AGO Organ History & Instrument Design 2

Question 1

Aristide Cavaillé-Coll (1811–1899) was the defining master builder of which organ tradition?

Accepted Answer

French Romantic

Answer

Cavaillé-Coll built magnificent organs in France — including those at Saint-Sulpice and Notre-Dame de Paris — defining the French Romantic sound that inspired Franck, Widor, Vierne, and Dupré.

Question 2

The Wanamaker Grand Court Organ in Philadelphia is notable for being:

Accepted Answer

The world's largest fully playable pipe organ

Answer

The Wanamaker Organ (now housed in Macy's Center City Philadelphia) is considered the world's largest fully playable pipe organ, with approximately 28,500 pipes, and is still played in daily concerts.

Question 3

Ernest M. Skinner (1866–1960) became famous in American organ building for developing:

Accepted Answer

Orchestrally voiced symphonic pipe organs

Answer

Ernest M. Skinner pioneered the American symphonic organ, developing new orchestral stops — including the French Horn, English Horn, and Unda Maris — designed to imitate the sounds of a full symphony orchestra.

Question 4

G. Donald Harrison, who headed Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company, is credited with developing which influential American organ aesthetic?

Accepted Answer

The American Classic organ style

Answer

G. Donald Harrison developed the 'American Classic' style, blending French and German Baroque clarity and ensemble transparency with American symphonic warmth, exemplified by organs at Harvard, Princeton, and the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine.

Question 5

The Casavant Frères company, one of the most prolific organ builders in North America, is headquartered in:

Accepted Answer

Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec

Answer

Casavant Frères, founded in 1879 by Claver and Samuel Casavant, is based in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada, and has built thousands of organs across North America and internationally.

(AGO) American Guild of Organists Certification Practice Test

(AGO) American Guild of Organists Certification Practice Test

AGO Organ History & Instrument Design 2