The Kegg Pipe Organ
The Kegg Organ in the University Presbyterian Church (which is included on the National Register of Historic Places) was built and installed in the sanctuary in 2001 and replaces a prior Tellers Organ from about 1928 when the church was dedicated; some of the original Roosevelt stops were retained in the current Kegg Organ. The organ speaks with authority, directly into the chancel and nave from the front corners of the sanctuary, which has a lively acoustic ambiance with three to four seconds of reverberation. The four divisions of the instrument (Great, Swell, Choir and Pedal) fill the room with opulent sound that reflects an organ voiced in the American style of organ building, rich and full, which fills the sanctuary with a robust tonal palate. The Principles are the majestic foundation of the organ; the Great and Swell Principles are noble, rich, and clear. Flute and String stops bring an allure to the tonal palate, the upper-work and brilliant mixtures bring clarity to the sound of the ensemble. Both Swell and Choir divisions contain lush Celeste stops, each with their own unique and contrasting tonal character. The organ has a full complement of brilliant reeds that bring a blaze of rich fire; a variety of several solo reeds are also part of the eclectic tonal palate. Unique to Kegg Organs is the Solo Diapason III, a stop that combines the Great Principle 8’, the Pedal Principal 8’, and the Great Octave playing at 8', providing a rich triple 8' Diapason line useful for solo passages – particularly useful for Romantic literature where a large velvet 8’ solo line is essential. Both Swell and Choir are under expression – Kegg instruments are noted for their very effective swell shades. The beautiful movable console is placed centrally in the chancel and is part of the choir loft. The organ features a 3-manual console with rosewood draw-knobs and bone nomenclature labels; keyboards have polished bone naturals and rosewood accidentals and the pedal keyboard features rosewood accidentals and maple naturals. The console includes a quiet, multi-level combination action for unlimited levels of settings and also includes an adjustable bench. Toe pistons are placed within easy reach on ergonomically curved wings. A full range of couplers are available in every division. As in all Kegg consoles, the music rack is made of plate glass. The late Dr. David Fuller, retired faculty from the State University of New York at Buffalo, hailed the instrument as a significant recital and concert instrument in WNY.
