Bringing back the music

Organ chords will soon be heard again in Kaliningrad Minster. A unique pipe organ, one of the biggest in the world, is being built in the concert hall in the main church of old Konigsberg.

Sixty years have past since the walls have resounded to the pipes. The cathedral was  damaged during  World War Two and the 14^th-century instrument was destroyed. In the past, the organ hall attracted many classical and religious music lovers – among them, German philosopher Immanuel Kant. The new complex will consist of two organs connected by electronic systems, allowing the organist to play two instruments at once.

The creator of the biggest organ in Russia is a reputable master. Mathias Shukey has already built two organs in this country but rates Kaliningrad special. The façade is also being given special attention as carpenters seek to make an exact copy of the original. Searching the archives, they even unearthed the shoe size of the statue of the Virgin Mary featured on the woodwork. All the sculptures will be leaf-gilded before taking their place on the front of the organ.