Donat organ in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brandis

A handwritten entry in the manual windchest from 1803 proves that the organ was built in 1705 by Christoph Donat. Christop Donat (1625 - 1706) is the founder of a Saxon-Thuringian family of organ builders. He received Leipzig citizenship in 1662. Together with his son Christoph (1659 - 1713), he built the Brandis organ. Johann Jacob Donat (1663 - 1732), son of Christoph Donat the Elder, Italianized the name Donat to "Donati". Until 1824 this name is documented in the tradition of the company founder  The Brandis organ with its case still poses some puzzles. The pedal division, which now stands behind the organ originally stood on the left and right front flush with the case.

The restoration of the Donat organ began in 2024 with the removal of the wind supply and the keyboards. Master organ builder Georg Wünning was entrusted with the work. Thanks to funding from the federal and state governments as well as numerous donations, it was possible to start work. The organ was ceremonially rededicated on 4 May 2025.

The following work was carried out:

• Reconstruction of the organ case including the historic carvings
• Restoration of the pedal pipes that were removed during World War 1. The restoration of the existing façade
• New keyboards based on preserved Donat organs
• Reconstruction of four stops
• Reconditioning of the bellows
• Carpentry work on the gallery floor
• Cleaning, voicing and tuning of all pipes

Disposition
 
The current disposition is the result of numerous redispositions.
About 50% of Donat's pipework is still preserved.
 
Manual range C,D - c'''                                                                   Pedal range C,D - c'
 
1. Manual                                            2. Manual                               Pedal
 
 1. Grobgedackt 8'                            9. Gedackt 8'                        14. Subbass 16'
 2. Quintadena 8'                             10. Octave 4'                         15. Octava 8'
 3. Principal 4'                                     11. Gedacktquinte 3'            16. Trombone bass 16'
 4. Reed flute 4'                                  12. Flute 2'
 5. Octave 2'                                      13. Cornett 3fach                    Pedalkoppel
 6. Fifth 1 1/2'                                                                                      Manual coupler                 
 7. Sequialtera 2-fold                                    
 8. Mixture 4-fold                               Tuning pitch g sharp' 448 Hz