Restoration of the historic Hofmann Organ of 1788, I/10

This organ restoration is a honourable challenge, because it is an organ monument of its times. It is a work of the Upper Franconia organ builder Johann Andreas Hofmann from Neustadt near Coburg, which was built in the year of 1788. The Mönchröden organ is one of the most distinguished testimonials of the art of organ building from this times. The members of the Hofmann organ builders family worked in three generations from 1782 to 1867 in "Neustadt an der Heide" (historic name). They have built a remarable number of outstanding organs, of which 44 instruments still praise and benedict God. Speciallists speak of a "Nachblüte des barocken Orgelbaus" (late heyday of baroque organ building) in the area of Coburg, because the organ builders Hofmann had sole rule of organ building there.

In literature the importance of this family is described as follows: "Their instruments are not only unmistakeable but also above average in craftsmanship and sound. Therefore this company had leadership in organ building by the Franconia Hofmann organ builders although they were nearly unknown until the middle of the 20th century. So these organ builders were besides the famous organ builder Heidenreich from Hof of course the most important master organ builders of these times in Franconia. In their way of designing organs they went own ways and have enriched the organ landscape.“

Specifications:

MANUAL, C - d’’’