Interactive view of the organ

Explore where each division is located within the organ and familiarise yourself with the instrument’s architecture before choosing the stop and pipe you would like to sponsor.

Click on a division to read about its role and tonal concept, or simply scroll through the descriptions below.

3D model for illustrative purposes only. Non-contractual drawing.

Grand-Orgue Positif Récit Écho Solo Fanfare Chamades Pédale

Grand-Orgue

Regarded as the organ’s principal division, the Grand-Orgue is located immediately behind the façade pipes known as Montres.

In this instrument it is subdivided into four independent sections, each of which can be assigned to any manual.

Grand-Orgue 1

This sub-division offers a varied palette of foundation stops inspired by French and German Romantic organ building, providing a wide range of tone colours and subtle shades.

Grand-Orgue 2

This sub-division consists entirely of Principal-family foundation stops which together form the classical full Principal chorus (Plenum).

Grand-Orgue 3

This sub-division features mutation stops, whose upper partials create distinctive colours and unusual effects.

Grand-Orgue 4

This sub-division houses the Grand-Orgue powerful and brilliant reed chorus.

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Positif de dos

The Positif de dos is housed in the smaller case at the front of the organ loft, behind the organist. Conceived as a smaller counterpart to the Grand-Orgue, its position gives it clarity, immediacy and presence. Here it is divided into two sections.

Positif de dos 1

This sub-division contains the smaller Principal chorus, which answers the Grand-Orgue plenum, together with solo reed stops.

Positif de dos 2

The second Positif de dos sub-division contains mutation stops for a wide range of tonal combinations, together with the Positif’s smaller reed chorus.

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Récit expressif

Once a modest division, the Récit expressif became one of the central part of the French symphonic organ. Its pipes are enclosed in a large swell box with shutters that allow the organist to vary the volume. Together with the Grand-Orgue and Positif, it forms the backbone of the Romantic organ. Here it is divided into three independently playable sections.

Récit expressif 1

It follows the classic French Romantic model, with celeste stops and solo reeds, while broadening the palette through stops inspired by German and English traditions.

Récit expressif 2

This section is built around harmonic flutes, characteristic of French Romantic organ building.

Récit expressif 3

This section contains the Récit expressif reed chorus, darker and rougher in character than that of the Grand-Orgue; with the swell box closed, it creates a distant, growling rumble.

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Écho expressif

The Écho expressif comprises two sections, each enclosed in a swell box in the lower part of the organ. With the boxes closed, it creates a distant perspective and a palette of delicate, gentle, poetic and varied colours, often inspired by German organ building.

Écho expressif 1

The first section is conceived for distant, delicate sounds. It brings together low-pitched stops, undulating stops and distinctive colors such as free-reed stops.

Écho expressif 2

The second section is centered on soft flutes, a powerful flute and a distinctive solo reed. Together they offer a broad dynamic and tonal range while retaining an intimate character.

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Solo expressif

The Solo expressif has a strongly orchestral character, notably through a section of high-pressure string stops evoking the string section of the orchestra. A section of this kind, with these particular stops, will be a first in France.

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Fanfare expressif

A first in France, the Fanfare expressif is placed at the very top of the organ, behind the large case towers, in its own swell box. It contains two extremely powerful reed stops on very high wind pressure, inspired by the great cathedral organs of the Anglo-American tradition.

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Chamades

Chamades are powerful reed stops mounted horizontally on top of the organ case and speaking directly into the nave. This position gives them maximum projection. Their role is to crown the tutti with brilliance and authority.

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Pédale

The Pédale is played from the pedalboard (played with the feet) and contains the organ’s lowest pitches. It gives depth and foundation to the ensemble, but can also take a solo line in the middle and upper ranges. With a compass of 32 notes, it is shorter than the manuals.

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