enEnglisch
Albi, Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile
Christophe Moucherel 1734-36, enlarged by father and son Lépine 1747
State of preservation: Repairs in 1779, 1824/25, 1847; severely modernised while preserving many old stops in 1902-04; restoration by Bartolomeo Formentelli in 1971-81
The organ in Albi cathedral is one the biggest baroque organs in France, the case for sure is the biggest. In a cathedral dedicated to St Cecilia whose attribute is the organ, this monumental façade is not just a decorative element but itself a part of theological proclamation.
The organ itself is no less monumental: The special Bombarde division is a characteristic element of French organs until present, signifying the dynamic climax of French organ sound.
Music Sample
Gervais-Francois Couperin (1759-1826) : Offertoire, played by Nicolas Gorenstein