Reg.Nr. HA-2012/PT/14

The Six Historical Organs of the Basilica of Mafra

The six Mafra's organs restoration project aimed to give back to the public one of the most important 19th century set, unheard for about 200 years. The works started in 2003 ans lasted for about seven years. All the restoration process was followed, since the beginning, by an ...
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Project details

Title:The Six Historical Organs of the Basilica of Mafra
Entr. year: 2012
Result:Award
Country: Portugal
Town: Mafra
Category type: works of art and collections
Notes:Typology: Restoration of musical instruments
Building type/ Project type: See notes
Built: 19th century
Architect / Proj.leader: Palácio Nacional de Mafra
The Jury's citation: "The Jury was impressed by the restoration of this unique ensemble of majestic organs entrusted to organ builder Dinarte Machado, closely followed by a scientific committee. This project has resulted not only in the restoration of the organs but also in the provision of an example for future generations of the perfect integration of moveable items into immovable architecture. It gives a real sense of coherence, enriched in this case by the harmony between the material and non-material aspects of heritage."
GPS:38°56'14,3" N; 9°19'39,4" W
Web, Links:

www.palaciomafra.pt/

Description:
The six Mafra's organs restoration project aimed to give back to the public one of the most important 19th century set, unheard for about 200 years. The works started in 2003 ans lasted for about seven years. All the restoration process was followed, since the beginning, by an International Scientific Committee of organ experts to guarantee the rigor, quality and irreversibility of all the interventions. The project was entrusted to the organ maker Dinarte Machado, given his wide experience on the restoration of Portuguese historical organs, particularly the ones from António Xavier Machado e Cerveira and Joaquim António Peres Fontanes. Each stage of the work was the object of an historical and technical study, wide specialized discussions about the specific options concerning each instrument and was fully documented for the future. In May 2010, the restored six organs were heard again allowing the public to rediscover the rich tradition of Portuguese organ music of the Baroque and Post-Baroque eras.