Opus 1
Greenwood United Methodist Church
Greenwood, Indiana
Opus 1 is one of the largest most successful Hauptwerk Virtual Pipe Organ installations in the U.S. The instrument has proven to be one of the most valuable assets to the ministries of Greenwood United Methodist Church, and proved that organs of remarkable quality, are finally within reach of most churches.
In the beginning...
What initially began as a "pipe dream," you might say, Opus 1 was born out of necessity. The church's existing analog Allen was, indeed, a remarkable instrument of its time; a real triumph in the age of tone generators and analog circuitry. While the congregation of Greenwood United Methodist Church has a long-standing love, appreciation, and support of music throughout its 170+ year history, in the wake of recent times and waining numbers, as is seen in many churches these days, finances simply did not allow for the purchase of a new, or even used, pipe organ. To improve the situation of the organ, there were ultimately two options - invest the money into restoring the existing 1960's Allen, or purchase a new digital organ.
The organ contains a massive audio system comprised of 56 discrete audio channels reaching a combined total of 13,000W of amplifier power on tap. The complex sonic characteristics of a pipe organ are always difficult to convey in digital organs but Op. 1 possess the power, dynamic range, sensitivity, and breadth of dispersion to achieve some of the most authentic sounds ever produced on a digital organ.
This custom, 8' tall sub design is responsible for handling 16' tones (down to 32Hz) and is loosely based on a 16' Sub Bass pipe.
The organ currently boasts about 20 sample sets, allowing it to perform an almost unlimited repertoire from Rennaisance to Theatre. Of particular interest and note are the Aristide Cavaillé-Coll organ of St. Etienne, the Edmund Schulze organ of St. Bartholomew's church, and the Paramount 341 theatre organ.
With its four manuals, 90 pistons, and 12 toe studs, and the world of features provided by Hauptwerk, the organ boasts one of the most flexible and player-friendly consoles. With so many different sample sets -- allowing the organist to perform repertoire from Bach to Cole Porter -- the possibilities are truly limitless.
What originally began as a modest project to replace a small failing organ, turned out to be one of the most successful digital organs you'll ever experience -- one that must be heard and played to be believed. When all factors are considered, especially cost, the instrument is nothing short of spectacular.
The organ has drawn a significant amount of interest due to its authenticity, its unique capabilities, and the attention to detail in all aspects of its design, but most importantly, perhaps, is the realization that with a little know-how, building such an instrument on your own is no longer some farfetched dream.
