Compenius organ, Renaissance wooden organ in Frederiksborg Palace, Denmark.
The Compenius organ is a Renaissance musical instrument housed in Frederiksborg Palace chapel, with approximately 1,000 wooden pipes crafted from ivory and ebony. The instrument features nine stops across three divisions, enabling a range of musical effects.
The instrument was built in 1610 by master builder Esaias Compenius and became part of the Danish royal collection in 1617. It has remained in the palace chapel ever since, shaping the musical life of the space for over 400 years.
This organ exemplifies Renaissance craftsmanship and serves as both an artistic and acoustic masterpiece that visitors can observe and hear. The carved wooden pipes and decorated facade reveal the skill invested in every component.
Visitors can view this instrument during regular palace visiting hours and study its details up close. Thursday concerts held in the chapel feature performances on this organ and are included with standard museum admission.
Each component of this instrument requires a different key to open, creating an extraordinary security system. Only one complete set of these specialized keys exists anywhere in the world.
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