Author and photos: Josefov Rescue Unit

After two years of work, the restoration of the pipe organ in the Church of the Assumption in Josefov has been successfully completed. The project, launched in July 2024, was carried out under a contract with the renowned organ builder Ivan Bok from Krnov. All restoration works were undertaken with full respect for the church’s status as a protected cultural monument since 1958 and under the expert supervision of diocesan organologist Václav Uhlíř and Josefov organist Vlastimil Kovář.

History of the Organ

The organ in the fortress church of the Assumption in Josefov represents a typical example of Czech organ building at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is not the original Baroque instrument from the early 19th century built by Wilhelm Lehmann, but a later opus from 1902 by Emanuel Štěpán Petr (1853–1930). Its technical design, based on a pneumatic action, reflects a period when organ building was gradually moving away from purely mechanical systems and exploring new technical solutions that allowed for a broader tonal palette and greater playing comfort.

“The organs like in Josefov are always very lyrical, which is characteristic of E. Š. Petr. The action is pneumatic, whereas some other organs – for example those in Terezín, which incidentally have a very similar organ case – still use a mechanical system. The largest metal pipes reach a length of eight feet, about 2.5 metres. Inside the organ, however, there are also five-metre pipes sounding the low pedal C (C contra).”

Ivan Bok, organ builder

The use of pneumatic mechanisms in the console testify to the efforts of organ builders of the time to approach the increasingly valued orchestral conception of organ sound. The instrument’s disposition, comprising over one thousand pipes, includes characteristic stops such as the Gamba and overblowing flutes. The façade pipes, which were professionally restored during the renovation, form an important aesthetic feature of the presbytery. The organ is suitable both for liturgical use and for concert performances.

“This organ is particularly well suited to Romantic music – composers such as Max Reger, César Franck, Josef Klička or Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. It is somewhat less suitable for Baroque music, as the tonal design is intended for the rich, full sound of the Romantic style. But Bach, although also Baroque, can certainly be played here as well. The instrument is also very well suited to French Romantic repertoire.”

Ivan Bok, organ builder

Throughout the 20th century, the organ underwent only partial repairs and maintenance, often focused on resolving acute technical issues. Over time, however, problems typical of pneumatic instruments accumulated, including air leaks, material fatigue, unstable wind pressure and declining precision of control. The decision to undertake a comprehensive restoration has now made it possible once again to experience the instrument’s historically authentic sound.

Restoration Works Carried Out

The project involved a complete restoration of the organ mechanism. The first phase included dismantling the pipes, conservation and restoration works, repairs to mechanical and pneumatic components, renewal of the wind system, reassembly, voicing and final tuning. In the second phase, the windchests, pipes and stops were restored, the wind system was renewed, and final assembly, voicing and tuning were completed. All stages of the work were thoroughly documented with detailed photographic records.

The total cost of the restoration amounted to CZK 1.60 million excluding VAT (65 000 EUR), and the work is covered by a five-year warranty. Financial support of CZK 736,000 in total was provided by the Hradec Králové Region through the grant programme “Restoration of Historic Pipe Organs”.

The restored organ will be heard for the first time performing Christmas carols during the Christmas Eve Mass on 24 December 2025 (from 10:00 p.m.), and subsequently at a Christmas concert in the church on 27 December 2025 (from 5:00 p.m.). From 2026 onwards, the organ will be fully available for both liturgical and cultural programmes in Josefov.