
The Making of the Victorian Organ
Nicholas Thistlethwaite(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 26. August 1999
Book
Paperback/Softback
610 pages
978-0-521-66364-9 (ISBN)
Description
This important 1990 book provides a comprehensive survey of English organ building during the most innovative fifty years in its history. Between 1820 and 1870 a number of influences combined to bring about a radical transformation in the design and use of English organs. Thistlethwaite considers most of the major church, cathedral and concert organs built during this period and the work of individual builders is discussed, especially that of William Hill, whose career forms a linking thread to the narrative. The book contains valuable sections dealing with business organisation and workshops, the provision of organs in churches and chapels, and questions of performance practice. It is richly illustrated with photographs and specially drawn diagrams and includes an invaluable appendix of organ specifications. This documentary source book and history is indispensable for all those, professionals or amateurs, who have an interest in the organ.
Reviews / Votes
'From his lifelong study of the nineteenth-century organ in Britain, Thistlethwaite distils the stuff of drama ... [he] joins the tiny band of seminal writers whose works are milestones in the continuing development of the art of the organ.' Peter Hurford 'The Making of the Victorian Organ is a must for everyone seriously interested in the organ, as well as for every expert. It is absolutely necessary reading for anyone in any way concerned with making decisions about organs of this period.' Musical Times 'A splendid new book ... Nicholas Thistlethwaite offers a comprehensive view of this distinctive instrument.' The American OrganistMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
34 Tables, unspecified; 64 Halftones, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 244 mm
Width: 170 mm
Thickness: 33 mm
Weight
1037 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-66364-9 (9780521663649)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Content
Part I: 1. The English organ in 1820; 2. Organs and organ-building, 1820-40; 3. The Insular movement; 4. Three case studies; 5. The Bristol reformation; Part II: 6. Bach, Mendelssohn and the English organ, 1810-45; 7. The German system; 8. The work of William Hill, 1839-55; 9. The Transition; Part III: 10. The emergence of the Victorian organ, 1850-70; 11. Music and mechanics; 12. German influences, 1855-70; 13. Hill & Son, 1856-70; 14. Henry Willis; 15. Epilogue.