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ΜusicSphere advances the study and preservation of musical heritage 
by applying methods that uncover the hidden details 
in historic craftsmanship and sound technology.
The project’s innovations will be validated through two representative Use Cases:
i) Αncient musical instruments – like the Hydraulis, and
ii) Historic church organs.

USE CASE i

Ancient Musical Instruments

Ancient Greek musical instruments were mainly made of natural materials such as wood, skin, and guts. This is why there are few archaeological findings today, in contrast with the numerous depictions of musical instruments in frescos, Greek pottery, etc. The ancient Hydraulis, the predecessor of the modern pipe organs, is an exception. In 1992, excavations in the region of Dion archaeological site in Greece revealed the remains of a Hydraulis, making it the earliest archaeological example of a pipe organ to date. Today, the Hydraulis of Dion is a unique exhibition hosted in the Archaeological Museum of Dion in Greece. Nevertheless, Hydraulis’ fragmented preserved condition is an insurmountable obstacle in the effort to understand its nature, i.e., its ability to produce sound and music. Missing the most part of the pipes and its keys, along with its overall structure, the archaeological finding cannot produce any sound.

The instrument will be virtually reconstructed and transformed into a Digital Twin, with missing parts digitally rebuilt. Material testing of the ancient fragments will guide the creation of physical prototypes. Acoustic profile digitization of architectural spaces will be carried out in order to preserve the instrument’s performance environment and recreate authentic soundscapes. AI models will simulate long-term material aging and its impact on sound quality and tone, updating the instrument’s acoustic behavior in real time.The final model will be placed in immersive virtual environments, offering interactive, real-time sound rendering and dynamic optimization of pitch and harmonics based on environmental and material changes.

USE CASE ii

Church Organs

Church organs, often considered masterpieces of musical engineering, hold a unique place in the history of Western music. Unlike many instruments that evolved over centuries, church organs have maintained their foundational principles while adapting to technological advancements. The earliest church organs, dating to the medieval period, were monumental creations combining intricate craftsmanship with natural materials such as wood, leather, and metal pipes. However, their preservation poses challenges due to the organic nature of their components and the passage of time, while the survival of ancient church organs is rare, as many have been lost to wars, fires, or natural degradation.

Modern reconstructions of historical organs aim to bridge gaps in understanding, using advanced materials and technologies to replicate the sound and structure of ancient instruments. However, challenges such as accurately scaling pipes and recreating the acoustics of historical spaces remain significant. The study and preservation of church organs underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among musicologists, conservationists, acoustics experts and engineers. These efforts not only enhance our understanding of medieval and Renaissance music but also ensure that the rich legacy of these magnificent instruments is preserved for future generations.

Digitising historic church organs will contribute to the preservation of their unique acoustic and structural identities. Using Finite Element Method (FEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), MusicSphere will simulate airflow, turbulence, vibration and the effects of material aging within organ pipes. Parameterised models will allow adaptation to different organ designs, supporting predictive predictive conservation and documented restoration. High-resolution 3D scanning, material analysis and CAD modeling will enable precise virtual reconstructions. Acoustic profiles of churches housing these organs will be captured using directional impulse responses and ambisonic recordings, simulating sound reflections and absorption patterns to recreate the interplay between instrument and space. These data will be integrated into interactive XR environments that combine accurate 3D visualisations with spatialised soundscapes, allowing users to explore virtual reconstructions and experience organ sounds in historical contexts.Real-time polyphonic transcription will archive performances, while AI synthesis will recreate historic organ sounds for virtual and live contexts. These technologies will enhance preservation, research, and public engagement, ensuring the cultural and musical legacy of these instruments endures.

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