Blog (19)

This famous image comes from Gerbert's pubblication entitled: De cantu et musica sacra, written in the 18th century. The author copied a drawing from a 13th century manuscript, now lost. It is considered the most important written source regarding the instrument called Organistrum : it…

POLYPHONIC SYMPHONIA The idea of a polyphonic keyboard on wheel instruments derives from my studies about 12th century Organistrum. ( https://www.liuteriaseverini.it/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=42:inquiry-into-a-troubling-problem-of-interpretation-analysis-of-possible-solutions&Itemid=1014 The three strings are tuned to the same pitch (C), eight tangents being distributed among them: two on the first string, three on the…

I got two pieces from the same plank of Fir The first one to be front-carved the usual way. I cut a slice to be used as the sound board at the end. The second one, upside-down, to be back-carved. I cut a slice to…

Symphonia / Organistrum keyboard in Santiago de Compostela cathedral. (Inquiry into a troubling problem of interpretation. Analysis of possible solutions.) FOREWORD In former articles, I wrote both about different aspects of this problem and discussed practical means to build an acceptable replica of the instrument.…

Symphonia / Organistrum della cattedrale di Santiagio de Compostela DIVISIONE E FUNZIONAMENTO DELLA TASTIERA (Indagine su un caso di difficile interpretazione e analisi delle soluzioni possibili.) PREMESSA In precedenti articoli ho presentato diversi aspetti della ricerca su questo problema, nonché soluzioni pratiche per la ricostruzione…

A possible method in medieval stringed instruments making. The reconstruction of a Cetra from XII century sculpture by Benedetto Antelami in Parma Baptistery, Carving the instrument “back to front” in one piece of Fir Refining carefully the soundboard inside and outside, following a curved profile…

El 2 de julio ha sido reabierto el Pórtico de la Gloria a Santiago de Compostela. Este extraordinario documento non para de nos maravillar. Fue evidenciada la POLICROMIA del portal aportando a todo el edificio una nueva luz resplandeciente. Al mismo tiempo, NUEVOS estudios ha…

On 2018, July 12th the famous Gate of Glory in Santiago de Compostela has been re-opened. This extraordinary document of art and thinking still leaves us astonished and admired. The many colours of the original gate have been partially restored, giving a new look,a new…