Event Year 2012

The most important part of an organ is the pipework. The pipes give the organ its voice and transform it from a machine into a musical instrument. The organ presently contains most, if not all, of its original pipework, making it a very valuable historic musical artifact.

The beautifully ornamented organ case is built in three distinct parts, the upper and middle parts containing most of the organ components, while the lower case houses the bellows. This particular case is very rare due to the significant amount of wood-carving present in its façade, as well as the presence of ‘faux bois’ decoration.

Stoplist:
Principale 8 Ottava 4 XV 2’ XIX XXII Flauto 4’ Tiraripieno Missing Stopkno

STATE OF CONSERVATION
The organ is currently not in playable condition. The reasons for this situation are various. First of all, the organ contains materials of an organic nature which deteriorate with time (aging). Leather is one such component. Another reason is the natural movement of wood over the years, especially in the windchest, which has compromised its performance. There have also been some mild alterations. The original bellows are gone, having been replaced by a ‘modern’ parallel bellows which presently is also not in working order. The pipes show some signs of damage and some heavy-handed handling. However, all in all, the organ is still rather well-conserved because its most important and valuable parts are still present, rather well conserved and restorable (pipes and windchest). Luckily, these parts have not been modified, lost, or compromised by woodworm or other parasites/rodents. Therefore this organ is an ideal candidate for restoration.

CONSIDERATION
The suggested way forward is to return the organ to excellent playing condition, and as close as possible to its original physiognomy. The two wedge bellows, and any other missing parts must be rebuilt according to historic designs. The original organ parts will be carefully studied and restored as necessary to provide long-term reliability. The case is an integral part of such an organ. Therefore it too must be consolidated, repaired and restored alongside the organ. This work is not within the scope of an organ-builder/restorer’s responsibilities, it should be carried out by an established restorer with experience in the area of wood restoration, and possibly with experience in the restoration of similar ‘positivo’ organ cases. While a modern and silent electric blower will be provided, the bellows should still be able to be operated by hand in the original manner.

DESCRIPTION OF WORKS
The organ will be completely dismantled and all parts transferred to our workshop in Zabbar. The case will be transferred to the wood-restorer’s workshop, after which all the organ and case components will be transferred back to the Wignacourt Museum where the organ will be reassembled, voiced and tuned. The following is a list of works which will be carried out:

• Reconstruction of two new wedge bellows,
• Provision of a new and silent electric blower
• Restoration of wind ducts and installation of the new wind system
• Complete restoration, including replacement of all leathering, of the indchest (the slider chest)
• Repair and consolidation of the rackboard
• The keyboard and pedalboard treated against woodworm. The wooden parts will be treated and consolidated as necessary. All cloth dampers replaced.
• Cleaning and repolishing of the key overalls
• Restoration of all pipes
• Reconstruction of any missing pipes (like for example some missing façade pipes)
• Careful voicing/regulation according to the original tonal characteristics
• Tuning in a historically-consistent yet mild temperament