Largest in the old world only - Letters - Brief Article - Letter to the Editor

In the August 2001 Cruise Travel, the "Danube River" Cruise of the Month article states that the organ in Passau Cathedral, at 17,000 pipes, is the largest in the world. I don't know who provided this information, but it is not correct. While this very large instrument is the largest organ in Europe, it is only a little more than half the size of the world's largest organ, which is located in Atlantic City, NJ.

The giant Midmer-Losh pipe organ in the old Convention Hall (long the venue of the annual Miss America Pageant) has 33,112 pipes. Completed in 1932, this organ has fallen into disrepair over the years. While it is not fully operational at this time, it is currently undergoing restoration by the Atlantic City Convention Hall Organ Society.

According to a list of the world's largest organs, compiled by David Willey and available on line at www.ondamar.demon.co.uk/ lists/big1.htm, the organ of Passau Cathedral ranks as the world's fifth largest pipe organ. In addition to the ACCH organ, the Wanamaker Store (Philadelphia) organ of 28,140 pipes, the organ of West Point Military Academy Chapel at 20,142 pipes, and the organ of Los Angeles' 1st Congregational Church at approximately 20,000 pipes are all larger.

Scott R. Andrews, Dacula, GA

COPYRIGHT 2001 World Publishing, Co. (Illinois)
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group