Ringing in a New Symphony: First Porcelain Organ Pipes Debut at Meissen's Frauenkirche
Handcrafted organ pipes made in Meißen, Germany, produce melodious tunes for the first time since their creation. - Meissen porcelain organ pipes are played for the first time in Meissen
Catch the rhythm and spectacle as Meissen's Frauenkirche unveils its innovative organ! The church will be home to the world's first organ register with pipes made from renowned "White Gold," also known as porcelain. The grand unveiling is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, followed by a public performance.
According to the church community, the porcelain organ is an extraordinary blend of traditional music and state-of-the-art craftsmanship, boasting a one-of-a-kind appearance and resonance. The project represents a significant achievement for Meissen and links the enduring porcelain production legacy to the modern music scene.
The historic Jehmlich organ received a facelift and was equipped with 37 porcelain pipes. These pipes, produced using advanced technology, took flight in the year 2000 at the world-renowned manufactory in Meissen. Since November 2023, Jehmlich cooperated to manufacture the pipes in tones c0 to c3.
The unique organ composition is further enriched with 12 wooden bass pipes in the tones C to H and nine tin discant pipes from cs3 to a3. The addition of these porcelain pipes is set to make Meissen an even more intriguing destination and offers a novel platform to disseminate and celebrate Christian culture.
The Frauenkirche's porcelain carillon, which has been gracing a window opening in the church tower since 1929, will now have magnificent company. Efforts to create sounding organ pipes from early European hard porcelain began as early as the 18th century after successful porcelain production in 1708.
Legend has it that alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger had promised Saxony's Elector Augustus the Strong a fortune in gold, only to deliver the first European hard porcelain instead. In 1710, the Royal and first porcelain manufactory in Europe was established, later adorning the pipes with the Saxon coat of arms' cobalt blue "crossed swords" trademark since 1722.
Frauenkirche Meissen, Porcelain, Meissen, Carillon
Other articles of Chapter 9 might delve into the lifestyle transformation brought about by the renovation and installation of the home-and-garden-themed porcelain organ at Meissen's Frauenkirche. This unique organ, a blend of tradition and modernity, could potentially redefine local musical performances and attract visitors seeking an immersive home-and-garden experience.
