The
alternating turrets and flat fronts following an undulating scheme
confer a powerful and at the same time harmonious elegance so characteristic
of the French classical style . No flat surface has been included
in the whole front. The curves lighten the vertical lines of the pipes.
All the figures (atlantes and angels) decorating the showcase suggest
some
gracious vitality and exuberance which are so typical of the French
baroque style matching harmoniously the sound effect.One can notice
the slight overbalance between the positive case and the full showcase
due to a collapse of the gallery.
A
minute scrutiny
will show with fun that one of
the angels who is supposed
to play the flute, is actually holding a broom-stick
in his hands !
In short a Saraband illustrating Psalm 150.
The
K J Riepp organ (1754) of the collegiate
church at Dole
Portrait
of K J Riepp by Andréas Brügger
(Salem
1774)
The
organ in Dole is characterized by a subtle mixture of
several aesthetic conceptions.
It is basically a classical instrument built by K J
Riepp between 1750 and 1754 : the reed-stops of the
full organ and swell organ date from that period as
well as those installed by François Callinet
in 1787.
It is also a romantic instrument with the stops added
in 1830 and 1854 by Joseph and Xavier Stiehr (pedal,
echo and swell organ).
They managed not to to alter the original aesthetics.
This aesthetical achievement between the 18th and 19th
centuries was mainly due to Ignace Müller who performed
at the console in Dole from 1825 to 1878 and recommended
the Stiehr brothers.
Finally the local organ builder Philippe Hartmann saved
the instrument from a real disaster in 1959 and restored
the 18th century stops in their original frame.The
organ chest is the work of the well-known local cabinet
maker Cl. Attiret, and the impressive wood sculptures
were carved by Michel Devosge.
Karl
Joseph Riepp was born in Ottobeuren on January 14th 1710
one year before his brother Rupert.
The family was originated from Tyrol and settled in Souabe.
The Riepp brothers were consequently highly influenced
by the spirit of the Counter Reformation and Neo - classical
style which pervaded the numerous and influential Benedictine
and Cistercian abbeys of the area.
Music was an essential element of the artistic life of
that time in particular at Ottobeuren abbey.
When their father died, Karl Joseph and Rupert left Ottobeuren
for Strasbourg in order to learn and work with André
Silbermann before settling in Burgundy.
On April 18th 1741 K J Riepp married a well-endowed young
woman, Anne Françoise Eve from Jouhe (near Dole).
They settled in Dole until 1742 before going for good
to Dijon.
In 1748 K J Riepp was admitted in the corporation of wine
merchants in Dijon : he then dedicated himself to commercial
activities on account of Citeaux, Salem and Ottobeuren
abbeys.
K J Riepp died in Dijon on May 5th 1775, leaving an important
wine estate to his wife and ... some financial worries.
His
work as an "orgelbauer" remains immense, unique,
much in harmony with André Silbermann's aesthetics.
This
venerable instrument after being silent for nearly 3 years needed
for the restoration of the collegiate church now sounds
again for the greatest pleasure of organ music lovers thanks to
J. Beraza and E. Baillot (May 31 & June 1, 2009)..
The
organ being potected during the restoration work.
Like
a chrysalis tearing its shell
the
Riepp organ reappears behind its protecting veils.
(May
23, 2009).
The Riepp Trinity organ at Ottobeuren
abbey (1766).
K J Riepp and his family (Ottobeuren museum)
We
commemorate this year (2010) the 300th anniversary of
K J RIEPP's birth.
Pipes
of the full organ at Dole
The
cabinet and show-pipes
of the organ of the Dijon cathedral.
What
actually has been left of Riepp's aesthetics.
