Conservatory: organ study

Yesterday, the organ sounded in the concert hall of the Royal Conservatory of Brussels for the first time in 15 years. Organ expert Koos van de Linde sat at the keyboard and showed us what this majestic instrument is still capable of. "It's sick," he pointed out, "it doesn't sound like it should."

Beliris surrounds itself with experts

Mr. van de Linde came specially from Germany for a technical visit to discuss the results of his organ study with the Origin-A2RC-FVWW design offices and various other organ experts who advise Beliris on this specific subject, such as organists Luk Bastiaens, Jean Ferrard and Benoît Mernier, members of the Organ Committee. Together, these experts discuss the best approach to follow to make this phoenix rise from its ashes.

A unique and precious instrument

The organ in the concert hall is one of the most valuable historical organs in Belgium. Only the Moscow Conservatory has such an instrument in an academic context. It was built in 1880 by one of the greatest organ builders of all time, Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, and even in his own work the organ has an important place, as Cavaillé-Coll mentions it as an example.

Despite an extreme transformation in 1960, the core of the organ has been preserved. The great qualities of this instrument are therefore hidden but have not completely disappeared. However, the organ has not been in working order for a number of years because the electric drive was in such a state that it was a fire hazard.

The study in brief

In general, two important actions were identified for the restoration of the organ. Because of the obsolete heating system, the concert hall is too dry for the organ. During the restoration of the buildings, the proper climate for the instrument will be ensured.

Secondly, the original ventilation mechanism was removed in 1960 to allow for electrical control. During this extreme adaptation to current standards, everything that was deemed unnecessary was removed from the organ. For the original reconstruction, the experts rely on traces and similar instruments by the same builder. It is important to restore the original Cavaillé-Coll mechanism because it produces a better sound and gives the organist more control.

What's next?

Specialized research is only one of the studies underway for the restoration of the conservatory. There is also a historical analysis and a complete description of the buildings' location, an in-depth analysis of the users' needs, and an acoustic study. All of this data will be compiled into a master plan for the restoration.

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