All organs before the revolution

The Parisian organ

landscape before the

revolution

Organs in the 'French classical' style are rare in Paris. The revolution was like a tzunami: many, many monasteries and churches were destroyed, including their works of art and their organs. In 1789, there were approximately 150 churches and 50 convents. Approximately 130 of them vanished in the periode 1789-1860. In 1789, there were approximately 100 large organs and 30-40 smaller organs. In 1795, only 36 organs were left. Nowadays, there are 24 organcases dating (at least partly) to before the revolution and 20 organs with stops dating from before the revolution (mostly 18th century). Only 3 of them still have a French classical character and 5 are rebuilt in a neo-classical style. The others were rebuilt in the 19th or 20th century.

(1) French classical style (3 organs)

(2) Neo-classical style (5 organs)

(3) Rebuilt in 19th century (7 organs)

(4) Rebuilt in 20th century (9 organs)

All organ builders

before the revolution

Pigache Langhedul Carlier De Héman Pecheur Thierry Clicquot other builders 17th century other builders 18th century