Reform in Organ Building (Classic Reprint)

Thomas Casson

ISBN 10: 1332185908 / ISBN 13: 9781332185900

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book delves into the complexities of organ building and design, specifically focusing on the evolution of the instrument and its shortcomings in the late 19th century. The author challenges the complacency of English organ builders, who he argues are clinging to outdated practices and failing to recognize the shortcomings of their instruments. He contrasts English organ design with the German approach, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each system. The author examines the development of the pedal organ, tracing its impact on the overall construction of the organ and highlighting the crucial role it plays in achieving a complete and balanced sound. He criticizes the tendency of English builders to sacrifice the pedal organ in favor of expanding the manual sections, resulting in instruments that are musically unbalanced and lacking in depth. The book proposes a revolutionary approach to organ building that combines the best elements of both English and German traditions. The author outlines a system of "borrowing" and "duplication," which allows for greater flexibility and musical expression while also promoting economy of space and resources. He argues that this approach opens up a new world of sonic possibilities, and that by embracing these principles, organ builders can create instruments that are not only technically sophisticated but also artistically inspiring. This book offers a fascinating exploration of the history, theory, and practice of organ building, and presents a compelling case for a re-evaluation of traditional methods in favor of a more nuanced and forward-thinking approach. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781332185900_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Reform in Organ Building (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1332185908
• ISBN 13: 9781332185900
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Music Theory and History

About this title

Synopsis

Reforming organ building: a practical look at balancing organs, pedals, and sound

This lecture presents a clear framework for making every division of an organ complete and versatile. It explains diagrams and real-world ideas that aim to merge manual and pedal departments into a single, responsive instrument.

The speaker discusses the concept of a pedalier, how helps attach pedal stops to allow flexible coupling, and the idea of borrowing and duplication to save space and costs. It also covers decisions about the open wood pipe stop, bass foundations, and how these principles apply to two- and three-manual organs with practical examples.

• How a pedalier organizes the pedal stops and their couplers
• The borrowing and duplication techniques that save space and money
• Why a balanced instrument is preferred over oversized pedal components
• How these ideas affect tone, versatility, and overall organ design

Ideal for readers curious about historical organ design and the engineering ideas behind 19th-century reform in organ building.