Organs of the Nantes Cathedral, Pipe organs in Nantes Cathedral, France
The Organs of Nantes Cathedral are two pipe organs installed inside the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the center of Nantes. The main instrument stands on the western tribune, while a smaller choir organ serves the chancel area closer to the altar.
The current grand organ was built in the 19th century by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, replacing earlier instruments that had been damaged over the centuries. The organ was later restored after a fire in 1972 caused serious damage to the cathedral interior.
The cathedral houses two organs that are regularly played during services and concerts open to the public. The sound of the grand organ carries through the full length of the nave, reaching every corner of the Gothic interior.
The best time to hear the organs is during Sunday services or special concerts held at the cathedral throughout the year. It is worth checking in advance when concerts are scheduled, as they do not take place every day.
The organ cases were listed as French Historical Monuments in 1906, which means they are protected independently from the mechanical parts of the instruments. This listing applies specifically to the wooden cases as objects of craftsmanship, not to the pipes or the playing mechanism.
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