#poto history

I’ve finally managed to locate an image of the „pipe organ“ lighting system for the stage of the Palais Garnier, which is mentioned in the Leroux novel. It was nicknamed the „pipe organ“ because of the multitude of pipes that transported the gas to the stage lights. With this centralized system, the stage lights could be turned on or off, both gradually and suddenly depending on the requirements of the staging. It was also possible to plunge the entire stage into darkness, or just a part of it.

Erik, resident pipe organ virtuoso, used this control system to switch off the lights so that he could abduct Christine from the stage during the performance of „Faust“. The niche which was reserved for the lighting chief is also mentioned, although not pictured.

The „pipe organ“ is mentioned in Chapter 21.

Image from „Le Nouvel Opéra“ by Charles Nuitter