Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Cárquere
Porta principal / Main door
Vista do público / View from the audience
Exterior do Mosteiro / Outside the Monastery
Porta principal / Main door
The church is of Manueline design and the main-chapel has a late thirteenth century Gothic style. The church contains remarkable effigies, such as a fourteenth century sculpture of Our Lady, the White, in Ançã stone and an ivory sculpture of Our Lady of Cárquere.
According to an ancient legend, the origin of the settlement is linked to the church which the Count D. Henrique ordered to be built in 1099 in memory of a miracle as a result of which D. Afonso Henriques (the first king of Portugal) had been cured of a congenital illness.
The Space
This space is a real treasure trove to discover, full of nooks, crannies and mystery. Despite some cracks in the doors, the building is well kempt and free of dampness. Its unusual internal organisation can inspire new ideas for using the space.
The lighting makes no noise, but it is dim for a space with these characteristics. There are enough electrical outlets throughout the space.
Given the size, we had to move the benches to make space.
Strong points
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There is access for loading and unloading.
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Noiseless lighting.
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Well kept.
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Various spots for storage and dressing room.
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Various pieces of furniture available for use.
Weak points
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Poor lighting, but just barely enough.
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WC outside.
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Small presbytery occupied by a digital organ.
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Doors with many cracks.
Score from 0 to 10
6
The Sound
The recordings were all made using the same methodology, keeping the same distances between performers and using the same recording technique (AB Omni 40cm spacing)
A balanced space with a shorter reverb time than it may appear. Its materials are granite and wood on the floor. The ceiling is wooden too. The sonority of the space blends well with the instruments and has no very late reflections. Sound decay is balanced.
The space is quite versatile, with an ample high choir and several rooms adjacent to the nave that can be used creatively.
Strong points
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Space with an unusual configuration which inspires and beckons to be explored.
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Space with a balanced response.
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Good spaces for control room.
Weak points
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Small reverb time.
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Insuficient sound insulation but very quiet surroundings.
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Benches had to be moved to accommodate musicians.
Score from 0 to 10
4
The Surroundings
Space in located in a small settlement. There are few houses nearby and the main services are accessible only by car. The access (road) from Resende is quite demanding as it is very steep. Nevertheless, the space is in a very pleasant setting with a garden and extensive view over the Douro valley.
The caretaker and the local community welcomed us very well and allowed us the conditions we needed to create.
Strong points
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Quiet surroundings with an inspiring view.
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Very good turnout at the concert.
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Very nice local community.
Weak points
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Somewhat isolated with very little services nearby.
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Restaurants and coffee shops 5 Km away.
Score from 0 to 10
6
Important Information and Documents
Complete Documents
The Space
The Sound
The Surroundings
Contacts
For more information about this space or the project:
E-mail: projectocardo@gmail.com
Telf.: +351 912 332 530
Parceiros:
