Visit of the Grand Orgue Historical Monument of the Saint-Firmin de Firminy Church
THE ORGAN, LIVING HERITAGE AND SPORTS INSTRUMENT
The church of Saint-Firmin de Firminy, completed in 1860, is the work of the architect Tony DESJARDINS. This neo-Gothic building is by its homogeneity an authentic witness of the regional architectural heritage nineteenth century, especially by its provisions with liturgical furniture (pulpit, altars, woodwork, Grand Orgue) that harmonize perfectly.
DISCOVER A GREAT ORGAN HISTORICAL MONUMENT
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days 2023, Sunday, September 17, 2023, from 3pm to 6pm, it will be possible to discover the Great Organ of the church, a living heritage and a sports instrument, with a visit of the instrument. The visit will be orchestrated in small groups from the gallery with a presentation of the different stops and different sounds, different families of pipes, and the possibility to go inside the organ and play the instrument. Pieces will be performed by Pierre Astor, organist.
The Grand Orgue Charles Michel-Merklin de Saint-Firmin includes 30 stops spread over 2 manuals and 1 pedal. Built between 1802 and 1805, it is a masterpiece both from a sound and mechanical point of view, registered in the additional inventory of Historical Monuments. While many instruments have been transformed over time, the Saint-Firmin organ retains its original characteristics, as designed at the end of the 19th century. It is the instrument of choice for the romantic organist repertoire of the 19th century.