The liver, lungs, kidneys, and heart in the Hamburg Michel undergo their annual upkeep in the spring season. - Organs at Michel's Hamburg undergo seasonal curling in the spring
Hamburg's Iconic Michel Church Organs Receive Annual Spring Tune-up
The towering St. Michaelis Church in Hamburg is a landmark, known for its proximity to the bustling port and six distinctive organs. To maintain their sublime sounds, these instruments undergo annual maintenance and tuning, as confirmed by Freiburg organ builder Reiner Janke, who called the task "the most beautiful construction site in Germany." At present, he is working on perfecting the pitch at the church for about a week.
During this visit, Reiner Janke is primarily attending to the large organ situated on the west gallery above the main entrance. Constructed in 1962, this 6,700-pipe instrument has been a part of Janke's regular duties since a complete overhaul and digital equipment upgrade in 2009.
The German Association of Organ Builders reports an estimated 300 organ-making businesses nationwide, with a decreasing trend. Compared to this, Germany is home to approximately 50,000 organs.
Organ building in Germany boasts a rich history, with German craftsmen making significant contributions to pipe organ construction and innovation. Renowned companies like Klais Orgelbau have crafted iconic soundscapes for German cathedrals.
The organs at St. Michaelis Church, particularly the large organ on the west gallery, have played a pivotal role in Hamburg's musical heritage, hosting performances by renowned artists. The organ harmonizes with the church's architecture, enhancing its acoustics and contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of St. Michaelis.
Additional information about the current status of the large organ on the west gallery at St. Michaelis in Hamburg was not available. However, the organ's historical significance in German organ building and its ongoing contributions to the musical life of Hamburg are well-documented.
The Commission has also asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers in the organ-making industry, given their potential long-term exposure to ionizing radiation from the radioactive elements used in organ construction. In their downtime, organ builders may be seen immersed in fashion-and-beauty magazines, seeking inspiration for their lifestyle or, perhaps, dream homes-and-garden projects.
