2025.04

In 18th-century notariy records preserved in the Leuven State Archives (RAL), we found – spread over a period of 94 years (1693-1787) – the names of twelve organ-builders who worked in churches and monasteries in Leuven: Joannes-Franciscus Posselius, Christianus Penceler, Jan Wauters, Hendrik Colsoel, Guilliam David, Nicolaus Lefkens, Jean Baptiste Le Picard, Claudius Bernardus Goynaut and Paulus Docquier, Joannes Baptista Bernabé Goynaut, Adrien Rochet, and Guillaume Robustelly. Some of them built new instruments, while others limited themselves to repairs or renovations of existing organs. All these activities were recorded in notarial acts. So far, 125 notaries have been examined, contained in over 2,500 substantial volumes. The research revealed not only unknown organ specifications and interesting facts, including an unrealized organ project for the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-over-de-Dijlekerk in Mechelen, but also the names of the contractors, witnesses, experts, organists, and prices. This article highlights the most important aspects of these agreements. The contracts themselves will be posted in full on the Orgelkunst website. Documents with new information are marked with [N], while [C] refers to published contracts with their old and new inventory numbers.

Paul Barras (1925-2017) was born in Chaumont-Gistoux, went blind as a child, and went on to become an influential Belgian organist, educator, and composer. His musical career was marked by strong roots in Brabant, intensive training at the Royal Institute for the Blind, the Lemmens Institute, and the Antwerp Conservatory, and international recognition, including a first prize in Munich. Barras's artistic path was shaped by a deep connection to the tradition of liturgical music, but was disrupted by the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, after which he stopped serving as organist. However, his commitment continued to exist through friendships, faith, and intellectual development , making him a prominent figure within Belgian musical heritage.