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PhrasesVisiting a ChurchC'è un concerto d'organo in questa chiesa?
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C'è un concerto d'organo in questa chiesa?

Is there an organ concert in this church?

Pronunciation

cheh oon kon-CHEHR-toh DOR-gah-noh een KWES-tah KYE-zah.

When to use it

When you notice a historic pipe organ and want to know if concerts are held. Italian churches often host organ concerts, especially on Sundays and during festivals.

What it means

Un concerto d'organo is an organ concert. In questa chiesa means in this church. Italy has a magnificent tradition of church organ music dating to the Renaissance. Italian pipe organs (organi a canne) are among the finest in the world.

Variations

Quando si usa l'organo?

When is the organ used?

Asking about regular use during services.

L'organo è originale?

Is the organ original?

Historic Italian organs can date to the seventeenth century.

C'è un programma di concerti sacri?

Is there a programme of sacred concerts?

Asking about a series of concerts.

Mini Dialogue

— C'è un concerto d'organo in questa chiesa? — Sì, ogni domenica alle diciotto, dopo i vespri. — È gratuito? — Libera offerta all'uscita. — Quanto dura di solito? — Circa quarantacinque minuti. L'organo è del Settecento.

— Is there an organ concert in this church? — Yes, every Sunday at six, after vespers. — Is it free? — Free offering at the exit. — How long does it usually last? — About forty-five minutes. The organ is from the eighteenth century.

Cultural Note

The Cathedral of Siena has one of Italy's oldest organs (1473). Venice's Basilica of San Marco has two famous facing organs played together at important liturgical moments. The tradition of sacred organ music in Italian churches is living heritage — many churches have organ academies training the next generation of church musicians.