Organs

For those who love the majestic sounds and intricate mechanics of pipe organs, there are numerous destinations worldwide that house some of the most impressive and historic organs. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to visit if you are passionate about pipe organs:

1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Passau, Germany – Home to the largest cathedral organ in the world, St. Stephen’s boasts 17,974 pipes and 233 registers. This organ’s incredible sound fills one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Europe.
2. Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France – Although damaged by fire in 2019, the great organ at Notre-Dame is the largest in France and is currently under restoration. It has five keyboards and nearly 8,000 pipes. It is a significant symbol of historical organ craftsmanship.
3. Wanamaker Organ, Philadelphia, USA – Located in the Macy’s Department Store, the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ is the largest fully functioning pipe organ in the world. It has over 28,000 pipes and is used for daily concerts and special events throughout the year.
4. Westminster Abbey, London, UK – The organ at Westminster Abbey has been used for all Coronations since 1066 and features 5 manuals and over 5,000 pipes. It is a focal point for state occasions and regular worship services.
5. St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Haarlem, Netherlands – This historic church houses the Christian Müller organ, famous for its rich tone and association with composers like Händel and Mozart who played on it. It has more than 5,000 pipes.
6. Church of Saint-Sulpice, Paris, France – Saint-Sulpice features one of the largest organs in France, built by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. It is renowned for its powerful and expressive sound, making it a favorite for organ music enthusiasts.
7. Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg, Germany – The modern pipe organ in the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, built by Klais Orgelbau, is integrated into the architecture of the hall itself. It has 4,765 pipes and can be played from the main console of the grand organ.
8. Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome, Italy – As the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope, this basilica features an organ with five manuals and 21,000 pipes, making it one of the largest in Italy.
9. The Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia – The Grand Organ in the Sydney Opera House is the largest mechanical tracker action organ in the world, containing over 10,000 pipes.
10. Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik, Iceland – This church is known for its striking architecture and an equally impressive pipe organ. The organ has over 5,000 pipes and was designed to mimic the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape.

These destinations are not only significant for their organs but also offer rich musical experiences through regular concerts and recitals. Visiting these places provides a wonderful opportunity to hear some of the most powerful and intricate organs in the world, set in historic and culturally rich settings.