Learn about The Weiwuying Pipe Organ
Written by Hsin-Hung LIU
The Weiwuying pipe organ completed by Orgelbau Klais Bonn in 2018 is both the largest organ in Asia and one of the best concert hall pipe organs in the world, as well as the largest and most advanced pipe organ manufactured by a German instrument company.
The Weiwuying pipe organ, with 9,085 pipes and 127 stops in total, can be used with either modern or traditional tuning standards (A = 415Hz, 442Hz, or 465Hz), which enable the two organs to be played either as a duo or individually, and even collaborate with a variety of musical performances which involve large orchestras, chamber orchestras, Baroque chamber ensembles, choruses, solo playing or educational activities. The versatility of the Weiwuying pipe organ allows organists to choose from a broad repertoire of styles stretching across a vast span of 400 years.
There are 3 consoles connected to the Weiwuying pipe organ: the Symphonic (A) and the Echo (B) Organs are both independently equipped with a mechanical console that is physically connected to the organs. The console of the former (A) also includes the stops and pistons of the latter (B), therefore allowing organists to play both organs at the same time. In addition to these 2 mechanical consoles, the movable stage Console (C) is identical in appearance with that of the symphonic organ (A) and is connected to both organs through the power supply system, allowing organists to perform on both organs from anywhere on stage.
The two asymmetrical, bamboo-shaped organs consist of 9,085 functional pipes and 177 decorative pipes which do not produce sound; thus blending the organs with the visually approachable and appeasing Weiwuying Concert Hall.
The Weiwuying pipe organ is comprised of two organs above the stage on both sides.
A: The Symphonic Organ on stage right weighs 40 tons, and the dimensions are 15 (width) x 18 (height) x 5 (depth) meters. It consists of a wind supply system connected to 7,169 pipes, controlled by 102 stops via a console with 5 manuals and 1 pedalboard. The organ's acoustic timbres were designed according to the aesthetics of French Romanticism.
B: The Echo Organ on stage left weighs 10 tons, and the dimensions are 4 (width) x 9 (height) x 4 (depth) meters. It also consists of an independent wind supply system, which is connected to 1,916 pipes controlled by 25 stops via a console with 2 independent manuals and 1 pedalboard. The organ's acoustic timbre selection is reminiscent of German-Baroque music.
C: Movable Console. This is equivalent to around half of a car in terms of weight and base area. Similar to the mechanism of the Symphonic Organ, it can be rearranged to suit both the European and American standards via the pedalboard.
The pipe organ is one of the world's oldest instruments, dating back to as early as the 3 rd century BC in Greece. Since it has a majestic, dignified sound, which is even more pronounced by the echo in large churches, along with its variance in timbre, it became an important presence in Christianity beginning in the Middle Ages, in turn prompting the composition of a great number of pieces over time.
As missionaries brought their faith out of Europe, the organ followed to churches all over the world—over 30 can be found in Taiwanese churches. Now that Western classical music is a popular genre, almost all concert halls are built with an organ, allowing people all over to hear the grandeur of this fascinating instrument.
Similarly, an organ was also put into the plans for Weiwuying.Century-old German organ manufacturer Johannes Klais Orgelbau built the instrument, which has 9,085 pipes and 127 stops, over a period of a bit more than three years. Being perfectly blended into the vineyard seating as the cherry on top, it never fails to stun world-class organists from around the globe!
Read More
【Exploring the Inside of the Pipe Organ】 Technical
【Weiwuying Aesthetic Education】Venture into Weiwuying's Pipe Organ Part 1
【Weiwuying Aesthetic Education】Venture into Weiwuying's Pipe Organ Part 2
