The Mariinsky Theatre’s organ is a blend of the Classical and the
Romantic movements of French organ construction traditions. Thanks to the
typically French classical registers (trumpets, clairons, cornets and сrumhorns
among others) this instrument facilitates interpretations of classical organ
music. The organ has a large, Romantic Schwellwerk, which ensures that the
entire legacy of Romantic music may be performed in full.
The organ has an exceptionally sensitive and precise “suspended” playing
tractura. In turn, this ensures an incredibly delicate manner of performing and
allows the organist to take into account all the different nuances while
playing. The solo registers, such as the flutes and reeds (bassoon – oboe,
voix humaine and so on), imbue this instrument with poetry and charm.
Building this instrument was a great honour for me, as well as being an
unforgettable pleasure. I am tremendously grateful to Mr Gergiev for
the trust he has shown and also to Mr Kinyaev for his wonderful and
constructive collaboration.
I
would like, in addition, to express my boundless gratitude to the company Neviss-Complex and its staff for also providing
technical support.
I
hope that this instrument will bring great joy to St Petersburg’s music
lovers, and I am also firmly convinced that this new wind organ will
further cement and strengthen the friendship between Russia and
France.
Strasbourg, 14 September 2009
Daniel
Kern, Director of the company Kern
et Fils
http://www.kernpipeorgan.com/francais/StPetersburg.htm