The development of "classical" principles in organ building in Britain in the twentieth century (3 Vols)

Abstract

This study considers the processes and influences leading to the adoption of classical principles in organ building in Britain in the second half of the twentieth century, and the developments in classical organ building from 1950 to 1980. Throughout the study reference is made to the instruments themselves. To provide a perspective for this development consideration is given to the 1906 and 1909 papers of Schweitzer, the effects of the Orgelbewegung conferences in the late 1920's, and to the emergence of a contemporary school of classical organ building in Scandinavia, the effects of which have spread through Europe and North America. Consideration is given to the tentative moves towards organ reform in Britain up to the installation of the Royal Festival Hall organ, and to the ensuing neo-classical electro-pneumatic, and mixed-action organs. A documented chronology is given of all classical organs built in Britain from 1950 to 1980. 'Case studies' of organs of the period are given, as far as possible, in terms of contract, construction, cost, specification, compass, wind pressures, scales, mouth dimensions, pipe materials, voicing treatment, temperament, key and stop action, wind supply, placement, and case architecture. Building practice is further exemplified by the working drawings given in volume II. Up until this study almost no such information has been known outside a few builders workshops, e.g., no scalings were available other than some details relating to the Festival Hall and Brompton Oratory organs. Already information relating to some 'early' classical organs has been lost, and changes have been made to some organs. An analysis of the technical aspects of the instrument has been made so that some indication of artistic development and builder style is possible. The musical changes associated with the classical revival are considered in brief, as are the underlying trends and philosophies of the classical revival.

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