THE SAINT GREGORY INSTITUTE OF SACRED MUSIC
AT THE PITTSBURGH ORATORY OF SAINT PHILIP NERI
Our Instrument
As a result of the Oratory’s Magnify the Lord Capital Campaign of 2024, the Oratory had the privilege to commission a custom organ with renowned builder Paul Fritts. Accommodating the new instrument required a significant renovation to the chapel. The new gallery provides space for not only the new Fritts organ, but also the vocalists and instrumentalists. Today, the organ is characterized by its gentle tone, subtle speech, and sensitive action–the perfect instrument to support singing and render Renaissance and Baroque music in the intimate confines of the Oratory Chapel.
Paul Fritts & Company Organ Builders,
Tacoma, WA
Opus 52 (2024)
The Organ will be dedicated on October 25, 2024 by His Excellency, Bishop William Waltersheid, Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh, followed by a dedication recital played by Dr. Olukola Owolabi, Professor of Organ at the University of Notre Dame.
Opus 52 (2024)
476 Speaking Pipes
25 Non-speaking façade pipes
Manual I
Principal
Octave
Octave
Dulcian
8'
4'
2'
8'
Manual II
Gedackt
Octave
Rohrflöte
Nasat/Cornet
8'
4'*
4'
II**
Pedal
Subbaß
Bourdon
(extension)
16'
8'
*Transmitted from Manual I without restrictions
**Double draw: half draw treble Cornet II (Quint and tierce), full draw: full compass Nasat 3'
Couplers:
Manual II-Manual I
Manual I-Pedal
Manual II-Pedal
Compass:
Manual: 58 notes
Pedal: 30 notes
Other:
Variable Tremulant
Solid wood casework with carved pipe shades
Suspended, direct mechanical key action
Mechanical stop action
Adjustable Bench
Weighted, wedge bellows
