Stalactite Organ Photo

Photographer’s Note

Stalactite Organ at Luray Caverns.
Located in the "Cathedral" is the world's largest musical instrument. Stalactites covering 3 acres of the surrounding caverns produce tones of symphonic quality when electronically tapped by rubber-tipped mallets.
This instrument was conceived by Mr Leland W. Sprinkle, an electronics scientist of Virginia. It took 36 years to bring his dreanm to its present state of perfection: For instance, three years alone were spent searching the vast chambers of the caverns to select and carefully sand stalactites to precisely match the musical scale. Only two were found to be in tune naturally!
The four-keyboard console of The Great Stalacpipe Organ
was constructed by the Klann Organ Supply Company of Virginia to meet the peculiar needs of this subterranean installation.
The organ was connected to various stalactites with over five miles of wiring.
(Let's talk of a 20.1 surround sound!!)
Insert shows a link between an hammer and console.

paura, gunbud, Angshu, maloutim, pablominto, pboehringer, John_F_Kennedy, darrasin, jusninasirun has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

bhardwajkapil78 (486) 2007-08-11 8:46

Nice image..

good colors nice toning..

i quite like the way the levels of the image travel from bottom to top.. very well captured
Regards

wolf38 (13069) 2007-08-11 9:05

Hello Robert. A interesting picture for Trekearth. Picture, titles and text complement each other outstanding. It must be an experience to hear in this cave organ music. The photo is well taken. Best regards, Wolfgang.

paura (39170) 2007-08-11 16:31

Robert,
Excellent compo here in this photo from this interesting place. Nice note also. This is an unusual place indeed.

Paulo

gunbud (28143) 2007-08-11 19:02

Hi Robert,
Wonderful low light shot of this underground catherdal which is seen in striking details and very clear vibrant colors. Wonderful informative note that explains this wonder so well. I have been by there four or five times and never stopped but if I get back it will be on my list.
Regards, Tom

maloutim (4037) 2007-08-12 0:58

Bonjour Robert!
J'aime beaucoup les grottes de stalactites en général, mais celle-ci me laisse baba! On ne peut pas se lasser des merveilles de la nature, telles que ces grottes, mais l'ingéniosité des gens à en tirer parti ( de façon positive dans ce cas.) ne cesse pas non plus de nous étonner.
Ici, vous avez su bien capter l'aspect grandiose de cette "cathédrale" avec de belles couleurs.
Bon Dimanche.
Marie Louise.

pablominto (41314) 2007-08-12 1:03

Hello Robert,
Amazing? Yes, amazing!
Must be interesting to listen, to really hear what this sounds like...
Good documentary photograph, present light is well used and there is a fine feeling of depth!
Greetings,
Pablo -

pboehringer (770) 2007-08-12 9:38

Robert,
what an interesting educative and documentary shot. I never have heard about such an organ. Weird to say the least. Everything seems to be perfect and the only thing that I miss is a button at TE to release and listen to this marvel life.
Regards, Peter

John_F_Kennedy (31994) 2007-08-12 23:40

The colours are very stunning! Great details and composition with good exposure.
Best wishes,
Achim

Angshu (34089) 2007-08-13 0:48

Bonjour Robert
How I wish I could hear the sound of this musical instrument. Must be
sensational. Wonderful photography in low light with a 2 second exposure...wonder how no tourists intruded into the frame! Excellent post & an excellent note my friend
Regards
Angshu

darrasin (2860) 2007-09-04 21:31

Hello Robert! Great composition of something we certainly don't see every day! The organ is well placed in the scene and interesting how the plate is positioned over the organ to catch any fallen stalactites. Playing the organ has more occupational hazards than your normally expect.

TFS
Doug

jusninasirun (10213) 2008-10-04 20:09

Hello Robert. Amazing shot with stalactites hanging down in excellent texture and details. The glow is perfect with warm colors and nicely presented in tall frame. Well done and TFS. Regards. Jusni