Mechanical Hand

So one of the unique features of the organ at Norwich Cathedral, historically, is that there was no direct means of communication between the organist and choir director. So a mechanical hand was installed to let the director know at what tempo the organist would be playing a particular piece. The hand is still there, but, of course, the organist now can at least see the director by way of a video screen.

Harrison & Harrison Organ

"Norwich Cathedral has one of the largest pipe organs in the country, with the organ featuring an incredible 5,767 pipes that range from 32 feet to just an inch long.

 

In November 2023, the organ was reinaugurated after a complete rebuild by Harrison and Harrison of Durham and is now considered one of the finest instruments of its kind in the country." -- Norwich Cathedral

Song of Mary

One of the pieces we sang at evensong in Norwich Cathedral was a setting of the Magnificat:

He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek.

He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.

Despenser Reredos

 

 

There is an extraordinary story behind this altar in the St. Luke's Chapel at Norwich Cathedral, which makes me appreciate all the more the work done by the people who restore such artifacts.