31 July 2026 LORETO (AN) - Pontifical Shrine

CHORAL ENSEMBLE UPDATE

Following the work carried out on the Mascioni organ above the portal of the Basilica of Loreto, which involved a general overhaul, work continued with the overhaul and acoustic upgrading of the choir organ located in the right-hand aisle near the main console.

In addition to the usual restoration work, changes have been made to the instrument’s voicing in order to make it better suited to accompanying the numerous choral pieces performed during liturgical services.

 The organ’s voicing reflected the classic layout of the Italian “Positivo”, with its full pyramid of Ripieno extending up to the two high-pitched ranks of XXVI and XXIX. 

The need for a greater variety of timbres in the bass section led to a significant modification, with the adoption of a 16′ foundation that “rests” on the existing Subbasso pipes, followed by new pipes on the windchest to replace the soprano Voce Umana. An 8′ Salicionale from C1 replaces the top two rows of the ripieno, whilst a 1.3/5′ soprano Terza has also been added to complete a cornetto. The combination of the Salicionale and the Flauto in XII is particularly effective in creating the sound of an oboe.

As well as its own mechanical keyboard and pedalboard, the organ can also be played via the two electrically-transmitted consoles – one with three keyboards and the other with two keyboards – located at the floor level in the Basilica.

Next year, it will be the turn of the organ situated at the top of the Holy House.