Photographer Visits 20 Catholic Churches to Capture the Grandeur of Pipe Organs

german pipe organs

Fascinated by the pipe organs he grew up surrounded by in Germany, photographer Robert Götzfried‘s new series Pipes captures the grandeur of these musical instruments. To complete the work, he obtained permission to enter 20 Catholic churches in Southern Germany and photograph the behemoths.

The pipe organ can be traced back to Ancient Greece, and by the 9th century had become established at the de facto instrument of church music. Through the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the pipe organ was continually refined and elaborate designs solidify its status not just as an instrument, but a work of art.

Götzfried's images, when viewed collectively, speak to the unique beauty of the church instrument. The variety of shapes and styles is astounding. Framed in isolation, Götzfried's photographs highlight the elegant lines of each pipe organ, focusing on the majesty of the instrument.

Robert Götzfried entered 20 Catholic churches in Southern Germany for his series Pipes. Each pipe organ is framed to highlight its unique shape and structure.

pipe organ

german pipe organs

german pipe organs

church organs

german pipe organs

german pipe organs

german pipe organs

german pipe organs

german pipe organs

church organs

german pipe organs
Robert Götzfried: Website | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [Colossal]

All images via Robert Götzfried.

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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