most famous organs were created in Byzantium, but the art of their construction also developed in Europe.
In the 9th century, Italy became the center of their production, from where they were distributed even to France. Later, skilled craftsmen appeared in Germany. By the 11th century, such musical giants were being built in most European countries. However, it is worth noting that a modern instrument differs significantly from what a medieval organ looks like. The instruments created in the Middle Ages were much cruder than later ones. Thus, the sizes of the keys varied from 5 to 7 cm, and the distance between them could reach 1.5 cm. To play such an organ, the performer used fists rather than fingers, hitting the keys with force.
In the 14th century, the organ became a popular and widespread instrument. This was also facilitated by the improvement of this instrument: the organ keys replaced large and inconvenient plates, a bass keyboard for the feet appeared, equipped with a pedal, the registers became noticeably more diverse, and the range was wider.
Renaissance
In the 15th century, the number of tubes was increased and the size of the keys was reduced. During the same period, a small portable (organetto) and a small stationary (positive) organ became popular and widespread.
By the 16th century, the musical instrument was becoming more and more complex: the keyboard became five-manual, and the range of each manual could reach up to five octaves. Register switches appeared, which made it possible to significantly increase the timbre capabilities. Each of the keys could be connected to dozens and sometimes hundreds of pipes, which produced sounds that were the same in pitch but differed in color.
Baroque
Many researchers call the 17th-18th centuries the golden period of organ performance and organ building. The instruments built at this time not only sounded great and could imitate the sound of any one instrument, but also of entire orchestral groups and even choirs. In addition, they were distinguished by their transparency and clarity of timbre sound, most suitable for the performance of polyphonic works. It should be noted that most of the great organ composers, such as Frescobaldi, Buxtehude, Sweelinck, Pachelbel, Bach, wrote their works specifically for the “baroque organ”.
"Romantic" period
Romanticism of the 19th century, according to many researchers, with its desire to give this musical instrument the rich and powerful sound inherent in a symphony orchestra, had a dubious and even negative influence on both the construction of organs and organ music. Masters, and primarily the Frenchman Aristide Cavaillé-Cohl, sought to create instruments capable of becoming an orchestra for one performer. Instruments appeared in which the sound of the organ became unusually powerful and large-scale, new timbres appeared, and various design improvements were made.
New time
The 20th century, especially at its beginning, was characterized by a desire for gigantism, which was reflected in organs and their scale. However, such trends quickly passed, and a movement arose among performers and organ builders promoting a return to convenient and simple Baroque-type instruments with an authentic organ sound.
Appearance
What we see from the hall is the outside, and it is called the façade of the organ. Looking at it, it’s difficult to decide what it is: a wonderful mechanism, a unique musical instrument, or a work of art? The description of the organ, a musical instrument of truly impressive size, could fill several volumes. We will try to make general sketches in a few lines. First of all, the facade of the organ is unique and inimitable in each of the halls or temples. The only thing in common is that it consists of pipes assembled into several groups. In each of these groups, the pipes are arranged in height. Behind the austere or richly decorated facade of the organ lies a complex structure, thanks to which the performer can imitate the voices of birds or the sound of the sea surf, imitate the high sound of a flute or an entire orchestral group.
How is it arranged?
Let's look at the structure of the organ. The musical instrument is very complex and can consist of three or more small organs that the performer can control simultaneously. Each of them has its own set of pipes - registers and manual (keyboard). This complex mechanism is controlled from the executive console, or as it is also called, the lectern. It is here that the keyboards (manuals) are located one above the other, on which the performer plays with his hands, and below there are huge pedals - keys for the feet, which allow you to extract the lowest bass sounds. An organ can have many thousands of pipes, lined up in a row, and located in internal chambers, closed from the viewer's eyes by a decorative facade (avenue).
Each of the small organs included in the “large” one has its own purpose and name. The most common are the following:
- main - Haupwerk;
- top - Oberwerk;
- "ruckpositive" - Rückpositiv.
Haupwerk - the "main organ" contains the main registers and is the largest. Somewhat smaller and softer sounding, the Rückpositiv also contains some solo registers. “Oberwerk” - “upper” introduces a number of onomatopoeic and solo timbres into the ensemble. “Rukpositive” and “overwerk” pipes can be installed in semi-closed chamber-blinds, which open and close using a special channel. Due to this, effects such as gradual strengthening or weakening of sound can be created.
As you remember, an organ is a musical instrument that is both keyboard and wind. It consists of many pipes, each of which can produce a sound of one timbre, pitch and strength.
A group of pipes producing sounds of the same timbre are combined into registers that can be turned on from the remote control. Thus, the performer can select the desired register or a combination of them.
Air is pumped into modern organs using an electric motor. From the bellows, through air ducts made of wood, the air is directed into vinladas - a special system of wooden boxes, in the top covers of which special holes are made. It is in them that the organ pipes are strengthened with their “legs”, into which air from the vinlad is supplied under pressure.
It is known that the largest musical instruments are organs, but among them there are the most impressive in size. Record holders for dimensions are known among drums, pianos, grand pianos and double basses.
Large organs
The largest, loudest and most complex musical instrument in the world is the organ. The largest known organ is located in the American city of Boardwalk. It is known that its construction took four years and was completed in 1932. It has thirty-three thousand pipes. This huge instrument served faithfully for sixty-five years. It has been silent since 1998, as it requires restoration. Due to the large financial costs required, the organ has not yet been restored. Residents of the city are raising funds.The leader in size among operating bodies in the world is located in the USA in Philadelphia. It has twenty-eight thousand four hundred and eighty-two pipes. It is installed in shopping center and sounds every day.
The largest organ in Europe is located in the German city of Passau. It is installed in St. Stephen's Cathedral. It has seventeen thousand seven hundred and seventy-four pipes. In Kaliningrad cathedral an organ consisting of eight thousand five hundred pipes sounds.
Huge pianos
The piano is called the “King of Instruments”. It has a wide range and impressive size. Among orchestral instruments, only this one can boast such a rich sound range. Tool dimensions can vary significantly. 
Challen Concert Grand is the name of the world's largest piano. Its length is three and a half meters, the string tension is more than thirty tons. The piano itself weighs more than a ton.
In 2010, the Guinness Book of Records received an application from Stolëmòwi Klawér to recognize their concert grand piano as the largest in the world. The commission recorded the following dimensions: length - six meters four centimeters, width - two meters fifty-two centimeters, height - one meter eighty-seven centimeters. The weight of the giant piano was one ton eight hundred kilograms.
The biggest drums
It is believed that the first musical instruments of people were drums. The largest drums are called "taiko". This term translates as pot-bellied drum. The Guinness Book of Records records the following dimensions of the world's largest drum: diameter - four meters and fifty-two centimeters, weight - three and a half tons. This giant is located in Japan at the Great Drum Museum. Another huge drum is also stored there, which is slightly smaller in size than the leader. The diameter of the second “taiko” is three meters and seventy-one centimeters in diameter, its weight is three tons. The museum is located in the city of Tsuzureko. In addition to these two giants, the museum displays another hundred and fifty different drums brought from all over the world. 
Huge drum kits are known. The world record, noted by the Guinness Book of Records, was set by priest Mark Temparato. There are eight hundred and thirteen instruments in his installation. He collected it for twenty years. Some instruments are at a height of two to two and a half meters. The priest spends about seventeen hours a week keeping the giant drum kit in good condition.
The tallest drum set appeared in Vienna at the BigBoom amusement park in 2012. In addition to the huge size of the drum, it includes a kick drum, two cymbals, two toms and a hi-head. The installation height is six and a half meters and weighs one and a half tons. You might think that this is a prop, but the instruments there are real. Once a week a group of drummers play on this kit.
The largest double bass
Among bowed instruments the largest is the double bass. To play it you must either stand or sit on a high stool. It is difficult to imagine a real orchestra without this large musical instrument. 
The history of the appearance of double basses goes back more than one century. Either the double bass was made small, or the number of strings was changed. Today the standard length of the instrument is one meter and eighty centimeters. In the process of creation and some experiments with size and sound, a four-meter double bass was made. Its author is master J. Villaume.
The largest double basses are called octobass, subdouble bass or octave double bass. In England, in one of the museums there is a double bass, the size of which is two meters and sixty centimeters. He is called "Goliath". An octobass, three meters and forty-eight centimeters long, has been preserved in the Paris Museum.
In the city of Cincinnati, master John Geyer made a double bass two meters wide and four meters and fifty centimeters long.
The largest musical instrument in the world
The leader in size among all musical instruments is the organ, located in the city of Boardwalk (USA). Its construction took four years. It has thirty-three thousand pipes. About half a million dollars were spent on construction, which in the thirties of the twentieth century was considered a huge amount. 
Over the past sixteen years, the instrument has been under reconstruction. This organ is not only the largest, but also the loudest musical instrument.
But guitars are rarely made big. But quite often expensive. For example, the prototype Fender Broadcaster (Telecaster) sold 375 thousand dollars. .
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The largest organ in the world December 13th, 2015
Another addition to our .
In the large sports and concert hall Boardwalk Hall, which is located in the American city of Atlantic City, the largest organ in the world is located. The unique musical instrument consists of 33,000 pipes and 1,200 keys. Air is forced into the pipes by fans that rotate electric motors with a power of 600 hp. With. Now the organ is far from in the best condition. In 1944, it was damaged during a hurricane, and in 2001, workers negligently destroyed part of the main pipes. They are trying to restore the organ, however, this will take several years.
Let's find out more about it...
Photo 2. 
Atlantic City's historic Boardwalk Hall is the city's most important convention center. All the big events in Atlantic City are held there. Boardwalk Hall has hosted numerous sporting events (boxing, basketball, football, wrestling, figure skating, etc.) music concerts(The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Madonna and Lady Gaga are just a few of the big names), political conventions and even the Miss America Pageant. This entertainment complex occupies 7 acres of land with its own power plant, radio station, kitchens and telephone network. At the time of its opening in 1929, the building was incredible feat developers. Another outstanding feature of Boardwalk Hall is the largest pipe organ in the world, which is the subject of this article.
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Photo 4. 
In those days, organs were standard equipment for any entertainment complex, being used mainly for musical accompaniment films (film dubbing technology had not yet been developed at that time). In those days, the average theater could seat 2,000 to 3,000 people, but the Boardwalk Hall's capacity was a whopping 42,000. The enclosed space of the hall reached 5.5 million cubic feet in area and filling this huge volume with music presented a great technical problem.
Photo 5. 
The task of building the organ was entrusted to Midmer-Losh Inc. from New York. They created a giant instrument that broke all possible records. The Hall is still the proud owner of the largest pipe organ in the world and one of the most unique musical instruments on Earth. Made from 33,000 pipes, this gigantic instrument easily covers a huge hall area and sounds louder than the loudest train. To produce such a deafening sound, the organ uses an electric drive of 600 horsepower, capable of blowing 36,400 cubic feet of air per minute. The organ's main console is also the world's largest control console. It took three years to build the organ - all work took place directly inside the building. The tallest chimney reaches 20 meters in height.
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Photo 13. 