pipe organ
The largest and one of the oldest musical instruments, producing sound by directing pressurized air through thousands of pipes of varying materials and sizes.
In Depth
The pipe organ dates back to the hydraulis of ancient Greece (3rd century BC) and has been the principal instrument of Western church music for over a thousand years. Modern concert organs may contain over 10,000 pipes ranging from pencil-sized to over 30 feet tall, organized into divisions (Great, Swell, Choir, Pedal) controlled from multiple manuals and a pedalboard. Each rank of pipes produces a different timbre.
Often called the "King of Instruments," the pipe organ is the only instrument that can sustain sound indefinitely at any dynamic level. J.S. Bach's organ works remain the pinnacle of the instrument's repertoire. Major works by Buxtehude, Franck, Widor, Vierne, and Messiaen have expanded its literature. The instrument also served as the ancestor of the synthesizer — its ability to mix timbres through stop combinations anticipates modern additive synthesis.
The organ at the Atlantic City Convention Hall has over 33,000 pipes and 449 ranks, making it the largest musical instrument ever built — its deepest pipe produces a 64-foot C that is felt more than heard.