Parapet organ
A parapet organ , also known as parapet or parapet positive , is a small or medium-sized independent organ that forms a unit with the parapet of the organ .
definition
Often there is a Rückpositiv with organs . This is only a 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 that in some regions.
Development history and special features
Parapet organs can often be found in monastery churches of the Baroque era , where the music gallery also functions as a “prayer choir”. The choir prayer is performed in this place . The organ stands directly on the balustrade of the gallery; it is therefore either “behind the scenes”, i.e. H. the console is on the back wall of the organ, or "on the side", d. H. the console is on one side of the organ. The prospectus is usually artistic, designed to match the interior. Occasionally a second, somewhat simpler prospectus was also made on the side of the prayer choir. The organ can thus fulfill a double function.
In other churches this type of construction was also chosen for very shallow or very deep galleries. This setup always favors a good sound radiation of a small instrument in the church.
disadvantage
The view and the sound of a music-making ensemble towards the church is sometimes significantly restricted. It is difficult for the organist to follow what is going on in the worship service when the performance is behind the scenes. Occasionally there are small shafts towards the altar to allow visual contact at all. Furthermore, the size of a parapet organ, especially if there is a generous disposition request , is significantly limited by the limited space available and comprises a maximum of two manuals . For these reasons, organs in this form have not normally been built since around 1890.
Parapet organs (selection)
- Organ of the monastery church in Weltenburg
- Organ of the former monastery church in Frauenzell
- Organ of the Blankenhagen village church
- Organ of the Dorpskerk Eenum
- Organ of the Rochus Chapel in Vienna
- Organ of the pilgrimage chapel St. Maria in Vals
- former neo-Gothic Breil organ of the Holy Cross monastery church in Regensburg
- Organ of the Old Reformed Church in Campen
- Organ of the Church of St. Marien in the Pesch district in Korschenbroich .
literature
- Georg Brenninger: Organs in Old Bavaria. GeraNova Bruckmann, 1982, ISBN 3-7654-1859-5 .