Sneek, Grote of Martinikerk, choir organ (8/I/P, 1985)

In 1889 the famous French organ builder Cavaillé-Coll (1811-1899) published a document called "Orgues de tous modèles" for the world exhibition in Paris. The organ mentioned as 'number 8' in this document was the example for the new choir organ. Cavaillé-Coll designed it as a small one manual organ with six stops. The console is installed in the organ case, but for 1.000 French Francs a detached console was available.

A few changes to the original specification were made by Van den Heuvel: a Montre 8' and also a Soubasse 16' for the Pédale were added. In addition, the entire instrument except the Pedal was placed in a "Boite Expressif" (swell box), feature common to Cavaillé-Coll's smaller instruments.

A funny coincidence worth mentioning is that the foreman of the Cavaillé-Coll organ company was born and raised in Sneek. His name was Piet Veerkamp (1849-1923).

All materials and the assembly were painstakingly executed in the style of Cavaillé-Coll. Massive oak was used for the wood work. This was carried out in the old manner of smoking and the case work recieved a wax treatment. No felt lining was used for the pivot points in the action. The wind supply was executed in a similiarly historical style. This includes a below with a double-rise reservoir. The wind channel is fashioned from leathered folds. The pipe work is characterized by its high tin content.

The organ was delivered in November 1985, but inaugurated on May 27th 1986 by Dirk S. Donker. The pedal Soubasse 16' was installed in 1996.

Additional Info

  • Operations: New built
  • Location: Sneek (NL)
  • Inauguration: Tuesday, 27 May 1986
  • Stoplist:

    Clavier à mains, C-g3
    Montre 8' (C-B Flûte)
    Flûte 8' (basses, 29 notes)
    Flûte Harmonique 8' (dessus, 27 notes)
    Bourdon 8' (basses, 29 notes)
    Bourdon 8' (dessus, 27 notes)
    Voix Céleste 8' (44 notes)
    Prestant 4'
    Doublette 2'
    Basson 8' (basses, 29 notes)
    Hautbois 8' (dessus, 27 notes)

    Pédalier à tirasses, C-d1
    Soubasse 16'

    Expression par bascule