Alkmaars kleyne orgel Het koororgel van de St. Laurenskerk te Alkmaar

Dutch Language pp. 272 illusts (bookplate on fpd) MINT copy #0920

The 16th-century choir organ of the Laurenskerk in Alkmaar is the oldest playable organ in our country. Nevertheless, Alkmaar’s Kleyne organ has long stood in the shadow of the large main organ from 1646. Publications often pay only marginal attention to the unique small instrument in the northern ambulatory.

This is wrong, because it concerns an extremely rare work by the famous organ maker Jan van Covelens who completed the organ in 1511. Over time, Van Covelens’ instruments have disappeared piece by piece. The Alkmaar choir organ is an exception and is considered a special testimony to his vision and craftsmanship.

The eventful history of the instrument is extensively discussed in Alkmaar’s Kleyne Organ, as well as the organ builders, the organists and the recently completed restoration, which has also attracted international attention.

For the advisers and organ builders involved, the repairs were a fascinating journey of discovery. Investigation of mechanics, historical pipes and case yielded a wealth of information. The result is a publication that will interest every organ enthusiast.

Appeared as part 4 in the series of Dutch Organ Monographs

ISBN 10: 905730113XISBN 13: 9789057301131