Click on these links to see our most recent testimonials:
Greenville, North
Carolina (Opus 3877)
Langley, British
Columbia (Opus 3872)
Glencoe, Maryland
(Opus 3871)
Seward, Nebraska (Opus
3868)
Iowa City, Iowa
(Opus 3867)
Sandersville,
Georgia (Opus 3866)
Gainesville,
Georgia (Opus 3865)
Jackson, Mississipi (Opus 3862)
Tampa, Florida (Opus 3861)
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July
1925 ... I salute the brothers Joseph Claver and Samuel Casavant as great organ builders of our time, as artists of great ideals and true conceptions. Henry Willis, “America Visited", The Organ, vol. 5, no 5, p. 40 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—24 November 1897 ... I have no hesitation in saying that the Casavants are the best organ builders on this side of the water, far superior to any in America. Both in point of tone and mechanism. I am delighted with their work. They are moreover straightforward and reliable in business. Frederic Archer, Concert Organist and Conductor of the Pittsburgh Orchestra Garden Grove, California—25 November 1996 … I believe this magnum opus of the Casavant company [at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas] to be the art of organ building brought a pinnacle. … Having played hundreds of organs in many parts of the world, I can honestly say that this organ has few peers. It is supremely satisfying to play, to listen to, and to look to. … I hope everyone who reads this will have the opportunity to experience one the truly great organs of the world. Dr. Frederick Swann, Consultant Demorest, Georgia—24 March 2003 The organ is absolutely wonderful and everyone who hears it or plays it says the same thing. I appreciate so much the care that was taken with the pipe scales, mixture compositions, etc. Dr. James F. Mellichamp, Organist and Vice President for Academic Affairs —Piedmont College Ann Arbor, Michigan—18 April 1986 Just a note to tell you how stunning the Casavant [at the University of Nebraska in Omaha] is. It is a remarkable instrument in a most favorable acoustic ambience. Dr. Marilyn Mason, Professor of Music—University of Michigan 4 October 1994 What a pleasure it is to play on such a beautiful instrument! [Holy Rosary Cathedral, Regina] Poetry, energy, strength and character; everything to elevate the souls and sing praises to the Creator. All my admiration to Casavant. [Quel plaisir de jouer sur si bel instrument! [Holy Rosary Cathedral, Regina] Poésie, énergie, force et relief; tout pour élever les âmes et chanter les merveilles du Créateur ! Toute mon admiration à la Maison Casavant. ] Naji Hakim, organiste titulaire de la basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Paris Ottawa, Ontario—25 April 1901 The Tone [of the organ at Notre-Dame Basilica in Ottawa] is superb and the voicing has been particularly well done. The instrument is a noble example of the art of organ building, and I hope the day will come when we shall have many of them in the United States. William C. Carl, Director—The Guilmant Organ School New York—31 March 1911 [Alexandre Guilmant] was a great admirer of your organs and always spoke of them in the most enthusiastic terms. William C. Carl, Director— The Guilmant Organ School Cleveland, Ohio—23 August 1994 The organ [of The Community of Christ in Independence, Missouri] is absolutely stunning in such a wide variety of music. You are obviously doing fabulous work, which doesn’t surprise me at all! Todd Wilson, Organist and Director of Music—The Church of the Covenant Kansas City, Missouri—16 May 1993 Without question, it's [The Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri] one of the most glorious organs in North America. … the sounds themselves are inherently luscious; tones pour out warmly, effortlessly. You don’t so much hear the pedal stops as feel them compressing your rib cage. As you add more and more stops, the sound gets denser and more room-filling, but it never yells or screeches; it never seems loud. Scott Cantrell, Classical Music Editor—The Kansas City Star Independence, Missouri—9 March 2003 During the course of the weekend, I hope you were able to sense our great appreciation for Casavant and the artists who contributed in the creation of this particular instrument. It is, in a word, fabulous, and we continue to be blessed by its incredible tonal palette as ten years becomes twenty, thirty, and more. Jan Kraybill, Principal Organist —Community of Christ, Ten Year Anniversary Concert Boston, Massachusetts—22 May 1918 More remarkable still is the musical effect produced by the fine finish, blend and balance of the voicing. The more I use the instrument the more does it seem supremely beautiful and satisfying to one's idea of what a true organ should be. Lynnwood Farnam, Organist and Choirmaster—Emmanuel Church Sewanee, Tennessee—4 June 2004 Just want to let you know that all is finished and the results are magnificent. Thank you for all of your efforts to make All Saints’ (and the School of Theology Chapel) organ a success. Dr. Robert Delcamp, Professor of Music and University Organist —University of the South Redlands, California—26 May 2003 What an incredible instrument. I find myself practicing many late hours and planning to learn pieces that I hadn’t considered before. Our alumni are also eager to have an opportunity to play on their old friend once again. People in the community are still talking about hearing the organ at the rededication. My thanks to you and everyone involved in the restoration of Opus 1230 [1927] at the University of Redlands, California. … We are indeed fortunate to have reestablished our ties to Casavant. The results speak for themselves. Irmengard Jennings, Director, Community School of Music —University of Redlands Bloomfield, New Jersey—19 December 1919. Allow me to say that I hold you the most artistic organ builder on this side of the Atlantic. George Ashdown Audsley, author of The Art of Organ Building Paris—30 May 1923 Many years ago, Monsieur Cavaillé-Coll told me about you in very laudatory terms. Since that time, I have been told by my students Bonnet and Dupré that these praises were fully justified by the excellence of your artistic and practical organs. [Jadis, Monsieur Cavaillé-Coll m'avait parlé de vous dans des termes extrêmement élogieux ; depuis, j'ai appris par mes élèves Bonnet et Dupré que ces éloges étaient pleinement justifiés par l'excellence de vos instruments aussi artistiques que pratiques. ] Louis Vierne Washington, DC—25 February 1985 It is an organ [at Foundry United Methodist United Church in Washington] that is orchestral in feeling but possessed of great clarity and definition. It is without question the right instrument in the right place, fitting its acoustic surroundings and open to the great bulk of organ literature and choral accompaniment. Ed Mattos, Music Critic—The Washington Post Chattanooga, Tennessee—8 February 1993 Casavant is certainly one of the top quality organ builders in North America using the finest materials through out their instruments and working with highest musical and artistic standards to achieve beautiful sound. I have used the organ here for five years and feel it serves well as an instrument for services as well as for recitals. Paul Reynolds, Organist and Choirmaster—St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Utica, New York—8 August 1995 The Utica love-affair with the Casavant at First Presbyterian Church goes on unabated. Other builders have built new instruments in the area, but the word is that our Casavant is still the best. … I find the organ as delightful now as it was when I first played it in 1970. Stephen H. Best, Organist—First Presbyterian Church London—7 May 1924 During a recent trip to Paris, my friend M. Joseph Bonnet took me to see the organ you have recently erected at the residence of Mr. Blumenthal and I felt I should like to write and congratulate you on this very fine piece of work. It is the first instrument from your factory I have had the opportunity of inspecting and it was a real pleasure to see the fine materials and workmanship employed in the manufacture and the care bestowed on the tone finishing. Henry Willis Regina, Saskatchewan—25 October 1993 … we are indeed delighted with the work Casavant has done in renewing Opus 1409 here at the Cathedral. The organ has not only met our expectations; it has exceeded them. The McGuigan Organ is now an instrument of rare beauty in both sound and appearance. … We are very proud to have this organ in the Cathedral, and know that it will remain for many decades as a testimony to the artistry and craftsmanship of Casavant. Dr. Thomas Chase, Organist and Director of Music—Holy Rosary Cathedral Knoxville, Tennessee—12 April 1995 Throughout our association with the company, I was impressed by the skill of your people and the quality of workmanship. Appreciation for and pride in excellence was always evident. Expecting that from what I had heard of your company, I was even more appreciative of the warm personal interest you took in our church which you communicate very effectively. I want to thank you personally, and to commend your company for that rare quality. Ken Caraway, Minister—First United Methodist Church Ann Arbor, Michigan—12 November 1924 May I tell you how very much I enjoyed playing your fine organ in Orchestra Hall, Detroit ... The voicing is excellent, and mechanism as responsive as one could wish, and you are to be congratulated on the artistic result you have achieved there. Palmer Christian, University Organist—University of Michigan New Haven, Connecticut—25 September 1993 The combination of organ and spacious acoustics in the Cathedral in Regina is highly impressive; the tonal finishing in particular achieves and enviable standard, and preparing the dedication recital was a very pleasurable experience. Dr. Thomas Murray, Professor of Music and University Organist—Yale University West Jefferson, North Carolina—September 2004 I especially want to commend the finishing voicers who worked over twelve weeks to attain a vibrant, live sound from the pipes. During my weekly visits, I came to know and greatly appreciate the artistic and musical values that these men gave to the final sound of the instrument [First Baptist Church—Hickory, North Carolina]. … Their determination for beauty and perfection were uncompromising. Dr. H. Max Smith, Professor of Music Emeritus—Appalachian State University New York—19 December 1924 The work of your firm must be highly praised not only for the complete sound and finished mechanism, but for the true artistic voicing of every reed, diapason, flute, string and mixture stop. Pietro A. Yon, Organist and Music Director—St. Patrick’s Cathedral St. Louis, Missouri—23 February 1993 We purchased our Casavant in 1988. Our decision was reached after many, many trips and listening sessions. We have not regretted our decision for one moment. It continues to amaze me how beautifully it has been voiced and how well it sounds in our dry acoustics. … I think Casavant uses the finest materials and cuts no corners. But their strength lies in their voicing and I am especially happy about this. They are also a strong company and you need not worry about any problems … I do respect many other organ companies … but I certainly put Casavant at the top of the list and can say that if we were to make the decision today, we would have no hesitation to go with Casavant again. Philip D. Rowland, Organist—The Central Presbyterian Church Wheaton, Illinois—September 2001 I cannot tell you all how pleased we are with the instrument. Daily we count our blessings for this magnificent instrument. If any one person could be singled out I think it would not be right, since it so obviously is the work of so many expert and caring hands. So we send our heartfelt thanks to the entire Casavant family for such a superlative addition to our college, community, and the metropolitan Chicago area. Dr. Edward Zimmerman, Professor of Organ and College Organist —Wheaton College Darlington, South Carolina—12 April 1997 I never dreamed that so much of the work was done by your craftsmen. The phrase ‘hand made’ has certainly taken on a new meaning. It was also very obvious that your craftsmen take such pride in their work. It has been a long time since I have seen pieces of wood transformed into something so elegant and beautiful. Ernie Shuler, Organ Committee—Trinity United Methodist Church Bismarck, North Dakota—1 March 1990 The congregational singing, organ literature of all periods and accompaniments have ‘come alive’ for the members of the parish. The installation is truly successful and the tonal design is of utmost quality in all of the divisions. James I. Boschker, Organist-Choirmaster—Trinity Lutheran Church Marion, Ohio—19 March 1991 The instrument is a joy, and we look forward to many years of worshipful praise to God coming from it. Thank you for being a company that is quality oriented and consistent both in production and relationships. J. Weston Jones, Pastor—Emanuel Lutheran Church Nashville, Tennessee—8 February 1993 I would like to recommend very highly the Casavant Organ Company. I think their tonal design and the beauty of each pipe within each rank of pipes is an important consideration. … The Casavant organ is beautiful not only tonally but impeccable in its mechanical construction of all parts. The Nashville instrument has needed minimal upkeep and the tuning has been very stable. Wilma Jensen, Choirmaster-Organist—St. George’s Episcopal Church October 1926 I conceived the greatest admiration for this firm's organs, and especially for its two principals and founders. They have worked steadily and unpretentiously, improving and developing, always with an open mind to welcome anything new, for nearly fifty years, until now they are among the world's greatest organ builders. Like all really great artists, these two fine old gentlemen are modest and unassuming, and ever ready to listen to suggestions or impart their wide knowledge and experience to anyone they know to be really interested. Alfred Hollins, “Organs and Organ Building in Canada and in the United States”, The Organ, vol. 6, no 22, 70. Baltimore, Maryland—18 March 1985 The service rendered by the organ [installed in 1957] has been nothing short of excellent and speaks well of the superb craftsmanship. Maintenance expense over more that a quarter of century has been minimal. Melvin G. Trimble, Sr., for the Organ Committee—Emmanuel Lutheran Church Naples, Florida—1990 True, the (Casavant opus 3690) is an amalgam of many personalities, brought together, however, in a work of art that will never be precisely duplicated; that never can be. No two human beings are the same: no two human experiences, even experienced by the same person, can be exactly the same. And inspiration, the underlying force of a work of art, is fluid, changing, impulsive. So Casavant opus 3690, in the Philharmonic Center for the Arts, in Naples, is unique, in the loftiest meaning of the term. And splendid. Norman Nadel, Music Critic Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—15 February 1993 … the people who have been most intimately involved with acquiring a new organ for First Lutheran Church have been completely satisfied with the work of Casavant Frères. We are delighted with the instrument. Even members of our congregation who have no particular interest in music have shown great appreciation for what they hear and see Sunday after Sunday. … I would say that Casavant has been one of the most thoroughly professional and competent companies I have ever dealt with in my ministry. Our requests for help or more information were always greeted with cooperation and a quick response. All of the employees we dealt with were courteous, helpful and highly skilled. Your firm does an excellent job in customer relations and we could make no suggestion as to how such interaction could be improved. David P. Gleason, Pastor—First Lutheran Church Bellevue, Washington—23 August 1995 I was so impressed with Casavant’s history of excellence and the level of pride and skill your cratsmen exhibit. While one hears such stories about Casavant it is quite different to experience it personally. … Thanks for the integrity and excellence you are demonstrating in your work with us. Scott Dean, Director of Music Ministries—First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue Fredonia, New York—15 April 1996 … everyone can hear the difference. There is no one in the congregation who can not and who does not enjoy our wonderful organ [Opus 1136, 1926]. … We are grateful to you and everyone who worked on the organ. It has to be one of Casavant’s smaller instruments, but I will bet that it already is the best loved. Rodney Geiben, Senior Warden—Trinity Episcopal Church Cincinnati, Ohio—17 December 1990 The organ is magnificent. The sound is wonderful… and the oohs and aahs continue to come in. Visually it is majestic, fitting beautifully in its lofty gallery setting. … Early on it was of great comfort to know that we could call you anytime there was a question regarding the organ. Dr. James A. Wiseman, M.D., Co-Chair of the Organ Search Committee —Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan—22 November 2004 I just had to write once again to tell you how remarkable the organ is that I play at Zion United Church. I have fallen in love with Opus 297 [1907]. … I am amazed every time I sit at the console for a service. I am very proud of the fact that this organ was built almost one hundred years ago and has been a prominent and well respected instrument in the community. … I want to thank all the people at Casavant once again for building truly great and worthy instruments that have graced our churches, homes and halls for over one hundred years. I am proud to be making music on a Casavant. Bruce Learmonth, Organist—Zion United Church Click here for a testimonial from Thomas Stoker from Broadway Baptist Church, Ft. Worth, Texas |
