{"id":4567,"date":"2025-12-22T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.forte-cultura.network\/?p=4567"},"modified":"2025-12-30T17:27:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T16:27:11","slug":"regalo-di-natale-per-josefov-cz-il-restauro-dellorgano-a-canne-della-chiesa-fortezza-dellassunzione-e-stato-completato-con-successo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.forte-cultura.network\/it\/christmas-gift-for-josefov-cz-restoration-of-the-pipe-organ-in-the-fortress-church-of-the-assumption-successfully-completed\/","title":{"rendered":"Regalo di Natale per Josefov (CZ): completato il restauro dell'organo a canne nella chiesa della fortezza"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

Author and photos: Tom\u00e1\u0161 Jirouch, Josefov Rescue Unit<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s status as a protected cultural monument since 1958 and under the expert supervision of diocesan organologist V\u00e1clav Uhl\u00ed\u0159 and Josefov organist Vlastimil Kov\u00e1\u0159.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History of the Organ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u0160t\u011bp\u00e1n Petr<\/strong> (1853\u20131930). Its technical design, based on a pneumatic action<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThe organs like in Josefov are always very lyrical, which is characteristic of E. \u0160. Petr. The action is pneumatic, whereas some other organs \u2013 for example those in Terez\u00edn, which incidentally have a very similar organ case \u2013 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).\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivan Bok, organ builder<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>. The instrument\u2019s disposition, comprising over one thousand pipes, includes characteristic stops such as the Gamba and overblowing flutes. The fa\u00e7ade 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThis organ is particularly well suited to Romantic music \u2013 composers such as Max Reger, C\u00e9sar Franck, Josef Kli\u010dka 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivan Bok, organ builder<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s historically authentic sound<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t
<\/div>\n\t
<\/div>\n\t
<\/div>\n\t
<\/div><\/div>