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Parapet organ

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Organ of the monastery church of Weltenburg Abbey, designed as a parapet organ

A parapet organ, (German: Brüstungsorgel), is a small or medium-sized independent organ that forms a unit with the parapet of the organ loft.[1]

Definition

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A Rückpositiv is often found on these organs but it is only part of an organ and therefore does not fall under the term "parapet organ" in the narrower sense, although it is still commonly referred to as such in some regions.[2]

History and features

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Parapet organs are often found in Baroque style monastery churchs, where the music gallery also contains the function of the "prayer choir". This is the place where the Liturgy of the Hours is performed. The organ stands directly on the gallery parapet and it is therefore either "rear-playing", i.e. the organ console is on the rear wall of the organ, or "side-playing", i.e. the console is on one side of the organ. The organ case is usually artistically designed to match the interior. Occasionally, a second, somewhat simpler facade was built on the side of the prayer choir. The organ can thus fulfil a double function.

In other churches, this type of construction was also chosen for very shallow or very deep galleries. This placement always favours a good sound radiation of a small instrument into the church space.

Disadvantages

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The view and sound of an ensemble playing music towards the church interior is sometimes significantly restricted. It is difficult for the organists to follow what is going on in the service when playing from behind. Occasionally there are small shafts towards the altar to allow visual contact at all. Furthermore, the size of a parapet organ, especially with an opulent disposition, is clearly limited by the scarce space available and comprises a maximum of two manuals.

Parapet organs (selection)

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Place building picture Organ builder Year
Blankenhagen Blankenhagen church
Arp Schnitger 1686
Campen Old Church of Campen
Paul Ott 1948
Eenum, Eemsdelta Eenum Church
Arp Schnitger 1704
Frauenzell Abbey Frauenzell Abbey
Armin Ziegltrum 1752
Korschenbroich St. Marien Church
Romanus Seifert & Sohn 2003
Regensburg Holy Cross Monastery Church
Georg Jann 1978
Vals Pilgrimage Chapel of St. Maria
Unknown 1766
Weltenburg Weltenburg Monastery Church
Johann Konrad Brandenstein 1728
Vienna Chapel of St. Roch
Joseph Effinger 1794
Deutschlandsberg Parish Church of St. Oswald
Friedrich Werner 1879
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  • Georg Brenninger: Orgeln in Altbayern. GeraNova Bruckmann, 1982, ISBN 3-7654-1859-5.

References

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  1. ^ Gremmel, Ute (1986). Die noch existierenden Orgeln der rheinischen Orgelbauerfamilie König (PDF) (Thesis) (in German). Cologne University of Music.
  2. ^ "New Organs". www.thediapason.com. 2003-08-03. Retrieved 2023-10-13.