Orgelbau Th. Kuhn AG, 1986
Restoration
www.orgelbau.ch/ope=800740
III/P/72
Austria, Vorarlberg
Stadtkirche St. Martin
A Monument to the Alsace Organ Reform
In 1845 an organ was constructed for the new «Hallenkirche», a church built in classical style around 1840, by the organ builder Remigius Haaser from Immenstadt/Allgäu (II/P/30). In 1925 fund-raising for a new, larger organ began. Two years later, Josef Behmann (1880-1932) from neighbouring Schwarzach, a pupil of Weigle, was given the commission for the new instrument. This resulted in a three-manual instrument with 67 sounding stops and 25 tubular bells which was inaugurated in late 1927. During the following year 5 high wind pressure stops were added.
From the very beginning this instrument was justifiably described as a «monumental organ».
From the point of view of the organ's specification and technical systems, the organ still breathes the spirit of the turn of the 20th century, but the influence of the first Alsace organ reform is also noticeable. Technically, the organ functions with cone-chests, but with slider windchests for the high pressure stops. The action is electro-pneumatic. The wide and projecting façade displays bronzed zinc pipes and contains numerous dummy pipes as well as some large overlength pipes. At the centre, inscribed in resplendent lettering are the words «Diene der Ehre Gottes und kündige künftigen Geschlechtern Dornbirns braven Opfersinn».
The electrical and pneumatic control systems on the console and inside the organ were causing more and more problems and becoming unreliable. All experts consulted were, however, of the same opinion: this unique and monumental organ was of historical significance and should be preserved as unchanged as possible.
Extensive technical revision and repair work was, however, necessary. The simple electrical contacts in the console were replaced with modern silver contacts. All the magnets needed to be checked and revised and many leather parts replaced. The technically outdated dynamo group was replaced by more modern parts.
It was decided to make no changes to the instrument's actual sound. A thorough re-voicing, however, eliminated any irregularities which had occurred over the course of time. The organ should now sound as it did at its inauguration. This, the largest organ in Vorarlberg is excellently suited to the performance of the late Romantic organ repertoire, whether of symphonic or pastoral chamber music character.
Friedrich Jakob, 2006