Limitis in the Restoration of Historical Organs

The present case study aimed at understanding musical heritage, examines the problematics involved in the restoration and conservation of pipe organs. Attention is particularly focused on the great number of organs in Sicily and the ensuing problems due to a lack of clear legislation able to protect their authenticity and artistic value. The success of organ activity also in the south of Italy is made evident in the evolution of its form and the progress made in its sound system. However, prompt historical and artistic research is required to assess the size of this heritage and programme its proper recovery. Besides the methodological difficulties involving direct intervention on the organs, there are also problems related to the writing up of the documentation concerning the restoration work carried out. This is due to the fact that there is no uniformity in the compilation of these documents, preventing the issue of correct information regarding the technical characteristics and artistic features of these instruments.