Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

The Aeolian Co. (Opus 1785, 1932)

Location:

Duke University
401 Chapel Dr.
Durham, NC 27708 US
Chapel
Organ ID: 5550

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Colleges and Universities
  • The organ has been altered from its original state.
  • The organ's condition is unknown.
We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Jim Stettner on December 16, 2020.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: Electro-pneumatic (EP)
  • 5 divisions. 4 manuals.
All:
  • Chest Type(s): Electro-pneumatic (EP) chests
  • Position: In side chambers at the front of the room. Facade pipes or case front visible.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Main:
  • Built by The Aeolian Co.
  • Manuals: 4
  • Divisions: 5
  • Manual Compass: 61
  • Pedal Compass: 32
  • Key Action: Electrical connection from key to chest.
  • Stop Action: Electric connection between stop control and chest.
  • Console Style: Traditional style without cover.
  • Stop Controls: Drawknobs in vertical rows on angled jambs.
  • Combination Action: Adjustable combination pistons.
  • Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals, AGO standard placement.
  • Pedalboard Type: Concave radiating pedalboard meeting AGO Standards.
  • Has Crescendo Pedal
  • Has Tutti Reversible Thumb Pistons
  • Has Tutti Reversible Toe Pistons
  • Has Combination Action Thumb Pistons
  • Has Combination Action Toe Pistons
We received the most recent update for this console from Jim Stettner on December 16, 2020.
Database Manager on May 07, 2018:
We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Database Manager on February 14, 2011:

Updated through online information from John Santoianni. -- The original console is currently in the Biddle Music Building on Duke's East Campus.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on June 21, 2009:

Updated through online information from David Ritch. -- The organ was removed and completely reconditioned by Foley-Baker, Inc. All of the past alterations were documented and researched in order to return the organ to the original Aeolian scheme. However, the original four manual console was deemed beyond preservation and was replaced by a new one in a similar style, built by Richard Houghten. One new rank was added to the organ; the 8- Festival Trumpet. It was rededicated on February 8, 2009 as the Kathleen Upton Byrns McClendon Organ.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on February 11, 2019.
Database Manager on October 30, 2004:

Antiphonal division was removed in 1975. Altered 1948 by Aeolian-Skinner. Restoration in 1993-2001 by Norman Ryan. 2001 specifications, 81 stops, 102 ranks.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
From THE AEOLIAN PIPE ORGAN AND ITS MUSIC, Dr. Rollin Smith, and THE DIAPASON February 1931: Open In New Tab
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Jeff Scofield on December 19, 2020.
Factory Documentation: Open In New Tab Documentation courtesy of the OHS Archive
Document created on 1930-10-21
We received the most recent update for this document from Roman Lizak on November 24, 2023.

Pipe Scale Document: Open In New Tab Technical specifications transcribed from Factory Specifications by Roman Lizak
Document created on 2023-11-24
We received the most recent update for this document from Roman Lizak on November 24, 2023.
  • Duke University Organs - Description, links to stoplists and additional information
  • Duke Chapel - The link is for information about all four pipe organs in Duke Chapel.

Instrument Images:

Chancel and Pipe Facades: Photograph by William T. Van Pelt. Taken on 2000-05-10

G. Donald Harrison inspects a Pedal Mixture pipe: Photograph from an archival source: Unknown, submitted by John Santoianni. Taken approx. ca 1930's

The Aeolian Organ console prior to installation in the not-yet-completed Duke Chapel: Photograph from an archival source: Duke University Archives, submitted by John Santoianni. Taken approx. 1932