The History of the English Organ
Cambridge University Press, 4/25/2012
EAN 9780521654098, ISBN10: 0521654092
Paperback, 430 pages, 24.4 x 17 x 2.5 cm
Language: English
This 1996 work on the history of organs built in England between AD 900 and the time of publication describes the most significant instruments of each period together with details of their builders, set against a background of changing fashions in music and liturgy. Technical developments are described in an easily understood manner, and links with other schools of organ building are made clear for the first time. The illustrations, many of which have not been published before, show significant instruments in their architectural setting. The author's experience in organ building gives the account all the benefits of first-hand experience. Written in an elegant, entertaining, and informed manner, the book is a vital and much-needed addition to current organ literature. Awarded the biennial Nicholas Bessaraboff Prize for the best book-length study of musical instruments published in the two year period 1996–7.
Introduction
1. Early history c.900–1500
2. The Tudor organ 1500–70
3. The English Reformation 1536–1600
4. Foreign influences before 1600
5. The Laudian revival 1590–1642
6. Interlude - the Dallams in France 1642–1700
7. The Restoration 1660–80
8. The Glorious Revolution 1660–1715
9. The Georgian organ I 1700–65
10. The Georgian organ II 1740–1800
11. Interlude - the chamber organ 1600–1850
12. The insular tradition 1800–40
13. The German system 1840–65
14. The High Victorian organ 1860–1900
15. Progressive trends 1880–1900
16. The imperial organ 1900–39
17. The classical revival 1939–80
18. Epilogue 1980
Guide to surviving English organs
Glossary.
'It is unlikely that a finer book on this subject could yet be written in our century ... it is now the standard book. Hard-backed, its more than 400 pages supersede all others.' Church Times