The Organ

There is generally little to be found about organs in the literature of art treasures.
Question could be raized: “Does the organ have no significance in art history?”

Many organ fronts, without mentioning the organ's pipes and technology, are artfully
sculpted and certainly of art historical significance. Besides the numerous valuable art treasures in this cathedral, the organ is also at the forefront.

Its history starts in 1653 when an organ was commissioned by Bishop Antonius Triest to be installed in the transept of this cathedral. It was built between 1653-1656 by Louis Bis and Pierre Destré. Jacques Sauvage designed the beautiful case and the carvings are by Baudouin van Dickele. The organ bears the coat of arms of Bishop Triest.

The organ was remodelled several times by, among others, Nicolas Langlez, Jean-Baptiste de Forceville, Pieter van Peteghem and Georges Cloetens.

The transept organ (old organ), part of which dates to the 17th century, eventually had 48 plays in the early 20th century.

The choir organ (new organ) was built by firm Klais and was conceived for the 1935 World Fair in Brussels. It was commissioned by Bishop Coppieters and purchased in 1935. This instrument was placed in the choir galleries and coupled with the old organ by the Klais firm. On 30 September 1936, the completely renewed organ was inaugurated, with a playing by Emile De Groote, organist of the cathedral and Flor Peeters, organist at Mechelen.

The arrangement of the pipes with one part in the transept and another in the choir puts the organist's skill to the test. The distance between the two sources of sound is so great that the organist must always take this into account. 

The rich history of the organ gave the instrument a personality, beautiful hues and mighty tutti playing. 

Today, the organ has five manuals, a pedal and more than 90 stops. This makes it the largest organ in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The organ has 2 console tables. The main console has five manuals. In the choir is another smaller console with 3 manuals.

Manual range C-c4
Pedal range C-g1
Movement: Electro-pneumatic