I don't know about that. I just know they used pumice in the aggregate of the upper part to reduce weight.

Longshadow, thank you very much!

NMGal, the sound in the space was very fine. Nice smooth reverb.

SnappyHappy, thank you very much! I'd be interested in seeing yours.

Thank you very much. I don't think I've seen you before--thanks for coming.

A very fine set. Loved the Alpenhorn, too.

All very nice, but #1 is THE ONE!

All very nice! Some wonderful scenery in that part of the country.

What a lovely little church! (They still have their Christmas wreaths up?)

Germany in 2006 – Steinfeld Abbey

In 2006, I exchanged a week of my TimeShare for a week at a resort near Schleiden, Germany (not far from Bonn). The purpose was to visit the Orgelbau Klais Bonn to see the progress being made for the pipe organ for my church in Richardson, Texas (suburb of Dallas). During my week there I also visited a number of other venues, including the Steinfeld Abbey located in Kall, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The Abbey was originally a Premonstratensian monastery and now is a Salvatorian convent, and has an imposing Basilica, which was built between 1142 and 1150, and includes features from a number of periods and styles, from the original Romanesque style through Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque up to modern stainless steel elements. It has 8 bays and 6 chapels, and the tomb of Herman of Steinfeld, a local saint. A prominent feature of the Basilica is the König-Orgel (“King Organ”), originally built around 1600 and upgraded and restored several times. I was privileged to attend an organ concert using this instrument.

Exterior views

DSC_0182.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr


DSC_0185.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr

Interior views

DSC_0186.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr (view toward Altar)


DSC_0187.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr (the Main Altar)


DSC_0189.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr (the Choir)


DSC_0188.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr (small portative organ)


DSC_0192.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr (the King Organ)


DSC_0201.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr (the Pulpit)


DSC_0202.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr (the ceiling)


DSC_0196.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr (the structure)


DSC_0190.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr (three statues)


DSC_0194.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr (a stained glass window)


DSC_0195.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr (another stained glass window)

I was shocked! Luck of the draw, I guess.

Yep. The Romans even used it as part of the concrete in the upper portion of the Pantheon dome.

Nice shot. Never been there.

Sad to hear about this. I've fallen ON my camera twice--fortunately, Nikon builds very robust gear.

I got a couple of pictures of Cumil in 2014 on a visit to Bratislava with a secular chorus. One of my photos is almost identical to the one posted by bob4pix.

Very nice! Is The Guardian a statue?

What fabulous flower photos! (How's that for alliteration?)