LAVENA PONTE TRESA (VA) – SS. Crocifisso

Literally within walking distance of the Swiss border, the new 38-stop organ in the church of SS. Crucifisso, Lavena Ponte Tresa (VA),  is nearing completion. Final finishing and fine tuning is under way, and despite the church’s wild acoustics the organ already thrills.

The inaugural concert is scheduled for Friday 17 November at 9pm, to be performed by Maestro Olivier Latry of Notre Dame, Paris.

THE ORGAN

The church of SS. Crocifisso lies literally a few paces from Swiss border on the banks of the Tresa river. It was built in the early 1980s in the form of a rounded shell, unlike the cruciform churches that proliferate Italy.

Like the church itself, the organ space is almost cylindrical and sits high and boldly over the west entrance. From there, five large openings face into the church – effectively five bays separated by tall masonry pillars representing the compass of the cross.

Rather than being treated as an addition, the organ takes full advantage of its position. In five burnished flats, the prospect pipes are fully speaking and belong to the Principale 16′, Principale 8′, Flute 8′ and Bass 8′. And with slider soundboards, the transmission is direct electric with the console at ground level to the left of the altar.

With three manuals of 58 notes and a 30-note pedal organ, the instrument offers both versatility and cohesion in one. The three manual departments offer well-differentiated levels and tonalities, which in turn blend coherently when united.

1st Keyboard – GRANDE ORGANO

Based on a 16’ Principale and three 8’ stops of very individual character, the Grande Organo
provides a complete chorus through to mixtures and reeds.

II° Keyboard – ESPRESSIVO RECITATIVO

Enclosed in an expression-box, the espressivo comprises both gentle, discreet registers and those rich in harmonics. It has a wide dynamic response, being able to quickly move from an almost imperceptible pianissimo to a bold “full swell” complete with reeds. III° Keyboard – SOLO

Here is the light, the strength and the salt of improvisation and experimentation. With very distinct and colourful registers, it’s capable of providing both unique solos and a distinct strength to add to the plenum. In very un-Italian tradition, an 8′ Tuba helps give the entire instrument a personality of its own.

During the design phase, particular consideration was given to the organ’s layout.
By placing all divisions at a single level, we’ve both achieved a tonal balance and optimised the available space .

Meanwhile, the challenging acoustic – no less than 6 seconds of reverberation – has put our voicers’ skills to the test. Our experience in large cathedrals, notably those of Tokyo and Portugal’s Fatima Shrine, has been put to good use.