Mosteiro do Salvador de Freixo de Baixo
Vista exterior frontal / Front view
Vista do público / View from the audience
Vista do exterior lateral / Side view
Vista exterior frontal / Front view
The Monastery of Freixo de Baixo is, despite having undergone many transformations, an excellent example of 13th century Romanesque architecture. Of particular note in its original structure is the main portal of remarkable technical quality. We should also highlight the imposing tower that stands on the south side of the churchyard. The space of the latter corresponds to what was once the original galilee, of which sections of the foundations can still be seen.
The Space
This is a space with a special charm. Situated in a very quiet valley, it beckons artistic creation.
Parking for loading and unloading is easy, despite there being a few steps on the side of the nave door.
It was recently renovated, has good lighting (warm colour) and is noiseless.
The presbytery has steps and the altar is fixed.
It has other spaces that could be used for storage and logistics in an adjoining building.
Benches for 100/120 people.
Poor sound insulation but very quiet surroundings.
Strong points
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Recently refurbished.
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Easy access.
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Ample parking space.
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Several storage spaces in adjoining building
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Good natural light and no noise.
Weak points
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Some cracks in the doors.
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Church bell rings every 30 min (caretaker was somewhat reluctant to turn it off).
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Inside there were lots of benches that had to be removed.
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Little flexibility of possible layouts.
Score from 0 to 10
7
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)
Inspiring space despite some limitations.
Poor insulation (we could hear birds chirping) but the surroundings are very quiet.
The space has a long response for its volume, mainly due to its walls having smooth surfaces (granite) and to the absence of wooden elements (altars) that would create diffusion.
It is a space best suited for small ensembles or solo instruments.
The recording went well, but, due to the characteristics of the space, it wasn’t always easy for the musicians to hear each other.
The vestry had a good size to accommodate the control room and there were electrical outlets along the nave.
Strong points
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Sound was louder than it seemed.
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Excellent for small ensembles.
Weak points
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Reverb with prevailing response in the middle and high registers.
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Sometimes, the musicians found it difficult to hear each other properly.
Score from 0 to 10
5
The Surroundings
This space is located in a rural context within a small cluster of houses part of an area with some scattered settlements.
Relatively close to the city of Amarante (UNESCO Creative City).
Very friendly and welcoming community. Surrounded by natural beauty.
The concert had a good turnout.
Strong points
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Very quiet surroundings.
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Very friendly and open community.
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Good turnout at the concert.
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Close to Amarante, UNESCO Creative City
Weak points
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Restaurants and services 5/10 km away
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Road was very close to the church.
Score from 0 to 10
8
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:
