Rosales, 1987 [Hauptwerk]

The Organ of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon, Rosales Op. 11

The organ of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon was built in 1984-1987 by Manuel Rosales (opus 11). Its construction was possible thanks to the vision and efforts of Canon Dr. John Strege, the organist at Trinity for 37 years until his retirement in 2010, and through a generous gift of Bea Gerlinger that covered the bulk of the cost of the organ. Many parishioners volunteered during construction and installation, which occurred at the same time as extensive chancel renovations and improvements.

The commission for the new organ was given to Manuel Rosales, an organ builder who was developing a reputation as one of the most inspired organ builders in the United States. John Strege’s vision was to create a magnificent and powerful liturgical instrument which would shine in big concert pieces as well as in early music or chamber works. He was inspired by French cathedral organs, especially by the St. Sulpice organ in Paris. The instrument is not, however, a copy of any existing organ; instead, Manuel Rosales made his own statement. Indeed, according to numerous testimonies, opus 11 is not only a really good organ, but it also mirrors well the character of its builder: A lot of power, a lot of energy, clarity of speech, strong character of voices, rich and exuberant ensembles. Barbara Owen characterized the instrument as a "neo-Baroque in concept, with a Romantic gesture". Well, it is an American eclectic organ, one of the best of its kind, with a clear French symphonic influence.

Opus 11 contains 54 stops and 85 ranks on 93mm of wind. The wind for the organ is regulated by three large wedge-shaped bellows and wind stabilizers that can be turned off as desired for 17th-18th century literature. This feature is faithfully modelled in the sample set.