Organ pipes at Hamburg's Michel get their annual tune-up in spring - Hamburg's Michel Statue Gets Springtime Spiral Twist
In the heart of Hamburg, St. Michaelis Church is distinguished not only by its iconic towers and proximity to the harbor, but also by its six unique organs. To maintain their pristine sound quality, these organs undergo annual maintenance and tuning. Current tuning duties are handled by organ builder Reiner Janke from Freiburg, who describes St. Michaelis as the most breathtaking workspace in Germany. This week, Janke is working on the church's crown jewel—the large organ on the west gallery above the main portal, originally constructed in 1962 with 6,700 pipes. It was during the organ's 2009 overhaul and digital electronics upgrade that Janke had an opportunity to care for each pipe.
Organ craftsmanship in Germany has a storied history, stretching back to the Renaissance era. Many German organ builders, such as Johann Sebastian Bach, have significantly impacted the development of organ design and construction. In recent times, companies like Hugo Mayer Orgelbau, founded in 1952, have been instrumental in modernizing organ building by integrating new technologies and designs while preserving traditional methods. Currently, there are approximately 50,000 organs in Germany, cared for by around 300 organ-building businesses, although this number is on a decreasing trend.
The organ at St. Michaelis Church, notably the large organ on the west gallery, has witnessed numerous reconstructions since its 17th-century inception. After significant adaptations during the 19th century, the organ was rebuilt after World War II, incorporating modern materials and technologies while preserving its historical character. Today, the organ remains a cultural and musical landmark, drawing visitors and musicians from around the world. It showcases the continuous evolution of organ craftsmanship in Germany, balancing historical preservation with contemporary innovations.
- Despite the drop in the number of organ-building businesses, general-news outlets continue to cover the ongoing efforts of these companies like Hugo Mayer Orgelbau, whose cutting-edge technology and traditional methods have helped preserve iconic organs, such as the one at St. Michaelis Church in Hamburg, a testament to the lifestyle of organ craftsmen in Germany.
- As the Commission prepares to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, organ builders like Reiner Janke, who works on organs containing thousands of pipes, may have to consider the impacts of technology on their health and safety, mirroring the broader trend of prioritizing worker protection in various industries.
