The Metzler Organ

Trinity College’s magnificent mechanical-action Metzler organ is widely regarded as one of the finest instruments of its kind in the world.

The present organ was completed by the Swiss firm Metzler und Söhne in 1976 based on the surviving pipework and within the original cases of a previous Trinity instrument by the legendary 17th century maker “Father” Bernard Smith.

Remarkable for its meticulous craftsmanship and durability, rich but gentle resonance, and exquisite balance, the 42-rank Metzler underpins and adorns regular worship in Chapel, and is a recital and recording instrument of choice for some of today’s leading organists.

History

The first organ used in the present Chapel building was an instrument which had formerly served in the old chapel of King’s Hall. Following the foundation of Trinity from the merger of King’s Hall and Michaelhouse, this instrument was re-installed in Trinity’s new chapel in 1563. The first purpose-built organ, by Hugh Rose, was completed in 1596 and subsequently repaired and augmented with “a new chaire organ” in 1610 by John Yorke. Taken down during the English Civil War, the Trinity organ languished until the Restoration when it was overhauled by Thomas Thamar. At the end of the seventeenth century, “Father” Bernard Smith oversaw the gradual construction of an imposing new instrument whose magnificent carved cases survive today. Over the next two centuries the size, specification, mechanisms and even the physical position of the Trinity organ would fluctuate to meet successive developments in musical fashion and College worship. Commissioned by the College Council in 1972 at the recommendation of Director of Music Richard Marlow, the present Metzler organ remains one of only two instruments in the UK by this esteemed Swiss maker.

> Read a full history of the organ at Trinity College (PDF)

Specification

HAUPTWERK, C-f’’’ RÜCKPOSITIV
1•      Principal 16 13•       Principal 8
2•      Octave 8 14        Gedackt 8
3        Hohlflöte 8 15        Octave 4
4•      Octave 4 16        Rohrflöte 4
5        Spitzflöte 4 17        Octave 2
6•      Quinte 2 2⁄3 18        Gemshorn 2
7•      Superoctave 2 19        Larigot 1 1⁄3
8        Sesquialter III 20        Sesquialter II
9        Cornett IV 21        Scharf III
10      Mixtur IV-V 22        Dulcian 8
11      Trompete 8             Tremulant  
12      Vox Humana 8
SCHWELLWERK PEDAL
23      Viola 8 34•       Principal 16
24      Suavial 8 35        Subbass 16
25      Rohrflöte 8 36        Octavbass 8
26      Principal 4 37        Bourdon 8
27      Gedacktflöte 4 38        Octave 4
28      Nasard 2 2⁄3 39        Mixtur V
29      Doublette 2 40        Posaune 16
30      Terz 1 3⁄5 41        Trompete 8
31      Mixtur IV 42        Trompete 4
32      Fagott 16    
33      Trompete 8 • Father Smith ranks  
          Tremulant   COUPLERS:    R-H    S-H    H-P    R-P    S-P

Further information

> Recordings on the Trinity Metzler

> Organ Scholarships

> Current and former organ scholars

Bach on the Metzler

In 2016, to celebrate the Metzler’s 40th anniversary, Organ Scholar Alexander Hamilton led a recital series of J. S. Bach’s complete organ works. Recorded in full, the series is permanently available via our website.

> Listen to ‘Bach on the Metzler’

The Metzler on YouTube

Performances on Trinity’s renowned organ by our Director of Music, Organ Scholars, and international guest recitalists.

> Explore our YouTube playlist