TRONDHEIM
The Jensen-organ in Ilen church
Ilen church is situated west of central Trondheim in Ila, between the Nidar river and Trondheim fjord. The building was designed by architect Eugene Sissenére in simplified neo-gothic style and is built of stone with a wooden ceiling. Both the interior and exterior show singular purity of form. It was consecrated on 7 June 1889 and the organ by Claus Jensen was finished early in the summer the same year. Jensen migrated to Trondheim in around 1837 and built a significant number of instruments in Trøndelag as well as several important instruments in Oslo, Bergen and Tromsø. Many of his instruments remain in playable condition without any form of restoration. This instrument is the largest Jensen organ in original condition. Jensen is widely recognised as the most significant organ builder Norway has known.
This instrument’s tonal ideal contains elements of the symphonic organ of romantic period. The pipe-work is housed within a single, free-standing organ case without an enclosed division. Each division (hovedverk, oververk and pedal) has its own windchest. Within the organ case, the hovedverk is located in front, directly behind the facade. The oververk is behind the hovedverk, and the pedal division is located against the back wall of the organ case. The organ utilises mechanical key and stop action and slider chests. A single space-saving wedge bellows was installed in the late 1970s which, while providing very flexible winding, does not reflect the intentions of Jensen. Plans are being made to reconstruct the original bellows which will be installed in the tower behind the organ. A careful process of conservation is underway, informed by a documentation report which is in progress.
Specifications:
Manual I (C - f''')
Bordun 16
Principal 8
Rörflöite 8
Octav 4
Flöite 4
Octav 2
Cornet 2 fag
Trompet 8
Manual II (C - f''')
Principal 8
Gedakt 8
Gamba 8
Octav 4
Spidsflöite 4
Clarinet 8
Pedal (C - d')
Subbas 16
Gedakt 8
Octav 4
Basun 16
Couplers (hitch-down pedals)
Pedalkoppel (I-P)
Octavkoppel (Sub I)
Manualkoppel (II-I)
Single-acting combination pedals
Forte (draws HV Octav 4 and 2, Cornet 2 fag and Trompet 8) Piano (cancels HV Octav 4 and 2, Cornet 2 fag and Trompet 8)
Miscellaneous
Hovedverk ventil
Oververk ventil
Pedal ventil
Calcant vekker (Bell to advise the bellows-pumper to start work)
