Oldest Pipe Organ in Christian World Revived After 800 Years
BREAKING NEWS: The world’s oldest known pipe organ, silent for 800 years, has been revived in an extraordinary moment that resonates through history. On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, musician David Catalunya played the ancient instrument at Saint Saviour’s Monastery in Jerusalem, filling the air with powerful music that had not been heard since the 11th century.
The historic organ, which is believed to have been brought to Bethlehem by Crusaders, was rediscovered in 1906 during excavation efforts for a new hospice. After decades of research and restoration, the organ’s original pipes were found to be still functional, a stunning revelation that adds to its legacy. “This organ was buried with the hope that one day it would play again,” Catalunya declared at a news conference before the unveiling. “And the day has arrived, nearly eight centuries later.”
As the haunting notes of the liturgical chant “Benedicamus Domino Flos Filius” echoed through the monastery, a mix of emotions surged among the attendees. The revival of this organ represents a significant milestone in the history of music and cultural heritage. The organ’s sound blended harmoniously with church bells tolling in the distance, creating an atmosphere steeped in historical significance.
The instrument will now be housed at the Terra Sancta museum, located just kilometers from its original site in Bethlehem. Researchers believe it was buried by Crusaders to protect it from invading armies after a century of use. The excavation in 1906 unearthed 222 bronze pipes and other artifacts, revealing a rich musical history that had been lost to time.
Koos van de Linde, an organ expert involved in the restoration, expressed the deep emotional impact of hearing the organ come to life after centuries of silence. “It was extremely moving to hear how some of these pipes came to life again after about 700 years under the earth,” he stated. “The hope of the Crusaders who buried them — that the moment would come when they would sound again — was not in vain.”
Catalunya, who led a team of four researchers starting in 2019, initially aimed to create a replica of the organ. However, they were astonished to discover that many original pipes were still operable. Organ builder Winold van der Putten incorporated these historical pipes into the restoration, blending them with new replicas crafted using ancient techniques.
Alvaro Torrente, director of the Instituto Complutense De Ciencias Musicales in Madrid, likened the discovery to “finding a living dinosaur,” emphasizing the extraordinary nature of this musical revival. Researchers are now focused on completing the full restoration and plan to create copies of the organ to share its music globally.
“This is an amazing set of information that allows us to reconstruct the manufacturing process so that we can build pipes exactly as they were made about a thousand years ago,” Catalunya remarked. The revival of this historic organ not only honors the past but also sets the stage for a future where its music can inspire generations to come.
Stay tuned for further updates on this remarkable story as researchers continue to explore the cultural significance and musical potential of this ancient instrument.
