Kuhn Organ Builders Ltd, 2001
Restoration
www.orgelbau.ch/ope=801160
II/P/27
Italy, South Tyrol
Klosterkirche Muri-Gries, Seitenempore im Chor
Reawakening of a romantic organ
In 1971 the former Behmann organ, main organ of the Collegiate Church of Muri-Gries, was moved to a side niche above the chancel, enlarged and underwent some tonal modifications. Having made the decision to restore the instrument to its original state, sensitivity was required in the realisation of the project. A team of organ builders including voicer and restorer carefully weighed up all aspects of the work and drew up a design - with old and new cleverly combined: the instrument was returned to its former specification and its structure newly arranged. Only the stops Salicional 8' and Kontrabass 16' could not be rebuilt into the organ due to confines of space.
Old or new? A question often raised. Layers of dust and poorly sealed windchests may conceal a charming sound, which in this case was brought back into being.
The Benedictine monks of Gries can now enjoy the original sound of their organ once again.