In collaboration with our French dealer Orgue Globale Solution, Johannus has installed an Ecclesia D-455 in the magnificent Cathédrale La Major in Marseille, France. The instrument will serve as the cathedral's temporary main organ while plans for a new pipe organ are being developed.
The console has been positioned on the cathedral floor, giving the organist a clear view of the choir and the liturgy. The organ not only accompanies the choir but also supports congregational singing during services attended by hundreds of worshippers.
An invisible installation with a magnificent sound
To preserve the cathedral's historic interior, the loudspeakers have been discreetly installed on one of the high galleries, remaining virtually out of sight. An integrated audio monitor in the console allows the organist to accurately monitor the sound and registrations, despite the distance to the loudspeaker system.
Voiced for the cathedral's unique acoustics
Cathédrale La Major is renowned for its exceptionally long reverberation. Working closely with cathedral organist Rémy Littolf, the instrument was carefully voiced to suit this remarkable acoustic environment. Even the softest stops remain beautifully defined, while the full organ fills the cathedral with richness, clarity and grandeur.
Two organ traditions in one instrument
The Ecclesia D-455 is based on a French Symphonic specification, perfectly suited to the cathedral's musical tradition. At the touch of a button, however, the entire instrument can be transformed into a South German Baroque organ, offering organists two distinctly different tonal worlds within a single instrument.
This installation demonstrates how a digital church organ can provide a high-quality and reliable solution during restoration or new-build projects, while preserving an inspiring musical experience for organists, choirs and congregations.
