The history of the cathedral organ
The organ gallery in Roskilde Cathedral contains parts dating from the middle of the 15th century.
In 1555 a new organ was built here by the Dutch organ builder Hermann Raphaëlis, who perhaps had been summoned to the country for this very purpose. The façade of the Rückpositiv and the parapet of the gallery stem from this instrument.
During a thorough rebuild begun by Johan Lorentz and continued by Gregor Mülisch and (probably) Peter Karstensen, the organ acquired its present main façade which bears the date 1654.
A brief summary of the organ's history since 1654:
1833 Marcussen & Reuter. Rebuilding and enlargement.
1926 Th. Frobenius & Co. Rebuilding and enlargement.
1957 Th. Frobenius & Co. Rebuilding. Reduction in the number of stops.
1991 Marcussen & Søn. Reconstruction (with modifications) of the instrument as it was in 1654.
Franz Tunder (1614-1667) Choralfantasie "Auf meinen lieben Gott"
Bernard Foccroulle at the Raphaelis organ in Domkirke (Roskilde)
Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707)Praeambulum A-moll Bux 158
Ulrik Spang-Hanssen at the Raphaelis organ in Roskilde Cathedral
DISPOSITION
Manualwerk 13 (9)
Bordun 16 Principal 8
Spitzflöjt 8
Octava 4
Rohrflöjt 4
Nassath 2 2/3
Super Octava 2
Mixtur IV-V 1 1/3
Trompet 8
Rygpositiv 12 (9)
Gedact 8 Principal 4
Gedact 4
Octava 2
Salicional 2
Sedecima 1
Sesquialtera II
Mixtur III
Hoboy 8
+ Tremulant
Brystpositiv 7 (7)
Gedact 8 Gedactflöjt 4
Octava 2
Waltflöjt 2
Sedecima 1
Regal 8
Geigen Regal 4
Pedal 11 (8)
Principal 16 Octava 8
Gedact 8
Octava 4
Mixtur IV 2
Posaun 16
Trompet 8
Schalmei 4
+ Tremulant
Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707)
Praeludium in C major BuxWV 138
Ulrik Spang-Hanssen at the Raphaelis organ in Domkirke (Roskilde)
