The sound expansion on the historical organ and performance practices of contemporary music

The aim of this research is to perform contemporary repertoire on a historical instrument, the 18th century Portuguese organ. We will consider repertoire that implies a sound expansion using innovative performance practices, such as the manipulation of air that goes beyond the usual sonic limits. Contemporary performance practices such as those found in the organ works of György Ligeti will be investigated and adapted for this historical instrument. It should be emphasised that these practices were not originally conceived for this instrument. The Portuguese organ, which is totally mechanical, favours direct interaction with the instrument and it will be proven that this factor is decisive for sound expansion. This research will prove that you don’t need a modern organ to play contemporary music. The aim is to contribute to the innovation of methodologies for contemporary performance practices on the Portuguese organ, increasing cultural and heritage interest and the study repertoire on the instrument.