The Mariinsky Theatre’s organ is a blend of the Classical and the Romantic movements of French organ construction traditions. Thanks to the typically French classical registers (trumpets, clairons, cornets and сrumhorns among others) this instrument facilitates interpretations of classical organ music. The organ has a large, Romantic Schwellwerk, which ensures that the entire legacy of Romantic music may be performed in full.
The organ has an exceptionally sensitive and precise “suspended” playing tractura. In turn, this ensures an incredibly delicate manner of performing and allows the organist to take into account all the different nuances while playing. The solo registers, such as the flutes and reeds (bassoon – oboe, voix humaine and so on), imbue this instrument with poetry and charm.
Building this instrument was a great honour for me, as well as being an unforgettable pleasure. I am tremendously grateful to Mr Gergiev for the trust he has shown and also to Mr Kinyaev for his wonderful and constructive collaboration.
I would like, in addition, to express my boundless gratitude to the company Neviss-Complex and its staff for also providing technical support.
I hope that this instrument will bring great joy to St Petersburg’s music lovers, and I am also firmly convinced that this new wind organ will further cement and strengthen the friendship between Russia and France.
Strasbourg, 14 September 2009
Daniel Kern, Director of the company Kern et Fils
http://www.kernpipeorgan.com/francais/StPetersburg.htm