One of the most significant enclosures in worship spaces is that of the choir. Generally,\nfrom a historical point of view, the choir is a semi-enclosed and privileged area reserved for the\nclergy, whose position and configuration gives it a private character. Regarding the generation and\ntransformation of ecclesial interior spaces, the choir commands a role of the first magnitude. Its shape\nand location produce, on occasions, major modifications that significantly affect the acoustics of these\nindoor spaces. In the case of Spanish cathedrals, whose design responds to the so-called â??Spanish\ntypeâ?, the central position of the choir, enclosed by high stonework walls on three of its sides and\nwith numerous wooden stalls inside, breaks up the space in the main nave, thereby generating other\nnew spaces, such as the trascoro. The aim of this work was to analyse the acoustic evolution of the\nchoir as one of the main elements that configure the sound space of Spanish cathedrals. By means of\nin situ measurements and simulation models, the main acoustic parameters were evaluated, both\nin their current state and in their original configurations that have since disappeared. This analysis\nenabled the various acoustic conditions existing between the choir itself and the area of the faithful\nto be verified, and the significant improvement of the acoustic quality in the choir space to become\napparent. The effect on the acoustic parameters is highly significant, with slight differences in the\nchoir, where the values are appropriate for Gregorian chants, and suitable intelligibility of sung text.\nHigh values are also obtained in the area of the faithful, which lacked specific acoustic requirements\nat the time of construction.
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