Going for Baroque: ASU is Home to Rare Italian Organ
A rare, Italian baroque organ is sure to enhance the sounds of the upcoming 2006-2007 MainStage season. The organ was constructed by Domenico Traeri in 1742, and is on indefinite loan to ASU, having been installed in Organ Hall in May 2006. ASU is one of only four U.S. academic institutions, and the only campus in the southwest region, to house such a rare musical treasure. Other campuses that have baroque organs include The Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, The University of California, Berkeley and Cornell University.
Before its arrival in Tempe, the Traeri organ made quite a fateful journey. The organ not only survived WWII, but was housed in a church that was bombed during the war. In 1950 before the church was razed, the organ was purchased by an Austrian, who kept it safe in his attic for the next 50 years. The Traeri organ was brought to the U.S. in 2004 by one of the foremost American organ builders, who restored it to its original condition. Despite all of the environmental challenges the organ has faced - bombings and a transatlantic journey - the organ survived nearly completely intact. Only one of its 300 pipes has been replaced.
"Martin Pasi brought it to his Seattle workshop," said Kimberly Marshall, associate director of the School of Music and Goldman Professor of Organ. "The organ was built during the high Italian baroque, in the year following Vivaldi's death."
In addition to the history and prestige the organ brings to ASU, the instrument has a distinct and delightful sound.
"Although small, the Traeri organ encompasses a full harmonic spectrum, and its six registers deliver rich sounds of great variety," Marshall said. "The music of Cavazzoni, Gabrieli and Frescobaldi will be recreated in Organ Hall as it can be heard on historical instruments in Italy today."
The instrument will undoubtedly be a treat for all visitors to Organ Hall, but it will also be utilized for special classes and lessons on Italian baroque music. According to Marshall, its incorporation into the organ program is already helping to attract a higher level of applicant to the School of Music, which gives the school an advantage when competing with other institutions.
The Traeri organ will be incorporated into several performances of the upcoming MainStage Organ series and will complement the existing Fritts organ.
Marshall notes that one of the most recognizable differences between the Fritts and the Traeri organs is that the German-made Fritts is more intellectual and organized in orientation; the Traeri delivers a sound that is really reflective of singing voices.
The March 11, 2007 MainStage performance will be the official dedication of the instrument and will include the highest concentration of the Italian organ.
"The performance will deliver a thorough explanation of the Traeri organ," Marshall said. "The organ is undoubtedly an invaluable addition to our music program."
For a complete MainStage Organ series schedule, visit: http://mainstage.asu.edu.
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