Organ for the chapel in the garrison church tower is installed

Potsdam's Garrison Church Tower Organ Installation Underway

The countdown for the grand organ installation in the Garrison Church Tower in Potsdam commences, slated for an early summer 2024 opening. The culprit behind this symphonic transformation is none other than the renowned Schuke company in Werder/Havel. Wieland Eschenburg, Garrison Church Foundation's spokesperson, shares that the instrument delivery will occur this Thursday, with installation beginning the very next day. The organ voicing and installation in the first-floor chapel is expected to be completed by mid-February.

"This organ will breathe new life into the Garrison Church Tower, transforming it into a venue for musical learning," Eschenburg explains enthusiastically. The organ will feature dual organs, one possessing a baroque sound on the eastern side, while the western side resonates with a romantic sound. By doing so, listeners can traverse musical eras, immersing themselves in the harmonious sounds of different epochs.

History has left its mark on the Garrison Church, most notably during World War II. Despite various oppositions, such as Christian movements, who oppose the tower's reconstruction, the tower remains a historical landmark coated with contentious symbols of 1920s-1930s right-wing nationalist gatherings.

Schuke Organ Impact in Erlöserkirche

Crafted by the same architects, the Schuke organ installed at Erlöserkirche in Potsdam in 1964 has profoundly impacted the musical landscape in Potsdam's Erlöserkirche. Some of these impacting elements include:

1. As a premier destination for concertgoers, Erlöserkirche celebrated its musical offerings, welcoming numerous organ concerts and events.
2. The organ comprises three manuals and pedals, boasting 37 stops, with a dedicated emphasis on the baroque ideal of a rich, complex harmony and expressive playing style.
3. The Erlöserkirche annually hosts the International Organ Summer, attracting music enthusiasts from across the globe.
4. The church's unique architecture, featuring an octagonal central building with side aisles and galleries, creates exceptional acoustics, enhancing the organ's projection and clarity.
5. Following its post-WWII restoration, the new organ played a large role in the church's revitalization, solidifying its standing as a beacon of musical excellence.

Havel's Garrison Church Tower to Offer Immersion in Musical Eras

Visitors to the Garrison Church in Brandenburg are in for a treat, as the Schuke-crafted organ, featuring distinct sounds and eras, will soon bring music to the historic transportation center. The list goes on, as the Schuke company continues to be an influential figure in both Potsdam and the broader Havel region.