Bismarck and the pipe organ
David Bridgeman-Sutton learns of an unexpected outcome of war
The policies of Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898), architect of modern Germany, had far-reaching effects.
The policies of Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898), architect of modern Germany, had far-reaching effects.
Planning destruction - Bismarck in 1871
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Had circumstances been only a little different, they might have ended the centuries-old tradition by which organists of Paris churches were appointed (See Making It Up) This would have been remarkable, as Germany’s Iron Chancellor showed no interest in matters relating to the organ-loft.
The other main player was Bismarck’s younger contemporary, Dr Albert Péschard (1836-1903). Péschard was lawyer of Caen by profession and organist by inclination. As titulaire at the church of Ste Etienne in that city, he had care of a large instrument of considerable antiquity. Like many other people of enquiring mind at that time, he was fascinated by developments in the field of electricity and magnetism, in which he conducted experiments in a laboratory he set up for the purpose. |
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These might never have gone beyond the stage of being amusing party tricks had not Ste Etienne’s organ become increasingly erratic. Certain large pipes, stood off from the main instrument, were particularly troublesome. The worn tracker action could not be relied on to make them speak and when they did, it had equal difficulty in shutting them off. Independently and with no knowledge of similar experiments carried out elsewhere, Dr Péschard successfully applied an electric action of his own devising to the unmanageable pipes.
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2: Planning electric action - Dr Albert Péschard
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In 1892, he published a work with the splendidly patriotic title L’Orgue Eléctrique n’est pas d’origine Americaine - The Electric Organ [ie electric action] is not an American Invention. Long before that, his work was known to a number of builders at work in France, among them Charles Spackman Barker. The fact that it was seen as a French and not a foreign innovation, perhaps, made the action acceptable.
A number of organs with electric action - usually in conjunction with Barker lever - were built in France, as elsewhere, during the 1860s. Despite problems from such causes as damp and the unreliable nature of the batteries of the day, results generally were encouraging. Then came the Franco-Prussian War.
This, part of Bismarck’s strategy, was declared in 1870, France was invaded and by 1871 Paris was besieged. The city was repeatedly and heavily bombarded.
One of the targets was a gunpowder factory - known as the Luxembourg - near the church of St-Jacques-de-Haut -Pas. The blowing up of this resulted in widespread damage to many buildings, including the church and its organ. This historic instrument was built originally for the church of St Benoit in 1586, had been rebuilt and enlarged on a number of occasions and was moved to St Jacques in 1793. Its case is said to be the oldest in Paris.
A number of organs with electric action - usually in conjunction with Barker lever - were built in France, as elsewhere, during the 1860s. Despite problems from such causes as damp and the unreliable nature of the batteries of the day, results generally were encouraging. Then came the Franco-Prussian War.
This, part of Bismarck’s strategy, was declared in 1870, France was invaded and by 1871 Paris was besieged. The city was repeatedly and heavily bombarded.
One of the targets was a gunpowder factory - known as the Luxembourg - near the church of St-Jacques-de-Haut -Pas. The blowing up of this resulted in widespread damage to many buildings, including the church and its organ. This historic instrument was built originally for the church of St Benoit in 1586, had been rebuilt and enlarged on a number of occasions and was moved to St Jacques in 1793. Its case is said to be the oldest in Paris.
3: Ste. Jacques de Haut-Pas - Grande orgue. This is the oldest organ-case in Paris. The instrument (IV/P48) by Kern (1971) has mechanical action and incorporates much old pipework
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As the smoke of battle cleared, it became apparent that as well as extensive rebuilding of the main organ, a new choir organ was required. Thus the church was in the unusual position of having both its instruments being out of commission at the same time. Given the date, it was not surprising that electric action should have been proposed for both: what must have raised eyebrows in the world of Paris church-music was the decision to make both choir and main organ playable from one console. The long tradition of titulaires and accompagnateurs could have been threatened.
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4: The console of the grand organ of Ste Jacques de Haut-Pas
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Although St Jacques has a succession of titulaires traced back to the early 17th century - including Lefébure-Wély and Joseph Franck, brother of César - there was no established post of accompagnateur, this duty falling to a pupil and on occasion to the titulaire, no doubt hurrying between instruments with a harassed expression. César Franck (who lived round the corner from St Jacques) inaugurated the new, combined, instrument in 1879. His programme included Bach's E minor Prelude and Fugue and his own Fantasy in A. These pieces used the antiphonal effect of the two organs to advantage.
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It was not until 80 years later that the two became independent instruments, each with its own tracker action. A reason given for this was the problem caused by time delays between console and tribune organ, though a renewed appreciation of the virtues of tracker action also played its part.
David Bridgeman-Sutton,
July, 2006
July, 2006
Footnote: More about Dr Péchard and early experiments in electric action will be found in J.W. Hinton Story of the Electric Organ first published 1909 - a beautifully produced modern version is from Bardon Enterprises (ISBN 0-9528184-3-4) www.bardon-music.com
For picture 3 and 4- thanks to M. Nicolas Gorenstein, titulaire of St Jacques, who has provided much material used on this page.
For picture 3 and 4- thanks to M. Nicolas Gorenstein, titulaire of St Jacques, who has provided much material used on this page.
