Organ

An organ was already mentioned in 1475. It was replaced in 1479/80 by the first known organ with two manuals (keyboards) in Zürich. It was specified in the contract by abbess Anna von Hewen (1408–1484) with organ builder Konrad Sittinger from the benediktine abbey St. Blasien in the Black Forest (Germany) that the organ was to outperform the one in Grossmünster («grosser und vollkomner dann das so zuo der probstye Zürich ist»). 

Where the organ was placed and its appearance are unknown. It was removed in 1527. For Fraumünster's 1000 years anniversary in 1853, it received as the first reformed church of Zürich an organ to be placed on the western gallery. The design of the casing was drawn up by architect Ferdinand Stadler (1813–1870). It was again replaced in 1953 for the 1100 year anniversary by the current organ by Orgelbau Genf AG (4 manuals, 79 registers, casing designed by architect Robert Fässler). 

Since 1999, it is possible to electrically link choir organ together with the large organ. The organ manufacturer Stengele in Horgen was retained. The impressive new capabilities (e.g. stereo effect, echo, solo/tutti) are showcased during church services and concerts.

Quelle: Das Fraumünster in Zürich. Gesellschaft für Schweizerische Kunstgeschichte GSK, Bern 2018.

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