Pipe organ

Everything is "one-of-a-kind." 

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Introduction

The beautiful  sound of the organ during mass from the second floor of the main Church is a pipe organ. What kind of organ is this?

 

① Performer-friendly

Usually in a pipe organ, the performers face the pipes. But this church has a special arrangement where the performer faces away from the pipes. The organist can also play while looking at the altar. 

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To hear a pipe organ, it is always preferable to be as far away as possible at the opposite end of the space. In the elliptical shape of the main church, it is possible to hear the sound beautifully throughout the main church from a position just along the wall. 

Now, the podium is facing the altar, isn't it? This is because the organ service cannot be performed without the altar in sight. This is why the organ was designed so that the musicians can also face the altar and participate in the mass together.

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② The Best Places to Listen 

The sound of an organ changes depending on where you listen to it. Where in the sanctuary can you hear the organ's sound in the most balanced and beautiful way? 

It is in the priest's seat, which is the farthest from the front of the organ. Unfortunately, you can't sit in the presbytery, so the best place to sit is near the organ. 

And if you want to feel the bass sound of the organ, listen directly the organ. You'll experience a beautiful, amazing  sound.

 

③ German born

The organ was made by Jämmrich in the suburbs of Dresden, Germany. It was assembled and dis-assembled in my home country... I brought it to Japan and re-assembled it here in Yotsuya-Kojimachi.

It contains 3146 pipes of various sizes, made of metal and wood, with three hand and foot keys, and a total of 49 stops (tone types) that can be played in various combinations. 

The thinnest pipe is only a few millimeters in diameter. The tone of a metal pipe depends not only on its length, but also on its material and shape. 

If you look closely, you can see stains on the pipe. These are the remains of holy water from the blessing. And hand stains. You can't just wipe them off, so be careful not to touch with  delicate hands♪♪

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④ Mass with organ and choir

Sunday 08:30, 10:00, 12:00 English, 18:00

Saturday  18:00 (Anticipated Mass)

Weekdays (Mon-Fri)

18:00 *On the first Friday of the month, organ only at 12:00

 

▶ Details of Mass times(Church website)

*Please note that due to the new coronavirus, the schedule of masses may have been changed. Please see the following church website for details.

 

⑤ Listening to the organ

Outside Mass, there are irregular events such as "Organ and Prayer Meeting" (オルガンと祈りの集い). The organist rehearses almost every morning on weekends.

 

Directions

Main Church

 ▶ Crypt

 ▶ Xavier Chapel