History of the Organ
The first organ in the Graz Stefaniensaal was built by the Walcker company in 1885 - Anton Bruckner played this instrument at the Austrian premiere of his 7th Symphony.
The hall was extended in 1908/09, whereupon the Walcker organ (as op. 1433) was also renewed. At that time, it was given the façade that still exists today, into which the current organ was finally installed in 2002 by the Klais organ building company from Bonn.
With its 51 stops, arranged over three manuals and pedal, the Stefaniensaal Organ is one of the largest instruments in Styria.
The organ can be played from the organ case's integrated console with mechanical action or from a mobile, electric stage console.
Audio Samples
ORGAN SOLO
Johann Sebastian Bach,
Prelude and Fugue D major, BWV 532
Gunther Rost at the Klais Organ in the Stefaniensaal Graz
ORGAN & ORCHESTRA
Richard Strauss,
Festive Prelude for Large Orchestra and Organ, op. 61
Gunther Rost, organ
Graz Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Patrick Lange