Searching for the location of the first medieval organ in Notre-Dame de Paris via acoustic simulation

Abstract

The location of the 14 th century organ in the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is based on conjecture. Acoustic simulations are employed to investigate the possible position of the instrument according to historical sources. A historically-informed 3D geometrical acoustic model of the cathedral allows for numerical simulations of a virtual instrument positioned inside the church. For the period in question, the liturgical choir and the nave are furnished in the medieval style with wooden stalls, tapestries, and a jubé and clôture enclosing the chancel. Acoustic effects of six positions for the organ (at the western tribune, as a swallow's nest hung on the south wall of the second and fifth bays, on the jubé, in the southern transept, and above northern stalls in the choir), three conditions for its elevation (ground level, triforium, and clerestory), and occupied (festival)/unoccupied (ordinary day) conditions are evaluated. SPL and center time are reported across the ground level of the church. A comparison of the different conditions indicates strong effects of occupation (less intense but clearer sound), position (on audibility), and elevation (on clarity). Finally, the likely position of the first medieval organ is discussed.