Divi Blasii

For other churches dedicated to Blasius of Sebastea, see Saint Blaise (disambiguation).

Exterior view

File:Blasiuskirche MHL Orgelempore Westen.jpg

Organ of the Divi Blasii church in Mühlhausen

Divi Blasii is a church in Mühlhausen, Thuringia. With the Marienkirche, it is one of the two principal churches of the city.

Teutonic Knights founded the church in the Middle Ages. It was named after Saint Blaise, and is also known as St Blasius or St. Blasius's. Since the Reformation it is mostly known as Divi-Blasii (Latin for "of Blaise the Divine") or Blasius Church.

It is a hall church with nave and side aisles of approximately equal height. The Gothic architecture of the church is said to have been an influence on the design of Brooklyn Bridge by John A. Roebling who grew up in Mühlhausen.

Organ

Johann Sebastian Bach was organist of the church in 1707/8. Although he did not stay in the city long, the authorities recognised his musical abilities, and made him the consultant for rebuilding the organ. This involved replacing an old two manual instrument.

Bach's specifications for the new organ have survived: he required three manuals, pedals, and 37 stops. The project was undertaken by the respected local organ builder Johann Friedrich Wender. Wender's previous work included a two manual instrument at the New Church in Arnstadt (today known as the de, with which Bach was familiar as he was employed there before coming to Mühlhausen. The Mühlhausen organ was completed in 1709, by which time Bach had been succeeded as organist by his cousin Johann Friedrich Bach, but there is evidence that Bach returned to the city to inaugurate the instrument.

Wender's organ of 1709 has not survived. However, the present instrument was built according to Bach's specifications. Albert Schweitzer, a leading figure in the Organ reform movement, acted as consultant on the reconstruction, which took place in the 1950s.

Tourist information

The church is currently closed during the winter months.