"Volcano Bass" and Bird Songs for a New Organ Project

With a unique organ installation, the Stadtkirche Augustusburg in Saxony is poised to set new standards for organ concerts. For approximately 1.3 million euros, the historic Jehmlich organ was not only restored to its original sound and expanded, but it was also supplemented by five additional organ sections distributed throughout the church, all of which are controlled centrally from a single console, as organist Pascal Kaufmann explains. “You’ve never heard an organ like this before.” The project is called “360-Degree Sound World.”

Saxony’s state government describes it as an organ project unique in Europe. It was implemented by the Alexander Schuke organ-building workshop in Brandenburg. Kaufmann emphasizes that the new organ sections can not only be heard, but also seen and felt. For example, 43 large bass pipes are installed in the floor of the gallery. The organist refers to a “volcano bass” that makes the church’s galleries vibrate. And there are many other sophisticated features: for example, an accordion stop, a marimba, tubular bells, and eight bird calls ranging from the eagle owl and nightingale to the green woodpecker. 

More than 1,000 donors make a new organ soundscape possible

Together with his brother Markus, cantor at Leipzig’s St. Nicholas Church, Pascal Kaufmann also regularly performs as a concert duo. He explains that over the years, he was able to gather ideas for the project at various locations, recounting its origins. The project was realized with grants as well as the support of more than 1,000 donors. 

The new organ will be dedicated with a festive service and a concert on September 26 in Augustusburg near Chemnitz. Attendees will not only experience Johann Sebastian Bach’s famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor in 360-degree sound. Mozart’s overture to the opera “The Marriage of Figaro” and Smetana’s “The Moldau” will also be performed.

The concert is sold out. However, anyone who wasn’t able to get a ticket can still experience the new organ’s soundscape the very next day (September 27) at five concerts with varying programs, all with free admission.