The Ladegast Organ
in the church of St. Marien-Magdalenen, Naumburg
In 1863, the Naumburg City Council awarded the contract for a new
organ in the church of St. Marien-Magdalenen to the Weißenfels
organ builder, Friedrich Ladegast, who was already world-renowned
by then. Ladegast`s concept and original plan provided for a two-
manual with 19 stops. Because the acoustic was far from generous,
he offered to remove the second balcony in the church at the same
time, so that the organ would be heard to greater effect. After this
wish was agreed to, Ladegast built the organ with 23 stops in 1869.
The organist of the time, Friedrich Brauer, reported the acceptance of
the organ thus:
”The new organ in the church of St. Marien-Magdalenen, Naumburg an
der Saale, built by the famous master of organ building, Ladegast from
Weißenfels, was tested and accepted on the 16th of October 1869. It is
in every respect an excellent instrument, as one would expect from such
a master.
The materials used are top quality everywhere, the workmanship very
neat and precise throughout. The voicing is exquisitely successful. The
effect of single stops is beautiful and full of character, the effect of the
full instrument is imposing and powerful. -
Thus the instrument adds to the beauty of the church, contributes to the
enjoyment of the congregation, and is a credit to its builder.”
The organ has not been changed since and counts today among the best
preserved Ladegast instruments.
Irene Greulich
Translation: Charles Sullivan
Specification:
|
Hauptwerk C-f``` Bordun Principal Rohrflöte Flöte Gambe Principal Gedack Quinte Oktave Terz Mixtur |
16` 8` 8` 8` 8` 4` 4` 2 2/3` 2` 1 3/5` 5 fach |
Oberwerk C-f``` Lieblich Gedackt Lieblich Gedackt Flauto traverso Viola d` amore Dolcissimo (Schwebung) Principal Flöte |
16` 8` 8` 8` 4` 4` |
|
Pedal C-d` Subbaß Violon Cello Baßquinte Posaune Manualkoppel Pedalkoppel |
16` 16` 8` 5 1/3` 16` |