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Research-Project "Organs in German Synagogues"

German Version 

Orgel in Hamm For Jewish historical research as well as for musicology the introduction of organs into the service of many liberal Jewish congregations in the 19th century in Germany is a very interesting phenomenon. The beginning is the year 1810 when on the initiative of Israel Jacobson an organ was erected in a school for Jewish and Christian children in Seesen (Harz). The first proven organ in a congregation synagogue was built in 1818 in Hamburg; in 1815 in Berlin and in 1816 in Kassel synagogal songs were already sung with the accompaniment of an organ. As far as we know, the organ in Hamburg (synagogue in the Oberstraße), built in 1931, was the last before the Third Reich.

Orgel in MainzFor nowadays' musicology the research on German synagogue-organs is highly interesting because the number of organs is more or less clear (ca. 200) in contrast to the innumerable Christian organs. Moreover, the years 1810 - 1933 represent a very important period of organ building where many inventions concerning technique and sound were rapidly made. It is the same years which were classified by musicologists as "a period of decay", but which are now fully acknowledged and therefore of high interest.


Orgel in CannstadtTherefore it is planned to explore the history of each proven German synagogue organ (not only concerning their compositions, but also technical details and the historic background). The research-project will consider the territory of today's Germany - including its former territories in Poland (Danzig, East-Prussia, Pomerania, and Silesia) and in France (Alsace-Lorraine) - and present day's Austria. The components will be:
    Orgel in Ludwigsburg
  1. Scientific documentation of all preserved and non-preserved synagogue-organs by research in central archives, libraries, and museums.
  2. Synagogue-organs in connection with the history of art and architecture in the 19th century
  3. Synagogue-organs and Jewish emancipation in 19th century; synagogue-organs and Nationalsocialism
  4. Jewish and Christian theology concerning the dispute on synagogue-organs, liturgy of liberal Jewish congregations, Christian reactions and influences.
  5. Technical inventions for synagogue-organs.
  6. Documentation of organ experts, organists, Jewish liturgical compositions for organ, and concerts in synagogues.
Any kind of information is seeked. Sponsors are also welcome.

Kontakt: Dr. Achim Seip

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