Design and Planning of the New Pipe Organ for the Church in Šentvid pri Stični

When, at the end of 2021, after a thorough expert review of the existing old organ, it was decided that it had reached the end of its useful life and would have to be replaced by a new one, the parish priest, Izidor Grošelj, entrusted the challenge of designing and planning a new organ to a committee of experts.

The foundation for the planning process was the documentation of the old organ, created by Luka Posavec and Aleš Razpotnik, and which, with the information obtained, served as a solid starting point for the technical and acoustic development of the new instrument. Records in the parish and archdiocesan archives indicate that the parish of Šentvid pri Stični used to select quality organ builders in the past. The purpose of documenting the old organ was not only to make a detailed inventory of the old organ parts, but also to study and preserve the legacy of the old masters.

Expert committee for the new organ

A new organ project requires careful and thoughtful planning before it is actually built – clear guidelines and coordination of objectives, approaches, timelines, material and financial resources and other project elements.

The parish priest Izidor Grošelj invited some of the best Slovenian experts in the field of organology and organ expertise. In addition to Luka Posavec and Aleš Razpotnik, the organist Tomaž Sevšek Šramel was also invited. When the contract for the new organ production was signed with the Močnik Organ Workshop on November 8, 2021, the expert committee also acquired performance skills and practical experiences from more than 40 projects of the new organ crafting, which was the total number of the Močnik Organ Workshop’s work up to that time.

The signing of the contract between the Parish of Šentvid pri Stični and the Močnik Organ Workshop for the construction of a new organ
Photo: Gašper Stopar

Aware of the great importance of our own organ culture, which, despite the small size of our country, is varied, rich, and of high quality, the committee decided to preserve the traditions and knowledge of our ancestors when designing a new organ. Although, for reasons of practicality and cost, old instruments are being replaced by new ones, the craftsmanship and skills of the past are invaluable and worthy of revival.

Designing a new organ

At the end of 2021, Luka Posavec, Aleš Razpotnik, Tomaž Močnik, and their colleagues visited the parish church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Zagorje ob Savi to inspect the France Goršič organ from 1895. Remarkably, this organ remains intact in its original form and still functions very well. Thus, it makes sense to draw inspiration from such a master when designing a new organ about 130 years later.

Organ in the parish church in Zagorje ob Savi (Franc Goršič, Op. 62, 1895)
Photo: Organistica

Tomaž Močnik and his colleagues were particularly intrigued by Goršič’s method of constructing the windchests for the organ in Zagorje, examining how he assembled the individual components and the materials he utilized. Additionally, they studied the functioning of the mechanical tracker – the mechanical connection between the key and the valve in the windchest. The quality and precise production of the organ’s vital parts is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of the organ.

Study of the operation of the original bellows of the Goršič organ, parish church in Zagorje ob Savi
Photo: Organistica

Planning the new organ

When planning the new organ, we sought to integrate the knowledge of successful old organ builders as much as possible. The greatest Slovenian organ builders Frančišek Ksaver Križman (1726-1795), Franc Goršič (1836-1898) and Ivan Milavec (1873-1915) in particular achieved a special beauty and innovation in organ craftsmanship. We have drawn on the results of our research the works of the latter two – Franc Goršič and Ivan Milavec.

Planning the new organ for the Šentvid pri Stični
Photo: Organistica

The scheme for the new organ’s exterior in Šentvid pri Stični was made by Jožef Močnik, based on the existing organ prospect. The existing Baroque carved decorations and fillings will be restored and used on the new organ. The colour of the new organ case will match the style of the church interior.

The scheme of the exterior design of the new Šentvid organ
Photo: Orglarstvo Močnik

The new organ console will be stylistically designed after consoles typical for the Slovene and German areas in the latter half of the 19th century. However, its functionality and composition will be thoroughly modernised. The console will have an adjustable combination system (computer memory with sequencer), which will allow the organist to control the entire sound during the mass or organ concert. It will also feature a built-in screen, enabling the organist to monitor the action at the main entrance and on the altar via two cameras. Moreover, the console will integrate a computer for the playback of chants.

The scheme of organ console of the new Šentvid organ
Photo: Orglarstvo Močnik
  • Designing the pipes arrangement for the new organ in Šentvid pri Stični
    Photo: Organistica

  • Designing the pipes arrangement for the new organ in Šentvid pri Stični
    Photo: Organistica

  • Designing the console for the new organ in Šentvid pri Stični
    Photo: Organistica

  • Designing the console for the new organ in Šentvid pri Stični – side drawing
    Photo: Organistica

  • Designing the pipes for the new organ in Šentvid pri Stični – pipes floor plan
    Photo: Organistica

  • Designing the pedal pipes arrangement for the new organ in Šentvid pri Stični
    Photo: Organistica

  • Designing the feeder bellows for the new organ in Šentvid pri Stični
    Photo: Organistica

  • The detail of the cone chest for the new organ in Šentvid pri Stični
    Photo: Organistica

  • Designing the register valves for the new organ in Šentvid pri Stični
    Photo: Organistica

Associates

Parish of Šentvid pri Stični

Močnik Organ Workshop

Tomaž Sevšek Šramel, organist and harpsichordist