CONSOLE: All Marceau consoles incorporate the finest quality, state-of-the-art components. The console shells are constructed of quarter-sawn white oak (or other selected hardwoods). The console size is fit to specific space requirements and usage. Keyboards with different contrasting hardwoods are handcrafted to custom dimensions. Stop action units with drawknobs, rocker arms, or tilting tabs are available. Multi memory combination actions (with programmable crescendo pedal) are standard features. Multiplexing is incorporated where console mobility is required. An adjustable bench is a standard feature.
WINDCHESTS: The standard windchest design for Marceau Pipe Organs is the slider-pallet windchest. This design is simple in its concept and allows for ease of maintenance. This also creates a more "straight" tonal layout and lessens the need for sophisticated electronic equipment to operate the mechanisms. In smaller instruments, electro-pneumatic unit chests are used to increase the flexibility. All windchests are custom built or modified to each project's requirements.
PIPEWORK: All new pipework in Marceau Pipe Organs is custom built to each project's specific requirements. Pipework is hand built by a variety of shops including shops in Holland, Germany and the United States. Only the highest quality pipework goes into a Marceau Pipe Organ whether new or carefully recycled.
CASEWORK: The idea of a case around the pipes serves some very important functions. The case serves to create a visual identity with its surroundings and to blend and focus the organ sound for a better musical ensemble. It helps to keep the organ in better tune by restricting drafts and heat movement from immediate impact on the pipes. Although a case is not the only approach to organ placement, it gives the instrument a sense of musical credibility that a pipe chamber cannot. René Marceau will provide ideas on casework design that would best fit the sanctuary setting.
TONAL CHARACTER: While it is difficult to comment on the many sounds of the pipe organ, certain basics are common to all Marceau Pipe Organs. All 4 families of pipe organ tone have to be present (principals, flutes, strings, and reeds) and have enough variety to be different even in the same family. Principals must be warm and bright yet big enough to support congregational singing; flutes must be charming and delicate; strings should function to provide quieter settings and accompaniment for the choir; reeds must have enough color and dynamic flexibilities to function both as solo stops and chorus stops.
NUMBER OF STOPS: All Marceau Pipe Organs are designed for each specific location. The number of stops and variety of sounds suggested are intended to fulfill the primary functions of the instrument: leading the congregation in service music (hymns, service music, etc.), performing for special services (weddings, funerals, memorial services), accompanying the choir from different periods of music, providing solo organ literature in the Church or Concert setting. All these functions play into the design and size of your new pipe organ. Marceau Pipe Organs will design "your" instrument for you and build it for "your" needs and requirements.
CONCLUSION: What you have just read is but an attempt to put into words ideas and philosophies that go into the design and building of a Marceau Pipe Organ. What cannot be described is the sound and how it touches each person; that you must experience for yourself. We at Marceau Pipe Organs welcome the opportunity to show you one or more of our instruments and welcome your reactions and comments.
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