The function of the church organ from today’s perspective

Since the church service is a living celebration and not merely an educational event, music and singing hold an important and essential role.

The organ has three main functions:

1. Supporting the congregational singing,

2. Leading into singing,

3. Inspiring meditation through independent playing, whether choral-based or free improvisation.

This applies to all church services but is particularly emphasized in organ masses, where at suitable moments in the ceremony, singing is either introduced with original organ compositions (e.g., entrance, hymn of thanks) or replaced (e.g., offertory, communion). Such organ masses are regularly held in the Votivkirche.

Cultural Function:

Beyond its liturgical role, the organ serves as a guardian of the vast repertoire of organ music, composed over centuries and continuously evolving.

Here, the Walcker organ plays a key role, as it was built for a specific era (German High Romanticism) and remains one of the few large church organs preserved in its original state. It allows organ compositions from that time to be experienced in their authentic sound.

To honor this cultural legacy, the Votivkirche hosts concerts featuring distinguished musicians from both national and international stages.