Saint-Jacques

Saint-Christophe

de la Villette

6, place Bitche, 75019 Paris

This church was built in a neo-classical style in 1841- 1844 by the architect Paul-Eugène Lequeux (1806- 1873). The choir was enlarged in 1930-1933 by the architect Dubos.

E6 The organ was built by Suret around 1860, having two keyboards and pedal (25 stops) Rebuilt by Mutin-Cavaillé-Coll at the very beginning of the 20th century. 1942 Michel-Merklin and Kuhn electrified the transmission of notes and applied the pneumatic system to that of the stops; in addition, the Récit was removed and placed on one side of the Great Organ (to the right when looking at the organ). A Positive keyboard was provided for at the console but was not installed due to lack of credits, as was a Flute 16. 1983 Gonzalez replaced with electric motors. 1998-2002 A restoration and enlargement were carried out by Dargassies: • the two badly damaged windchests of the Récit were replaced by a single new one • a Plein-Jeu and a Voix Humaine were added to the Récit • the Récit (on the right when facing the instrument) is now fitted with two sets of swell shades, controlled separately from the front and the side • the third “Solo” keyboard was installed (on the left when facing the instrument), in place of the Positif planned by Merklin & Kuhn but never built, featuring in particular a striking Tuba Mirabilis 16, 8 and 4 (with horizontal sound projection); it was also given a Grand Cornet, answering the divided Cornet on the Récit, as well as more strongly voiced foundation stops (Flute Majeure) and an 8′ Clarinet with an extension to a 16′ Douçaine • the existing windchests were refurbished and the organ cases fully restored (Grand Orgue and Récit) and newly built (Solo) • the electric transmissions were replaced by a solid-state system • adjustable combinations (512) were added • separate, acoustically isolated blowers were created for the manuals • the wiring was renewed • the Grand Orgue was only slightly altered, apart from revoicing and a rebuilt windchest • because of lack of space and money, the 16′ Bombarde received a digital extension in the Bombarde More information Brochure on the organ