AES Milan 2018
Technical Tour TT01
Wednesday, May 23, 15:00 — 18:00 (off-site 1)
TT01 - Sforza Castle and the Organ of San Maurizio
The Sforza Castle in the very heart of Milan was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification. Later renovated and enlarged, in the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the largest citadels in Europe. Now it houses several of the city's museums and art collections, including a large collection of musical instruments on which the restored equipment of the RAI Studio di fonologia musicale, established in 1955 in Milan by Luciano Berio and Bruno Maderna, the third European facility for experimental electronic contemporary classical music after the Studio für elektronische Musik des WDR in Cologne and the Groupe de Recherches Musicales in Paris.
Nearby is the church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. This 16th-century royal chapel and one-time Benedictine convent is Milan's hidden crown jewel, every inch of it covered in breathtaking frescoes, most of them executed by Bernardino Luini, who worked with Leonardo da Vinci. San Maurizio hosts the oldest Milanese pipe organ, built in 1554 by Gian Giacomo Antegnati and located in the choir loft above the choir stalls, on the right side. It is contained in a wooden, richly carved case, and decorated by Francesco and Girolamo de’ Medici da Seregno. The present organ is a partial reconstruction made by the famous italian organ builder Famiglia Artigiana Vincenzo Mascioni of the original instrument by Gian Giacomo Antegnati.
The facade pipes are “Antegnati” and belong to the stop “Principale”. About 60% of the internal pipes are “Antegnati” with the exception of the “Voce Umana” and “Flauto in dodicesima” which are not original, dating from the sixteenth and seventeenth century.
Capacity limited to 20 people.
These times reflect the tours, not travel times. Maps and directions will be available when you sign up. No buses will be provided.
Technical Tours are made available on a first come, first served basis to anyone with an All Access badge. Tickets can be purchased during normal registration hours at the convention center.