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DICTIONARY OF ORGAN STOPS. 177
might gradually be merged like a sort of tonal " dissolving view " into a
more peaceful Vox Angelica, and that even into an Unda Maris (q-v.) of
the type made by Messrs. Norman & Beard. (See remarks under Swell
Box and Viole d'Orchestre). The Voix Celeste is usually continued
down to tenor C only. Its extension to Gamut G would certainly seem
most desirable ; indeed, in the case of the flat and sharp variety, the fine
vibrato effects rendered possible by a closer approximation of the ranks to
the central pitch as they descend, may be said to justify what additional
expense would be involved in rendering their compass complete. An
effective specimen so treated exists at St. Stephen, Wandsworth, S.W.
(Whiteley). In this particular organ, also, the treble of the Viole d'Orchestre
is so prominently developed and so influenced by the Swell crescendo that
on opening the louvres the effect of an additional Viol, speaking on a
melodic attachment {q.v.) is at once suggested. A Viole Celeste extending
to CC was also introduced by Mr. Compton at Bingham, Notts. (See also
Celestina).
"Voix; Humaine—(Fr.) Vox Humana.
Voix Lumineuse— (Fr.) Lumineux = luminous.
An old French name for the Voix Celeste. Possibly it has reference
to the " shining throng " of angels announcing the archetypal Christmas Day.
'Vox; Angelica—(Lat.) See Voix Celeste. Vox = voice,
Angelus = a messenger, hence angel.
The name Vox Angelica is also sometimes applied to an Echo Dulciana,
or Echo Gamba not discordant in pitch. In ancient times the Vox
Angelica was a 4 ft. species of Vox Humana, invented by Ratz of Mul-
hausen. In Germany it is generally a small-scaled reed, with thin tongues,
resembling in tone the Vox Humana. Formerly the name Vox Ccelestis
was used interchangeably with Vox Angelica. Adlung treats of one serious
problem arising in connection with the Vox Angelica with charming naivete'.
Having diligently searched the Scriptures, he finds that nowhere therein is
it recorded that a celestial messenger ever appeared to man in the guise of
an unfledged boy or a woman. Accordingly, he concludes, it is altogether
open to question whether one is justified in representing angels with treble
voices at all. * Finally, like a flash of inspiration, the idea occurs to him
that there is no such thing as an angel's voice as distinct from that of a
human being. This quaint reasoning of Adlung's may perhaps be com-
* It is said that several clergymen in America objected to the representations of female
angels, forming portion of the decorative scheme in connection with a new Anglican
Cathedral in process of construction in that country, on the ground that female angels are
nowhere referred to in the Bible. The architect, it seems, forthwith satisfied the objectors
by offering to endow the good ladies with hirsute appendages. Here surely was an
opening for Mr. George R. Sims !