Church of San Cassiano, Quinto di Treviso (TV) - Organ by G.B. De Lorenzi (1865)

Built in 1865 by the renowned organ builder Giovanni Battista De Lorenzi of Schio (VI), this organ is a masterpiece of 19th-century Venetian organ craft. De Lorenzi, regarded as one of the leading figures of this tradition, created an instrument celebrated for the richness and depth of its sound. Thanks to the exceptional quality of its materials and refined construction, the organ has survived in excellent condition, without later modifications.

In 2006, a careful restoration by organ builder Francesco Zanin of Codroipo (UD) returned the instrument to full functionality while faithfully preserving its original character. One of its most distinctive features is the second “phonochromic” manual, an innovative mechanism developed by De Lorenzi that allows the organist to increase the sound intensity by adding a second pipe in unison with the first. Expression grilles further enrich the tonal palette, enabling delicate and nuanced shading.

The organ is installed on the gallery above the entrance and housed in a Neoclassical wooden case. Its elegant facade features 25 tin pipes of the 8’ Principal stop, beginning on G, arranged in a central peak with lateral wings. The console is of the window type, with mechanical action, two manuals, diatonic keys covered in bone, and chromatic keys in ebony. The upper manual (Grand’Organo) has 58 keys (C1–A5), while the lower manual (Positive “phonochromic”) has 40 keys (A1–C5). The walnut pedalboard comprises 21 pedals with a short first octave; the last four pedals operate the “Third Hand” (manual coupling), the Timbale, and the Bass Extension.

Stops are engaged via sloted levers positioned on columns to the right and left of the manuals, with a free combination “alla lombarda.” Additional features include pedal keys for Trumpets, Sfumatura, Tremolo, and Expression, as well as free combinations for both the Grand’Organo and the Phonochromic Positive, and a Tiratutti. The wind supply is provided by a lantern bellows powered by an electric fan. The organ is tuned in a slightly unequal temperament.