The Walcker organ in the Luitpoldhalle Nurnburg

This video originally stated this was the organ in the Kongresshalle, but that building was never finished, so have amended these notes.




Something historic this time, the gigantic Walcker/Sauer organ built for the Luitpoldhalle Nurnburg in 1936. This organ, Opus 2550, was by far the biggest instrument Walcker built (5 manuals, 220 ranks and 16013 pipes), and due to the highly unrealistic timescale of the party elite, Sauer were enlisted to help. The organ was destoryed along with the hall during allied bombing raids.

There were a few interesting stipluations included in the organ contract, one of these forbade the organ to impress its listeners with its beauty, rather to bring out 'the spirit of the Reichsparty'. Its main task was to accompany singing at the mass meetings through loudspeakers, despite the size and power of the instrument, they thought it necessary to amplify it! As the pictures show it was on an epic scale, although there were plans to increase its size still further.

This recording must be the only one in existence demonstrating the organ, probably recorded soon after its completion. I found this track quite by chance here www.walckerorgel.de/gewalcker.de/opusdiabolo.htm. Also read this for more info in English www.walckerorgel.de/gewalcker.de/PDF_public/articlel_walcker.pdf

I don't know the piece being played here, but presume its something suitably 'teutonic', if anyone recognises the piece can you let me know? I also presume it was played by the music director, Eduard Kissel.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Walcker
• Pipe
• Organ
• Nurnburg
• Luitpoldhalle
• Sauer