The Organs of Mexico City Cathedral - Smithsonian Institution ...

Preface
Restoration has always been a prime concern of the organ builder D.A,
Flentrop, and the restoration of the two great organs of Mexico City Cathedral
represents the crowning accomplishment of his career as Directeur of the
Flentrop Orgelbouw. But for his dedicated efforts, based on long experience
with early instruments in both northern European and Iberian styles, these
monumental organs might well have been drastically altered or lost forever.
After decades of neglect, both organs were so damaged by fire in 1967 that
their survival was problematic.
Dr. Flentrop's description of the state of the organs in 1975, what is known
of their early history, and the work done to restore them, was originally
published in the Festschrift honoring the Dutch historian, Dr. Maarten Vente,
on his sixty-fifth birthday. Flentrop's tribute to Dr. Vente is therefore
included in this English edition (see page v). This translation was made from
Dr. Flentrop's manuscript; it corresponds to the published Dutch version,
with occasional editorial changes. The notes have been gathered into a
separate section; the translator's additions and annotations are in the form
of initialed (J.F.) notes. Photos not otherwise credited were taken by D.A.
Flentrop.
Publication by the Smithsonian Press was made possible with the kind
permission of the Dutch publisher, Frits Knuf of Amsterdam, and Dr.
Flentrop, who also reviewed the translation. The enormity of the restoration
problems in Mexico City Cathedral and the meticulous care with which they
were solved constitute a special tribute to Dr. Flentrop. His description of
the work will both instruct and encourage lovers of the organ and its music.
John T. Fesperman, Curator
Division of Musical Instruments
Smithsonian Institution
July, 1980
IV