The Making of the Victorian Organ

This important 1990 book provides a comprehensive survey of English organ building during the most innovative fifty years in its history.

Nicholas Thistlethwaite (Author)

9780521343459, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 December 1990

610 pages, 64 b/w illus. 34 tables
24.4 x 17 x 3.3 cm, 1.16 kg

'A splendid new book … Nicholas Thistlethwaite offers a comprehensive view of this distinctive instrument.' The American Organist

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Keyboard instruments [AVRG]