Document sans nom

The Restoration Project

Summary

The organ at St-Sébastien is a masterpiece of nineteenth-century craftsmanship which can easily be compared with Cavaillé-Coll’s finest instruments, even if its basic style is very different. The organ has remained intact, apart from the fact that two couplers have been added, and is one of the few instruments of its period not to have been modified in the twentieth century. The astonishing quality of its tonal range and the refined beauty of its balanced voicing are among its characteristics which command respect.

Given the quality of the existing instrument, one is entitled to question the need for a complete restoration. Surely with scrupulously observed and intensive maintenance one could contrive to keep it going for another ten years or so. Thanks to partial cleaning operations and frequent attention, the instrument is in better playing condition today than it was when the Inventory of organs in Lorraine was compiled in 1989. While it is impossible to guarantee a completely successful restoration of any organ, perhaps a methodical and intelligent approach to maintenance would have helped to keep the instrument in a satisfactory state for a few more years yet.

Unfortunately the organ is now in an alarmingly frail condition and it is only because of the builder’s constant attention that it is still usable. The action has become very fragile and the trackers break very often. The winding is anything but airtight and the blocks of the reed pipes are now oxidised to an extent which further complicates the job of looking after them. That is why it has now vital to carry out a proper restoration; listeners will then appreciate the tonal qualities more fully, especially during concerts and in recordings.

As the organ has remained unaltered since it was made in1881, it is to be restored as closely as possible to its state in that year, although both the manual coupler (III/II) and pedal coupler (III/P) added by Jacquot are to be preserved as well for the following reasons:

they were made using methods very similar to those used in the original instrument, the craftsmanship is exemplary, and they have not interfered with existing material;
they function satisfactorily and are reliable;
they have a more important role to play in the performance of music for which this type of instrument was conceived than the general inter-manual coupler and the storm-effect pedal which they have replaced.

The restoration will include a comprehensive overhaul and renovation of all the action and pipework. The detailed description of the work stipulates that the contract is to be awarded to a builder with extensive experience of nineteenth-century instruments and a scrupulously respectful approach to restoration.

Christian LUTZ 2003.

English

Go back to the site

Contact