Organs
The late Gothic organ of the church at Krummhörn-Rysum is dated 1457, today the oldest playable instrument in Germany fundamentally preserved. Organ builders like Arp Schnittger, who built the organ in the Ludgeri church at Norden, or also Gerhard von Holy – he is the builder of the organs in the St. Bartholomäus church at Dornum and in the Marien church of Marienhafe, helped to make East Friesland become the worldwide renowned organ region, beginning in the late 17th century.
Today, the heart of East Friesian organ culture is situated in a town villa from the 19th century at Weener. It has been exceptionally well restored. The Organeum situated there, an institution of the East Friesland foundation of East Friesian region, the Protestant reformed Church an the town of Weener, sees the research of that unique cultural heritage as its main task. It was founded in 1997 and is the centre for organists, organ historians and fans in East Friesland, with its important collection of historical instruments, an extensive research library, situated in the Landschaftsbibliothek (landscape library) at Aurich and with manifold events (lessons, seminars, concerts and excursions to the organs).
Arp-Schnitger-organ in Norden
The jewel of the Ludgeri church is the three-manual organ with separated pedal and 46 organ-stops which is very famous, not just in East Friesland. It was constructed between 1686 and 1692 by the famous organ-building master Arp Schnitger from Hamburg...
Organ in Holtriem-Westochtersum
The late Romantic single-room church from the second quarter of the 13th century was built of bricks and is standing on a plinth of so-called granite ashlars (see church at Marx). The eastern apse was replaced in 1675 by a rectangular choir.
Organ in Dornum
Going past the ancient presbytery from the 16th century (see below), you discover the St. Bartholomäus church of Dornum, sheltered by two mighty beeches. On the left, there is the belfry from the 13th century.
