Mechanism

Abstract

In so far as chamber organs are less susceptible to the adaptation and rebuilding that is often suffered by a church instrument, the 13 surviving chamber organs of Green retain mechanisms from which we can confidently determine Green’s style and distinguish his work from that of contemporary and subsequent builders. The instruments are presently located at Appleford (1777), Aberdeen (1778), Hastingleigh (1778), Dinmore Manor (1786), East Bradenham (1786), a private residence in Herefordshire (1787), Edith Weston (1787), Attingham Park, Shrewsbury (1788), Buckingham Palace (1790), Lacey Green (1792), Heathfield (1795), Dorking (1796) and Plattsburgh, NY (undated). There is also a curious, undated organ built into a harpsichord case at Hanbury Hall, Worcestershire (which is held by the National Trust). Of these instruments, those at Hastingleigh, Herefordshire, Attingham, Plattsburgh and Hanbury Hall have escaped serious alteration, suffering (at worst) the introduction of electric fan blowers and tuning to equal temperament. Many features are common to all 13 chamber organs (the Hanbury Hall organ is considered to be a ‘box’ rather than ‘chamber’ organ): the details of the design and manufacture of the soundboards and action are identical and distinctive. These common features—including keyboards, key- and stop-mechanisms and wind-chests—combine to allow a detailed description of an authentic Green mechanism, and to distinguish between his work and that of any other builder.