Elisabethkirche Marburg

[gpf]

This church was built in period 1235-83 in the lovely old town of Marburg. I've got some super stained glass window shots and details of the interiors. Although everything, sadly, is hand held (thank you Nikon VR!) but there are a couple of shots which I really wanted to share with you.

The first is the 1960's organ. I took lots of photos of this but I rather liked this compostion where it floats on the lights from the entrance.



The next is the rather interesting crucifix produced by an atheist sculpture. Note the "T" rather than the expected cross. When asked by a Privy Councillor how this representation of Christ would harmonise with his the conception of his divine origin Ernst Barlach replied that he had never seen a god! I can't think of too many churches that would be prepared to exhibit such a piece but, then, that's Germany...




C&C, as always, very welcome.

[peterst6906]

That's a very unusual and modern structure and color in the design of the pipes of the organ, especially for a place filled with so much history and tradition.

Not the fist time I've seen something like this, and always in Germany. There must be some pretty progressive leaders in the Catholic Church there.

What I notice when I look at the first shot is the way the portrait orientation makes the pipes look very tall. There is little of the church in the shot and I think the way you chose to frame it, gives the organ a feeling of prominence, even though the rest of the church is hidden from me.

If you'd chosen to frame it the other way and include more of the church in a landscape framing, I think the feeling of importance about the organ would be diminished.

Same for the second photo in terms of the progressive nature of the church in Germany, but you touched on that in your comments as well.

Thanks for posting.

Regards,

Peter

[Paht6]

The churches in Germany are sure very ornate and different then here. I like the bright colors in the first pic.

[gpf]

peterst6906: Thank you for your comments. The sculpture caused lots of debate within the church, according to the book we picked up while we were there. But the organ and the sculpture are the only modern things there. Much of the rest dates back to the 14 and 1500's. I'll try and post some more once I get back to Germany (on assignment this week).

paht06: Thank you for looking. The protestant (evangelisch) churches are white inside and sparse. the Catholic and Orthodox churches can be incredibly ornate. You'll get me on my political soapbox about impoverishing the local community so that the church can be gilded.

[ebears]

It is interesting to see such modern pieces in such old churches. Here in Western Australia I have only seen very orthodox looking organs. This one looks spectacular with the framing.

[Laycey]

I was struck by the shape of the organ, sorta like angel wings. Very modern looking but uplifting too. I also appreciate your narative on the subject.

[ebears]

I like Laceys comment that the pipes look like angel wings - it has prompted me to have another look and I have to agree.

[gpf]

Laycey, ebears: I am pretty sure that the organ pipes have been made to look like the wings of an angel. That is certainly the image you get when inside the church looking at them. I haven't had a chance to read through the book about the church yet (away from home this week) but I'll let you know if I find out what was in the builder's mind.

Thank you both for taking the time to look and to comment.

Graham