I was in SLC a few years back and I do not remember that scene around the SLC Temple in the photo below.
No, I’m not Mormon, but was in town for A Surveyor’s conference. I took some time to walk around the central area where the Temple is located across the street from ZCMI.
I can’t place it, but have seen that organ before somewhere. Probably on tv years ago. There was a series back in the 80’s and 90’s with an organist named Diane Bish, she went all over the US – and the world – performing organ works on some of the world’s greatest pipe organs. As a (sometimes) organist myself, I have long taken an interest in notable instruments.
And it is, in fact, at the Mormon Tabernacle in SLC. Looks a bit different than I recall from older photos. Have never seen it in person, yet.
Wanted to add that is one hell of a large instrument, the picture is a little fuzzy, but the console looks to have 5 manuals (keyboards) and many dozens of drawknobs for stop controls. Probably a newer console since the episode of the show that Diane Bish played it on, which was probably shot over 30 years ago now, maybe 40.
Pipe organ consoles are comprised of many electromechanical parts, and after a few decades typically need refurbishment or major rebuilding/upgrading to be kept in good functioning condition. A top tier instrument like this one would be kept in excellent condition at all times.
For all you faithful (pun intended) readers, that is the Tabernacle on Temple Square and its associated organ. Its where the Mormon Tabernacle and Orchestra at Temple Square meet to practice, and may perform – Music and the Spokane Word – on Sunday at 9:00 Mountain time. It is open to the General Public unless the MTC is practicing.
The acoustics are astounding, you can clearly hear the person at the podium without mechanical or electronic amplification. The Tabernacle and the Organ were built by craftsman who knew their stuff, back in the day (late 1800’s). The dome that you see was actually built by Norwegian shipbuilders *upside down* and uses no nails or bolts for the timbers, just peg and mortise and tenon. It is inspected every year for soundness.
I’ve been there a few times, but my Middle Daughtersaurus worked there in maintenance for a few years at The Square, and knows the tunnels and back doors and has taken me on a tour (Unofficial) twice. She no longer works there, but is a treasure trove of little tidbits of info – some of it is “classified”…
I’m glad you got to see it, Bear Claw, now see if you can tour The Conference Center right across the street from Temple Square. It’s thoroughly modern but is still a treat to see, and the Organ there is even bigger and more elaborate than the one in the Tabernacle!
If you head Nouth on I-15 be sure to wave to the Esst around the 5300 Street exit (before you take the Ogden exit), and I’ll try to wave back!
Salt Lake City
Are you sure? Is that your final answer?
I was in SLC a few years back and I do not remember that scene around the SLC Temple in the photo below.
No, I’m not Mormon, but was in town for A Surveyor’s conference. I took some time to walk around the central area where the Temple is located across the street from ZCMI.
I can’t place it, but have seen that organ before somewhere. Probably on tv years ago. There was a series back in the 80’s and 90’s with an organist named Diane Bish, she went all over the US – and the world – performing organ works on some of the world’s greatest pipe organs. As a (sometimes) organist myself, I have long taken an interest in notable instruments.
And it is, in fact, at the Mormon Tabernacle in SLC. Looks a bit different than I recall from older photos. Have never seen it in person, yet.
Wanted to add that is one hell of a large instrument, the picture is a little fuzzy, but the console looks to have 5 manuals (keyboards) and many dozens of drawknobs for stop controls. Probably a newer console since the episode of the show that Diane Bish played it on, which was probably shot over 30 years ago now, maybe 40.
Pipe organ consoles are comprised of many electromechanical parts, and after a few decades typically need refurbishment or major rebuilding/upgrading to be kept in good functioning condition. A top tier instrument like this one would be kept in excellent condition at all times.
Which seat did he choose and who helped him get it out of there?
For all you faithful (pun intended) readers, that is the Tabernacle on Temple Square and its associated organ. Its where the Mormon Tabernacle and Orchestra at Temple Square meet to practice, and may perform – Music and the Spokane Word – on Sunday at 9:00 Mountain time. It is open to the General Public unless the MTC is practicing.
The acoustics are astounding, you can clearly hear the person at the podium without mechanical or electronic amplification. The Tabernacle and the Organ were built by craftsman who knew their stuff, back in the day (late 1800’s). The dome that you see was actually built by Norwegian shipbuilders *upside down* and uses no nails or bolts for the timbers, just peg and mortise and tenon. It is inspected every year for soundness.
I’ve been there a few times, but my Middle Daughtersaurus worked there in maintenance for a few years at The Square, and knows the tunnels and back doors and has taken me on a tour (Unofficial) twice. She no longer works there, but is a treasure trove of little tidbits of info – some of it is “classified”…
I’m glad you got to see it, Bear Claw, now see if you can tour The Conference Center right across the street from Temple Square. It’s thoroughly modern but is still a treat to see, and the Organ there is even bigger and more elaborate than the one in the Tabernacle!
If you head Nouth on I-15 be sure to wave to the Esst around the 5300 Street exit (before you take the Ogden exit), and I’ll try to wave back!