Five years ago, fires damaged the organs of Notre-Dame and St. John the Divine cathedrals on Palm Sunday. They have since been restored.
The return of pipe organs that had been silent for five years following fires at their cathedrals has been a remarkable moment for both Notre-Dame in Paris and St. John the Divine in Manhattan. The fires that occurred in April 2019 caused significant damage to both cathedrals, leading to the silence of their majestic pipe organs.
The fire at Notre-Dame, which resulted in the collapse of the spire and destruction of two-thirds of the roof, shocked the world on April 15. The fire at St. John the Divine, which occurred a day earlier, was not as severe but still filled the 124-foot-high nave with smoke. The damage caused by the fire at St. John the Divine was less extensive compared to a previous blaze that occurred 18 years earlier.
The pipe organs in both cathedrals were affected by the fires, with soot infiltrating the organ pipes at St. John the Divine. These pipes, some as long as subway cars and others as small as pencils, were silenced by the damage caused by the fires.
Recently, both cathedrals have seen the return of music to their halls as the pipe organs were played once again. The organ at Notre-Dame was featured in the reopening service, which was a poignant moment showcasing the nearly $800 million reconstruction effort. Similarly, the organ at St. John the Divine was played during a Sunday service, marking the revival of music in the cathedral.
The restoration of these iconic pipe organs serves as a symbol of resilience and rebirth for both cathedrals. The return of music to these sacred spaces is a testament to the dedication and hard work of those involved in the restoration efforts. The pipe organs, with their powerful and majestic sound, have once again filled the cathedrals with music, bringing hope and inspiration to all who hear them.
In addition to the restoration of the pipe organs, there have been other significant developments at both cathedrals. Notre-Dame has undergone extensive reconstruction efforts to repair the damage caused by the fire, with a focus on preserving the historic and architectural significance of the cathedral. St. John the Divine has also made progress in repairing the damage from the fire, with a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and preservation of the cathedral for future generations.
The return of the pipe organs at Notre-Dame and St. John the Divine has been a momentous occasion, marking a new chapter in the history of these iconic cathedrals. The music of the pipe organs, with its rich and resonant tones, has once again filled the sacred spaces, bringing joy and solace to all who visit. The restoration of these instruments is a testament to the enduring legacy of these historic cathedrals and the importance of preserving their cultural heritage for future generations.
Source: The NY Times
