Dom Bedos organ of the Church of the Holy Cross, Historical pipe organ in Church of the Holy Cross, Bordeaux, France.
The Dom Bedos organ in the Church of the Holy Cross is a large musical instrument housed in an oak case built into the church's walls. It features five keyboards and a pedalboard controlling forty-five stops, which govern wooden and metal pipes arranged within the ornately carved structure.
Benedictine monk François Bedos de Celles built this instrument between 1744 and 1748 during a period of significant advancement in French organ building. After the French Revolution, the organ was moved to Saint-André Cathedral for many decades before returning to this church in 1970.
The instrument serves as a focal point for musical events and draws people who want to experience classical French music in its original setting. When concerts take place, the sound fills the church space and makes the significance of this place for the city's musical life evident.
The organ can be heard during church services and special musical events held regularly at the venue. Visitors should check in advance about concert times, as these vary and may differ depending on the season.
The instrument vanished from its original church after the French Revolution and was kept at Saint-André for over 150 years, making it one of the city's hidden treasures. This long separation and eventual return make it a witness to Bordeaux's turbulent history.
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