Organ Facts
Number of pipes: 600
Height of case: 22 feet
Origin: Italy (Naples region or Tuscany)
Date: ca. 1770, but interior parts (windchest and much of the pipework) are even earlier, probably ca. 1700
Ornamentation: ornately carved, painted and gilded case with unusual St. Andrew crown motif
Listen:
Monteverdi Vespers at inaugural concert
Baroque Pipe Organ on Display in Rochester, on NPR's Day to Day, December 22, 2005
Audio Samples from the CD

ITALIAN BAROQUE ORGAN

In 1980, Gerald Woehl, a renowned German organ builder and instrument restorer, discovered a magnificent Italian Baroque organ in Florence, where it was on the verge of being sold as furniture. Twenty-five years later, the instument has taken its place as the only full-size antique Italian organ in North America. Now owned by the Eastman School of Music, the fully restored and thoroughly documented organ now fills the Gallery's Fountain Court with the sounds of the past.

Fountain Court

As beautiful, authentic sounds fill the Fountain Court, the work of period artists are a feast for the eyes as well. The organ—with its 600 pipes and lavishly carved, painted and gilded 22-foot case—is the centerpiece of a new installation that highlights over 30 major Baroque paintings and sculpture from the Gallery's permanent collection.

The museum's latest acquisition, Luca Giordano's monumental altarpiece The Entombment (1650-1653) is a powerful addition to this unique collaboration between the Eastman School of Music and the Memorial Art Gallery, both divisions of the University of Rochester. The Eastman organ, surrounded by major works of art from the Baroque period, immerses audience members and museum visitors alike in the rich and dramatic visual and musical culture of 17th- and 18th-century Europe.

View artwork on display in the Fountain Court

SUNDAY CONCERTS

Each Sunday students from the Eastman School of Music will give 15-minute mini-recital presentations at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. (free with Gallery admission). This working historic instrument reflects not only the art, architecture and science of Baroque Italy, but the musical and religious culture as well.

On third Sundays, September—May, the organ is featured in ticketed monthly showcase concerts.

For details of upcoming organ recitals and concerts, check the Gallery's online events calendar.

Purchase this CD of performances by Hans Davidsson, David Higgs and William Porter on the organ at the Gallery store for $20. Sample excerpts from the CD

New CD!
Edoardo Bellotti performing works chosen to accompany artwork in the Gallery's Fountain Court. Available for purchsae at the Gallery Store for $22.95. Sample Excerpts from the CD