Bologna boasts an important music heritage, and churches in the area have the largest number of still functioning Renaissance organs in the world.
One of them is known as “Mozart’s organ”, although it was built at least a century before Mozart actually laid his hands on it. It is a rare example of a chamber organ and was built in 1673 by Brescia-born Carlo Traeri, member of a family of organ makers. In 1770, Mozart, who was 14 years old, passed by Bologna to graduate from the prestigious Accademia Filarmonica, which at the time was one of the most important music institutions in Europe. The organ is housed in the Carrati Palace, home to the Accademia Filarmonica, founded in 1666.
The organ took seven years to restore for a cost of 107,000 euros, financed by the Fondazione del Monte.
The public can now admire it on the second floor of the splendid Sala Rossini of the Carrati Palace.
On Saturday, June 21, the public can also hear its sound when music teacher Luigi Ferdinando Tagliavini will illustrate its history and restoration process before playing it. The occasion is part of a city-wide music event, “24 ore suonate”, to celebrate the Giornata della Musica – European Day of Music. Many sites within the city will offer music performances.
