[Theme] The Organ Thread

[Airy]

St Germain en Laye (West of Paris), St Germain church. Fresh from today. The organ case is not so nice : the chocolate paint, the visible enlargement spoiling the proportions. But the interest is elsewhere : the organ is where Marie-Claire Alain (1926-2013), and before here her father Albert Alain (1880-1971) and brother Jehan Alain (1911-1940), were "at home". All were not just organists, but also outstanding musicians. Jehan Alain's organ compositions, though not very numerous (they fit on 2 CDs), form no doubt the most important (and enjoyable) part of the French organ repertoire of the XXth century, alongside Olivier Messiaen's works.
Interestingly, Jehan Alain was also "titulaire" organist at the Synagogue de la Victoire, in Paris, just before 2nd world war, and also composed for the jewish ceremonies. He perished in action (as a motorcycling scout) near Saumur in 1940.

Df + 105/2.5, f/4, 11400 ISO, 1/125s handheld. Could not get a better angle of view, a wedding ceremony was about to begin.

[John Geerts]

Two of the three organs in the Munster / Freiburg

[Björn Carlén]

One of the two big organs in the Nidaros Dome, Trondheim, Norway. Built in 1741 by the German Joachim Wagner.
Hand held D600 and 16-35/4 VR.

[Frank Fremerey]

Björn. This is wonderful magical reminds me of my mother's funeral a short while ago.

[Björn Carlén]

Björn. This is wonderful magical reminds me of my mother's funeral a short while ago.

I'm so sorry, Frank!

[Airy]

In Italy, traditional (pre-1850) organs are often small, placed in the altar area (close to choirs), and sometimes dissimulated. Instruments generally have refined, luminous tonal qualities, and are not set for loudness (this is linked with low pressures and narrow scales).

Attached is an example - the small organ of San Martino ai Monti, Roma. Df, 50/1.2 AI at some intermediate aperture. Lens profile from latest Lightroom release was used for distortion correction.

[Fons Baerken]

Ah love the sound of baroque organs

[Airy]

Another example from Italy - here a relatively rare case of an organ situated on the west chancery (over the entrance portal). Roma, Santa Francesca Romana.

[Airy]

Another case - when the church has a short nave or a circular shape, the organ is more likely to be seen on the west gallery, which itself is more likely to exist. Roma, S. Eustachio (near the Pantheon). Same gear as above, handheld as usual. Some PP to lift the shadows (contrast was enormous).

[John Geerts]

Ah, beautiful, Airy.

[Frank Fremerey]

Fons: I love the overtone rich breathing sound of some older organs.

Many of the newer or newly intonated models have such a clean fat dominant sound. I feel it is not right in my ears.


Airy. Impressive new additions. Have to get back to Rome some day

[Björn Carlén]

You all seem to know so much about organs – I find that sensational and highly fascinating!

[Airy]

I've be playing (and tuning, and repairing) these things from 1972 to 2014, that's why.

[Frank Fremerey]

I consider Airy as an expert. I am a mere fanboy....

[Airy]

Now another side of the monsters. Douai, St Pierre, the organ console