While many are familiar with the incredible Luray Caverns, fewer are aware of all the intrigue that awaits inside. Beneath the Shenandoah Valley, this unique cavern system hides all sorts of treasure. Did you know that deep within the cave, there’s an organ which uses stalagmites for its pipes? In other words, this massive musical instrument is built right into the cavern itself. Here’s more on the attraction and why you’ll want to visit soon:
Deep inside Northern Virginia’s Luray Caverns, you’ll discover one of the most unique instruments in the world.
Craig Pennington/flickr
The Great Stalacpipe Organ was designed in 1956 as the dream of Leland W. Sprinkle.
Brandon Hirsch/flickr
One day, when Sprinkle was accompanying his son on a tour of the cave, he dreamed up the idea.
Wikipedia The idea sparked from the observation that the interior of the caverns was ideal for the acoustics of musical instruments. In fact, records show that there were performances as early as 1880 as a regular part of the cavern tours. The above photograph is a postcard from 1906 depicting an early musical performance.
The process of creating the Great Stalacpipe Organ took over three years.
Howard Ignatius/flickr Each of the 37 “stalacpipes”, once chosen, had to be shaved in such a way that it would produce an exact note. Then Sprinkle wired a mallet to each stalactite that could be activated when the instruments keyboard is pressed.
The instrument, including all of its stalactite pipes, accounts for 3.5 acres of the cave.
Liz/flickr In this regard, it’s actually considered to be the largest instrument in the world
What’s so incredible about the organ is that it is only partially man-made.
Wikipedia These organ manuals carefully strike the stalactites with the rubber mallets to produce a unique sound.
Using the cavern’s natural elements is what makes the tone of music so eerily beautiful.
Jon Callas/flickr
To learn a bit more about this instrument and hear how it plays, watch the brief video below:
Craig Pennington/flickr
Brandon Hirsch/flickr
Wikipedia
The idea sparked from the observation that the interior of the caverns was ideal for the acoustics of musical instruments. In fact, records show that there were performances as early as 1880 as a regular part of the cavern tours. The above photograph is a postcard from 1906 depicting an early musical performance.
Howard Ignatius/flickr
Each of the 37 “stalacpipes”, once chosen, had to be shaved in such a way that it would produce an exact note. Then Sprinkle wired a mallet to each stalactite that could be activated when the instruments keyboard is pressed.
Liz/flickr
In this regard, it’s actually considered to be the largest instrument in the world
These organ manuals carefully strike the stalactites with the rubber mallets to produce a unique sound.
Jon Callas/flickr
What do you think about this fascinating instrument? Have you seen it in person? If so, be sure to share your experiences with us!
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