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Organ architecture by William Hill: A masterpiece for Prenzlau!
District cantor Hannes Ludwig will present the Hill organ in Prenzlau in 2026, accompanied by his book on English organ building.
Organ architecture by William Hill: A masterpiece for Prenzlau!
Organs are not just musical instruments, they are also timeless witnesses to history. Hannes Ludwig, district cantor and passionate organ expert, has made it his mission to bring the organs of the renowned English company William Hill & Son into the spotlight. Loud Uckermark courier During the Corona pandemic, Ludwig wrote an impressive work about the history of this company, which runs to over 500 pages and is richly illustrated. His book covers the development of organ building in England in detail - from the technical innovations to the connections to famous musicians.
His enthusiasm for the history of organs is obvious. Hannes Ludwig says that there has been no comprehensive work on William Hill, even though he was an important organ builder and purveyor to the royal court. The Hill organs are “vintage cars” that impress with their history and authenticity. William Hill himself, born in 1789 and died in 1870, created, among other things, the large organ for York Minster and instruments for the Town Hall in Birmingham and Westminster Abbey. But many other successful projects from the time of Hannes Ludwig's role models, such as the famous organ in the Town Hall in Sydney, also came from William Hill's son, Thomas Hill.
Insights and international support
In order to complete his work, Ludwig traveled to Great Britain several times, where he was not only able to view old building plans, but also received support from experts in Australia and Great Britain. This international cooperation enriched his research and provided valuable insights into the subject. His book also contains a reprint of the last Hill company catalog from 1913, which is a real treasure trove for lovers of historical organs.
A highlight of the coming months will be the Hill organ in Prenzlauer Marienkirche, which will be heard from 2026. This is a complete success for Ludwig, who is excited about the opportunity to bring this sound art to Prenzlau. The design and inauguration of the organ and the simultaneous publication of his book mark an important point in time at which the art of organ building and personal passion are united.
Not only is there a musical event coming up, but also a documentation about the development of organ building, which is deeply rooted in music history. The connection between the historical background and Ludwig's personal commitment will then be heard and seen by everyone.