lan either requires the organist to remember which
combination of stops he last brought into operation on each keyboard,
or else necessitates the introduction of some indicator displaying a
record of the pistons that he last touched. In the organ in the
Memorial Church of the 1st Emperor William in Berlin, the builder
introduced a series of electric lights for this purpose. This device
can be seen in use in this country.

When this plan is adopted the player is compelled to preserve a mental
image of the combinations set on every piston or pedal in the organ and
identify them instantly by the numbers shown on the indicator--an
impossibility in the case of adjustable combinations often
changed--impracticable in any case.

Almost all the greatest organists agree in condemning the system of
non-moving stop-knobs, and we trust and believe that it will soon be
finally abandoned.

[1] Organists find, after using them a short time, that a row of
stop-keys over the manuals is wonderfully easy to control. It is
possible to slide the finger along, and with one sweep either bring on
or shut off the whole organ.

CHAPTER VI.

RADIATING AND CONCAVE PEDAL BOARDS.

Pedal boards had always been made flat with straight keys until Willis
and the great organist, Dr. S. S. Wesley, devised the radiating and
concave board whereby all the pedal keys were brought within equal
distance of the player's feet. This was introduced in the organ in St.
George's Hall, Liverpool, in 1855, and Willis has refused to supply any
other type of board with his organs ever since. Curiously enough, the
advantages of this board were not appreciated by many players who
preferred the old type of board and at a conference called by the Royal
College of Organists in 1890 it was decided to officially recommend a
board which was concave, but had parallel keys. The following letter
to the author shows that the R. C. O. has experienced a change of heart
in this matter:

THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ORGANISTS.

LONDON, S. W., 27th May, 1909.

Dear Sir: In answer to your inquiry the Resolutions and Recommendations
to which you refer were withdrawn by my Council some years ago. No
official recommendation is made by them now. It is stated in our
Calendar that the Council wish it understood that the arrangements and
measurements of the College organ are not intended to be accepted as
authoritative or final suggestions. I am,

Yours faithfully,
T