Project of St. James´ organ reconstruction
The origin of the great St. James´ organ dates back to 1705, when it was built by Abraham Starck of Loket. Its organ cabinet, which we still admire today, was also unique in its time. However, the original two-manual organ with a pedal had 26 stops, a short lower octave, and therefore limited playing possibilities. Over the centuries, there have been several layout modifications, the most significant in the 20th century, which are described in detail in the „Great Organ“ section (THIS AS A CLICK LINK). Today, the unique large organ of St. James has 4 manuals, 91 stops and 8,277 pipes and actually represents a large symphony orchestra. Thanks to the current disposition, music from the Baroque to contemporary works can be played on them without restriction.
Recently, more and more defects have appeared in the St. James organ, which are both the remnants of past modifications and the wear and tear of the material over the years. The current state of the organ can only be maintained thanks to the careful work of organ builders Vladimír Turnwald and now Václav Vála. However, this is not a long-term sustainable situation.
In 2021, we approached 10 organ building companies from abroad and two Czech organ building workshops. Of this number, 7 companies wrote and showed interest, unfortunately, due to the size of the organ, none were Czech. Subsequently, a total of 5 organ builders from Germany, Poland and Switzerland came physically, inspected the organ thoroughly and expressed their opinion. Based on obtained high-quality opinions of experts and unbiased persons, the following fundamental facts emerged:
Recent interventions in the organ and its modifications have shown that these are not able to permanently improve the condition of the instrument, only a general reconstruction can lead to long-term success. A total modernization of the action and of the wind system, proofreading of the disposition and revision of the pipe system is necessary. The internal structure of the main cabinet is now chaotic, which affects the sound and consequently the maintenance. It is necessary to make new wind chests, bellows, wind trunks, provide new fans and build new side louver cabinets, because the existing ones do not fulfill their mission when they open to the organist and not to the nave. A modern console with the use of a renewed action and a digital memory system will allow more comfort during the play. Everyone has cited the absolutely exceptional acoustics of St. James´ Basilica.
Recently, we have started negotiations with the organ builder Freiburger Orgelbau, who have prepared a very interesting offer. Nowadays, we are negotiating a mutual agreement so that the organ’s reconstruction can begin and an instrument worthy of the extraordinary space of the Basilica of St. James can be preserved for future generations.
We believe that with the help of God and all donors, who are not indifferent to the St. James‘ organ and the Basilica of St. James, the reconstruction will be carried out.
