Trivia
Appreciating the aesthetics of churches

In general, churches have their main entrance, or narthex, in the west, and their altar toward the east, with a large pipe organ installed in the gallery above the narthex. In other words, the sound can be heard coming from behind when seated. If positioned at the front of the church the organ would get in the way, and if installed at floor level a strong echo would develop against the tall ceiling, so it fits well at the rear of the space. Having been in that position through its development, approaches have been found to allow even large pipes and amplification within the space. As an instrument that makes use of the acoustics of a building, it is good to listen to a pipe organ installed in a church if you have the opportunity.