Orgelbau#

Organ-building: Geographical and historical aspects had a determining influence on the development of the organ and organ music in Austria. The first definite references to organs date from the 14th century (St. Stephen´s Cathedral in Vienna, 1334, Salzburg Cathedral, 1399). From the 15th century onwards, most churches had organs. They were also built in palace chapels and later in concert halls. Organs or their cases have been preserved from all historical periods from the Renaissance onwards. The preservation of historical organs is the responsibility of the Austrian Federal Office for the Protection of Monuments.

Among the important preserved Renaissance organs in Austria are those in Innsbruck (Hofkirche church, 1558; Silberne Kapelle chapel, around 1570) as well as in the museums of the provinces of Salzburg and Vorarlberg. The early 17th century saw a first culmination of early Baroque artistry in organ-building in Austria (in Lienz, Schlaegl, Klosterneuburg, and the Franziskanerkirche church in Vienna). Other early Baroque organs can be found in Poellauberg and Admont (both built around 1690) and in the Michaelerkirche church in Vienna (1714). During this era, the organ-building family Egedacher of Passau assumed special significance (organs of the Salzburg Cathedral, 1704, Zwettl Monastery, 1731, and others).

During the reign of Maria Theresia, organ-building flowered in Austria. In addition to the Egedachers, J. Hencke and A. Pfliegler were of particular importance; significant organ-builders of the 18th century include G. Sonnholz, G. Mitterreiter, F. X. Chrismann, F. X. Christoph, M. Jesswagner, I. Gatto, L. F. Richter ,and A. and F. Schwarz. The reform measures of Joseph II brought a certain degree of stagnation in organ-building, which was, however, soon overcome. Joseph Birgaentzle, a fugitive from the French Revolution, enriched the Vorarlberg organ landscape (Bludesch, 1804). During the 19th  century, master craftsmen continued to produce organs of high quality. In the Old Cathedral in Linz, L. Breinbauer built an organ according to the stipulations of Anton Bruckner.

The organ for the main hall of the Musikverein in Vienna was built by F. Ladegast in 1872, the St. Stephen´s Cathedral organ by E. F. Walcker in 1886. From the turn of the century, technical innovations such as pneumatic or electric action came into use in Austria, but a countermovement by organists preferring mechanical action has held its own even up to today. Currently (1995) there are about 40 organ-building companies in Austria; research in this field is done by the Institute of Organologic Research and Documentation at the Vienna University of Music and Dramatic Arts. The association "Austrian Organ Forum" has represented the interests of persons involved in activities related to organs since 1985.

Numerous Austrian composers have produced important works for organ. Among them were P. Hofhaimer, J. J. Froberger, J. J. Fux, J. G. Albrechtsberger, J. Haydn, W. A. Mozart, A. Bruckner, S. Sechter, J. N. David, A. Heiller, J. F. Doppelbauer, A. F. Kropfreiter, and M. Radulescu.

Literature#