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In 1993 Christian Lobback built for the Church of the Cross in Hamburg--Ottensen an organ of 32 stops, two manuals, and pedals. The specification reveals a few interesting features.
The Great 16ft Prinzipal is also playable separately on the Pedal by means of a double slide; likewise for the 8ft Rohrflöte and Trompete. This 'economy' in using ranks of pipes has a long tradition, and has been used by the most celebrated of organ builders again and again with a wide variety of methods. Lobback has produced his result by placing the Great sound chest over the Pedal's.
The way in which the Swell box works is also interesting. Lobback has fashioned the mechanical control of the shutters so as to be progressive; as the swell pedal is depressed the shutters first open slowly and then faster and faster, resulting in a very effective crescendo, and vice versa for the diminuendo.
Visitors to the church with a keen ear greatly like the organ for its mild and transparent sound, which is especially suitable for the interpretation of contemporary organ music. Nevertheless, full organ is a powerful sound and even fills a crowded church.
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