Hello my friends, after many architectural topics, the Toulouse blog wanted to present you with a post on a less conventional and more specific subject.
I have always told you that Toulouse is a city that hides its secrets well, and once again, we are about to have proof of it .
We are going to talk about a very special instrument : The Organ !!! .
What is an Organ ? :
The organ is a true chameleon that has endured trough the centuries since its creation more than 2 250 years ago.
When we talk about the instrument, the organ , there isn't much to say regardless of it geographical origin.
What doesn't change is it mode of operation .
It is under constant pressure that passes through pipes.
The physical and aesthetic differences are endless .
The interesting thing to note is the location.
Unlike an orchestra , the organ can not be moved.
This is not the case with a gallery organ, which is anchored and voiced according to a specific volume and acoustic setting
Another important aspect is the harmonization, meaning the preparation and tuning, which are the final phases of its construction.
For example, the individual or collective, tuning of each pipe varies depending on the location.
It greatest appeal is that it takes us on a journey trough both space and time.
It does not come to the listener, rather , the listener must connect with it !!! .
Here, that reminds me of a certain city
that does not offer itself to you , but one you must set out to discover !!! .
The organ in Toulouse :
Toulouse alone has more than twenty organs scattered throughout the city, of all style and periods, nine of which are listed as Historic Monuments.
And if included the former " Midi-Pyrénées " region, there are 370 instruments recorded .
Toulouse is a member of the "ECHO " Committee " European Cities of Historical Organs " , which brings together nine cities renowned for their Organ heritage .
We can find :
Alkmaar, Brussels, Freiburg, Fribourg, Innsbruck, Lisbon, Trevino and Trondheim .
But Toulouse is undoubtedly the only one to offer such a diversity of instrumental aesthetics.
This is why it is said that Toulouse is the organ capital of Europe !!! .
I should be noted that many Toulouse churches , in addition to having a grand organ, also have a chair organ, often of significant importance and quality .
Gesu Church or the Kingdom of the organ :
For the history and architectural style of this church , I refer you to the post about " the unusual places that can be found on the " Allée Jules Guesde " .
On the June 30, 2000, when the city of Toulouse acquired the church of Gesu, it was with the intention of turning it into a site dedicated to the organ .
Many restoration works have been carried out, and I must say that it is a beautiful church.
Consecrated, the church now hosts concerts and serves as a rehearsal space for musical ensembles.
But what immediately catches our eyes is that church of the Jesuits is, in fact, a true temple in honor of the organ.
It is true museum dedicated to this instrument that you will discover during your walk trough this magnificent church , and it is quite surprising .
It is worth noting that the church of " Gesu " is open on the public on only two occasions !!! .
The concert evenings are listed on the website of the church or " The Toulouse les orgues " association .
During the Toulouse Festival, the organs we are about to discuss now !!!!
The Festival " Toulouse les Orgues " :
Every year in October, Toulouse becomes the world capital of the organ.
This years marks the 22nd edition of the festival, which will take place from October 2 to October 13, 2024.
This festival takes place in eleven carefully selected venues.
These concerts are held in the main large churches in Toulouse as well as in those of its metropolitan area .
The world's greatest ensembles coming from Japon, South Korea, The United-States, Canada, and all over Europe participate in this world-class festival .
It will be offered to you during this festival :
One can except exceptional concerts .
unique duos, as the organ pairs well with other instrument .
As well as Creations and world premieres .
This years, there is also the 14 international organ competition in Toulouse, where 12 young soloists, will compete on the city's most beautiful organ.
Of course, this highly renowned competition takes place every year during the festival.
That's all for today my friend.
I hope this somewhat unknown topic has interested you and, above all, has taught you a lot and inspired you visit Toulouse .
Welcome in Toulouse.
The blog from Toulouse.
Greetings Franck .
BONUS PHOTOS OF GESU CHURCH :
I'm staying a bit from the topic organ's but in this second bonus photos, you're going to have quite a surprise that I experienced myself .
The fault lies once again with Toulouse, our beautiful pink city that known how to keep its secrets .
Indeed, as you can see in the photo gallery, within a nymph lies....a replica of the Lourdes grotto . Incredible !!! .
BONUS FESTIVAL " TOULOUSE LES ORGUES :
This evening was wonderful in our beautiful "Saint-Etienne Cathedral " in Toulouse .
" François Ménissier" , the renowned French organist , treated us to an evening performance, playing a " BACH " recital on the baroque-style organ of " Saint-Etienne " .
Only the French part was played, as BACH's also partly German.
By adding light effects in sync with the music, the performance was magnificent !!! .
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