Swell Engine

Installation

With Thomas Eisl

A range of boxes release sound into the stairwell as the lids open and close according to a concealed mechanism. The action of raising and lowering the lid changes the volume and character of the sound inside each box.

’Swell boxes’ were added to organs perform an expressive function. Organ pipes were enclosed in a cabinet with shutters. Gradually opening or closing the shutters either ‘swelled’ or attenuated the sound. It was considered important that the swell mechanism operated in a smooth manner, uninterrupted by steps in the apparatus ‘as if inspired by the human breath’ (Renatus Harris).

Commissioned by Organ Reframed, Union Chapel