A parapet organ, (), is a small or medium-sized independent organ that forms a unit with the parapet of the organ loft.
Definition A Rückpositiv is often found on these organs but it is only part of an organ and therefore does not fall under the term "parapet organ" in the narrower sense, although it is still commonly referred to as such in some regions.
History and features Parapet organs are often found in Baroque style monastery churchs, where the music gallery also contains the function of the "prayer choir". This is the place where the Liturgy of the Hours is performed. The organ stands directly on the gallery parapet and it is therefore either "rear-playing", i.e. the organ console is on the rear wall of the organ, or "side-playing", i.e. the console is on one side of the organ. The organ case is usually artistically designed to match the interior. Occasionally, a second, somewhat simpler facade was built on the side of the prayer choir. The organ can thus fulfil a double function.
In other churches, this type of construction was also chosen for very shallow or very deep galleries. This placement always favours a good sound radiation of a small instrument into the church space.
Disadvantages The view and sound of an ensemble playing music towards the church interior is sometimes significantly restricted. It is difficult for the organists to follow what is going on in the service when playing from behind. Occasionally there are small shafts towards the altar to allow visual contact at all. Furthermore, the size of a parapet organ, especially with an opulent disposition, is clearly limited by the scarce space available and comprises a maximum of two manuals.
Parapet organs (selection) Place building picture Organ builder Year Blankenhagen Blankenhagen church Arp Schnitger1686 Campen Old Church of Campen Paul Ott1948 Eenum, Eemsdelta Eenum Church Arp Schnitger1704 Frauenzell Abbey Frauenzell Abbey Armin Ziegltrum1752 Korschenbroich St. Marien Church Romanus Seifert & Sohn2003 Regensburg Holy Cross Monastery Church Georg Jann1978 Vals Pilgrimage Chapel of St. Maria Unknown1766 Weltenburg Weltenburg Monastery Church Johann Konrad Brandenstein1728 Vienna Chapel of St. Roch Joseph Effinger1794 Deutschlandsberg Parish Church of St. Oswald Friedrich Werner1879
Recommended reading Georg Brenninger: Orgeln in Altbayern. GeraNova Bruckmann, 1982, ISBN 3-7654-1859-5.
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