Schnitger organ in St. Cosmae

The Schnitger organ in St. Cosmae church is a three-manual instrument with 42 stops, featuring elaborate wooden carvings on its Hamburg-style facade. The organ retains its original pipes and reed ranks from the time it was built.

Built between 1670 and 1675 by Berendt Hus and his nephew Arp Schnitger, the instrument replaced an earlier organ lost in the city fire of 1659. The work of these makers left a lasting mark on regional organ building.

The organ carries the names of its makers and continues to shape the musical life of the church today. It has served for centuries as a venue for performing North German Baroque compositions.

Regular organ concerts are held in the church, allowing visitors to experience the instrument in a setting with historical character. The best time to visit is during concert events, when you can hear the full power of the organ.

The instrument retains its original tuning from 1675, pitched one whole tone higher than modern standard, creating a sound that stands apart from contemporary organs. This historic tuning is rarely preserved and gives the instrument its distinctive voice.

Location: Stade

Inception: 1673

Creator: Berendt Hus, Arp Schnitger

GPS coordinates: 53.60190,9.47629

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:45