Pipe organ of Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, Albi, Pipe organ in Albi, France

The Orgue Moucherel fills the west end of the nave of Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile. Its oak case has two parts: the grand orgue, 16.20 m wide and 15.20 m high with nine turrets and eight flat faces, and the projecting positif, 7.90 m wide and 4.50 m high, carried by two atlantes. Carved crowns, flower baskets, statues of Sainte Cécile and Saint Valérien, and Renommée figures with tin trumpets top the turrets.

The instrument was completed in 1736 and underwent several revisions by organ builders in the decades that followed. It has been restored multiple times over the centuries to maintain its playability and sound quality.

The carved figures on the case name the cathedral's patrons: Sainte Cécile holding a small organ and a palm, Saint Valérien with a palm, and two Renommées blowing tin trumpets. A royal crown tops the central turret, flower baskets and vases crown the others, and relief panels of musical trophies fill the base below the pipes.

To experience the organ in action, attend a service or concert when it is being played rather than visiting during silence. The instrument is positioned high in the church and is visible and audible from most locations throughout the interior.

The case is made of varnished oak, and beneath the show pipes sit panels carved with trophies of music, collections of instruments in low relief. Carved figures crown the towers: a royal crown at the centre, flower baskets at the ends, Saint Cecilia with a small organ and a palm, Saint Valerian with a palm, and two Renown figures blowing tin trumpets.