Previous Next

Organ-piano

ca. 1785, Manufacturer: Frantz Xaver Christoph

 

 

Organ-piano

Franz Xaver Christoph’s claviorganum is undated but was probably built around 1785. It is thus the earliest combination instrument of this type to have been made in Vienna. It is also probably the only one in the world that is still playable in concert. The “Stoßmechanik” with hammer heads pointing towards the player allready has adjustable jacks; the hand stop for raising the dampers was to the side of the keyboard. This provided two different registers (playing with lifted dampers, and thus with pronounced reverberation / playing with a dampered sound); the use of pedal in the pianistic sense is, however, impossible. It is possible to create other tonal nuances on the piano by using the moderator. The pipework is activated by a sticker action located underneath the keyboard. A special feature of all combination instruments is that by modifying the touch (hard, accentuated touch or soft, legato style of playing) either the sound of the piano or that of the organ can be emphasised. The sliders of the four organ registers are divided so that bass and treble can be “stopped” separately. A unique feature is the 16’ reed stop. Although this is the lowest register, it is so rich in harmonics that it provides impressive highlights to the total sound. Originally a Venetian swell was located between the pipework and bottom of the piano to produce dynamic shading in the organ register. (rh)

Location: Neue Burg, Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente Saal 13

Object data

Object Name

Organ-piano

Culture

Austria, Vienna

Dated

ca. 1785

Manufacturer

Frantz Xaver Christoph (1733 - 1793)

Dimensions Cover size is a museum or exhibition-specific information. It does not specify the real dimensions of the musical instrument.

1640 mm x 700 mm x 925 mm

Image rights

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente

Inv. No.

Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente, 625

Kunst & Patenschaft

This object is still without a Art Patron. Accept the patronage and make sure that this cultural treasure is preserved for future generations.
Your donation is a direct and sustainable contribution to the scientific documentation, research, restoration, and presentation of the artworks of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien.

Become an art patron