Portative organ meaning

A portative organ is a small portable keyboard instrument that can be carried or held while playing.


Portative organ definitions

Word backwards evitatrop nagro
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "portative organ" is a noun.
Syllabic division por-ta-tive or-gan
Plural The plural of the word "portative organ" is "portative organs."
Total letters 14
Vogais (4) o,a,i,e
Consonants (6) p,r,t,v,g,n

Portative organs are small, portable pipe organs that were popular in the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. These compact instruments were designed to be carried by a single person while playing, hence the name "portative." They typically consist of one or two sets of pipes arranged in a single row and are played using a keyboard.

History of Portative Organ

The portative organ has a long history dating back to the 12th century. It was commonly used in religious ceremonies and processions, providing musical accompaniment to chants and hymns. The instrument was also favored by troubadours and minstrels for secular music performances.

Design and Features

A typical portative organ is constructed with a small bellows that is operated by one hand while the other hand plays the keyboard. The sound is produced by air passing through the pipes when the keys are pressed. Despite its small size, the portative organ can produce a surprisingly powerful sound, making it versatile for indoor and outdoor performances.

Usage in Music

Portative organs were widely used in medieval and Renaissance music, both in secular and sacred settings. Their portable nature made them ideal for traveling musicians, and their distinctive sound added a unique texture to ensembles. They were often featured in polyphonic compositions and vocal accompaniments.

Portative organs are still used today in early music ensembles and for historical performances. Their charming sound and historical significance make them a popular choice for musicians looking to recreate the music of the past. Despite advancements in technology, the portative organ remains a beloved instrument for its simplicity and portability.


Portative organ Examples

  1. The musician played a beautiful hymn on the portative organ during the church service.
  2. The medieval troubadour entertained the crowd with his portative organ at the village festival.
  3. The portative organ is a small and compact instrument that is easy to carry around.
  4. I was amazed by the skill of the street performer playing the portative organ in the town square.
  5. The portative organ has a charming and delicate sound that fills the room with music.
  6. During the Renaissance period, the portative organ was a popular instrument in courts and churches.
  7. The music teacher taught her students how to play the portative organ in the school's music class.
  8. The portative organ has a row of small pipes that produce different notes when played.
  9. I love the sound of the portative organ in old folk songs and traditional music.
  10. The portative organist entertained guests at the royal banquet with their skilled performance.


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  • Updated 14/06/2024 - 23:41:20