#churchorgan #diamantina #minasgerais
"Made in Europe, the Organ installed in the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo in Diamantina is the only one entirely built in Brazil between the years 1782 and 1787.
Father Manuel de Almeida e Silva and José Joaquim Emérico Lobo de Mesquita were responsible for this construction. This important composer was the first organist appointed to play the instrument, composing and interpreting a large part of his work.
The Organ was named in honor of these two historical characters, being called and recognized as Almeida e Silva / Lobo de Mesquita Historical Organ. Other personalities from Diamantina, such as Chica da Silva, João Fernandes de Oliveira and Padre Rolim, also contributed to its construction by donating resources.
One of the distinguishing features of the Almeida e Silva / Lobo de Mesquita Historical Organ is that it was made in Minas Gerais, its box is made of national cedar and its position is in the center of the Church's choir, as the organs were generally positioned close to the walls." . https://minhasgerais.com.br/diamantina-e-regiao/concertodoorgao/
"The Almeida e Silva / Lobo de Mesquita organ was built between 1782 and 1787 in the Church of the Venerable Third Order of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, by Father Manuel de Almeida e Silva. Historical evidence indicates that its construction was guided by the important composer José Joaquim Emerico Lobo de Mesquita, the first organist appointed to play the instrument. In it, the musician composed and performed a large part of his work. The organ is today named in honor of these two historical figures. Other personalities, such as Chica da Silva and Padre Rolim, also contributed to its construction by donating resources.
Unlike other Brazilian church organs built at the time, made in Europe, this one stands out for having been entirely made in Brazil, with the box and wooden tubes made from national cedar, which protected them from insects typical of the tropics that used to attack European woods. The positioning in the center of the choir is another characteristic that differentiates it, since in general the organs were positioned close to the walls. From the 1950s until the end of its restoration, the organ was silent." - https://www.bndes.gov.br/wps/portal/site/home/onde-atuamos/cultura-e-economia-criativa/patrimonio-cultural-brasileiro/projetos-apoiados/orgao-hist-almeida-silva-lobo-mesquita/orgao-hist-almeida-silva-lobo-mesquita
