Planning the Organ Renovation in the Church of the Virgin Mary in Polje

After the Second World War, an organ crafted by master organ builder Jenko in 1935 was transferred from the chapel of St. Joseph’s Shelter in Ljubljana to Polje. Following the war, the Shelter was nationalized, and the new owners had no need for either the chapel or the organ. Originally designed for a chapel, the organ was not suitable for a large church like the Virgin Mary Church in Polje. However, it wasn’t until 1998 that renovations to the choir loft began. Jenko’s organ was relocated to the parish church in Senožeče, and on the patronal feast day, October 10, 1998, a new organ crafted at the Diocesan Organ Workshop in Hoče was blessed in Polje.

A key characteristic of organ building in the 20th century is its focus on the past, particularly the Baroque period, when organ construction reached its pinnacle. Today, the design and construction of organs once again follow principles typical of that era. The new organ in the parish church of the Virgin Mary in Polje, near Ljubljana, exemplifies this approach with its colourful and rich disposition (selection of registers), mechanical action, slider chests, and clear division of pipes. Upon entering the church and looking at the choir loft, one is immediately captivated by the organ’s external appearance. The organ case, stretching across the choir loft and gallery rail, visually hints at the instrument’s rich internal soundscape. Its placement and design harmonize with the architectural concept of the choir loft and the overall space. Thanks to the efforts of those involved, particularly the parish priest, the floor of the choir loft was lowered during the renovation. This additional height not only enhanced the visual appearance of the organ but also significantly improved its acoustics. The sound, now able to collect within the organ case, can develop more freely and project into the space with full resonance.
Brane Košir, Director of the Diocesan Organ Workshop Maribor

The Maribor Diocesan Organ Workshop inscription from 1998
Photo: Organistica

Organ disposition

The decision to renovate

Since 1998, the organ has been functioning well. With a total of 2,507 pipes providing an extensive tonal palette and nearly inexhaustible combinations, it offered wide-ranging musical possibilities for enhancing liturgical services as well as for solo concerts.

However, after 25 years of continuous operation, an inspection revealed damage to the instrument. The organ required a major overhaul to clean it, repair damages and defects, and to revoice and retune it.

To manage the restoration process, parish priest Janez Bernot appointed a parish organ committee. This competent team of experts was responsible for making key decisions during the organ restoration process. In addition to the parish priest, the committee members included choir conductor Miha Gabrovšek, organist and conceptual leader of the restoration Tomaž Sevšek Šramel, and organ builder consultant Brane Košir. At the committee’s invitation, Organistica also joined the efforts to assess the condition of the instrument and plan the necessary interventions.

Condition of the organ and estimated scope of restoration

Mould

An inspection of the organ revealed the presence of mould throughout almost the entire interior, with the lower part of the main organ case being the worst affected.

During the last tuning of the reeds on January 4, 2024, for the organ’s 25th anniversary concert, Aleš Razpotnik also tuned the Kopula 8′ register (Rückpositiv). This register was found to be out of tune due to mould accumulation in the windway of the pipes, which obstructed airflow sufficiently. As a result, the pipes were declared out of tune, confirming the presence of mould in the wind system. This conclusion was logical, given that the blower was drawing air from the area that showed the most significant mould damage.

We concluded that the mould issue must be addressed as thoroughly and sustainably as possible. The affected parts need to be cleaned with an appropriate mould remover and then impregnated to prevent further infestations.

Mould on the air duct
Photo: Organistica

Leakage of valve pull-wire seals

Another significant issue was identified when the organ was turned on; it quickly became excessively loud. One of the primary reasons for this was air leakage at the seals of the valve pull-wires, likely caused by the oxidation of the wires. When a key was pressed, the seal would stick to the wire. Upon releasing the key, the seal remained suspended and did not close properly.

It was the organ builder’s task to inspect the seals and replace them if necessary. In any case, the oxidized wires needed to be thoroughly cleaned.

In the image, both keys are released. The left seal closes the hole beneath it, while the right one is suspended in the air, allowing air to escape.
Photo: Organistica

Sagging resonators

Some of the resonators, particularly the Oboe 8′, were installed at a height that was too low, leading to sagging over time. To address this issue, it was necessary to either add additional support grids or adjust and reposition the existing ones to a higher position.

Bent resonator of Oboe 8′ (III. manual)
Photo: Organistica

Tilted labial pipes

Some of the pipes were leaning even though they were supported by pipe racks. This suggests that the supporting posts of the racks were either manufactured with excessive tolerances or had dried out over the years.

The issue requires a long-term solution, as pipes that are not perfectly vertical tend to develop deformed feet over time. The problem was most evident in the pipes of the Salicional 8′ register (larger pipe racks), Vox Coelestis 8′, and Koralbas 4′!

At first glance, it appeared that past attempts had been made to stabilize the Trobenta racks, as they were screwed into place. However, such interventions can create long-term maintenance challenges. It was the organ builder’s task to identify a more appropriate and durable solution.

Tilted pipes of III. manual
Photo: Organistica

Organ cleaning

The organ needed a comprehensive cleaning. Over the course of 25 years, a substantial amount of dust had accumulated within the organ case and the pipes, which needed to be removed. The cleaning process included both the interior and exterior of the instrument. It involved disassembling the metal pipes, cleaning them thoroughly, and reinstalling them in their correct positions. This was also an ideal opportunity to clean the interior of the wind system.

Dust on the organ case
Photo: Organistica

Repairs and restoration work

Despite being a relatively new instrument, several signs of wear and tear have already been noted. For example, the paint on the console, the organist’s bench, and the pedals showed signs of wear, along with damage to the front of the organ case and the console lid.

Peeling paint on the console
Photo: Organistica

The locks securing the organ cases were sticking and needed lubrication or even replacement. On the upper doors, which provide access to the main pipes, there were two locks, but the upper lock was positioned too high to be reached. Therefore, these locks needed to be relocated to a lower position.

After the construction of choir podiums and the elevation of the choir loft floor, the original ladder for accessing the organ cases became too long. To prevent potential accidents, it needed to be shortened.

During the console modifications, it was recommended to remove the surface-mounted electrical sockets attached to the console and replace them with more aesthetically pleasing and less obtrusive new sockets. Additionally, a drawer for storing office supplies should be added to the underside of the console, as such items were currently accumulating on the case of the Rückpositiv.

We also proposed the installation or improvement of sound insulation for the electric blower. The organ builder was tasked with thoroughly inspecting the blower’s operation and condition.

Back wall of the choir loft and church

Since the window behind the organ had been bricked up or sealed, it was necessary to inspect the condition of the organ from the interior side of the church during the maintenance process. Moisture that entered through the window had caused mould growth on the nearby wooden components. To address these issues, the instrument had to be moved away from the church wall, and the problems needed to be remedied. As part of this process, the organ builder was required to remove the pipes of the Principalbass 16′ pedal register, located behind the organ.