Orgelbau Eisenbarth

What is a pipe organ doing in a firm? This might seem like a strange question, but you’re standing in front of Orgelbau Eisenbarth, a renowned organ-building firm in Passau. Established in 1945 by Ludwig Eisenbarth, this company has a fascinating history intertwined with the city’s rich musical heritage. Orgelbau Eisenbarth is not just any organ builder; they are the creators of the majestic organ found in Passau’s St. Stephan’s Cathedral, the largest organ in Europe. The company was originally headquartered in the Grubweg district. Interestingly, while they initially embraced modern technology, using electric and pneumatic systems in their organs, they later transitioned to traditional mechanical slider chests under the leadership of Wolfgang Eisenbarth, Ludwig’s son. Wolfgang strove to blend Italian and French Romantic sounds, even patenting a unique multi-valve control system. This dedication to craftsmanship led them to establish their own pipe-making workshop in 2001. Today, Orgelbau Eisenbarth continues to build and restore organs, preserving the legacy of organ music for generations to come. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and innovation in the heart of Passau.