

Organ façade of the Marienkirche, Hanau (Germany)
Façade design by S. Platt
Side view
Organ façade of the Marienkirche, Hanau
This new instrument replaces an earlier one which was only 30 years old. This older organ, however, did not satisfy the city’s expectations and the city officials wanted an instrument which would express a more individual character, more in line with their ambitious cultural project and a musical and artistic exponent of the highest quality.
The organ was expected to fulfil several functions: it had to be liturgical, it was also expected to serve as a concert instrument in a solo capacity as well as an accompanying role for choirs and orchestras, etc. In order to accomplish these goals and make this lavishly equipped instrument fit comfortable within a relatively small space, two new galleries had to be built and a part of the church’s ceiling had to be changed and raised.
The instrument’s design is aesthetically and technically quite avant-garde. The action is direct but sensitive. It has a double stop action: tracker and an adjustable combination system.
Classically designed wedge shaped bellows were used, "wind that breathes". The swell box’s innovative construction works efficiently.
The organ’s personalized voicing includes 19th century elements.