Glasgow Cathedral organ

The organ was built by Henry ‘Father’ Willis in 1879, in consultation with Albert Lister Peace (Director of Music 1879–1897). This three-manual organ bore many similarities to other Willis instruments of the period – the Great and Swell echo Durham and Salisbury’s 1876 specifications – alongside various idiosynracies particular to Peace, like a 2’ Piccolo Harmonique, and the extended 32/61-note pedal and manual compasses. Rebuilds in 1903, 1913, 1922 and 1931 by later generations of the Willis firm enlarged the organ to four manuals, with consultation from the incumbent Directors of Music at each point (Herbert Walton and Clifford Smith). The instrument featured stops since lost, including a Tuba Minor (enclosed, 12” wind) and ‘a beautiful Tibia, which is not a hooting monstrosity of the type found in the cinema organs of today, but has a definite harmonic development’ [Henry Willis III]. This stop served as a model for the Tibia in the Swell Organ of Liverpool Cathedral. It is clear that Glasgow Cathedral’s organ was a significant and lavishly appointed instrument from the very start, with all pipework crafted in spotted metal, and numerous innovative features. Willis III wrote in 1932 that ‘the organ scheme was pushed through with such promptness and absence of “red tape”—always a welcome state of affairs for the harassed organ-builder!’ before proclaiming ‘this grand old organ is without doubt the finest in Scotland’.

J W Walker & Sons rebuilt the organ in 1971, with Francis Jackson as adviser, instituting various mechanical and tonal changes. In 1996 the organ was reconstructed and redesigned by Harrison & Harrison, returning more closely to the original ideals of Father Willis, with advsiers John Turner (Director of Music 1965–2010) and Philip Ledger. This work involved new slider chests, rebuilt actions, full restoration of the original wind reservoirs, and an improved layout. The Great is in the north case, and the Solo in the south; the Swell, Choir and the Pedal reeds are in the north triforium. Most of the Pedal sits behind the Great, with the Open Diapason 16’ as case facades, and the Double Open Wood 32’ and Dulciana 16’ in the south triforium.

The excellent Willis pipework of 1879, somewhat altered over the years, remains at the heart of the organ, while the Solo Organ is mostly a new department by Harrison & Harrison, including some revoiced Walker pipework from 1971.