Organ history and description

The Baroque style tubular pipe organ that is housed in the choir loft of Santa Maria de la Asuncion in Tlacolula is believed to be one of the oldest of its kind in Oaxaca and possibly throughout Mexico. The size of the organ is 4.40 meters which also makes it one of the largest organs in Oaxaca. The cedar constructed housing was built by Manuel Neri Carmona in 1791. The pipes are much older and are believed to have been built 1n 1666. The organ contains wooden and tin pipes. The tin pipes are unique in that they each display a distinctive figurehead. All of the painted figureheads are different with more of an anthropomorphic style with less grotesque faces which are found on other organs. Three hand operated bellows provide the air for the organ. The keypad consists of forty five wooden keys that are covered with bone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restoration

Restoring these organs is tricky. The goal is to maintain the original integrity as much as possible while replacing or repairing. This project does not include any mechanical repair. This will be done in the next phase of the project. In 2000 the Institute of Historical Organs of Oaxaca A.C. began to promote the restoration of the organ under the direction of Cecilia Winter. The actual restoration itself is led by Eric Gonzalez Castellanos.  The objective of the restoration is to stabilize the deterioration of the organ and return it as close to its original construction as possible. Deteriorated wood was replaced to restore the organ structurally. The cedar housing was then fumigated to prevent infestation by insects. Loose paint was carefully removed by light sanding, solvents, brushes, and small instruments.