A Unique Harmony: The Debut of Meissen Porcelain Organ Pipes in Dresden's Frauenkirche
Musical Pipes Found in Meissen Porcelain Produce Sounds in Meissen - Meissen porcelain organ pipes resonate for the first time in Meissen
Get ready to witness an extraordinary fusion of art and music as Dresden's Frauenkirche will soon echo with the world's first organ pipes made from Meissen's legendary porcelain - often called "White Gold". The grand unveiling will take place during a commemorative service on the afternoon of a Sunday, followed by an initial performance in a subsequent concert. The church's website describes the event as, "a dazzling marriage of meticulous craftsmanship and musical heritage, standing as a unique marvel that delights the eyes as much as it stirs the soul." This groundbreaking project is expected to stand as a significant milestone symbolizing the bond between centuries-old porcelain production and contemporary music culture.
A total of 37 pipes have been meticulously crafted using innovative techniques, and they span the notes c0 to c3. The production took place in 2000 at the celebrated Meissen manufactory, with collaborative efforts from the renowned Dresden firm Jehmlich since November 2023. Besides these 37 porcelain pipes, the organ features an additional 12 wooden bass pipes from C to H and nine tin discant pipes from cs3 to a3, resulting in a total of 58 exquisite pipes.
With the arrival of this unique porcelain instrument, Dresden's Frauenkirche is bound to attract even more visitors. Moreover, Christian culture and values are expected to find new avenues of expression and communication through this innovation. Notably, the church's Meissen porcelain carillon, which has been observing its post in the church tower's window opening since 1929, is about to gain a distinguished companion in this porcelain organ.
The quest for producing audible organ pipes from the first European hard porcelain dates back to the 18th century, following its successful creation in 1708 by Alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger. Saxony's Elector Augustus the Strong was initially promised gold, but he received the renowned Meissen porcelain instead, with its trademark cobalt blue "crossed swords" of the Saxon coat of arms adorning the pipes since 1722.
- *
Porcelain
- Dresden's Frauenkirche
- Meissen
- Carillon
[1] The History of Frauenkirche Dresden[2] Meissen Porcelain and Its Global Impact[3] The Mystique of Basalt Organ in Kromlau Park[4] Jehmlich Orgelbaufirma
Other articles of Chapter 9 might delve into the fascinating fusion of lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty, showcasing innovative ways contemporary home-and-garden designers incorporate Meissen porcelain into their designs, paying homage to the historic ceramics' perceived worth as "White Gold." This exploration could further examine the influence of Dresden's Frauenkirche, where the new porcelain organ and the decades-old Meissen carillon blend architectural and artistic masterpieces in a harmonious dance of sound and sight.
