San Antonino el Alto

Region: Sierra Sur Zapoteca
Church construction date:
18th century
Organ construction date: 1800-1820; rebuilt and sold to San Antonino in 1864 (original church unknown)
Organ builder: unknown
Last played: unknown
Organ classification: 8´ stationary organ
Tonal base: 8´ principal
Pitch: unknown
Case measurements: height 3.32 m, width upper and lower case 1.42 m, width lower case with hips 2.05 m, depth 0.84 m
Keyboard: missing; it had 45 notes C-c''' with a short octave, registers divided c'/c#'
Bellows: two wedge bellows and their frame reconstructed by the IOHIO in 2022
Similar organs: Mixtepec, Lachiguiri, Yautepec

The organ of San Antonino el Alto has three flat towers and neo-classical lambrequin carvings on the lower case, similar to the other organs located in the region of the Sierra Sur, Asunción Mixtepec and San Barolo Yautepec. Its baroque-style cornice indicates an early 18th-century construction, and the hips hang on the sides of an otherwise rectangular case. An inscription in fine lettering on the right side, “San Antonino el Alto…1864.” Indicates that the organ originated in another community, either bought from another church or through an organ builder who bought and resold organs. It was modified before or after it was transferred to create a deeper sound. An extension was built on the back of the case to accommodate an 8´ stopped flute (bardón) register added to the chest. Perhaps the full clarín rank was added at the same time. The modest appearance of this organ disguises a surprisingly rich sound.

SPECIFICATIONS

Left hand: 21 notes C-c’ with a short octave
1. Clarín (bajoncillo) 4´
2. Flautado mayor 8´
3. Octava 4´
4. Bardón 8´ (replaced 12° or 15°)
5. Docena 2 2/3´ or Quincena 2´

Right hand: 24 notes c#'-c'''
1. Clarín 8´
2. Flautado mayor 8´
3. Octava 4´
4. Bardón 8´ (replaced 12° or 15°)
5. Docena 2 2/3´ or Quincena 2´