Kuhn Organ Builders Ltd, 2010
New organ
www.orgelbau.ch/ope=114300
III/P/33
Switzerland, Geneva
Eglise Ste-Croix
An organ with an eventful history
The organ in Carouge has a fascinating history. Originally conceived in 1832 by Jean Baud as an instrument with a single manual, it survived numerous rebuilds. It was only 40 years old when the parish planned to enlarge the organ and instructed Joseph Merklin to undertake the work. However, as a result of misunderstandings this was never completed. Between 1924 and 1926 Gustave and Adolphe Tschanun undertook a radical rebuild. They extended the organ to three manuals, and as was then the fashion fitted it with a pneumatic action. Further major changes followed in 1974. The instrument was endowed with a fashionable baroque appearance by Orgelbau Genf and provided with a detached sideways console and electric action.
Back to the roots
Despite all these changes, the character and tonal qualities were retained for the most part. And so the motto was clear: «back to the roots». We carefully restored the valuable case and the historic pipework dating from various periods, and reconstructed the original console position. We built new windchests and wind supply. In addition we provided the instrument with a mechanical action.
The tonal concept of the restored organ embraces all the preserved stops by Baud, Merklin and Tschanun. We have extended the total of 23 historic stops by 11 new ones. The result is a wonderful, versatile instrument that is especially suitable for the literature of the 19th century - completely in line with its origins.
Translation: RS 2010
