Golden Jubilee: Marc Nagels 50 Years Of Organ Building – Yarno Missiaen, Bart Naessens

Organ builder Marc Nagels (°1952) says of this recording: “The decision to record these three instruments on CD was made in close consultation between the organists and myself; they are part of my later work as an organ builder. Although the instruments were not built entirely by me, I was able to thoroughly reshape their sound according to my own aesthetic vision. Each of the three organs underwent radical modifications. The German organ found a new home in Nieuwerkerken in a beautiful Belgian case. The initially somewhat sharp-sounding pipework was carefully reworked so that it could be made to sing in its new environment and integrated into a balanced sound. The instrument was also supplemented with a few older, valuable registers that were still available.

The rather modest Ruef organ in Stevoort was given sufficient wind to produce a clear and convincing sound without straining. The instrument now fills the space in a warm and balanced way. The majestic three-manual organ in Zonhoven was allowed to retain its versatile character without being reduced to its original, smaller disposition. Nevertheless, considerable changes were necessary. At the same time, the fundamental tone of the lower voices was strengthened, giving the whole a harmonious balance. I hope you enjoy these sounds, brought to life by virtuoso hands. My sincere thanks go to both organists who have lent their talent to this recording.”