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The Basilica of El Escorial
Madrid - Spain The 4 organs at the Basilica of El Escorial. The two large instruments are situated on each side of the transept crossing. (3 manuals, complete pedal and 42 singing stops). The gigantic frescoes above both organs were painted by Luca Giordano in the 16th century. The two smaller instruments are located at the choir on each side of the main console. |
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Historical data.
The 26th of February 1578 King Felipe II had commissioned master organbuilder Gilles Brebos from Netherland, to build four organs for the Gran Basilica of El Escorial during the coming six years. Organbuilder Gilles Brebos died during the period of construction, but his three sons finished the work and the four instruments were played the first time during the benediction of the Basilica in 1584. During the 17th and 18th centuries several restaurations of all organs have been taken place. In the mid 1960s the four instruments have been completely restored by "OESA" from Madrid. Since then the four organs can be played together from one main console. |