INFLUENCE OF THE CONFIGURATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPRESENTATION OF THE "MISTERI" IN THE ACOUSTICS OF THE BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA D'ELX

Worship spaces are characterized by their use versatility. They are meeting places where the acoustics should be adequate for speech intelligibility but also suitable for music. In the case of the Basilica of Santa Maria, variations in the use of space are particularly important because it is the scene where the "Misteri d'Elx" is represented. This medieval play was declared a National Monument in 1931 and included in the first Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001. For the theatrical performance of the "Misteri" the Basilica is transformed, modifying both the interior space, with the placement of a catafalque and various elements that are introduced to close the scene, and the number and distribution of people in it. In this paper we have carried out an analysis of the acoustic behavior of the temple for the configurations of worship and Misteri d'Elx from the measurements taken in both cases following ISO 3382. Results show that the most remarkable differences between worship and representation correspond to energetic acoustic parameters (C50, C80, G), while parameters regarding intelligibility (STI), spatiality (IACCA) and RT30 as a temporal parameter are the most homogeneous, and hardly experience variation in the two configurations indicated. This occurs in all the areas and source positions studied. Changes in the mentioned parameters together with the greater absorption associated with to high occupation of the basilica, make it an enclosure with a sonority very related to its use.