THE CHAPEL OF ST. MICHAEL ON HOFBERG

THE CHAPEL

 

The Chapel of St. Michael on the Hofberg was solemnly consecrated in July 2018 by Diocesan Bishop Dr. Wilhelm Krautwaschl, in remembrance of the ministry of the Benedictine nuns of St. Gabriel’s Abbey. The focal point in the apse is a stained-glass window (1965) by the artist and abbess Basilia Gürth, OSB, depicting the Archangel Michael in all his radiant splendor. A pipe organ, located on the west gallery, provides music for liturgical celebrations and concerts. The chapel offers seating for forty people, accommodating various occasions.

THE ROSETTE

 

A rose window, designed and crafted by Christian Baumgartner in 2016, is located on the west gallery above the organ. At its center is the sun, radiating across the vibrant colors of the world. As the sun sets, the light projected through the window casts an air of mysterious enchantment throughout the chapel.

 

 

THE WERNER BAUMGARTNER ORGAN

 

This beautifully crafted organ was built by the Werner Baumgartner company (Opus 1, 1971) in Bayreuth. Originally designed as a house organ, the instrument was in private use in Bayreuth from 1971 to 2016. During that time, it was featured in concerts with renowned artists such as Petr Eben (Prague), Jean-François Duchamp (Lyon), Antonio Rendina (Rome), Helmut Plattner (Bayreuth), among others.

 

The organ features a mechanical action with slider chests for both keys and stops. It comprises a main manual (Hauptwerk), an upper manual (Oberwerk), and a pedal division. The instrument has three manuals, with the middle one serving as a coupling manual.

 

THE ORGAN'S STOP LIST (Disposition) 

 

Main Manual         Upper Manual     Pedal Devision

Pommer 8'               Gedackt 8'             Subbass 16'

Principal 4'               Rohrflöte 4'           Gemshorn 8'

Harfpfeife 4'            Oktave 2'                Rohrpfeife 4'

Waldflöte 2'             Terz 1 3/5'              Fagott 8'

Mixtur 1 1/3' 3f       Quinte 1 1/3'

None 8/9'                 Zimbel 1/2' 3f

Rankett 16'              Trompete 8'

Tremulant                Tremulant