L'ORGUE DE L'ÉGLISE NOTRE-DAME-DE-LA-NATIVITÉ
A grand Baroque instrument that bears witness to more than three centuries of organ music history in Rozay-en-Brie
One of the jewels in France's organ heritage. This grand 17th-century Baroque instrument bears witness to over three centuries of organ music history. The instrument, located a few leagues from Chaumes-en-Brie, home of the Couperin family, is often referred to as the Couperin Organ. This magnificent example of 17th-century French organ building, known the world over but made by an unknown maker, has come down to us in almost its entirety. Having escaped looting during the French Revolution, it was, on several occasions, narrowly saved from total destruction, while plans were afoot to replace it with a more modern instrument. What sets it apart is the almost unique fact that it has undergone only one reassembly and one restoration in over three centuries. It was thus miraculously preserved from dubious refurbishments in order to be brought up to date with the fashion of the 19th century, and even into the middle of the 20th century. Its restoration in 1996 was the work of master organbuilder Yves Cabourdin, who meticulously and passionately restored it to its original splendor. With almost 95% of its action, pipes and casework preserved, the organ is a listed historic monument in its entirety. What's more, it is probably the only French instrument to have its original keyboards in playable condition. Many parts of the Grand Orgue case date from the early 16th century, and one important part even dates from the early 15th century.
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