The Organ

The main church organ is a four-manual, 64-stop instrument with almost 4000 pipes. Originally constructed in 1891 by Wadsworth and Sons, it still has its original pipes. Work was done on the organ in the early 20th century by Warren Brothers, the great early Canadian organ builders. The instrument was completely rebuilt in 1938 by Casavant Frères who continued to maintain the instrument until the spring of 2011.

Great musicians like E. Power Biggs, Simon Preston, Fernando Germani and André Marchal have performed at St. James. Lynnwood Farnham, Raymond Daveluy and Bernard Lagacé had their Montreal debuts here.

César Franck (1822-1890) – Pièce Héroïque, performed by Philip Crozier on the St. James organ, recorded June 14 2008 by Jonathan Addleman.

Joseph Jongen (1873-1953) – Chant de Mai (Op. 53, No. 1), performed by Philip Crozier on the St. James organ, recorded June 14 2008 by Jonathan Addleman.