Bob Taylor writes about large Aeolian pipe organs purchased by the
Dodge brothers of automobile manufacturing fame. For those interested
in this sort of thing, I strongly recommend Rollin Smith's wonderful
new book, 'Pipe Organs of the Rich and Famous,' available from the
Organ Historical Society (OHS).
It is a truly beautiful book with hundreds of photos and illustrations
of many organs, large and small, installed in the homes of the wealthy
as well as celebrated musicians like Widor and Dupre. Starting in
the later years of the 19th century, many of these domestic pipe organs
were equipped with player mechanisms, and thus are (I hope) topical
here. The design of the book, by Len Levasseur, contributes hugely to
its pleasing aesthetic.
I should state that I had no involvement in the production of this
book, nor do I have any fiscal interest, however I did recently write
a lengthy (favorable) review of it for *The Diapason.*
David C. Kelzenberg
Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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