JERUSALEM (AP) — In an extraordinary event, a pipe organ that researchers declare as the oldest in the Christian world was played for the first time in 800 years on Tuesday, filling the halls of a Jerusalem monastery with its rich sound. This historic instrument, which dates back to the 11th century and is composed of original pipes, was played by musician David Catalunya who performed a liturgical chant named Benedicamus Domino Flos Filius. The warm resonance of the music intertwined harmoniously with the distant chimes of church bells. Catalunya highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating, “This organ was buried with the hope that one day it would play again... and the day has arrived, nearly eight centuries later.”
Following its unveiling, the organ will be preserved at the Terra Sancta museum in Jerusalem's Old City, just a short distance from Bethlehem, where it originally played. Researchers theorize that the organ was brought to Bethlehem by the Crusaders in the 11th century but was buried after a century to safeguard it from invading forces. It remained undisturbed until discovered in 1906 during renovations for a new Franciscan hospice near an ancient cemetery.
After extensive excavations revealed 222 bronze pipes and other artifacts, experts, including organ specialist Koos van de Linde, expressed deep emotion at hearing these instruments after centuries of silence: “The hope of the Crusaders who buried them—that the moment would come when they would sound again—was not in vain.” From 2019, a dedicated team began replicating the organ but uncovered some functional original pipes that still resonate beautifully.
With the assistance of organ builder Winold van der Putten, who incorporated both original and replica pipes, the restoration process has been met with excitement. Alvaro Torrente of Madrid's Instituto Complutense De Ciencias Musicales likened the rediscovery to encountering a living dinosaur, showcasing an unexpected revival of history. Researchers aspire to finish restoring the organ and distribute copies globally, ensuring its melodious heritage is shared widely. Catalunya noted, “This is an amazing set of information that allows us to reconstruct the manufacturing process so that we can build pipes exactly as they were made a thousand years ago.”
Following its unveiling, the organ will be preserved at the Terra Sancta museum in Jerusalem's Old City, just a short distance from Bethlehem, where it originally played. Researchers theorize that the organ was brought to Bethlehem by the Crusaders in the 11th century but was buried after a century to safeguard it from invading forces. It remained undisturbed until discovered in 1906 during renovations for a new Franciscan hospice near an ancient cemetery.
After extensive excavations revealed 222 bronze pipes and other artifacts, experts, including organ specialist Koos van de Linde, expressed deep emotion at hearing these instruments after centuries of silence: “The hope of the Crusaders who buried them—that the moment would come when they would sound again—was not in vain.” From 2019, a dedicated team began replicating the organ but uncovered some functional original pipes that still resonate beautifully.
With the assistance of organ builder Winold van der Putten, who incorporated both original and replica pipes, the restoration process has been met with excitement. Alvaro Torrente of Madrid's Instituto Complutense De Ciencias Musicales likened the rediscovery to encountering a living dinosaur, showcasing an unexpected revival of history. Researchers aspire to finish restoring the organ and distribute copies globally, ensuring its melodious heritage is shared widely. Catalunya noted, “This is an amazing set of information that allows us to reconstruct the manufacturing process so that we can build pipes exactly as they were made a thousand years ago.”
