Massive Pipe Organ Is Music To Macy's Ears

(CBS)  Up the escalator on the 2nd floor of Macy's in Philadelphia you'll find Women's Casual wear, outerwear and the biggest playable pipe organ in the world, played masterfully by virtuoso organist, Peter Conte.

CBS News correspondent Richard Schlesinger asked him: "Have you always played in women's clothes, so to speak?"

"Women's shoes at one point," Conte said. "Never had my size!"

The organ was built into the store in 1911 and has been part of Christmas in Philadelphia ever since.

"As a child my father would always bring us here at Christmastime," said shopper Barbara Clancy. "It's a family tradition."

The organ occupies a peculiar place in music history and a prominent place in retail history.

"You get folks coming in just to buy a pair of shoes, and then they look up and they hear this instrument and they're transformed and transfixed for a moment in their lives," Conte said.

The huge organ became a huge attraction. So just how big is it?

"It's got 28,000-plus pipes. Twenty-eight thousand, four-hundred-and-something pipes. Something. We're not quite sure," Conte said.

The innards of the organ are scattered through the store, built into spaces on seven different floors. In one area alone, there are 6,300 pipes - give or take a few.

And countless shoppers have heard the music. It's impossible not to hear the music, especially at this time of year.

The bigger the audience the better for business, which is all about generating foot traffic.

But does it make shoppers want to shop more?

"Oh, definitely," Clancy said.

And at a time like this when retail sales are nothing to sing about - that is music to Macy's ears.

[truax1904]

hope that watchers/readers of this article are aware that the Wanamaker Organ was first built/used at the 1904 World''s Fair in St. Louis (though with only 10K+ pipes). It was later moved to Philadelphia, where it was installed in Wanamaker''s (later Lord/Taylor, now Macy''s). Check out the 1904 World''s Fair Society (website at www.1904worldsfairsociety.org) to learn about the World''s Greatest Fair...ever!. Lots of good links to visit!

[ellagothic]

There''s a new CD that just came out with Peter Conte playing Christmas tunes on the Wanamaker Organ:
http://www.gothic-catalog.com/Christmas_in_the_Grand_Tradition_Wanamaker_Organ_p/g-49264.htm

Gothic also has lots more info. on the Wanamaker Organ herself:
http://www.gothic-catalog.com/Philadelphia_PA_Wanamaker_Grand_Court_Organ_s/670.htm

I haven''t heard the organ in person myself, but I''ve heard its incredible. It''s certainly WONDERFUL on Conte''s new Christmas recording (with the Philadelphia Brass!!). :o)

[boston1954]

An interesting story, nicely timed. Thanks, Richard.

I enjoy any TV news item with this instrument! The Wanamaker is a wonderful one of a kind National Landmark, and has been well cared for ever since Macy''s took over the store. The Organ has been restored to nearly 100% playability from a low of 20& (due to lack of care from previous owners). Macy''s fully appreciates the Wanamaker Organ and is committed to its upkeep,and its musical tradition of being played every day since 1911. I have enjoyed the wonderful sound of this instrument most of my life, in person; and from several excellent recordings. The details of this organ can be found on www.wanamakerorgan.com. I stronly encourage you to
visit Macy''s in Philadelphia to hear this instrument! In person, you''ll get goosebumps from a sound the fills the Grand Court space literally!!