Kuhn Organ Builders Ltd, 2020

New organ

Windchests
slider chests
Key action
mechanical
Stop action
electrical
Inauguration
11.10.2020
Expert
Christoph Kaufmann
Voicing
Gunter Böhme


www.orgelbau.ch/ope=114730

Muttenz

III/P/31

Switzerland, Basle-Country
Röm.-kath. Kirche

© pictures Orgelbau Kuhn AG, Männedorf/Schweiz

Kuhn Organ Builders Ltd, 2020

New organ

Windchests
slider chests
Key action
mechanical
Stop action
electrical
Inauguration
11.10.2020
Expert
Christoph Kaufmann
Voicing
Gunter Böhme

A breath of Alsace in Basel-Country

In the Catholic Church of Muttenz, a fascinating modern church building designed by Max Schmetz that was erected in the 1960s, Kuhn had the chance to build a new organ in 2020. The instrument was installed on a wall of the choir, from where its visual and acoustical presence could not be better. Moreover, the space behind this wall was also available for the organ, what led to a considerable reduction of its visible size.

The design of the front was designed in close cooperation with the architects and with the office for preservation of historical monuments. It accentuates the height of the room and reaches up towards the light inlets – so it was not a counterpoint, but a dialogue that was being sought. The built-in console is at ground level, thus ensuring good communication with the liturgy, the singing congregation, soloists and ensembles.

With 31 stops plus two extensions, two transmissions and two effect stops, a colourful specification was realized, on which a wide repertoire can be heard. Its point of reference comprised the French organ builders of the 19th century, particularly those from Alsace such as Callinet and Stiehr-Mockers. The powerful great is completed by a positive and a récit. The latter two manuals are mounted in the same swell box, a solution necessitated by the available space, one which however extends the dynamic range considerably. Taken separately, the two manuals offer a rich variety of possibilities regarding solo registrations; coupled, they present a worthy counterbalance to the great organ. We may also point out the Ophicleide 16' recently developed in our company on the basis of historical models. Another speciality is a Clarinette 8' in the Récit, a historical free reed stop that was formerly used in a organ built by Welte.

The new organ in the Catholic Church of Muttenz is a versatile organ with an Alsatian accent that aims to inspire players and listeners, especially by its carefully differentiated foundation stops.


Michael Meyer, 16.03.2020
Translation rs/mm, 07.04.2020